The Washington State Supreme Court issued a devastating ruling late on Friday afternoon, prior to a 3-day weekend and after charter schools had already started their year, declaring the way the state funds public charter schools unconstitutional.
The ruling puts the immediate future of over 1200 students in jeopardy. In addition to public charter schools, the ruling may impact tribal compact schools, Running Start, and other programs that do not fit into the Court’s narrow view of what can be funded with education dollars. Many strategies aimed at addressing the state’s achievement and opportunity gaps are at risk.
The parents with children in these schools, and the advocates who support them, will continue to work to ensure these schools stay open now and into the future.
- Teams of supporters are reviewing the Court ruling and preparing a legal response.
- Options for keeping these schools open are being explored.
- Advocates are asking the Governor and legislators to act immediately to rectify the situation.
You can help by contacting your legislator and asking them to support a technical fix to ensure public charter schools are funded and other investments aimed at closing gaps continue now and into the future.