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Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Columbian

Vancouver Public Schools is joining several other Washington districts and organizations in a lawsuit against the state alleging it insufficiently funds public education.

At Monday’s meeting, the Vancouver school board passed a resolution to participate in the Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS) and support its lawsuit. The suit requests that basic education be fully funded, as intended by the state constitution and the Basic Education Act.

“We had been hopeful that funding of basic education would have been solved through the legislative process, but that has not happened,” board President Mari Greves said in a statement.

A week ago, the district said it was facing a $2.4 million budget shortfall next year and would eliminate 26 staff positions and make other cost-saving changes.

The district has been forced to redirect local levy dollars and other resources to finance programs and services mandated by the state and the federal government, including new performance standards.

Monday’s board resolution included a $30,000 contribution to join the NEWS lawsuit and help pay for the cost of litigation. Partners include 14 other school districts across the state, the Washington Education Association and the Washington State PTA.