A new national report released Tuesday says Washington preschool programs that receive government dollars are among the best in the country. But the researchers also believe too few kids benefit from the $54 million Washington spends on preschool each school year.
Stephanie McCleary stands in a multi-age classroom in Chimacum School District. She sued the state of Washington for not fully paying for the education of its public school students.
Donna Gordon Blankinship / Associated Press
The good news in this week's new Washington state revenue forecast has drawn the attention of everyone who wants some money for their department or program.
An administrator helps a student at Lafayette Elementary School in Seattle. The district has decided to furlough nearly all school staff for a day, resulting in closed schools just before students return to class in the fall.
Seattle Public Schools will shut down for a day just before school starts this fall. It will also close early on a later date during the school year.
Lesley Rogers, chief communications officer for Seattle Public Schools, says asking most of its staff to be gone on the same day sends a message to the state.
Nearly half of the 2011 Families and Education levy proposal focuses on early learning. It would also increases support for elementary school children and college and career preparation.
As schools and family service providers across the state struggle with budget cuts, taxpayers are being asked to help out more. In Seattle, the city council is gearing up to put the Families and Education Levy back on the ballot. Voters have renewed it every time it’s come up since former Mayor Norm Rice created it in 1990, but some people might not realize how much it’s changed.
Kids participate in a preschool program funded by the Families and Education Levy
Seattle Office for Education /
It’s been less than a month since the last election, and already Seattle officials are unveiling a measure for next fall’s ballot. This week, the public will get its first glimpse at the next Families and Education Levy.
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