The state of Washington took its biggest step yet yesterday toward
fully funding classified jobs and services as Gov. Gregoire signed into
law a major reform law that includes a new funding formula and a
timeline for including technology, school safety, and paraeducator
instruction as part of Basic Education.
Passage of HB 2776 was a major victory for the thousands of classified
employees who have repeatedly called for change, and for all PSE
members who have paid $1 per month to sustain the Stepping Up for
Smarter Safer Schools campaign. The new law sets a clear path toward
providing more adequate, stable funding for classified jobs and
services, and lessens the reliance on local levies.
Monday was Public Education Day in the state of Washington, as Gov. Gregoire signed the education reform bill along with many other early learning, K-12 and higher education measures into law.
She appeared at her alma mater, Auburn High School, to set major education reform into motion, as well as to approve a PSE bill to improve crosswalk safety.
Lake Stevens crossing guard Reen Doser spearheaded the effort to increase penalties for drivers who speed through school zones. She, along with Federal Way guard Linette Lasher – who was struck and injured by a passing car last fall – flanked the governor as she signed SSB 6363.
Key measures championed by PSE this session include:
- SHB 2776 Relating to implementing school funding recommendations of the Quality Education Council for K-12 education.
- SHB 2893 Relating to school levies.
- SSB 6363 Relating to the enforcement of certain school or playground crosswalk violations.
- E2SSB 6696 Relating to qualifying the state of Washington for federal Race to the Top education reform funds.
PSE was represented at the bill-signing ceremony by dozens of PSE members from Auburn, Centralia, Edmonds, Federal Way, Lake Stevens, North Thurston, and Wenatchee, along with state PSE leaders and staff.
Other education-related measures signed by the governor included:
- HB 2621 Relating to designating resource programs for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction in K-12 schools.
- 2SHB 2731 Relating to implementing a program of early learning for educationally at-risk children.
- E2SHB 2782 Relating to establishing the security lifeline act.
- SHB 2801 Relating to antiharassment strategies in public schools.
- 2SHB 2867 Relating to early learning.
- E2SHB 3026 Relating to school districts' compliance with state and federal civil rights laws.
- SHB 3036 Relating to nonvoter-approved school district debt.
- SSB 6355 Relating to expanding the higher education system upon proven demand.
- SSB 6359 Relating to promoting efficiencies including institutional coordination and partnerships in the community and technical college system.
- ESSB 6403 Relating to accountability and support for vulnerable students and dropouts, including prevention, intervention, and reengagement.
- SB 6593 Relating to the transfer of the administration of the infant and toddler early intervention program from the department of social and health services to the department of early learning.
- ESSB 6604 Relating to flexibility in the education system.
- SSB 6759 Relating to a plan for a voluntary program of early learning.
Posted by:
Rick Chisa on 3/29/2010 at 6:09:00 PM