Spokane Statehouse Candidates Debate School Funding Plans
Local voters are considering opposing proposals for public school, charter, and private education funding in the district.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should your community focus tax dollars exclusively on public schools rather than private or charter options?
Candidates Luc Jasmin and Natalie Poulson recently debated the future of state education funding and school governance in Spokane. The two are competing to replace outgoing representative Timm Ormsby in the statehouse.
Why it matters
The outcome of this race determines the local representative who will shape classroom mandates and budgetary priorities for Spokane families. Voters must decide between two distinct approaches to school funding and public instruction.
Luc Jasmin and Natalie Poulson faced off at a KSPS debate to compete for the seat currently held by representative Timm Ormsby. The candidates represent opposing views on the allocation of taxpayer funds between public and private educational institutions.
The players
Luc Jasmin
A candidate for the Spokane statehouse seat who currently serves as the Eastern Washington liaison for Governor Bob Ferguson.
Natalie Poulson
A candidate for the Spokane statehouse seat focused on school choice and reducing mandates.
Timm Ormsby
The current state representative for the district whose seat is being contested in this election.
The details
The candidates presented contrasting strategies for the future of the local school system. Luc Jasmin advocates for prioritizing funding for public schools, while Natalie Poulson supports increased financial backing for charter and private schools. Additionally, Poulson proposed reducing regulatory mandates for local classrooms and teachers to improve flexibility.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Candidates participated in a debate.
The Home Front
This race mirrors a national trend where statehouse candidates are increasingly divided over the role of public versus charter and private schooling in government budgets. Spokane families are now observing how these local policy differences could impact school accessibility and funding.
Spokane residents should review the official voting guides to understand how these competing funding priorities could influence local school operations. Families may want to compare the specific candidate platforms regarding classroom mandates as they prepare for the upcoming election.
The takeaway
Voters should weigh the candidates' distinct views on public school funding and regulatory flexibility for teachers. Reviewing candidate campaign literature remains the most reliable way to understand the immediate potential impacts on your local school district.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in local school oversight on our Administration page.
Live Poll
Should your community focus tax dollars exclusively on public schools rather than private or charter options?
