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State Secures $1.4 Billion in Federal K-12 Funding
Agreement protects equal access to education for vulnerable students
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The state of Washington has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education to safeguard $1.4 billion in federal funding for K-12 schools. The funds support equal access to education for students from low-income families, English learners, children with disabilities, and other vulnerable students. The agreement follows a legal battle over the department's attempt to withhold funds based on the state's compliance with the administration's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
Why it matters
This agreement ensures that critical funding for supporting vulnerable students in Washington's K-12 system will continue uninterrupted, despite political tensions over DEI policies. Maintaining equal access to education is essential for promoting student success and upholding the principles of educational equity.
The details
State Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of 18 other attorneys general secured the agreement with the Department of Education last week. It will prevent the department from withholding the $1.4 billion in federal funds that support programs for low-income students, English learners, children with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. The agreement follows a legal challenge by 19 states, including Washington, after the department threatened to tie federal funding to compliance with its stance on DEI practices.
- In spring 2026, the Department of Education warned that federal funds would be contingent on states' compliance with the administration's position on DEI.
- In response, 19 states, including Washington, sued the department.
- A federal court later struck down the department's ultimatum.
- Last week, the state of Washington reached an agreement with the Department of Education to apply the court's ruling and protect the $1.4 billion in federal K-12 funding.
The players
Nick Brown
The Attorney General of Washington state who led the coalition of 18 other attorneys general in securing the agreement with the Department of Education.
U.S. Department of Education
The federal agency that threatened to withhold $1.4 billion in K-12 funding from Washington and other states unless they complied with the administration's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
What they’re saying
“The Department of Education treated our children's futures as pawns in their war on representation and inclusion. I'm gratified that we've reached an agreement that protects these critical supports for kids so they can reach their full potential in school.”
— Nick Brown, Attorney General of Washington (MyBellinghamNow.com)
What’s next
The agreement will ensure that the $1.4 billion in federal K-12 funding continues to flow to Washington schools without interruption, supporting equal access to education for vulnerable students.
The takeaway
This agreement represents a victory for educational equity and the protection of critical resources for supporting low-income students, English learners, children with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations in Washington's K-12 system. It demonstrates the importance of state leaders standing up to federal overreach and safeguarding the principles of equal opportunity in public education.
