World-Class Education in Washington State: Our Kids Can't Wait

It’s been nearly 30 years since we've redefined what 'basic education' means in the State of Washington, and over 20 years since our graduation course requirements have been updated.

Before the economic crisis, Washington school district budgets were hemorrhaging; programs were being cut, teaching staffs were being reduced, and basic resources were being drained. Now, $1 billion in new cuts to K-12 education is being called for.

In the past decade alone there have been 19 studies looking at how to improve Washington’s education system. OUR CHILDREN NEED ACTION NOW.

We call upon our elected lawmakers to act this legislative session to pass a framework for a transparent and modernized K-12 finance system that at least:

***Ensures our students graduate qualified and competitive for continuing education, work and life.

***Increases teacher pay and creates a plan to entice, retain and support the next generation of great teachers.

***Replaces complicated staffing formulas with a transparent school funding model that funds basics like decreased class size, librarians, counselors, and support for struggling students.

***Makes early learning ‘basic’ for our at risk children.

We respectfully ask our elected officials to honor their constitutional obligation to prioritize and fund public education so our 1 million school children and their educators can succeed in the 21st century.

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO ADD A COMMENT WHEN YOU SIGN about why you think this is important, your voice matters.

Want to do more? We need you. Visit our developing website at wakidscantwait.com to learn how you can help.

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This petition was authored by two mothers from Spokane and The League of Education Voters, Stand For Children and The PTA of Washington State. To learn more about the authorship please visit this link: wakidscantwait.org