Emily Dickinson PTSA 2.8.13

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DIRECTORY

Paramount Duty Resolution

Washington state’s highest court issued an order sanctioning the state for failing to develop a plan to fully fund K-12 education per the court’s 2012 McCleary decision. We have made some great progress towards McCleary funding but we’re not done yet. We still have 2 major funding issues remaining.

  • Legislature still needs to end over reliance on locally raised taxes (levies) to pay teacher and staff salaries.
  • Complete funding of K-3 class size reductions, including the cost of building new classrooms.

Emily Dickinson PTSA has adopted the resolution that we as an organization continue to support legislative efforts to meet the court requirements for funding education in whatever way they deem necessary and are able. You can read the resolution here.

LWSD- Capacity and Aging Facilities

The long term facilities planning task force has given the recommendation to the LWSD Board. You can find the details here

Long Term Facilities Planning Task Force Recommendation

WSPTA Legislative Priorities

WSPTA’s priorities for the 2015 and 2016 legislative sessions:
1. Funding McCleary
2. Create Positive School Climates Through Social Emotional Learning
3. Increasing Capital Funding
4. Increased Access to Higher Education
5. Breakfast After the Bell 

Also supported (listed alphabetically):
Access, Equity & Opportunity for Students with Disabilities and Special Needs
Closing Opportunity Gaps 
Equal Access for ELL Students
Family and Community Engagement
Inclusive Special Education
Playground Safety
Investing in Teacher Professional Learning (CTWG Implementation)
Regulating Child Restraint and Isolation in Schools 

The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body with 49 members in the Senate and 98 members in the House of Representatives.
You can track bills, read and comment on proposed legislation, learn about committee hearings and testifying,  and find all other legislative session information here. 
Not sure who your legislators are?  Go to this link and enter your address. 

 2016 Citizen's Guide to K-12 Finance 

A resource for citizens, members of the Senate, their staff, and other interested persons to provide a clear and simple overview of K-12 Finance. this is prepared by the Senate Ways and Means Committee

2016 Citizen's Guide to K-12 Finance 

Help decide WSPTA’s positions 

LONG-TERM

Resolutions: These outline the opinion and will of WSPTA to address statewide problems. 

Legislative principles: These give long-term guidance to our legislative advocacy and can be updated at the fall legislative assembly.

SHORT-TERM

Priority platform, “Top 5”: This short-term platform sets priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Issues are voted onto the platform for 2 years. In year one of the 2-year platform cycle, delegates decide the Top 5 priorities. In year two, delegates may update positions, or add to the Also Supported list. This priority platform is established by voting delegates at the Annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly. Legislative assembly will be in October. All PTAs are welcome. Delegates must be present to vote.

 

  

Legislative News

Low Turnout, Crowded Races: Primary Election 2016

McCleary Update: Supreme Court's July 14 Order

Dorn Files Lawsuit On Local Levy Spending

LWSD jumps from 6th to 4th largest district in state

Supreme Court: State is violating it's Constitution

OSPI: Dorn Urges Special Session on Charter Schools, McCleary

Events

OSPI Candidate Forums

September 20, 2016 | 3:15 PM   Tacoma, Convention Centre        Register Here

September 28, 2016 | 7:00 PM Seattle, Townhall                  Register Here

October 11, 2016 | 4:00 PM     Spokane, Lincoln Centre

October 15, 2016 | 7:30 PM DesMoines, Highline College

Legislative Assembly 

October 21-22, 2016                  Olympia, Hotel Red Lion                 Register Here

Focus Day 
Monday, January 16, 2017 
Olympia

Convention 
April 28-30, 2017 | SeaTac Hilton

Links for Advocacy

Washington State PTSA
State PTA advocacy information and resources, sign up for Grassroots Connection, Action Alerts and the Legislative Listserv.

Lake Washington School District
Information about the school district, school events, links to individual school web sites, school board information, meetings, Webgrader, and so much more.

Washington State Legislature
Find out who your state senators and representatives are or look up legislation.

Get detailed information about WA State PTAs legislative issues.
 
Legislative Sessions Archive
Get the information about the past legislative sessions from our state.

Governor
Learn where the governor stands on legislative issues and when she will be signing legislation.

Secretary of State
Get voter registration forms or register to vote online; find out deadlines for elections.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Find out about the work the state is doing concerning education with regards to policy, testing, test results, future plans, education reform, school progress, etc.

Office of Financial Management (OFM) and the 2261 Funding Formula Committee

Sign Up for Legislative News

45th Legislative District:
State Sen. Andy Hill (R)
Rep. Larry Springer (D)
Rep. Roger Goodman (D)
48th Legislative District:
Sen. Cyrus Habib  (D)
Rep. Ross Hunter (D)
Rep. Joan McBride (D)

Find Your District:  Don’t know your legislative district?  Go to this website and enter your home address 

 

Contact Us

If you are at all interested in this area, either as an advocate or simply to learn more information, please contact advocacy@dickinsonptsa.org.

     

 

Emily Dickinson PTSA    7040  208th Ave NE    Redmond WA 98053    425 936 2530    LWSD

Emily Dickinson PTSA 2.8.13 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  We serve Emily Dickinson Elementary and Explorer Community School on Union Hill in Redmond, WA.  Tax ID # 91-1212455.