Washington schools have ranked among the nation’s best for decades. Our SAT scores continue to rank in the top 10 among states where more than 50 percent of the students take the college preparatory exam.
But that could soon change. Our schools are already dealing with more than $2.5 billion in recent funding cuts. Now lawmakers have proposed slashing an additional $1 billion. Our schools have already absorbed more than their fair share of cuts. Additional education funding reductions could mean layoffs of up to 2,400 educators, increased class sizes, less individualized attention for students, and slashed funding for preschool, higher education, and all-day kindergarten. Plus, a proposed $150 million reduction in school levy equalization would result in an inequitable system of educational winners and losers — rich school districts and poor school districts.
As president of the Evergreen Education Association, I urge everyone who cares about education, children, and Washington’s future to join the Evergreen Public Schools staff and Wear Red for Public Education on Nov. 28. Together, we can send a strong message to lawmakers that it’s time to protect school funding to give our students the well-rounded education they deserve.
Tell your legislators to respect Washington’s long-standing commitment to education and vote against further funding cuts.
