Lawmakers have 16 days to pass the 2017-19 state budget.  Senate Republicans say they are working toward a budget deal with House Democrats.  Lawmakers of both parties are in agreement that they will increase school funding again, this time by $2 to $3 billion.  The boost will be on top of the $4.6 billion (34%) increases in school funding that Democratic and Republican lawmakers have enacted in their last two budgets.

The planned increase will bring public school funding in Washington state to about $12,500 per student, more than the tuition at most private schools.

Meanwhile, Governor Inslee announced yesterday that he plans to visit public schools in five districts to discuss education spending.  To help facilitate the public discussion, here are five facts, based on official sources, about the five districts the Governor will visit:

Renton School District

Lawmakers have increased Renton’s school budget from $143.5 million to $204.3 million, up 42%, in four years.

Teachers in Renton make up to $116,021, plus up to $28,537 in benefits, for a ten-month work year.

The superintendent makes $267,520 a year, plus $13,997 in benefits (Arthur Jarvis).

The top union executive in Renton makes $119,325 a year (Cami Kiel). In Renton union salaries are taken from teacher paychecks.  Teachers who do not pay dues can be fired.

Camas School District

Lawmakers have increased Camas’ school budget from $53.7 million to $75 million, up 40%, in four years.

Teachers in Camas make up to $105,016, plus up to $24,000 in benefits, for a ten-month work year.

The superintendent makes $161,682 a year, plus $58,932 in benefits (Jeff Snell).

Top union executive salary – not available.  The IRS reports:

“This organization’s [Camas teachers union] exempt status was automatically revoked by the IRS for failure to file a Form 990, 990-EX, 990-N, or 990-PF for 3 consecutive years.  Further investigation and due diligence are warranted.”

In Camas union salaries, if any, are taken from teacher paychecks.  Teachers who do not pay dues can be fired.

Seattle Public Schools

Lawmakers have increased Seattle’s school budget from $569.8 million to $789.7 million, up 39%, in four years.

Teachers in Seattle make up to $119,181, plus up to $30,441 in benefits, for a ten-month work year.

The superintendent makes $298,279 a year, plus $55,963 in benefits (Larry Nyland).

The top union executive makes $159,854 a year (John Donaghy), plus $73,854 in “Other Compensation.” In Seattle union salaries are taken from teacher paychecks.  Teachers who do not pay dues can be fired.

Walla Walla Public Schools

Lawmakers have increased Walla Walla’s school budget from $61.5 million to $72.4 million, up 18%, in four years.

Teachers in Walla Walla make up to $107,332, plus up to $32,798 in benefits, for a ten-month work year.

The superintendent makes $185,000 a year, plus $50,265 in benefits (Wade Smith).

The top union executive works 20 hours a week (Margo River), with no reported compensation. In Walla Walla union salaries are taken from teacher paychecks.  Teachers who do not pay dues can be fired.

Spokane Public Schools

Lawmakers have increased Spokane’s school budget from $305.7 million to $390.9 million, up 28%, in four years.

Teachers in Spokane make up to $124,950, plus up to $30,000 in benefits, for a ten-month work year.

The superintendent makes $239,999 a year, plus $57,080 in benefits (Shelley Redinger).

The top union executive makes $113,875 (Jenny Rose). In Spokane union salaries are taken from teacher paychecks.  Teachers who do not pay dues can be fired.

(Sources: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Fiscal.wa.gov and U.S. Internal Revenue Service.)

Support for public education depends on transparency and accountability.  Any discussion of school funding and how best to help students must include fair and publicly-available information about how lawmakers and administrators direct public resources.  It should also include official information about the role powerful union executives play in influencing budget policy and how much they profit from public spending.

Openness and honesty about school spending are essential to maintaining public trust, and to ensuring Governor Inslee and state lawmakers make informed decisions that benefit all children.