Tacoma, WA (December 15, 2016):
After the release of Governor Jay Inslee’s education budget spending
plan on Tuesday, Washington State PTA President Barbara Martin issued the
following statement:
“Governor Inslee’s investments in K-12 education to support a
high-quality teacher in every classroom and a skilled principal in every school
are a great step forward in resolving the McCleary lawsuit. Funding to support
beginning teachers, training and collaboration time, and market-rate salaries
will help Washington attract and retain the professionals our students need to
learn and succeed in our schools.”
Washington State PTA is an organization that is focused on the whole
child – both the academic and non-academic needs of every student – Martin
expressed excitement in some specific funding proposals:
“We are thrilled that this budget proposal recognizes the importance of
social and emotional barriers to learning, with investments to support the
health and well-being of our students. A crucial priority for Washington State
PTA is to ensure adequate staffing of school counselors, nurses, psychologists,
social workers, and family engagement coordinators. This budget proposal funds
these critical staffing positions.”
The Washington State PTA adopts a two-year legislative agenda in the
fall, based on positions drafted and voted on by membership at a Legislative
Assembly. The legislative agenda includes support for: social and emotional learning, full funding
of basic education, closing the opportunity gap, professional standards for
para-educators, and funding for programs to increase breakfast participation in
high-poverty schools.
“We applaud Governor Inslee for
creating a bold plan to amply and equitably fund basic education for our more
than one million students across the state, and are excited to partner with him
and others to advance these budget proposals in the upcoming session,” said
Martin.
About Washington State PTA: The
Washington State PTA was founded in 1905 by Abby Williams Hill
of Tacoma, an artist who saw the need for an organization to support
Washington's children. Thanks to her leadership and vision—and over 132,000
current members who have carried her vision forward—Washington State PTA has
been a leading voice for children in Washington for over 110 years.
1304 S.
Fawcett Avenue, Suite 300| Tacoma, WA 98402 | (253) 214-7410
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