Focus Day 2011

Focus Day in Olympia
February 21, 2011 (President’s Day)

Look for additional information on the
WSPTA Web site: www.wastatepta.org.

We need you again this year to help shape 2011 legislative priorities in what will again be a very difficult economic climate.
Bring your kids! Join us for Focus Day as we rally on the Capitol steps and meet with legislators and staff, leave notes, receive updates from policy-makers on key issues and network with other PTA advocates.
PTA volunteer advocates can make a difference when they come to the Capitol in large numbers.

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November 2010 Legislative Update

Legislative Assembly:
Thank you for sending me to Legislative Assembly. As others have said before, it was an education. It was interesting to see how the lobbying and debates went. It was apparently not as heated as some years.

The priority issues are:
1. Following up on Education Reform Efforts begun in 2008.
2. Math and Science Education
3. Literacy Instruction in early years.
4. Expand Teacher Reduction in Force Policies.
5. Fund Education First
6. New Model for Teacher Compensation

Usually the state has a top five issues, but the vote counts were so close that we voted to have six. Fund Education First had some interesting debate. There was much concern that a principle essentially stating “cut everywhere else before you cut education” could have negative effects for children since social service programs would be affected.

Meridian Park parents cared about the above issues and about School Lunch Programs. While everyone seemed to agree on the importance of healthful food, it seemed that people wanted more research into existing laws and into the financial feasibility of healthier food.

Focus Day:
Focus Day 2011 is on February 21, 2011. That is during our Midwinter Break (Seattle has the same schedule). PTA members will be encouraged to participate on their own as there will probably less of an organized effort in PTA Region 6.

Legislative Challenges:
Once the election results finalize, the Governor releases a budget, and the Legislature opens its session (last two things in January), we will know more about state educational matters.

Thank you—
Marianne Stephens
11.2.2010
marianne.stephens@comcast.net

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November 2010 Election Update

The ballots from the November 2, 2010 General Election are mostly counted, and the 32nd State Legislative District has some changes.

Cindy Ryu will be the State Representative in Position 1. Maralyn Chase, who is currently the Position 1 State Representative, will be the State Senator from the district. Ruth Kagi, State Representative Position 2, won re-election.

Since the state faces serious budget shortfalls, these legislators will have to make some difficult decisions about cuts in the 2011 Legislative Session. We do not yet know how cuts will affect education in the state or in Shoreline Schools, and will keep you updated as the state budget and legislative process progresses.

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MP PTSA Votes to Oppose Washington I-1033

The Meridian Park PTSA Board voted at the October 6, 2009 meeting to take the position of opposing Washington Initiative 1033. For pro and con information about this initiative—on the November 3 ballot—visit: www.no1033.com and www.permanent-offense.org.

Meridian Park PTSA joined Shoreline PTA Council, Shoreline School Board, Washington State PTA, Shoreline and Lake Forest Park City Councils, and over 250 other organizations to oppose this initiative. To view the Shoreline School Board resolution, visit www.shorelineschools.org.

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PTSA Advocacy Update:
Basic Education Funding

Last year, the Washington State PTA won a huge victory for the children of this state, with the passage of House Bill 2261, which redefined “basic education.”

Why is this important? Because the state is required by law to fully fund everything falling under that definition. Increasing the reach of basic education means more local funds can be spent on what they were intended for—enrichment and extra programs.

What's next? This year, the State PTA will be lobbying the Legislature to come up with a fair funding strategy to pay for basic education for every child in the state. The Quality Education Council, which is comprised of such major Washington decision-makers as the Speaker of the House, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, various Senators and others, is meeting regularly to refine the Bill and find funding sources.

You Can Help! Personal emails to Council members and our Legislators help keep our kids and their futures fresh in their minds. Click on one of the links on the right to contact Representatives.

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