Ballmer Group announces up to $1.7B for early education programs in Washington state

[The Center Square]—Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday announced a huge philanthropic commitment to the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assessment Program, with the Ballmer Group committed to donating up to $170 million per year for the next decade. The boost comes months after Washington lawmakers, facing a potential budget shortfall, made substantial cuts […]
OSPI steps in to sustain Washington’s Imagination Library Program amid budget cuts

OLYMPIA—In a move to preserve early literacy opportunities, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has committed discretionary funds to maintain Washington’s Imagination Library program for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This decision follows the state Legislature’s elimination of the program’s funding in the recent session due to a $12 billion budget shortfall, highlighting OSPI’s […]