WA Supreme Court was clear: the new state funding is for higher pay

The Washington Supreme Court was clear that the additional state funding approved by the Legislature in March was specifically for educator pay raises. Last fall, the Court unanimously directed lawmakers to invest “a billion dollars in fully funding the salary increases by the 2018-19 school year.” That’s in addition to the $1 billion already allocated for educator pay raises.

Court emphasizes TRI pay is still legal

Additional pay for Time, Responsibility and Incentive (TRI) is still allowed under the new law. The Washington Supreme Court said the law “still permits school districts to supplement (state-funded base pay) for instructional programs and activities beyond the program of basic education.”