The Issue is a monthly newsletter that focuses on important issues within the Seattle School District and showcases the impact our PTSA programs and members have in their communities.
The National PTA Reflections Program provides an opportunity for students of all ages and abilities to use their creative talents. The theme for this year's Reflections is "Let Your Imagination Fly."
Reflections takes original student submissions, inspired by the theme, in the area of visual art, photography, literature, music composition, film and dance choreography. There is also an optional "special artist" category for students who have a disability, qualifying under the ADA.
The Reflections Program starts at the school level where student art work is judged and select pieces are chosen to advance to the city level, and then the state and national levels. Last year, students from Washington State won more awards at the national level than any other state except Utah!
Along with important local council races and ballot measures, four of the seven Seattle School Board member seats will be decided in the general election on November 3. PTAs cannot endorse candidates, but we can provide voters with information about candidates and take positions on ballot measures.
I-1366: Washington State PTA has endorsed a NO vote. This initiative would require lawmakers to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to establish a two-thirds majority; if they fail to do so, the state sales tax would be reduced from 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent.
Seattle School Board: The School Board is responsible for establishing District governance policies and has legal and fiduciary authority for the District. Their decisions have a direct impact on your child's education. SCPTSA and the League of Women Voters held a candidate forum on Oct 8. You can watch it here on the Seattle Channel.
Information on the school board candidates, their statements, and endorsements can be found via the links above. We encourage members to learn as much as they can to make an informed decision.
PTA Resolutions Campaign
Seattle Council PTSA and Washington State PTA are asking local PTAs to take action and tell our elected State officials to promptly and fully comply with the Supreme Court's orders in the McCleary case. The State is in contempt of court.
Beginning this summer, the Wshington State Supreme Court implemented sanctions against the State Legislature for failing to fulfill the Paramount Duty of the State. They promised in 2012 that they would fully fund basic education by the 2017-18 school year AND make real and measurable progress towards that goal. They have not done that. The Legislature is scheduled to return to regular session in January, and by then the fines will be over $15 million.
What can you do? We are asking PTAs to adopt the Paramount Duty Resolution and share it with State officials. As a PTA member, you can encourage your PTA to take this step. Find out more details and a sample letter on the SCPTSA Advocacy page.
You can also personally send Governor Inslee a message or call him at 360-902-4111. Here is suggested copy to use:
"Please comply with the Court's orders in the McCleary case. Fulfill your paramount duty and the State's commitment to Washington's kids by providing our schools with the additional $6 billion promised for this current biennium and the plan for fully funding basic education by 2017-18. Our 1.1 million students have a constitutional right to an amply funded basic education. Thank you."