Washington Investing in Schools and Education
Washington is one of only a few states that still requires a 60% supermajority to pass school construction bonds. This outdated rule has blocked hundreds of local communities from repairing or rebuilding schools, even when a clear majority of voters say yes.
Washington Investing in Schools and Education (WISE) is a statewide coalition working to change that. We believe local voters should be able to decide—with a simple majority—when it’s time to invest in safe, secure, and functional schools for their students.
WISE represents a broad coalition of educators, parents, community leaders, and organizations committed to fairness, safety, and opportunity for all students. Together, we can make 2026 the year Washington fixes its bond rules.
Who We Are
WISE is a 501(c)(4) organization advocating for a simple majority to pass school bonds in Washington State. We are a statewide alliance of parents, educators, school leaders, and industry partners working together to ensure every community can build and maintain safe, quality schools through a fair, simple majority vote.
Our co-chairs:
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Jared Kink, president, Everett Education Association
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Gene Sementi, retired superintendent, West Valley School District (Spokane)
WISE is coordinated by Progressive Strategies NW, with support from partners across the state. We are focused on legislative advocacy during the 2026 session followed by a statewide vote. For more information, contact Lesley Rogers at Lesley@ProgressiveStrategiesNW.com
Member Organizations
Coming soon!
If your organization would like to join WISE, please contact Lesley Rogers at Lesley@ProgressiveStrategiesNW.com.
Our Message and Resources
Every student deserves to learn in a safe, functional, and welcoming school. But Washington’s outdated 60% rule makes it harder for communities to provide that.
The supermajority requirement
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Blocks local decisions, even when a majority says yes
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Disproportionately harms rural and lower-income communities
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Means students are learning in schools that are overcrowded, unsafe, or in disrepair
Our Message Is Simple
A simple majority for school bonds means fairness for voters and better schools for kids.
This is about fairness, local control, and giving every community a fair chance to invest in its future.