Reykdal Demands $2B for Schools | Vancouver News

Washington’s top education official, Chris Reykdal, is demanding nearly $2 billion more for public schools to meet constitutional obligations and address a crumbling system. Half of the request—$1.2 billion—is to fulfill the Supreme Court’s McCleary ruling, while the rest funds expanded support for low-income students and revives the popular Transition to Kindergarten program. Despite state budget shortfalls, Reykdal insists current funding is woefully inadequate, with 11 schools now under financial oversight and districts forced to choose between insurance and layoffs. His plan includes $900 million+ for supplies, utilities, substitute teachers, and classified staff wages. Notably, he’s skipping free lunch funding—a move that diverges from Governor Ferguson’s priorities—arguing core educational needs must come first. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/92922f5a179a2fc9