Washington Gov. Signs K-12 Reform Bills Into Law

Auburn, Wash.

Gov. Chris Gregoire returned to her hometown high school Monday to sign into law a package of education bills, including a plan that could help the state compete for a slice of the Obama administration's $4.35 billion Race to the Top program.

Other measures significantly increase the state's spending on public education, allow local officials to ask voters for more property tax money, and set up a new early learning program for preschool children.

After the bill-signing ceremony at Auburn High School, Gregoire praised the state for not giving up on improving public education — even though a severe fiscal downturn has crimped spending...