October has kept our team quite busy. We’re pushing hard to fight back against extremists who aim to take over school boards to bank books and harm queer students. However, it’s been reassuring to have supporters reach out and volunteer their time to help and keep our schools safe! Working together has given us the strength and energy to keep striving for positive change. We hope you’ll continue to stay connected and lend us your voice as we shift to legislative advocacy later this fall!
OCTOBER highlights
Save The Date: Stand WA Community Town Hall on Nov. 29th!
In preparation for the 2024 legislative session, we’re holding a virtual Community Town Hall to premiere our legislative agenda. We want to hear from you about the education issues you’re seeing in your community. Early registration is available. More information is coming soon!
State Funding Update: 9th Grade Success Initiative
State Funding Update: 9th Grade Success Initiative
9th grade is a make-or-break year and how well a 9th grader performs this first year can impact whether they graduate or not. So we’re thrilled to share with you that The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) included a request for $2.9 million for the 9th Grade Success Initiative in their 2024 supplemental budget priorities! This means OSPI believes this initiative is a priority.
Governor Inslee is reviewing all agency budget requests and will release a proposed budget in December. Tell Gov. Inslee 9th grade matters! Lawmakers will consider the Governor’s budget during the 2024 legislative session in January.
- What We’ve Been Reading: WA Board of Education sets its priorities for next legislative session (Columbian)
Do you know any 9th graders? We want to hear from you!
Many of your neighbors have already voted, have you?
With school boards as targets for extremist takeovers, we’re expecting record turnout in school board races this year, so turn in your ballot soon! It takes less than 10 minutes to vote and our kids need you to protect their futures. Share our endorsed candidate list with friends and family in Ferndale, North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, South Kitsap, Mead, Richland and Wenatchee school districts!
- What We’ve Been Reading: National culture wars on race, LGBTQ+ rights come to WA schools (Crosscut)
