The group working to bring charter schools to Washington state spent about $6 a signature to gather enough to get a charter schools initiative on the November ballot.
According to Public Disclosure Commission filings posted Tuesday, Yes On 1240 has raised a total of $2.3 million and spent about $2.1 million to gather about 350,000 signatures. Most of the money has come from Washington technology leaders, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who donated $1 million.
Initiative 1240 has not yet been certified for the ballot but the Washington Secretary of State's office says it looks like supporters have gathered enough signatures to meet state requirements.
Initiative opponents, who call themselves People for Our Public Schools, have reported raising about $16,000 through the end of June, including donations of staff time by the Washington Education Association.
