In this month’s Advocacy Action Network meeting, we delved into the pressing issue of local effort assistance (LEA) funding and the potential cliff that could impact nearly half the school districts in the state. As we gear up for the upcoming school year, it’s essential to understand how these funding changes may affect the educational landscape.
The LEA Cliff: What You Need to Know
Daniel Lunghofer from WSSDA took the lead in explaining the nuances of the LEA funding structure. The 2025 Legislature introduced a “lift” to the levy lid alongside enhancements to levy equalization (LEA) funding. Because these changes were introduced via the budget and not a bill, the reality is that these enhancements are not guaranteed year over year unless they are codified into law.
Unless the legislature provides additional funding or revises the statute, the enhancement for LEA goes away in 2028…36% of all LEA gone, just like that. — Daniel Lunghofer
As explained in the webinar, the impact of these changes could lead to a significant reduction in funds for many districts. In fact, the total maximum LEA funding is projected to drop from $354.2 million in 2027 to $226 million in 2028, marking a staggering 36% decrease.
Implications for School Districts
It’s crucial for school districts to be proactive in understanding how this funding cliff will affect them. Daniel outlined that while 137 districts may not see any changes, others could lose substantial LEA funding. 33 districts could lose all of their LEA funding, while many others will face reductions based on their current levy caps.
| LOSS of LEA Funding in 2028 | Number of Districts |
|---|---|
| 100% | 33 |
| 76-99% | 9 |
| 50-75% | 21 |
| 25-49% | 54 |
| 0-24% | 44 |
As we approach the legislative session, advocacy will play a key role in addressing these concerns about local area assistance funding.
The Path Forward
Marisa Peloquin, school board member from University Place School District raised an important point during the discussion: how do we elevate this issue among our legislative representatives? The challenge lies in ensuring that legislators across the state recognize the significance of LEA funding, especially for districts that heavily rely on it.
It’s really important to get this in front of our legislators so they understand what a big deal this is. — Marisa Peloquin
While education partners are aware of the situation and are raising awareness, it’s imperative that all districts work together to advocate for necessary changes. Engaging with your district’s business office and legislators can help highlight the impact of the LEA cliff and push for a legislative solution.
As we transition into the school year, let’s keep these discussions alive and ensure that our voices are heard.
For a more in-depth look at the LEA funding challenges and regionalization re-basing watch the full webinar recording below.
