This spring, teachers in a number of school districts in Washington have elected to organize one-day walkouts. The purpose of these walkouts has been for teachers to voice their disapproval of the state legislature’s lack of action to meet its mandate to fully fund basic education. In these instances, teachers have made it clear their displeasure is not with their respective school districts, but with the legislature.
Teachers in the Snoqualmie Valley share those same concerns about the legislature’s lack of action in developing a specific plan to fund basic education. These concerns were magnified when the legislature concluded its 105-day regular session without adopting an operating budget for the next biennium.
While our teachers are extremely concerned with these developments, the Snoqualmie Valley Education Association has decided not to organize a one-day walkout. This action would negatively affect students and families in the Snoqualmie Valley when the teachers’ concerns are actually with the legislature.
Our administrators and school board members have the same concerns as our teachers. We are troubled by the lack of action on the part of the state legislature to fully fund basic education, per the McCleary decision. We are disturbed that the burden of funding for the day-to-day operation of our schools has steadily shifted from the state to the local level over the past several decades. The state legislature is not meeting the mandate of the state constitution or the dictate of the Supreme Court.
As an alternative to a walkout, the SVEA held a rally-event last Friday, to publicly advocate for our students, teachers, schools and community.
Lisa Radmer, SVEA President
Joel Aune, Superintendent
To contact your legislators:
Jay Rodne: Send e-mail to jay.rodne@leg.wa.gov, or call (360) 786-7852 or toll-free (800) 562-6000. Send mail to Rep. Jay Rodne, P.O. Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504.
Chad Magendanz: Send e-mail to chad.magendanz@leg.wa.gov, or call (360) 786-7876 or toll-free (800) 562-6000. Send mail to Rep. Chad Magendanze, P.O. Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504.
Mark Mullet: Send e-mail to mark.mullet@leg.wa.gov, or call (360) 786-7608, (425) 270-8812 or toll-free (800) 562-6000. Send mail to Sen. Mark Mullet, PO Box 40405, Olympia, WA 98504.
