Inside the Fight for Washington State’s Schools: How Federal Cuts Harm Local Classrooms

The damaging decisions made in Washington D.C. ripple through every classroom here in Clallam County. Just over a week ago, on March 14th, 2025, ten Democratic senators joined Republicans to pass a Continuing Resolution that betrayed core Democratic principles, placing critical funding for public education, healthcare, and vital social programs at risk. While these senators claim their votes prevented a government shutdown, their choice has jeopardized the future of our nation's most vulnerable—our students.

In my previous post, "The March 14th Betrayal", I outlined how this CR is already causing serious harm nationwide. Today, I want to focus specifically on the immediate and long-term threats these federal cuts pose to education in Washington State and right here in our Port Angeles classrooms.

As an educator, union leader, and Democratic Party official, I see clearly what's at stake: decades of progress toward educational equity, vital support programs for students in need, and the professional dignity of teachers and school staff. Here's exactly how these harmful cuts will affect us locally—and, most importantly, what we can and must do to fight back.

Breaking Down the Cuts (National Context)

The recent Continuing Resolution approved by Congress imposes severe reductions to several crucial education funding streams that support millions of students nationwide. Among the hardest hit programs are Title I funding, designed to provide additional resources to schools serving low-income communities, and special education funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), essential for ensuring that students with disabilities receive the tailored support they need.

Additionally, significant cuts are set to impact teacher training programs and professional development initiatives, weakening the ability of educators to grow professionally and meet the increasingly diverse needs of their students. Student nutrition programs, vital in supporting the health and academic success of millions of children, also face potential reductions under this resolution.

Prominent education advocates and policymakers have strongly opposed these cuts. House Democrats who stood firmly against the CR emphasized that its provisions undermine decades of bipartisan support for public education. Education experts warn that prolonged underfunding could lead to increased class sizes, decreased support services, and overall diminished educational quality, disproportionately harming the most vulnerable student populations.

At its core, this federal action represents not just budgetary decisions but a fundamental shift away from the collective responsibility to ensure quality education for all children. The consequences of accepting these cuts as normal could fundamentally damage America's public education system for generations.

Washington State’s Fight for Educational Equity

The ripple effects of the Continuing Resolution will hit Washington State particularly hard. Our state has made significant strides in closing opportunity gaps, expanding access to early childhood education, and bolstering special education services. These achievements are now under severe threat. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has explicitly warned that these federal cuts could "reverse the progress we've made," eroding hard-fought advancements that benefit thousands of students across our state.

Governor Bob Ferguson has also expressed deep concern over the potential consequences for Washington State's public education system. In a recent public statement, Governor Ferguson highlighted that the CR's cuts not only threaten immediate classroom resources but risk undermining long-term educational outcomes and economic stability statewide.

Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell have been vocal opponents of this resolution, emphasizing the detrimental impact these cuts will have on educational equity and community well-being. Senator Murray, who chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, stressed that Washington’s students and teachers must not bear the brunt of misguided budget decisions made in Washington, D.C.

On March 19th, during a telephone town hall, Senator Mike Chapman, Representative Steve Tharinger, and Representative Adam Bernbaum underscored the urgency of this crisis. Senator Chapman highlighted specific risks to rural districts in Clallam County, warning these cuts could severely impact smaller districts that depend heavily on federal aid. Representative Tharinger emphasized that the legislature would be forced into difficult choices, potentially diverting state resources away from other critical needs to offset the federal shortfall. Representative Bernbaum urged constituents to mobilize, reinforcing that active advocacy and public pressure on Congress are essential to safeguarding Washington’s educational advancements.

Federal educational funding acts as a lifeline for many school districts, directly supplementing state and local budgets. Losing or significantly reducing these funds means Washington schools face painful budget decisions: laying off educators, reducing support staff, cutting vital programs, and compromising essential services designed specifically to lift up historically underserved student populations.

In short, the CR doesn't just represent bad fiscal policy—it's an attack on the promise of equity and opportunity we've worked so hard to fulfill in our state’s schools.

Educators and Unions Fighting Back

Across Washington State, educators and unions are already mobilizing to fight these harmful budget cuts. Today, during a town hall in Bainbridge Island, Washington, educators held signs encouraging legislators from the 26th Legislative District to fully fund education at the state level. Additionally, local teachers unions, the Washington Education Association (WEA), and the National Education Association (NEA) are organizing advocacy campaigns aimed at pushing back against these severe cuts. At the national level, NEA has vowed to sue and take the Trump administration to court over the apparent abolishment of the Education Department, per Trump's Executive Order earlier this week. Union leaders and representatives around the State of Washington are preparing resolutions and actions for the upcoming WEA Representative Assembly in Spokane, aiming to amplify our collective voice and ensure education remains a legislative priority. Through coordinated lobbying, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach, these organizations are committed to protecting public education and supporting educators and students.

How You Can Help (Actionable Steps)

Your voice is critical in reversing these harmful budget decisions. Here's what you can do right now:

• Contact your federal representatives: Urge them to oppose future resolutions or budgets that harm public education.

• Stay informed and engaged: Attend local school board meetings, legislative town halls, and union advocacy events.

• Support local educators and unions: Support advocacy groups like local teachers unions, WEA, and NEA. If you are an educator and not part of your local union, consider joining.

• Spread awareness: Share this information with your networks through social media and personal conversations to build a collective voice.

Conclusion

Now is the time to stand together to protect the educational progress we've worked tirelessly to achieve. As an educator, parent, union leader, and community advocate, I am committed to leading this charge alongside you. Our students deserve better, and we must ensure their future is one filled with opportunities, equity, and the resources needed to succeed. Let’s remain engaged, vocal, and united—our collective action can and will make a difference.