Washington Class Size Reduction Measure, Initiative 1351 (2014)

Washington Initiative 1351 Type Initiative to the People Origin Citizens Topic Education Status Approved a

2014 measures November 4 Initiative 594 a Initiative 591 d Advisory Vote No. 8 a Advisory Vote No. 9 a Initiative 1351 a Endorsements • Full text Polls • Expenditures Local measures

The Washington Class Size Reduction Measure, Initiative 1351 was on the November 4, 2014 statewide ballot in Washington as an Initiative to the People, where it was approved.

The measure required fewer students per classroom in grades K-12. The measure was designed to have a set limit of students per class, based on grade level. For kindergarten through third grade, each class was required to have no more than 15 to 17 students. In grades 4 through 12, each class was required to have no more than 22 to 25 students. Implementing these size restrictions would require the hiring of approximately 15,000 new teachers.

The measure was also designed to :

“

Require funding allocated in the 2015-2017 biennium to be no less than 50 percent of the difference between funding as of September 1, 2013, and the funding necessary to support the new statutory class size and staffing allocations Require full funding of the new statutory class size and staffing allocations by the end of the 2017-2019 biennium Limit state funding for the new prototypical class sizes to funding that is proportionate to a school district's demonstrated actual average class size Permit school districts that demonstrate capital facility needs that prevent class size reductions to use class size reduction funding for school-based personnel who provided direct services to students (quote)

”

The measure was designed to be phased in over the course of four years. The changes were set to be applied first at high-poverty schools, defined as schools with 50 percent of students receiving free or reduced cost lunches.

Some argued that class size was not the only issue on the line upon the approval of this initiative. An editorial in The Seattle Times stated, "The debate is only partly about class sizes — it is really about who calls the shots on state education spending."

Aftermath

On July 14, 2015, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed legislation delaying the initiative's implementation for four years.

Election results

Below are the official, certified election results:

Washington Initiative 1351
Result		Votes	Percentage
a Yes		1,052,519	50.96%
No		1,012,958	49.04%

Election results via: Washington Secretary of State

Text of measure

Ballot title

The official ballot title was as follows:

“

Initiative Measure No. 1351 concerns K-12 education. This measure would direct the legislature to allocate funds to reduce class sizes and increase staffing support for students in all K-12 grades, with additional class-size reductions and staffing increases in high-poverty schools. Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes [ ] No [ ]

”

Ballot measure summary

The official ballot summary was as follows:

“

This measure would direct the legislature to allocate funding for smaller K-12 class sizes, with extra class-size reductions for all grades in defined high-poverty schools and for grades K-3 in all schools; and for increased student support staffing, including counselors, teaching assistants, librarians, and others. Increased funding for these changes would be phased in over four years. Schools lacking enough classrooms to reduce class size could use funding for additional staff providing direct student services.

”

The full text of the initiative can be read here.

Fiscal impact statement

According to the official fiscal impact statement put out by the Washington Office of Financial Management:

“	Initiative 1351 (I-1351) will not increase or decrease state revenues. State expenditures will increase — through distributions to local school districts — by an estimated $4.7 billion through 2019 based on changes to the statutory funding formulas for K-12 class sizes and staffing levels, and through increases in state levy equalization payments directed by current law. Under current law, I-1351 will increase school districts’ authority to levy additional property taxes. It is unknown if districts would exercise this authority, but it could generate up to an estimated $1.9 billion in additional local revenues through 2019.	”
—Washington Office of Financial Management

Background

In 2012, the Washington Supreme Court ruled in McCleary v. State of Washington that the state wasn't meeting its constitutional obligation to fully fund basic education. It tasked legislators with providing billions of dollars worth of additional funding by the 2017 - 2018 school year. A legislative estimate put the cost to the state at approximately $3.4 billion and anticipated a higher cost to local school districts. However, the measure did not propose any new taxes or other potential funding sources.

Support

Class Size Counts logo for Initiative 1351

Initiative 1351 was officially supported by the group Class Size Counts. Mary Howes was the measure's primary sponsor.

Supporters

• Washington Education Association
• National Education Association

Arguments

Below are arguments in support of I-1351 provided in the state's official voter guide. The arguments were prepared by Mary Howes, public school parent and former teacher, Kent; Desi Saylors, middle school science teacher, North Thurston; Shelley Redinger, Spokane Schools Superintendent; Darren Campbell, Tacoma PTA President; Estela Ortega, El Centro de la Raza Executive Director; Randy Dorn, State Superintendent of Public Instruction:

“	Yes on I-1351: Every Child Deserves an Uncrowded Classroom Every Washington child, regardless of family income, race, or where they live, deserves a quality education in an uncrowded classroom. Currently, Washington ranks 47th out of 50 states for class size. This is unacceptable. Smaller Class Sizes at Every Grade Level Independent research – and common sense – tell us that students perform better with more individual attention. This is true in elementary, middle school and high school where the rigors of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs demand more from students – and teachers. Fostering lifelong science and math skills is key to future jobs. Packing 30 kids in chemistry or computer labs designed for 25 shortchanges their futures. Four-Year Phase-In for All Schools I-1351 gives the state four years to phase in statewide class size reduction for all our kids. Recognizing that class sizes are often highest – and most detrimental to student achievement – in high-poverty communities, I-1351 prioritizes these schools first. 47th In the Nation is Unacceptable The state Supreme Court recently ruled that the Legislature is failing to meet constitutional requirements to fund our schools – one reason we rank 47th in class size. I-1351 is part of the solution, following class size limits set by a bipartisan commission as part of the effort to comply with the court. I-1351 gives every child the opportunity to succeed. Rebuttal of Argument Against I-1351 is about one thing: giving every Washington child the opportunity to learn and thrive in an uncrowded classroom. I-1351 meets the Supreme Court’s four-year school funding timeline and follows the state’s bipartisan class-size reduction recommendations. More individual attention requires additional teachers, counselors and librarians -- not the “bureaucracy” opponents claim. The real cost of overcrowded classrooms is our kids’ future; 47th in the nation is unacceptable. We must do better. Please vote “Yes.”	”
—Mary Howes, Desi Saylors, Shelley Redinger, Darren Campbell, Estela Ortega and Randy Dorn

• State Superintendent Randy Dorn said, "This past week, the Representative Assembly of the Washington Education Association voted to support Initiative 1351. I’m very pleased with that vote. The initiative in effect implements the class-size reductions recommended by the Quality Education Council when I was chair of the council. If it passes, I-1351 will place those recommendations into law. Reducing class sizes is key to improving student learning, particularly with at-risk students. That, in turn, will improve graduation rates. When I-1351 passes, the next step will be for the Legislature to fund those class-size levels."

Campaign contributions

The support campaign, Class Size Counts, raised over $4.9 million by the end of the campaign. The majority of the money was raised from the Washington Education Association, a union group, and its affiliate, the National Education Association. The following data was obtained from the Washington Public Disclosure Commission and was current as of December 5, 2014.

PAC info:

PAC	Amount raised	Amount spent
Class Size Counts	$4,921,286	$4,199,262
Total	$4,921,286	$4,199,262

Total campaign cash as of December 5, 2014
Support:	$4,921,286
Opposition:	$0

Top contributors:

Donor	Amount
Washington Education Association	$2,450,000
National Education Association	$1,833,000
Public School Employees of Washington	$100,000

Opposition

Opponents

• Gary Guenther, chair of the board of directors for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce

Arguments

Below are arguments in opposition to I-1351 provided in the state's official voter guide. The arguments were prepared by John E. Braun, State Senator; Mary Lou Evans, Former PTA President, Mill Creek; Dave Powell, Stand for Children Executive Director; Roger A. Miller, Retired Washington State Public School Teacher; Connie Gerlitz, Parent and Grandparent; Ron Averill, US Army, retired Colonel:

“	This $4 Billion Budget Buster is Not What It Claims Don't be fooled: this is a budget-busting initiative, costing $4 billion at full implementation without a revenue source. Put $4 billion in context: Washington spends less on higher education, nursing homes, cancer research and state parks combined than I-1351 requires! Politicians could eliminate funding for them all and still have to raise your taxes. Mostly Funds More Bureaucracy, Not Smaller Class Sizes Read the fine print. Only 1/3rd of the proposed spending, above what current law requires, is for reducing class sizes. The remaining 2/3rds goes to hire over 17,000 people who are not classroom teachers – including social workers, psychologists, and administrative staff. I-1351 equals a $2,300 Tax Increase on Every Homeowner Make no mistake – this will force an enormous tax increase! Politicians could increase the state property tax by 75%, raise the gas tax by 10 cents, and substantially raise higher education tuition on our families – and still come up short of $4 billion. Class Sizes Will Decrease Substantially Even Without I-1351 Class sizes will become smaller in the next four years. Current law – and Supreme Court order – already requires the state to hire thousands more teachers, costing $1 billion. I-1351's costs are on top of this, devoting the money mostly to employees who are not classroom teachers. Taxpayers, teachers, and students don't need billions more in “overhead.” We can do better. Vote "No" on I-1351! Rebuttal of Argument For The supporters’ class-size argument is deceptive and misleading. Washington is already required to reduce class sizes dramatically in coming years through a law that directs more spending to classrooms. In comparison, I-1351 sinks 2/3rds of its spending ($4 billion) into administration and non-teaching positions. The truth: I-1351 is a budget-buster that will require massive tax increases and major cuts to vital services for seniors, vulnerable children, and the disabled. Please vote no.	”
—John E. Braun, Mary Lou Evans, Dave Powell, Roger A. Miller, Connie Gerlitz and Ron Averill

Though no official campaign organization filed to oppose I-1351, multiple editorials were published encouraging a "no" vote. Other arguments included:

• Gary Guenther, chair of the board of directors for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, wrote:

“	Unfortunately, I-1351 is neither efficient nor responsible. It is a redundant unfunded mandate that may not reduce class sizes while burdening taxpayers, school districts, and the legislature with unbudgeted price tags for dubious ideals. I-1351 will cost taxpayers approximately $4.7 billion over the next four years with the goal of reducing class sizes in all grades. That’s more money than Washington spends on higher education, nursing homes, cancer research, and state parks combined.	”
—Gary Guenther, Bellevue Reporter

Media editorial positions

See also: Endorsements of Washington ballot measures, 2014

Opposition

• The Seattle Times said,

“	Trouble is, Initiative 1351 adds another $2.5 billion in spending on top of that, none of which counts toward the McCleary obligation of fully funding basic education. [...] Washington has been placed in this spot before, by Initiative 728 in 2000 — another union-backed initiative to reduce class sizes without a funding source. It proved impossible to fund during the last recession and ultimately was repealed. [...] The deciding factor should be what’s right for kids, not for the union.	”
—Seattle Times

• The Wenatchee World said,

“	Initiative 1351 on the current ballot is an irresponsible, self-serving, budget bashing measure that exploits a soft spot with voters while hiding the enormous, untenable price they will be forced to pay. Worse, the research suggests all that expense and sacrifice will bring little or no improvement in the education of their children. Nothing.	”
—The Wenatchee World

• The Columbian said,

“	The idea sounds appealing; who wouldn't advocate for smaller class sizes? But weighed against the difficult budget task already facing the Legislature and against valid questions regarding whether smaller classes enhance learning, the arguments in favor of the initiative prove to be paper thin. Because of that, The Columbian urges a "no" vote from the electorate. As always, this is simply a recommendation. We have faith in the ability of voters to examine the issues and reach their own conclusions.	”
—The Columbian

• The Bellingham Herald said,

“	The initiative process in Washington allows voters to enact laws without having to provide a way to pay for them. It’s the funding black hole that forces us to say no to 1351.	”
—The Bellingham Herald

• The News Tribune said,

“	There are no magic money mills in Olympia. It’s hard to imagine how I-1351 could be paid for – on top of McCleary – without curtailing investment in human services and higher education. Wonderful as its unfunded promises may seem, this is a destructive initiative. Voters should kill it in November.	”
—The News Tribune

Polls

See also: Polls, 2014 ballot measures

Washington Initiative 1351 (2014)
Poll	Support	Oppose	Undecided	Margin of error	Sample size
KCTS-9 Washington Poll 10/17/2014 - 10/24/2014	60.6%	31.6%	6.3%	+/-4	602
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Path to the ballot

See also: Laws governing the initiative process in Washington

Supporters were required to collect at least 246,372 valid signatures by July 3, 2014, in order to land the initiative on the ballot. The measure was certified for the November ballot by the secretary of state on Thursday, July 24, 2014.

See also

Suggest a link

• 2014 ballot measures
• Washington 2014 ballot measures
• Laws governing the initiative process in Washington

External links

• Full text of I-1351
• Class Size Counts website