Dear friends and neighbors,
Rep. Bronoske and I have an upcoming community conversation on December 12th that we hope you can attend! If you’re unable to attend, we’ll also be hosting a pre-session town hall in early January. All the details are below!
Zooming In: Education
Over the last three months, many families, including my own, got back into the daily rhythm of school with their children. From going to school orientations, filling out all the paperwork that each year requires, and going through closets to ensure we are ready as children grow out of last year’s items, the return to school brings excitement and anxiety simultaneously. I’m grateful for the teachers, support staff, bus drivers, counselors and all those who are selflessly committed to the success of our children.
The 2023 legislative session saw meaningful progress on education. We began with supporting our littlest learners from their first steps and worked our way up so that K-12 and post-secondary education can be more accessible to all Washingtonians. Let’s review some of the major pieces of legislation helping keep Washington a national leader in education.
Early Learning
Our commitment to children, youth and families is about more than just policy; it is about our values and the kind of society we want to build. Providing affordable childcare, having accessible early learning programs, and creating a high-quality transitional kindergarten program can help meet the foundational needs of families with lower incomes.
This year, the legislature expanded the Working Connections Child Care program to apprentices, strengthened the ability of assistance programs to meet the foundational needs of families, and invested $590 million into programs supporting children, youth, and families.
A huge takeaway from the progress achieved this year is that we are one step closer to achieving universal access to Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs. Helping our littlest Washingtonians utilize their most formative years will set the stage for long-term success and create a brighter future for all of us.
K-12 Education
You’ve heard it many times: Education is the paramount duty of the state. And it really is that simple! Every student in Washington deserves the best possible opportunity to receive a high-quality education. 2023 saw important changes in policy and funding to help children learn, grow, and develop into Washington’s next generation of leaders.
We know hungry children can’t learn, so the legislature passed HB 1238 expanding access to free school meals for an additional 90,000 students – on top of the 350,000 students who gained access last year. The legislature also eliminated fees for College in the High School dual credit programs, expanded the Running Start program to students over the summer, and provided opportunities for students to receive school credit for paid work experience.
Additionally, $417 million was invested in special education to meet our obligation as a state to equitably fund education. This investment comes on the heels of the passage of HB 1436, which adjusts the state funding model for special education and increases the cap on the number of students for whom a district may receive special education funding. Next year, I’m hopeful we can remove this cap entirely, so any child in need of additional supportive services can receive them. Other notable funding includes $13 million to expand dual language instruction and $872 million for construction of public schools.
Safe Sidewalks for Students
This month, I visited Spanaway Middle School to see firsthand the dangerous conditions students face due to a lack of sidewalks. Walking the same path as students, I observed a lack of streetlights, uneven terrain that could cause injuries, and increased danger from oncoming vehicles.
According to the Bethel School District and KOMO News, only 9% of roads in the district have sidewalks. In the upcoming 2024 legislative session, I will actively work to change county government funding models and secure funding for safe sidewalks for our students.
By working with local leaders and school officials, we can identify the area’s most in need, such as B Street by Spanaway Middle School, and ensure everyone feels safe walking in our communities.
Stay In Touch
Supporting students in all aspects of their educational journey is only possible because of the feedback and support of our community. As we move forward, I encourage you to stay involved, stay informed, and continue advocating for the issues that matter to you such as education. Please consider sharing what issues you care most about in this two-minute survey. Thank you for all you do!
Always at your service,
State Representative Mari Leavitt
28th Legislative District