SJR 8206 would change our constitution and expose state taxpayers to the financial risk incurred by school districts. Some school districts manage their financial affairs responsibly, some do not. Allowing the state to guarantee indebtedness incurred by others shifts responsibility from those making financial decisions to the state taxpayers. It will encourage greater spending, more risk, and will reward the irresponsible at the expense of all Washington citizens. Changing our constitution for this purpose is a bad idea.
Local control requires that school boards be responsible for frugal management.
Placing all state taxpayers in the position of co-signers rewards debt ridden districts and punishes those fiscally responsible. Vote NO on SJR 8206. Keep your school district independent, responsible, and accountable to you. Washington s Constitution does not prohibit the state from helping local school districts. SJR 8206 will provide a no-cost state guarantee, which will reduce your school district s classroom and facility financing costs.