The Wahkiakum School District lost its two-year legal challenge seeking increased state funding for campus building and maintenance projects Washington state’s Supreme Court unanimously ruled Sept. 7.

La Conner Schools officials feel the southwest Washington district’s pain.

“It was too bad that they lost,” La Conner School Board President Susie Deyo said during the local panel’s 45-minute study session Sept. 11.

The district had donated $3,000 to the Wahkiakum district’s legal battle.

“All together, they raised about $100,000,” Deyo said. The Wahkiakum County district challenged a statewide funding model requiring commitment by a super-majority of district taxpayers to long-term bonds to finance school capital improvements.

Wahkiakum voters have not approved a school construction bond in more than 20 years. School leaders there have argued that rural and low property wealth districts with limited tax bases are unfairly impacted by the present system.

The state Supreme Court didn’t see it that way, deciding that the state isn’t required to cover 100 per cent of school capital improvements costs.

The litigation, citing outdated wiring and leaky roofs on its 400-student campus, had sought extension of the state’s mandate to fully fund basic education to include campus construction and maintenance work. The court, however, opined that school construction is a shared responsibility between local and state governments.

Here, district officials had for several years set aside $200,000 annually for capital projects. That is not an option now. Reduced revenue from declining student enrollment and loss of federal COVID-19 emergency funds forced severe 2023-2024 budget cuts. The district was able to complete major roofing and siding repairs last year thanks in large measure to contributions by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

Deyo said that despite the Wahkiakum setback at the state Supreme Court, state schools chief Chris Reykdal remains onboard with efforts to obtain construction and maintenance cost relief for rural districts.

“He has said he will continue to lobby before the legislature for more capital funds and also to reduce the levy approval rate to 50 per cent plus one,” she said.