Alliance of Educational Associations (AEA)
AEA is a partnership of educational organizations that provides information and acts as a positive influence on legislation to create the best possible educational system for students in Washington State. We are associations who provide leadership through K–12 support services.
Members
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Washington Association of Maintenance and Operations Administrators (WAMOA)—Educational Facilities Professionals Providing a Safe, Secure and Healthy Learning Environment for Student Achievement
- Washington School Nutrition Association (WSNA)—School Nutrition Professionals Supporting Student Learning Through Provision of Healthy School Meals
2025 Legislative Priorities
A strong and stable K–12 public education system is essential to sustain and ensure the quality of life and economic stability for Washington State citizens. Therefore, we urge the Legislature to:
- Continue to Increase State Funding for Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (MSOC)
AEA appreciates the 2024 Legislature’s increased funding of MSOC. We urge the 2025 Legislature to continue to increase the State’s funding level. Even with the 2024 increase, the current per-pupil rates do not come close to matching the costs of running a school district. When required Basic Education costs for operating a district exceed State funding, local revenues, mostly levies, must be used to fill the gap, reducing local resources for district and community expectations.
- Fully Fund Special Education
AEA appreciates the 2024 Legislature’s funding of special education. Even with this enhancement, however, school district expenditures for special education and related services substantially exceed State special education funding. This gap requires districts to continue to use local levies to cover these excess costs, taking local funds away from support services. We urge the 2025 Legislature to fully fund the remainder of this Basic Education program.
- Revise and Adequately Fund Pupil Transportation
The 2025 Legislature must fulfill its Basic Education obligation to revise and fund a pupil transportation formula that is more transparent, predictable and adequately funded. In the past two sessions, the Legislature has provided additional funding for excess costs to transport special passengers. Even so, under the current pupil transportation funding model (STARS), many school districts do not receive sufficient funding for student transportation, forcing districts to use local levies to supplant this underfunding.
- Implement Universal Free Meals
AEA commends the 2023 Legislature for its commitment to providing free meals for qualifying K–4 low-income schools. However, we believe that true equity requires a more comprehensive solution. By investing in free meals for all students, we can break down barriers and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn without the burden of hunger. Free meals not only nourish our students’ bodies but also support their academic success. Moreover, universal free meals help to alleviate food insecurity for families, reduce childhood poverty, eliminate the stigma associated with school meal assistance and support the local farming community. By implementing universal free meals, we can create a more equitable and supportive learning environment for all.
AEA Board
KAREN BROWN
AEA Board Chair
President, WSNA
Franklin Pierce School District
LEEDA BEHA
Public Policy & Legislative Co-Chair, WSNA
Bethel School District
TRAVIS BOWN
Past President, WAMOA
Mead School District
KIM ELKINS
Public Policy & Legislative Co-Chair, WSNA
Mead School District
ALEXANDRA EPSTEIN-SOLFIELD
President-Elect, WAMOA
Ellensburg School District
CISCO GOMEZ
Vice President, WAMOA
Mukilteo School District
DEVLIN PIPLIC
President, WAMOA
Northshore School District
DOUG VANDERLEEST
Legislative Chair, WAMOA
Franklin Pierce School District
DR. MITCHELL E. DENNING
AEA CONSULTANT