Washington Constitution Article IX - Education
Washington Constitution – Article IX: Education
Purpose:
Article IX of the Washington State Constitution establishes public education as a paramount duty of the state and outlines the framework for funding, supervision, and administration of the public school system.
🔹 Section 1 – Paramount Duty of the State
"It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on account of race, color, caste, or sex."
This section forms the constitutional basis for state funding of K–12 public education.
The phrase “paramount duty” has been central in Washington’s education funding debates and legal cases (e.g., the McCleary v. Washington decision).
🔹 Section 2 – Public School System
The legislature must provide a general and uniform system of public schools.
These schools must be free and open to all children.
🔹 Section 3 – School Funds
Establishes a common school fund, sourced from:
Proceeds from the sale or lease of public lands granted for schools.
Other state-dedicated revenues.
🔹 Section 4 – Superintendent of Public Instruction
The Superintendent of Public Instruction is an elected executive officer.
Oversees the administration of the public school system.
🔹 Section 5 – Apportionment of Income
Interest and income from the state’s school fund must be exclusively used for maintaining common schools.
🔹 Section 6 – Support of Institutions
State may support educational institutions beyond public schools, including:
Universities
Normal schools (teacher training colleges)
Technical and scientific schools
🔹 Section 7 – Sectarian Control Prohibited
No public money or property may be used for religious worship, instruction, or support of any sectarian school.
Strong separation of church and state in education.
🔹 Section 8 – Educational Rights Not to Be Denied
No child shall be deprived of the opportunity to attend public school because of race, color, caste, or sex.
RELATED Blog
0 comments