Bill > SB5311

This bill proposes several changes to the special education funding formula in Washington state: 1. It increases the special education cost multiplier rate for students in the general education setting for 80% or more of the school day from 1.0075 to 1.12 starting in the 2023-24 school year. For students in the general education setting less than 80% of the day, the multiplier increases from 0.995 to 1.06. 2. It revises the eligibility threshold for high-need student safety net awards, allowing smaller school districts (under 1,000 students) to qualify if their individualized education program costs exceed 2 times the average per-pupil expenditure, and larger districts to qualify if costs exceed 2.2 times the average. 3. It requires the education ombuds to delegate and certify at least one special education ombuds to serve each educational service district region, to advocate on behalf of students eligible for special education. 4. It establishes a policy that students eligible for and receiving special education generate the full basic education allocation under state funding, and requires the superintendent to develop an allocation and cost accounting methodology to ensure this.