Issue Position: Strengthening Our Public Schools

Issue Position

I entered politics because I believe all of our kids deserve an excellent quality public education. My two children attended schools in the Bellevue School District so I know we have excellent quality schools in the 48th Legislative District. I also know we have smart, compassionate and talented teachers. I witnessed it firsthand when I volunteered in the schools -- from sick room monitor, to library aide, to in-class helper and more, ultimately earning the Golden Acorn for my service as co-President of the Chinook Middle School PTSA. I strongly believe the opportunity my kids had should be afforded to all our children so they graduate either career- or college- ready with skills that prepare them to successfully navigate higher education or the 21st century workplace.

But we can't meet this goal without ample and sustainable funding for basic education -- including teacher salaries -- and ensuring our educational policies maximize opportunities for our students. That was the basis of the McCleary decision that ordered the state to fully fund basic education. It is also our constitutional duty. This past session we again increased funding for our K-12 students intended to fulfill the state's McCleary obligation and will provide resources for school districts to repair or replace deteriorating buildings.

We know kids learn best on a full stomach, so this past year we passed breakfast after the bell and made it less stigmatizing to be on free or reduced price lunch. We extended financial aid access to DREAMers and established a Student Loan Bill of Rights. We also expanded protections against bullying for our trans students and barred the so-called "conversion therapy." In a previous session I was proud my bill passed to afford our deaf and hard-of-hearing students with the resources they need to be successful in our public schools.

But there is more work to do to ensure each student has the opportunity for an excellent quality education. And by "each" I mean the entire student population including special needs students, ESL children, and those who are gifted. We also have some districts with crowded classes, insufficient para-educators in the classroom, and run-down school buildings. Some schools even lack basic, high speed internet, essential to how students learn today. I will continue to champion education, students, and our local schools in the Senate. It is truly one of the best investments we can make in our state!

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