MEAD, Wash. – The Mead School District Board of Directors voted to send a formal request to Governor Bob Ferguson, asking the state to enroll in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program no later than Jan. 1, 2027. The board says the program could provide a new source of private‑donation funding for public‑school students while leaving existing state and local education dollars untouched.
Board’s rationale
Board Chair BrieAnne Gray explained that the district’s finances are under pressure and that the board is looking at “every available tool that can put more resources in front of our students without taking anything away from our existing funding.” She noted that the tax credit is funded entirely by private donations, so it does not reduce state or local education appropriations.
Under the program, Washington taxpayers could claim a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations made to qualified nonprofit scholarship‑granting groups. Those donations could be used for tutoring, technology, extended‑day programs, and special‑needs services for eligible public‑school students. The board estimates that families with incomes at or below 300 % of the area median income would qualify, a threshold that would include most Mead students.
State leadership’s differing view
The board’s position diverges from a letter issued by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal on Oct. 9, which advised against joining the program. Reykdal’s concerns centered on the administration of the credit and the potential for uneven benefit distribution. The Mead board responded that those concerns do not reflect how the program actually works and that rejecting the credit would leave “potential support for public‑school students unused.”
Broad support from business and community groups
Mead’s request also cites backing from the Washington Student Success Coalition, a partnership that includes Microsoft, the Seattle Metro Chamber, the Bellevue Chamber, Boys & Girls Clubs, Alliance for Education, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the National Association of Education Foundations. The coalition argues that the credit can bring “tens of millions of dollars each year” to Washington students if participation is modest.
Potential impact for Mead families
If Washington opts in, families in Mead could benefit directly from private‑donation scholarships that help cover costs not covered by the district budget. The board believes this approach aligns with a practical, non‑partisan effort to strengthen educational resources without increasing taxes or diverting existing funds.
Next steps
The board’s letter to the governor has been filed with the state’s Office of the Governor. Governor Ferguson has not yet responded publicly. The Mead School Board plans to monitor the governor’s decision and will continue to explore additional avenues for supporting students as budget constraints persist.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
