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Prescott Today
By the People, for the People
Washington Senate Passes Bill to Aid Struggling School Districts
Legislation inspired by Prescott School District's financial troubles allows districts to access transportation funds to maintain operations.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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The Washington state Senate has unanimously passed a bill, SB 6065, that would allow financially troubled school districts to access their transportation vehicle funds to help balance their budgets and avoid dissolution. The bill was inspired by the situation facing the Prescott School District, one of seven districts in the state currently under binding financial conditions with the state.
Why it matters
Many school districts in Washington are facing budget shortfalls and financial difficulties, putting them at risk of being dissolved. This legislation provides a new tool for these districts to maintain operations and avoid that outcome, which could have significant impacts on local communities.
The details
SB 6065 would allow school districts under binding financial conditions with the state to loan money from their transportation vehicle funds to other funds, including their general operations budget. This is intended to help them maintain cash flow and get out of the binding conditions. The bill also allows the state to forgive these loans if the district can show it won't hurt their transportation fund. The bill was introduced by state Sen. Perry Dozier, who is a graduate of the Prescott School District, one of the districts currently under enhanced financial oversight by the state.
- The Washington state Senate passed SB 6065 unanimously on February 11, 2026.
- Prescott School District ran a levy election on February 10, 2026 to supplement its existing education funding.
The players
Perry Dozier
A Republican state senator representing Washington's 16th district, who introduced SB 6065 inspired by the financial troubles facing his alma mater, the Prescott School District.
Prescott School District
One of seven school districts in Washington currently under binding financial conditions with the state, facing the possibility of dissolution if its financial situation does not improve.
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
The state agency that oversees and provides support to public school districts in Washington, including authorizing Prescott to access its transportation funds to help balance its budget.
What they’re saying
“Districts could then "maintain a cashflow to help them get out of their binding conditions,”
— Perry Dozier, State Senator (The Tribune Content Agency)
What’s next
If SB 6065 is signed into law, the Prescott School District and other financially troubled districts will have a new option to access transportation funds to help balance their budgets and avoid dissolution. The district's three-prong plan to prevent dissolution also involves selling its historic teacher's cottage and securing additional legislative funding.
The takeaway
This legislation provides a critical lifeline for school districts in Washington facing severe budget shortfalls, allowing them to temporarily access transportation funds to maintain operations and avoid the devastating impact of dissolution. It highlights the financial challenges many public schools are grappling with and the need for creative solutions to support local communities.
