Voters appear to be in support of an initiative that would require smaller class sizes in public schools.
The latest Elway Poll shows that 66 percent of voters said they would definitely or probably vote yes for Initiative 1351. Twenty four percent said they would definitely or probably vote no, and 11 percent remain undecided.
The ballot measure requires the Legislature to allocate funding for smaller class sizes over the next four years, starting with high poverty schools where half of the students receive free or reduced lunch.
The poll said the initiative showed support across demographics, although support waned when voters pay closer attention. “The more attention voters have paid, the less likely they are to support I-1351,” pollster H. Stuart Elway said.
Supporters say the measure would allow teachers to pay more attention to students and bring the state in line with national class size rankings. Opponents argue that the measure doesn’t say where the money would come from, and it displaces money that could be better spent.
TVW’s Video Voters Guide has statements from the proponents and opponents of the measure.
In 2000, Washington voters passed Initiative 728 requiring smaller class sizes, but the ballot measure was repealed by Legislature in 2012 because of lack of funding.