Serious School Funding Gaps Could Impact QAE and Seattle Public Schools - What We Can Do

The Levy Cliff: SPS and School Districts statewide are approaching a "levy cliff", an upcoming reduction in how much money school districts can collect through local property tax levies. You may have seen Superintendent Nyland’s letter about it. In SPS the levy cliff is projected to mean a budget shortfall of $74 million dollars and has the potential to translate to 440 staff positions cut across our District and 98 schools. If the levy cliff happens, QAE would face a big reduction to next year's school budget.
 
What can we do?

1. Call our Legislators of the 36th District and Governor Inslee:
Did you know our Legislators do not get calls and emails in volume over the issue of fully funding public education in Washington State? We must send a respectful message that we care about the issue of fully funding public education and request a levy cliff extension for the 2017-2018 school year. Put it on your calendar to call once a week if possible. Speak from the heart. Pass this information along on FB, Twitter, and to other friends you know in the 36th District. 36th District Contact info:

• Governor Inslee: (360) 902-4111
• Senator Reuven Carlyle: (206) 216-3184
• Rep. Noel Frame: (360) 786-7814
• Rep. Gael Tarleton: (360) 786-7860

 
2. Attend SCPTSA Community Budget Gap Meeting:
Seattle Schools staff will explain the budget numbers. PTA members and the community will have a chance to collaborate on actions we can take together to motivate the Legislature to act.
Meeting Dates:

• Tuesday, December 13 @ Ballard High School 6:30-8 p.m.
• Thursday, December 15 @ South Shore PreK-8 School 6:30-8 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 3 @ Franklin High School 6:30-8 p.m.

 
3. Attend Focus Day in Olympia:
Washington’s Paramount Duty, NAACP, and WEA are co-sponsoring a rally to demand that our state fully fund public education now!
Event Details:
Dr. Martin Luther King Day: Monday January 16, 2017 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Washington State Capital
416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, Washington 98504 

If you're interested in learning more about the levy cliff situation, check out these articles:

• The Seattle Times: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/seattle-schools-project-74-million-shortfall-next-year-biggest-since-1970s/
• The Olympian: http://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article70974347.html
• The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article54019170.html

 

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