The document provides historical context on Washington state's weighted student funding formula prior to 1977, including additional funds allocated for specific student groups. It also describes how the current state salary schedule and staffing ratios were established in 1977 based on districts that regularly passed levies. The effects of the current funding system are that highest need schools tend to be taught by more junior teachers due to how allocation amounts are determined by teacher experience and education levels. Weighted student funding is proposed as an alternative to allocate dollars based on student needs rather than staffing characteristics, with the goal of closing achievement gaps. Seattle's early experience with weighted student funding showed disparities between high and low need schools but the system became too complex to sustain.