Tue, Jan 20 8:50am
Dear Whittier PTA Community,
We need your voice!
Let legislators know every Washington school needs the resources to keep the lights on and the doors open by signing in PRO on SB 5918 by 9:30 AM on Wednesday, January 21.
Washington's schools are in crisis. State investment in K-12 education has dropped from 52% to just 43 % of the operating budget, and inflation-adjusted funding has actually gone DOWN since the McCleary fix in 2017.
The result? A $456 million gap in what schools need for basic operations like insurance, utilities, and technology. Districts are forced to divert enrichment levy dollars - meant for updated curriculum, teacher training, and lab equipment - just to keep the lights on.
Relying on enrichment levies to cover basic operating costs isn’t equitable because not every district can pass levies or raise the same amount.
SB 5918 is a critical first step to fix this.
This bill increases funding for Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (MSOC) by $100 per student or $100,000 per district, whichever is greater. It won't close the entire gap, but it's essential progress toward ensuring schools can afford the basics.
Your action is needed NOW:
SIGN IN PRO HERE by 9:30 AM on Wednesday, January 21
It takes less than 2 minutes:
1. Click the link above
2. Enter your name and contact info (street address optional)
3. Select "PRO"
4. Type "Parent Advocate" in the representing field
5. Submit!
Your signature will be recorded in the official legislative record, showing lawmakers that Washington parents demand full funding for basic education.
The public hearing is Wednesday, January 21 at 10:30 AM - but you must sign in PRO an hour before the hearing to be counted.
Learn more:
Please forward this to your fellow PTA members and friends. Every signature matters!
Together, we can ensure every Washington student has access to a fully funded education.
Thank you for your advocacy,
Kyle Hiatt
Whittier PTA Legislative Rep