education funding

Seattle city council president says state may have to raise taxes to fund schools

Ashley Gross — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:20:39 +0000

The president of the Seattle City Council says the state needs to make sure it adequately funds schools – and that may mean the state has to raise taxes.

The state of Washington faces a grim budget deficit – more than $2.5 billion over the next two years, by one estimate. At the same time, the state also has to boost money for schools, according to a state supreme court decision.

High demand for women in trades

Bellamy Pailthorp — Sat, 12 May 2012 01:13:52 +0000

If the skyrocketing cost of a college degree seems intimidating, you might want to consider the skilled trades as an alternative – especially if you’re female.

That was the message at the Washington Women in Trades annual career fair at Seattle Center, where dozens of employers aimed to recruit young women, enticing them with the chance to try their hand as a carpenter, painter or steelworker.

Washington Supreme Court to rule on school funding case

The Associated Press — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:06:40 +0000

SEATTLE — The Washington Supreme Court plans to issue a ruling today on a major case concerning the state's obligation to pay for public school education.

Wash. Governor wants to toughen teacher evaluations

Tom Banse — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:12:55 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington Governor Chris Gregoire wants to put teeth into a statewide system for evaluating teachers and principals. In Olympia Tuesday, Gregoire said she'll ask the Legislature to approve a new four tier performance rating. It would go from unsatisfactory, to basic, to proficient, and top out at distinguished.

The governor wants the law to require educators in the two lowest tiers improve within a year or be fired.

"We need to address this concern out there that we have bad teachers. For the most part, we have very, very good teachers.

Fight over education funding heads to state Supreme Court

Charla Bear — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:50:51 +0000

The state constitution says it’s Washington’s “paramount duty to make ample provisions for the education of all children,” but is it failing to do that? This afternoon, the state Supreme Court will consider arguments on both sides.

State universities will set tuition

The Associated Press — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:23:42 +0000

Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed a measure giving the state's six four-year colleges and universities ability to set tuition.

At the bill signing ceremony at a Seattle high school Monday, The Boeing Co. and Microsoft Corp. also announced that they would each pledge $25 million over the next five years to a new scholarship program and endowment which Gregoire also signed into law Monday.

Higher-ed advocates urge legislature to stop cuts

Brianna Butterfield and KPLU News Staff — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:08:53 +0000

Advocates for Washington's universities are presenting a more unified front in Olympia this year. They hope the closer coordination will help them make a stronger case for higher-ed funding. A coalition of groups gathered on the steps of the state capitol Thursday.

Education vs. social services? House debates funding priorities

Austin Jenkins and KPLU News Staff — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:30:34 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-947782.mp3

Lawmakers face stark choices when it comes to the budget. Those choices were on display Monday as the House voted on a cost-cutting bill. Democrats and Republicans split over what to cut next: education or social services.

Tuesday morning's headlines

KPLU News Staff — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:01:01 +0000

Making headlines this morning:

Feds Begin Seattle Police Review
Details Emerge in Port Orchard Shooting
Business Push Back on Seattle Parking Rate Hike
Most Painful Education Cuts Yet

Another Tacoma middle school joins list of low-performers

KPLU News Staff — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:45:19 +0000

Half of Tacoma's middle schools now rank among the lowest-performing in the state. Baker Middle School is the fifth to land the dubious distinction.

The bright side? Low-scoring schools become eligible for federal grants intended to help turn things around.

The News Tribune's Debbie Cafazzo reports Baker's student scores may reflect their challenges at home: