School representatives from five districts met with six state legislators Nov. 21 to discuss protecting education funding in the coming year.
The overall consensus on the meeting was positive, officials said.
“We’re very pleased with the response to our invitation. For us the significance of the event and the formation of this collaborative legislative effort is the start of a way the school districts and regional education leaders can collaborate and coordinate their efforts,” Edmonds School District superintendent Wayne Robertson said. “And we think we launched this process this morning.”
During the hour-long breakfast meeting, tables were filled with school officials from the Everett, Edmonds, Shoreline, Mukilteo and Northshore school districts, and state representatives Al O’Brien, D-Mountlake Terrace, Brian Sullivan, D-Mukilteo, Ruth Kagi, D-Lake Forest Park, John McCoy, D-Everett, Toby Nixon, R-Kirkland, and a representative from the office of Sen. Paull Shin, D-Mukilteo. The main points of discussion were issues including Initiative 728 and 732, both regarding public education funding.
“We received positive feedback from the legislators that were present on the formation of this coalition and the clarity of our position. We also made very sincere offers to support them and help them throughout the session,” Robertson said.
The downside of the meeting was the number of legislators who attended, said Dan Wilson, Edmonds Education Association president. Out of the 18 who were invited, six attended the meeting.
“But I was really impressed that it was a very convivial discussion,” Wilson said. “I have optimism that we will be able to work together on the issues.”
Wilson, whose table included representatives O’Brien and Sullivan, said he felt the meeting was a success.
“Our group had a discussion on education that was very meaningful. We didn’t dwell on what we didn’t do, we were looking at what things we could do,” Wilson said.
As for future plans, the coalition of school representatives said they have already made plans to meet with the legislators again in the next few weeks.
“We have a very supportive legislation delegation and we’re looking forward to working with them this session,” Robertson said.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
