Ballots were mailed this week and voting in the February 10, 2026 Special Election started on January 23rd. It’s just a bunch of school levies, why should you care?
Fully funding public education is one of the most important investments a society can make in its future. Public schools do far more than teach basic academic skills: they shape economic opportunity, social mobility, public health, civic engagement, and democratic stability. Research consistently shows that when education is adequately and equitably funded, students, communities, and the broader economy all benefit.
Education funding should be understood as a longer economic investment, not a short-term expense. A well-educated population contributes to higher productivity, stronger economic growth, and increased tax revenues. Education reduces costly social outcomes such as crime, poor health, and incarceration. In a sense, underfunding schools does not save money – it shifts costs to other systems and future generations.
Fully funded public education strengthens democracy and civic life. Schools play a central role in preparing students to participate thoughtfully in society by developing critical thinking skills, civic knowledge, and a sense of shared responsibility. Communities with strong public schools tend to experience higher levels of civic engagement, voter participation, and social cohesion. When schools are underfunded and inequitable, trust in public institutions erodes and social divisions widen.
Funding matters because educational quality depends on real resources. Underfunded schools often struggle to provide essentials, particularly in low-income communities where students face additional challenges outside of school. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that increases in per-pupil spending lead to improved academic achievement, higher graduation rates, and better long-term outcomes, especially for students from low-income backgrounds. In contrast, funding cuts are linked to lower test scores, reduced college enrollment, and wider achievement gaps.
Finally, fully funding public education promotes equity. Because U.S. schools rely heavily on local property taxes, students’ education opportunities often depend on their ZIP code. Wealthier communities can raise more revenue, while poorer districts are left with fewer resources. Equitable funding systems recognize that some students require more support to succeed.
In short, fully funding public education is essential for educational quality, equity, economic prosperity, and democratic health. The evidence is clear: money matters, how it is distributed matters, and how it is used matters. A commitment to fully and fairly funding public schools is ultimately a commitment to opportunity, shared prosperity, and a stronger future for all.
Support your school district in the upcoming Special Election February 10, 2026.
Co-published by Ellensburg Daily Record Newspaper on January 24, 2026. Charli Sorenson is the Vice President of the Kittitas County League of Women Voters. She has also served on the Ellensburg Affordable Housing Commission, Kittitas County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee, and Kittitas County Elections Disability Advisory Committee. She lives in Kittitas County with her long-suffering husband of 48years.