Voters in the state of Washington approved Initiative 728 in November 2000 by a 72 percent margin. It earmarked extra funding for public education to improve student achievement. Funding can only be used for one of the following purposes:
• To provide extended learning opportunities for students in grades K-12, such as before and after school programs, special tutoring programs, summer school and all-day kindergarten
• To provide additional professional development for educators to ensure that instruction is aligned with state standards and student needs.
• To provide early assistance for children who need pre-kindergarten support in order to be successful in school
• To provide improvements or additions to school facilities that are directly related to class size reductions and extended learning opportunities
• To reduce class sizes in grades K-4
• To make selected class size reductions in grades 5-12
Bremerton School District’s use of I-728 funds has served as an example of using the I-728 dollars for new programs by OSPI and the League of Education Voters.
Before any of the money can be used, public input must be received and a plan approved by the School Board. Bremerton School Board will hold a public hearing in March 2008 for the proposed use of I-728 funds for the 2008-09 school year. The details of this plan follow.