We have amazing teachers in Camas. There’s no question that our teachers were amazing, dedicated, and passionate before the McCleary legislation passed for school funding, and they will continue to be just as amazing in the aftermath of this legislation.
What has changed is the way Washington State funds schools, and this affects Camas in a unique way.
All across our state, we are caught up in a great struggle about public education. I love Camas because we have a wonderful district thanks, in large part, to our collective effort. All of us have contributed as staff, volunteers, parents, students, supporters and, of course, through our taxes. I am grateful for the opportunities our children have, and I am sorry that our community and all the other communities across our state have to go through this.
The struggle started about seven years ago with a lawsuit that worked its way to our state Supreme Court and became known as the McCleary decision. This lawsuit focused on public school funding and the inequities that existed amongst school districts. Because of our community support, Camas School District benefited in the former funding system. Through our strong tax base and consistent local support, we were able to pass levies that allowed us to develop outstanding programming and support the inadequate staffing model funded by the state. We hired and retained the best staff while other districts struggled.
The McCleary decision prompted our legislature to change the funding model for public schools with the goal of equitably funding basic education for each school district. State property taxes were raised with funds distributed out across the 294 Washington school districts using a new formula. Local levy support was reduced and capped. Some have called the new system and funding the “McCleary promise.”