09/14/2026
"We want to drive more resources into the communities and students that need them the most," said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal about his budget proposal that would target additional state funding to support students identified as low-income.
Superintendent Reykdal talked about poverty and its impact on student achievement during a live press conference last week.
The Learning Assistance Program (LAP) is Washington's state-funded program that provides targeted resources to support students identified as low-income.
"The current program is a binary program," said Superintendent Reykdal. "If your school district is over 50% poverty, then you get extra resources. If it's under 50%, you get nothing...that doesn't make sense."
OSPI's proposal adjusts the LAP formula so schools will receive additional resources to support all students experiencing poverty, regardless of how large or small the student population is.
Watch a recording of the Superintendent's press conference for more information about the proposed changes to LAP and for details about OSPI's other legislative priorities and new student achievement data: https://www.youtube.com/live/WvflDKM1974?is=BNf_FnuToUeFNEKd