Republicans Line Up with Teachers' Union

By Josh Feit, Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 2:16 PM
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[Editor's Note: This story was originally posted Thursday afternoon (4/16 ), but thanks to the boisterous comments thread, we're moving it up.]

As we reported yesterday, the Democratic Senate in Olympia adopted the House language on the education reform bill—most notably, upgrading the definition of “Basic Education” by requiring more credits to graduate. The shorthand for the change is known as “Core 24,” which means students will need 24 basic credits to get a diploma.

The Senate is currently (2:30 pm) debating the bill—mostly, rejecting GOP amendments that would stall the bill until a price tag is put on reforms.

My carpool is heading back to Seattle, so I can’t stay for all the great speeches, but based on the Republican amendments, here’s the obvious story that’s emerging: The GOP is doing the bidding of the teachers’ union.

Let me repeat that: The Republicans are doing the bidding of the teachers’ union.

Indeed, the WEA, the teachers union, has adamantly opposed this bill all session for the exact same reasons that Republicans like Sen. Curtis King (R-24, Yakima) are offering amendments that, in his words of defiance, would “make sure we know the cost of what we’re doing.”

Sen. King’s amendment was routed in a voice vote by the Democrats, who have a 31-18 advantage. The Democrats—defying their supposed allies, the WEA—argued that the bill isn’t an unfunded mandate, but rather puts a stake in the ground for standards that schools will have to meet when the money is available. In short, without upgrading the definition of basic education now, the Democrats say, there will be no standards in place to guide future funding decisions.

Senate Democrats emerging out of caucus before the debate told me the votes were in place to pass the controversial bill.

However, the vote had not taken place before I left. The Republicans were still giving speeches based on teachers’ union speaking points.

UPDATE 1:

The Senate passed the bill 26-23. And while the House passed the bill last month, the House still has to concur with today’s Senate vote because the Senate passed some amendments—like Sen. Rodney Tom’s (D-48, Bellevue, Redmond) accountability amendment empowering the state to intervene in failing schools.

Mary Jean Ryan, Chair of the State Board of Education (leading advocates for the bill), said:

“We are now committed and accountable to ensuring all students leave high school, college, or work ready. After too long a wait, Washington’s educational system is once again moving in the right direction.”

Chris Korsmo, Executive Director of the League of Education Voters (also strong advocates for the bill), added:

“We’re one step closer to making history for one million public school kids in our state. These reforms take advantage of the latest evidence-based research to improve academic achievement for children. Early learning, stronger graduation requirements and a longer school day will better prepare our kids for school and for life.”

I am waiting to hear back from the WEA for their reaction to the Senate vote.

UPDATE 2:

WEA spokesman Rich Wood sent me a copy of the letter that WEA president Mary Lindquist sent to members after the Senate vote. Here’s an excerpt*:

“This bill is a travesty and an insult to the education profession. The groups behind it are vested interests masquerading as concerned citizens who care for children. Yet they’re denigrating and dismissing those of us who actually educate our state’s children!”

UPDATE 3:

The WEA released this video today (starring Tom Cruise) to blast the education bill. They’re making a last-ditch attempt to turn the House against the bill—a long shot given that the House advocated for the stronger bill in the first place. Indeed, big education reform advocate, Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-36, Queen Anne) predicts, “We will go with the Senate ed reform bill. Gov will sign it too.”

Gov. Gregoire’s office did tell me she will sign the bill.

*I’ve also included Lindquist’s entire letter below the jump.

Letter fro WEA President Mary Lindquist:

I’m outraged. By a vote of 26-23, the state Senate just minutes ago passed HB 2261.

Let them hear from you!

This bill is a travesty and an insult to the education profession. The groups behind it are vested interests masquerading as concerned citizens who care for children. Yet they’re denigrating and dismissing those of us who actually educate our state’s children!

Contrary to what you may hear or read, HB 2261 is a bogus education “reform” bill that blames educators instead of focusing on the REAL problem facing our schools: The nearly $2 billion in cuts to K-12 and higher education.

Remember the famous movie line, “Show me the money?” Well, HB 2261 is bankrupt.

Here’s the reality. The Legislature is cutting thousands of teaching and ESP jobs, slashing student programs and cutting our pay. Legislators are poised to once again overturn voter-approved I-728 (smaller class sizes) and I-732 (salary COLAs).

Let them hear from you!

HB 2261 does nothing to stop these huge cuts in education funding. Instead, HB 2261 supporters make promises about future funding, and they suggest WE’RE the problem. You see, HB 2261 calls for dramatic changes to our certification, evaluation and compensation but includes NO FUNDING. None.

Our students deserve more than overcrowded classrooms and false promises of future funding. HB 2261 now goes back to the House. Now, more than ever, your representatives need to know how much we oppose this misguided, disrespectful piece of legislation! Let them hear from you!

Thank you.
Mary Lindquist

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MomWhoCares

Make me laugh more Doug. Let's not rewrite history now regarding I-728. In 2000, the ONLY initiative the WEA cared about was I-732. I-728 was run by parents! Our local uniserve director did not support collecting signatures for both measures and the only thing the WEA cared about then and now is compensation.

You have some nerve calling everyone outside of the WEA naive. It is the WEA who stand alone now.

Newsflash- parents are not interested in putting any more money in K-12 without reform. Money alone will not help. Wake up.
Doug

Wow, talk about the uninformed joining together in a great movement for false "reform" of public education. What a sadly misled and naive citizenry we have. Let's see how you all feel when the phony reforms are never funded...or are you simply unable to learn from history?

Attacking a union that works hard for its members, promotes a thoughtful and well researched policy of fully-funded public schools and seeks to elevate the profession (as opposed to all the expert naysayers on this thread, and yes I know, you all probably went to public school so I guesss you're experts now...) is all you have since the facts still remain out of reach for you...in any event, punk WEA for caring about its members, notwithstanding the fact that a few may be disgruntled (such as those that can'tr find the website or provide the union with e-mail addresses--just more smoke-screen devices for empty argument) as the overwhelming number of informed members of WEA are well aware of the claptrap this legislation is. Cutting the initiatives for smaller class sizes and COLAs (yes, just a year later adjustment of salary set to the devaluation of the previous year's value of the dollar) is certainly a most clear sign of the deep commitment these lawmakers and their fellow-travellers have to a solid, globally competitive public school system.

Fooled again!
Jerry

As a public school teacher, I have been dispointed and absolutely disgusted with the WEA actions on this bill. Unlike past sessions, they have barraged us with hysterical emails. No analysis, no real information about the issues. I see this behavior as an insult to the teachers of this state.
I am a building rep for my local association yet I find myself in the position of believing anything that comes out of the WEA.
We need new, and real, leadership.
Sharon Taubel

Yay!! The bill passed, our hard work conitues to pave the way, despite the union, GOP, et al. An old adage comes to mind after reading all these comments "PLAN YOUR WORK AND WORK YOUR PLAN"...well...we finally have a new work plan after lots of hard work by many that is extremely appreciated. Now we will continue to work our plan and work the financing. Head's up WEA and others..we aren't done yet!!!!! I also printed and forwarded a copy of the yay/nay vote list to all my contacts and will continue to talk it up regularly to all those I interact with, remember and follow this through at the next elections!!! ( just like we got rid of Luke Esser!!) Too bad we can't oust WEA leadership ourselves

sssssss
Trevor

@51: The economic crisis has created a political crisis. Anti-tax politics are now suicidal, and those who kowtow to Tim Eyman and his ilk are rejecting the insights of Keynsian and other forms of counter-cyclical economics out of fear of losing power.

Ways to prevent budget cuts that are not happening:
-increase taxes
-close corporate tax loopholes
-emergency deficit spend as economic stimulus (the idea being that this is a bad time to cut over 10,000 jobs)
-criminal justice reform to reduce jail time for nonviolent offenders

You can't blame education reform for causing $1 billion in budget cuts to k-12 education, or 30% cuts to higher education. But you can learn a lot from education reformers' political values when they accept these cuts as inevitable.
Pam

Mary Lindquist is a true gem, but maybe it's time for the WEA to trade her in for a leader with less inclusions and a higher clarity rating. It saddens me greatly that the teachers had this as their representation. If only our much appreciated teachers knew that we (the parents, PTA, LEV, Stand, et al) truly are on their side and have been fighting for them as well!
Liv Finne

The public school system desperately needs reform of its management practices. Under HB 2261, the key functions of a school remain firmly under the control of one centralized bureaucracy or another; i.e. the legislature (setting the prototype school model), a school district (allocating staff to schools), roving teams of teacher evaluators from the professional educator standards board with a checklist of "effective classroom teaching practices", state board of ed "accountability index" assessors, etc. etc. The most efficient way to improve the performance of a large and complex system is to decentralize control to the local level, so that the money follows the child to the local school, the local school principal controls the school budget so as to allocate resources to the classroom (pay hard-working teachers more), and principals decide which teachers will teach at his or her school. These changes can be accomplished without billions of dollars of new money for education.
See "Eight Practical Ways to Reverse the Decline of Public Schools" by the Washington Policy Center.
Tom

You know what is bogus? Claiming that anything OTHER than the terrible economic downturn is responsible for impending budget cuts.

For anyone who is still confused:

Economic downturn = loss of revenue = budget cuts.

Basic education reform is completely unrelated. It is HISTORIC reform for to redefine education in the future! The last time basic education was redefined, there were NO computers. Yes, that's right - in 1977. The world has changed. Education needs to reflect that if kids are going to have a fighting chance and a great job and fulfilling life.

Now the WEA is trying to claim that basic education reform is responsible for budget cuts. Ridiculous lies. Gotta say, I wonder if they got on the phone with Karl Rove. Remember when Saddam suddenly caused 9-11? Same dangerous logic.
Trevor

Josh,

I'm not confusing funding with goals or transparency mechanisms. I'm saying that the latter is contingent upon the former. If this $1 billion cut in K-12 education isn't reversed, and class size increases, I don't see how how redefining basic education will make much difference in the lives of children.

I'd happily put all this behind me and look forward to future fights to restore funding for K-12 (and higher education) that you describe. If you think that this legislation sets up a more productive fight, that's great.

But I haven't seen any evidence to support your optimism. Most of the bill's proponents are not talking about increasing K-12 funding. Not Gregoire. Not the state legislators who voted for it. Not John Stokes or Janet S. That is not the future they are talking about.

That said, I hope you're right and I'm wrong. Maybe these reforms have prepared us for a more effective battle with suburban Republicans and conservative Democrats over funding education: we can be very specific now about where the money will go and what benefits it will have. But my concern is that this debate has been a sideshow, that it has divided the Democratic base over union members' job security when the more important battle is over funding.
Josh Feit

Trevor,

The reform crew isn't "redefining massive budget cuts as 'change' or even progress."

There are budget cuts.

There are now new standards.

The bill is not the cause of the massive budget cuts. Nor, I'll grant you, is the bill the solution to the budget cuts.

But the bill does adopt recommendations of the Joint Legislative Task Force on Basic Education Funding. And those recommendations are widely regarded by educators as the solution to our lagging education system.

The new system will need dollars. And those dollars aren't here yet. (The old system needed dollars too, and the dollars aren't here for that either, so stop confusing the issue.) Redefining basic education now is important for framing future fights for education dollars (there's always going to be a fight)

When the fight comes, there'll be a new equation in place for those, like the WEA, that want more education dollars. And the new equation—spending money on an upgraded, accountable system that the public can feel confident about—will have the long term effect of making education and education funding sustainable in the future.
Trevor

@45:

-"We don’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem."
Ergo the problem with our education system is that we were already paying too much for it?

-"we need to suck it up for the next year or two, until things turn around."
So in a year or two we will see $1 billion in funding restored to k-12 education without even increasing taxes?

Attacking the status quo by redefining massive budget cuts as "change" or even progress is absurd. No doubt one can make the best of a bad situation. But saying we're moving closer to 100% graduation rates while closing schools, laying off teachers, and pushing parents to do private fundraising to keep their schools' basic services going (as is happening in Seattle)? You've jumped the shark.
Janet S

Glad to see you are admitting that Ms. Lindquist's letter was awful. No parents are attacking teachers. We have worked over the years to support teachers, and their mission in the classroom. And why wouldn't we? Our children's education depends on them.

I understand Sarah's frustration. We need to let the parents know what the WEA is up to. We also need to be very clear that our argument is with the WEA, not with teachers. There is a difference.
seabos84

Sarah -
c'mon - I DOUBT lindquist meant you and people like you !

unlike these policy analyst types

YOU MATTER

you actually do something useful.

WEA messaging SUCKS, but, pro education messaging has sucked since ... forever. IF it didn't suck, we wouldn't be in a place where we're stuck with the current hodgepodge of inexcusable nonsense VERSUS a new hodgepodge of inexcusable nonsense - neither of which is paid for.

Let's leave aside all the happy happy raise people up sunny sunny stuff about the calling of education -

Quality PUBLIC Education is about FREEDOM to have opportunities to participate in the community AND change the community. Without education, anyone's chances of participating meaningfully are close to zilch, and their chances of changing anything are less. There are 6++ billion people on the planet who need / want health care, education for their young, retraining education, education for enjoyment, vacations, housing, food, clothes, transportation... there is MORE work to do than hands to do it, and the ONLY way we'll ever get a reasonable amount of resources available to all is through pushing the boundries of our knowlegde AND applying it.

so far, as a species, we are doing a HORRIBLE JOB.

WHY has the attack on the WEA taken on the tone that we-the-serfs-in-the-trenches are MORE concerned with our job security than teaching our kids, or other bullshit attacks?

Why are people using messages that have been used to demonize teachers and union members and destroy the middle class so the rich pigs can get even fatter?

lindquists message is a dud, but, there is a mismanaged kernal of truth directed at the TOP -- NOT workign stiffs like you!

please don't read it that way, and, trust me, I'm a VERY skeptical person.

rmm.
Janet S

Geez. I go eat dinner, and come back to find that I am a fascist AND a liar. Gosh. We have definitely elevated the level of discourse, haven't we?

So, seabos84, unless I agree with you 100%, I am a fascist who uses talking points. If you are the best Ms. Lindquist has to defend her insulting letter, the WEA is in bigger trouble than I suspected. Come back when you can make a reasoned argument that can be discussed, such as educated people do in polite society.

Trevor - the state has increased spending by almost 20% per year over the last four years. If spending had been in line with actual population growth and inflation, we wouldn't be in the mess that we are in now. We don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem.

We also have unemployment approaching 10%. Taxing an already ailing population will only cause further decline, and won't generate the revenue needed to meet higher demands. That is just an economic reality, not a partisan comment.

So we need to suck it up for the next year or two, until things turn around. Education wouldn't have to absorb the amount of cuts being proposed if the legislature would actually make some of the hard decisions, but it won't. It wants to tax more, and maintain the status quo.

Why not legalize small possessions of marijuana, and free those in jail for possession of such?

Why not eliminate the death penalty, in exchange for life in prison, and cut the outrageous expenses that go along with decades of appeals?

Why not privatize liquor stores?

That's just a few ideas. At this point, our Democratic legislature will keep these in place, and make huge cuts to education. Hmm.
Sarah

I put in 25 hours a week volunteering in local public schools. I don't get paid, I don't get benefits. The children & teachers benefit from my time. I also donate money to those schools, which pays salaries to some of the teachers.

WEA can disagree on about supporting this legislation. But saying that I am "masquerading as a concerned citizen who cares for children & denigrating and dismissing those who actually educate our state’s children”, tells me that WEA does not want my time or money in the schools.

I am incredibly disappointed to learn that this is how WEA thinks of PTSA volunteers. I will publicize this letter to the PTSA members at my schools. At this point I do not think I can go in on Monday. Maybe the WEA members in my buildings will be glad to see the back of someone who only masqueraded their concern for children.
Trevor

Nice goal. But if you don't talk taxes, it means you're willing to lie to the general public and tell them they can have everything they want and need without paying for it. In this case, that means claiming you can make K-12 education better while cutting $1 billion in funding for it.
seabos84

I notice how you do NOT tell me how you'd NEVER vote for Raygun? or Bush 1? or Bush 2? or Dino?

IF that is true, then it is sad to see you using fascist talking points against people who are working their butts off for our kids.

IF you have voted for any of those fascists, THEN, you are part of the reason things are such a mess.

The response to Lindquist's letter is interesting

few seem to comprehend what 'the groups behind it are vested interests...' meant, in part because she did an incredibly poor job of educating people on where these fascist talking points come from

... sh! the talking points come from the fascists! imagine that! the same people who brought us complete crap like 'death tax'.

It is sad to see such hard working dedicated people get used by the puppet masters who do NOT want public education to succeed - hence, ANOTHER hodgepodge of bullcrap in stead of real solutions.

rmm.

rmm.
Janet S

Wow, seabos84. What a persuasive argument.

Thanks for weighing in.
seabos84

@39 Janet S
I've been listening to right wing talking points since that liar RayGun

ha ha ha

'got the government off the backs of the people'

in 1981.

THANK YOU for comment #39 - the 'clarity' of your 'reasoning' is crystal clear !!

somehow a replacement hodgepodge of bullturd is better than the current hodgepodge of bullturd,

AND

those who disagree don't care about kids!

And, we don't need an income tax because ... all the well connected and crooked who worked incredibly hard to stay in the front of the trough DESERVE all they've stolen from the community! Let's pretend they did something useful, like invented pencillin or inexpensive eyeglasses or google, instead of just acquiring ill gotten gains for themselves, AND, let's pretend that their ill gotten gains were fairly earned!

We don't need an income tax cuz too much of the current money is wasted under teh current hodgepodge of bullcrap, AND, a NEW hodgepodge of bullcrap will eliminate waste?

whatever.
Janet S

How about we stop talking about allies and enemies, and start focusing on the goal?

We want effective education for our children. We want graduates who are able to read critically, write coherently, and have a grasp of math and science that allow them to work in the information age. We want students ready to go to college without the need for remedial classes. We want graduation rates at 100%.

We want teachers who are educated in their field, and capable of teaching the subject. We want them to be compensated fairly for the time and energy that is required to deal with the disparity of abilities in today's classrooms. We want the best to stay. We want those who can't teach to be moved aside, so there is a spot for someone who can do the job.

And we want a funding system that is transparent and accountable.

Did I mention anywhere here that we need an income tax? I think not. We need education reform, not new sources of funds from an already tapped out populace. Get the job done with the funds available. That is the challenge, that is the requirement.
Trevor

@33: Nowhere did I say that the reform bill killed funding for K-12 education. And no one behind the reform bill has said where the funding for a redefined commitment will come from (especially after the state cuts over 10,000 jobs and sends unemployment into the double digits).

So here's a place we can all work together and overcome the name-calling: work toward an income tax for education.

Since most of the legislators who support the education reform bill oppose an income tax, and Gregoire even opposes any timeline for following through on this reform bill, it may be a bit early for any side to declare victory. Think a few steps ahead before deciding who your allies and enemies are.
Janet S

I didn't realize there were teachers out there driving buses and sweeping the floors. Huh. Learn something new every day.

I guess I will repeat this again. The intent of the reform is to define education in one understandable whole. If you want smaller class sizes, build it into the definition of basic education. Don't have an initiative, which is can be eliminated, be the mechanism to get there.

If you want teacher pay raises, build it into the basic definition, in the compensation schedule. Then it can't be rescinded after two years, like it is this year.

Again, ESHB 2216 is not the cause of budget cuts this year. You can keep shouting it and insulting parents, but it won't make it so.

"Isn’t it interesting that the folks that any legislation would impact were never involved in any of the development, debate, or decision-making. And you wonder why educators aren’t supporting this. Duh!"

Maybe it is because the WEA refused to come? Everyone wanted the WEA at the table. Mary Lindquist wouldn't come. Instead she let loose the union bosses to brow beat legislators privately, threatening them with loss of campaign funds and free workers if they supported this grassroots effort.

I'm sorry the WEA refused to participate. I give credit to the Democrat Senators who stood up to this bullying tactic and voted Yes on reform.

It is time that Ms. Lindquist apologize to the thousands of parents who volunteer their time and money to make our schools better. I don't get where the gain is in insulting the people who pay your salary and help you fight your battles.
Kay B

How can any of you think 2261 is Education Reform? Education is already underfunded. The voters approved a Cost of Living Adjustment for salaries. 2261 takes that away. The voters approved a class size initiative. 2261 takes that away.

And as for those of you who think WEA is "picking on those wanting to help kids"--what planet are you from? Are you working in the schools? Nope--but WEA members are. Are you running the school offices and health rooms? Nope--but WEA members are. Are you driving buses, cleaning classrooms, teaching kids? Nope--WEA members are. Until you've actually worked with kids and dealt with the pressures of unfunded mandates, you have no right to tell us what we should be doing! We have the right to fully funded education, smaller class sizes, and support from our communities! Isn't it interesting that the folks that any legislation would impact were never involved in any of the development, debate, or decision-making. And you wonder why educators aren't supporting this. Duh!

Some say that education is a calling. What Mary Lindquist has done as our Association President is a call to action. It's time that we stand up for our occupation and speak out about issues that threaten our livelihood, our kids, and our futures. You go Girl!
Janet S

Disagreeing with someone is not the same thing as being insulting and questioning their integrity.
@1 - I am talking about parents being insulted by the WEA president, not potshots that teachers are taking at their union.
@7 - A true statement. Publishing a petulant letter is not professional.
@9 - Another true statement. Ask the PTA President and Director. Or are they liars also?
@14 - Again, teachers can do whatever they want. My comments are about parents.

What Ms. Lindquist wrote was out of line, and she owes an apology to parents in this state. She went beyond debating the issues, and decided to attack those who have worked tirelessly for education in this state. Sorry you can't see the difference.
Ryan

Trevor - the only mean-spirited comments are coming from the WEA.

O RLY?

@1: To see my union aligned with the largely troglodyte GOP is all we need to see to prove that the WEA leadership has gone off the rails.

@7: Mary Lindquist’s outburst here is unprofessional and demeaning

@9: They REFUSED to discuss or collaborate with the legislators, the education groups, who were TRYING to reach agreement in those items Trevor mentioned. THE WEA REFUSED TO WORK WITH US! (as an aside, that's simply a lie. Shame on you, 9)

@14: It’s time for teachers to revolt against their leaders (captors).

....and then I got bored.

Don't pretend that this is black/white, good/evil.
Janet S

Trevor - the only mean-spirited comments are coming from the WEA. Every non-WEA person in these comments has spoken in a civil manner, and has gone out of their way to support teachers. They have praised those who work so hard in the classrooms. The rudeness and slander has come from Mary Lindquist and other WEA members, who continue to question the motives of parents who have worked tirelessly over the years to help pass every initiative that teachers have wanted. For our efforts, we get your insults.

The I-728 argument has been answered over and over, and yet the WEA continues to bring it up. The reform we want makes this kind of initiative unnecessary. The basic funding will already account for class size. When initiatives are passed to fix funding problems, they are ripe for being eliminated when times get bad. That is what is happening now. The reform bill did not kill I-728, the current structure of education funding did that. But you know that. You just choose to continue the heated rhetoric and blame.

By the way, if health care is made a human right, does that mean that those who provide that care become enslaved to provide that right? What happens if no one wants to be a doctor? That's why you can't get a kidney transplant in Great Britain - no one wants to go through the years of training required in order to be paid a pittance.
Trevor

@21: Imagine if we declared that free health care is a human right, but then cut funding for an already underfunded health care system while touting the patients bill of rights. Would it be pessimistic to suggest that we were taking one step back and one step sideways while claiming to take a step forward?

I like the idea of expanding the definition of basic education that the state is supposed to fund. I am also open to the reform of metrics for teacher performance. But these are separate issues. And neither addresses the fact that the state legislature is cutting hundreds of millions of dollars from K-12 education and increasing class size when research has shown that class size is extremely important to effective teaching and childhood learning.

Why then is it so hard to understand the WEA's anger and even lack of diplomacy? No doubt the education reform bill is well intentioned, and the union's calling its opponents special interests has alienated people and obscures more than it illuminates. But I do think that the WEA's critics are willfully misrepresenting its claims in order to more easily disregard them.

The WEA is extremely upset that legislators are overturning an initiative to reduce class size that the WEA fought very hard to pass. "Show me the money" isn't cynicism. It's a recognition that promises of change without action are hollow. I support an income tax. But most of the legislators who passed this education reform measure don't. And, as the Seattle Times reported, Gregoire was unwilling to support "reform" unless action (ie funding) could be postponed indefinitely. Isn't THAT cynical? Wouldn't it be naive for us to ignore this fact?

The question of teacher performance rather than seniority being the basis of improving education has merits on both sides. Here I don't support the WEA in a knee-jerk way. But I think that the merger of this issue with the reinterpretation of the government's obligation to provide its citizens' children an education has obscured these issues, and contributed to the unproductive and mean-spirited nature of these debates.
Janet S

Nice to know the Union is out in force!

The budget cuts are going to happen regardless of whether this bill passes, and you all know it. This is future looking reform, not a remedy for the current economic downturn and shortfalls in revenue because people are losing their jobs.

But you know that.

You just choose to keep muddying the issue.

Why?

Not because of the "unfunded mandates" that you don't define. It is because there is a hint that we as parents and taxpayers want accountability in the classroom. We are tired of seeing the best teachers compensated the same as those who destroy our children through their incompetence. We want to reward teachers as the professionals they are, not as the hourly hired help that their union treats them as. We want open access to the profession, so that minorities are encouraged to apply, not discouraged by the costly certification process, that adds nothing to the quality of teaching.

We want teachers who are motivated, happy, and highly capable. Anything else is a disservice to our children and our future. Why is this so difficult for the WEA to understand?
Diane

The WEA members who are attacking their union because of its stance in opposition of HB 2261 must not understand the bill nor be paying attention to the budget cuts to public education threatened by the legislature. The bill calls for yet another change in certification, restructuring of the salary schedule (at the same time the state budgets are calling for elimination of the cost-of-living-adjustment), merit pay (at the same time the budget proposes drastic cuts to I-728 thus creating higher class sizes statewide). The other thing that these WEA members must not be experiencing in their school districts are layoffs. If they were experiencing this, they would understand the absurdity of the legislature passing HB 2261- this bill has no funding attached. In fact the only possible funding piece was stricken from the bill. These WEA members must also not understand that initial implementation of these bills will cost $3 million dollars. It doesn't make sense to me, and frankly, angers me that the State is slashing the education budget by over $2 billion dollars, yet they are considering funding a bill that does nothing to guarantee future funding. I know for a fact WEA does not oppose redefining Basic Education. WEA absolutely supports the proto-type school model which will articulate what it takes for educators to do their job and meet the tough accountability standards mandated by the State. What WEA does oppose is another long list of unfunded mandates, more hoops for educators to jump, unfair evaluation of certificated employees, and a bill that does nothing to guarantee a stable ample funding source for public education. Hey- ask the teacher in your district or a neighboring district who is losing their job how they feel about the State squandering time and money on empty promises?
Scott

I am a parent. Please stop blaming teachers for all of the problems. They and their union are not the scapegoats for all that ails our state.

My kids have great teachers who work hours beyond their "paid" day. We, as an entire state, are putting our whole education system at risk by passing this bill and by taking over a billion dollars out of education.

I think 2261 is full of more rhetoric and void of any money.

I keep wondering why people want to be so mad at teachers and their union. Both are doing a great job. We should all be so lucky to have an advocate who stands up even when it's not the popular thing to do.

I think WEA is right. I can't believe that this bill will bind future legislators in 8 years to fund this. In the meantime, we'll study some more, get the results of more studies (that we taxpayers continue to pay for) only to find out that the teacher is the most important factor in a kid's education, smaller class sizes make a difference and you actually need money to do that.

This is a frustrating debate to even be part of. Next year my kids' classes are going to be bigger, the school will continue to crumble and the support staff who keep my kids safe may be gone due to budget cuts. And this bill is going to change that? Right.
seabos84

Hello World.
Excuse me, I ONLY teach math in a high school in seattle, day in and day out. I ONLY do the job all the highly credentialed woefully clueless bleat about, day in and day out. I ONLY deal with the barrage of unfunded idiotic mandates, day in day out.

I DO lack credentials creating paragraphs and tomes of edu-babble, and I DO lack credentials creating powerpoints of high level pap.

WHEN are the ideas, any ideas, going to be paid for?

WHY, if we ask for all the high level theoreticians who are ONCE AGAIN waving their hands with the latest greatest fix-du-jour, AND ONCE AGAIN not paying for anything,

WHY are we on the side of the barely competent WEA 'management', AND we don't like our kids?

I've been only a working serf since my first job washing dishes at age 15 in 1975, and education policy and education management has mucho in common with wall street management and auto industry management ... lots and lots and lots of policy people who don't a freaking clue how the jobs of their organizations get done, OR how to make the jobs get done better, BUT, these managements do excel at acquiring (obviously worthless) credentials and they do excel at staying employed.

ANY policy wannabe who can't model what their idea(s) cost in time AND money should be fired.

I HOPE I'm wrong, this legislation looks like just more unfunded idiocy.

rmm.
Audrey Bennett

I am a parent and supporter of 2261. I support 2261 because I believe in public education.

I believe that the Washington State Constitution is correct when it says that the education of children is the State's paramount duty.

I believe that Levy Dollars should be used for extras, and not spent on basic education. Right now, a "basic education" is a 5-period day. Does that sound like enough education to you?

I believe that districts should be able to properly allocate their special education budgets, instead of getting a sum based on a random percentage which may be far too much or far too little. Let the law determine how to spend the money, not some random formula. Doesn't that make more sense?

I believe that hard-working, effective teachers should be richly rewarded and even honored. I like that 2261 creates a clearer career path for advanced education and establishes criteria for a "master teacher." Don't teachers deserve our respect?

I believe that PTA's should get out of the business of buying copiers and educational aides and classroom supplies, and get back into the business of advocating for children. Sure, PTA's should raise a little money - for extras!! But lately, PTA budgets look like school district budgets. If your PTA can afford it. I don't know what happens if it can't. Does that sound fair to you?

I believe in honoring the will of the voters, who mandated smaller class sizes in 1-728. But because that initiative isn't in the definition of "Basic Education," it's fair game for the chopping block when money is tight. Does that sound right?

Clearly something is wrong with the current system. It's got to be fixed, and 2261 is the best plan we've seen yet for keeping Washington's public schools successful in the 21st century.
Bill

Nice video. Very much in touch with the mood in this state.

Who is doing your public relations? Dick Cheney?
Ramona Hattendorf

My name is Ramona Hattendorf. I'm a "vested interest masquerading as a concerned citizen." I have two children in Seattle public schools. They are in Mrs. Locke's first grade class and Mr. Hubbard's fourth grade class. I love these teachers. I have the highest regard for all the teachers in my kids' school.

My vested interest? Stabilizing the funding stream for education and ensuring continuous improvement so teachers can better address the individualized interests of students. Does 2261 bring in cash for next year? No. It's not about next year; it's a bill to rebuild. By redefining "basic ed" it clarifies and legally commits the state to fund what it is kids need. (It's all about the definition.)

I work pretty much full time to support the Seattle Public Schools and help build communities around the kids. I do it for free (and yes: I used to be a college-educated "professional"). I'm not fund-raising this year -- I'm working to fix systemic state underfunding instead. But Seattle schools are reliant on serious fund-raising. Our "successful schools" have PTAs bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars a year -- and thousands of hours of volunteer time. PTA volunteers at my kids' school have donated about 10,000 hours so far this year and $150,000 (the hours are up, the funding way down.)

I take union sneering at my involvement and my integrity personally. Stop. Disagree on the bill, but stop disparaging me and the valuable work I and thousands of others do to support kids. These are PUBLIC schools. They belong to all of us, and all of us are accountable for their success.

I don't understand how you can so passionately cling to a broken funding model that put us in this mess in the first place. Nor can I comprehend your passionate embrace of a system that fails kids.

In Seattle, nearly 40 percent drop out. Of the 60 percent that graduate, only 17 percent can meet the entrance requirements for a university. THAT IS NOT OK. It's crazy.

It's CRAZY that the state only funds six periods and can't even come up with the cash to fund dyslexia programs.

Cling to it if you want. But stop twisting my involvement into an attack on teachers.
John Stokes

Chris, I have the same question. Given what the bills have always offered for improved student learning with phased in long term improvements for pay and support for teachers, what has the fuss been about? Control, and myopia is about all I can figure. And that is too bad.

If the WEA acted responsibly and worked with the parents and other folks who do have a positive interest in a great education system for Washington kids, we could move mountains and truly get us back to prominence in education in this country. But the WEA keeps pushing back and insulting everyone else and then wonders why things don't go their way. Thanks to the majority of the legislators and the Governor we will have a great bill and we can move forward to working out the long term finance issues. I would personally be happy to forget what WEA has done if it would join us and work together to make this work for the benefit of the kids (and when that happens the teachers benefit as well).

I hope WEA can change, and learn that positive collaboration is better than bomb throwing and denigration of others who are equally concerned about education. But as the Peter Paul & Mary song asks, "When will they ever learn?" There is always hope.
Chris

Many thanks to the courageous legislators who voted for HB2261. I urge their colleagues in the House to do the same and the Governor to sign the bill. As pointed out in another comment WA needs this piece of legislation to be eligible for Federal Stimulus dollars. Its very sad that the WEA cannot see the wisdom in HB2261 and in bringing Federal funds to WA. A large employer in my city hires more than 90% of employees from out of state because WA does not educate enough qualified workers. Our kids and our state's economy need HB2261. Merit pay for teachers was stripped out of HB2261 so its a mystery why the WEA refuses to support the bill.
MomWhoCares

"The days of the WEA being the lone voice on K-12 in this state are over. Parents are in the game now."

Parents can no longer let the WEA union leaders prescribe how education is going to be in Washington, especially as we have witnessed their behavior in Olympia and by reading Ms. Lindquist's insulting letter.
John Stokes

By now Trevor has been answered with several thoughtful, strong and positive postings, all pointed toward the fact that now is the time to make the fundamental structural shifts we need for a better education system that has real accountability for all parts of the community effort to educate our children. Hopefully he is still a learner and may understand better what is going on here. I would simply address the following statement he made:

"The WEA is correct that attempts by people like John Stokes to frame this legislation as helping children are naive at best and dishonest at worst– no matter how well intentioned– because there is no money to pay for the change that is promised. SHOW US THE MONEY."

Legislation that builds a framework to set the bar higher for all children, provide expanded early learning, addresses the needs of struggling students and the achievement gap, as well as the needs of gifted students, helps district focus on uniform accounting and a more open process, sets in motion a process to figure out how to get better teacher quality and accountability for the money we taxpayers/parents spend to have our children educated (how dare we ask as customers if we are getting the best return for our investment),along with a superior increased compensation system for teachers to pay them as they deserve, and builds into the definition of basic education which is constitutionally protected all the above plus little thing such as transportation, technology, hearing and lighting, and all the other things that make a school work to educate the child, to me is clearly helping children. Calling me naive does not change the facts.

Secondly, the phrase "show me the money" is a good sound bite and makes for good movie fodder, but in the real world that attitude is a prescription for never gaining a better school finance system and remaining stuck in the same quagmire of grossly inadequate funding we have now. It is also a darkly pessimistic and nihilistic outlook on the dynamics of public discourse and building political will to accomplish what is needed through vision and hard work and actually having something to show the public that gives hope instead of blindly shilling for more money to keep doing the same old tired and inadequate efforts. There is no money now, and there never will be if the Trevor's of the world have their way. Funny how the country just elected a president on the basis of hope and trust when things are bleak and dysfunctional, and the WEA cannot even learn from President Obama and lead with the same approach and vision in this State.

Luckily, almost everyone else involved in public education and public policy has seen the light and understands that we have to put a strong plan in place and then build the structure to make the plan a reality. Where is the money?, it is out there and will only show its glitter when the citizens believe that we have a smart and sound plan for the future that represents value for the added investment. Either we enact 2261 now and move on to working together to make the plan a reality, or we sit on our hands and moan and groan and watch as the competitive edge of this State and this country, and our kids, go further down the tubes. So, if what I believe is being naive, I wear that sobriquet proudly. John S.
Jennifer Hill

WEA must come to the reform table if progress is to be made. Federal stimulus dollars depend upon it! Instead of wasting time questioning my "vested interest" as a parent, talk about what you will do to ensure WA gets every dollar our kids deserve.

From today's Chicago Tribune...

******************************************

On Tuesday, US Education Secretary Arne Duncan warned his home state of Illinois is at risk of losing its shot at a new pot of federal money if it fails to show the political will to fundamentally shake up the way schools are funded and operated.

"I would love to see Illinois compete, but Illinois has to change its behavior," Duncan told the Tribune editorial board.

The former Chicago Public Schools chief said the state has a real chance to compete for a share of $5 billion the Obama administration plans to make available for states that want to try new approaches to improving education. But Duncan also acknowledged skepticism about the odds Illinois will change its stripes, given his years of frustration in unsuccessfully lobbying for reform in Springfield.

"Business as usual, to be clear, would basically eliminate Illinois from competition," Duncan said. "But we're not looking just at past track record. We're looking at folks who are really willing to challenge the status quo."

Duncan said funding inequity, a limit on the number of charter schools, marginal efforts to police teacher quality and other old-school ways put the state at risk of disqualification from future innovation funding.

***********************************

Without real change in how schools are funded, defined, managed and evaluated, WA runs the risk of losing federal dollars.

To the WEA, evaluation is a part of any professional life. Enact 2261, join thousands of parents, teachers, administrators and others who truly care about kids. If your goal, like ours, is to have the best and the brightest teachers in every classroom, work with us to ensure every child in WA is ready for work and life. Today, every legislator in WA is talking about education. Isn't this THE time to work together?
Allyson Johnson

I am proud to be vested in the following:
Education for every student in Washington State not just my district.
PTA and it's mission.
For Basic Education
Tacoma Mama

If by "vested interest" you mean we (parents) have a personal stake in the passage of this legislation, then I am guilty as charged. As I write this, my children are in class in a local public school, and I can't think of anything I am more personally invested in than the institution that is teaching my kids.

I love our school, and our teachers, and I am thoroughly vested in securing an improved educational program for my kids this year, and in future legislative sessions.

I've been following this issue since the legislation was first introduced, and I've yet to see anything from the WEA that thoughtfully addressed the substance of the bills. (Although I did see a lot of fear mongering and at least one Dr. Seuss poem). Like a lot of us, I more or less held my tongue as the irritation grew, because I'm not anti-union or anti-teacher, and I really wanted to see everyone get along. Even now, months down the road, after huge concessions were made, we're still treated to this:

HB 2261 is a bogus education “reform” bill that blames educators instead of focusing on the REAL problem facing our schools.... HB 2261 calls for dramatic changes to our certification, evaluation and compensation

I'm not sure what bill we are talking about, because the provisions that actually would have changed the certification process were removed and replaced with a call for a working group to look into the issue. (Apparently, that wasn't necessary because the WEA still refused to come to the table. Think about the message that sent to people who might have been willing to work with you in the future.) I never saw anything in this bill that could fairly be characterized as an attempt to blame educators.

But why talk about reality, when you can insult your base?
Sher

I applaud the Senate for taking their bold step to reframe, reform and expand the definition of basic education. I invite the WEA to join us for the next step, to reframe, reform and expand our outdated state taxing structure.

Line 14 on the first page of the bill states that one of the goals of the reform is:

"to focus on the individualized instructional needs of students"

We are living in the 21st century where we know a great deal about learning styles, aptitudes, learning disabilities. We know that there are achievement gaps and that curriculum is not culturally relevant to all children. It's time to update our system. President Obama has called for changes to our education system. We need a system that can effectively teach ALL children, a system with accountability measures for children, teachers and administrators. We need funding structures that are transparent so taxpayers can see where education dollars are being spent. We need a system of teacher pay in our state that is transparent to the taxpayers who pay our teachers. We want them to be paid a competitive wage for their efforts. Our society is obligated to train our children, our future workers, taxpayers, leaders. We can't do this standing still in a system designed in 1977 (when I graduated high school).

I have repeatedly told my legislators that I would be there to help them "find the money." I am ready to work on tax reform and I know many other parents who are also willing. Read today's Seattle Times. Sen. Lisa Brown wants tax reform. We have a very unfair tax system in this state. We can all begin to work together (parents, teachers, businesses) to make tax reform a reality. Our tax system is one of the most regressive tax systems in the nation. This is a enormous Social Justice issue, the tax system should have a direct link to ability to pay. Let's start working together on that one! Let's make sure the money will be there to pay for our kids education and pay the teachers a competitive wage.

Sherry Krainick
Tim

WEA "leadership" (if you want to call it that) has completely failed their membership and our states' children on this issue.
What's even worse is that they can't stop pouring it on. Mary, Rich, and co. are doing their best to alienate all other education stakeholders, hack off the public, and disenfranchise their own membership. And they are not going to stop until the house version of this legislation PASSES! Then what's next?
WEA has pitched nothing but negatives during their campaign of misinformation and fear mongering. They have stooped low to insult parents, community leaders, administrators, legislators, even their own members, and anybody else who gets in the way while attempting to achieve a political stalemate rather than enbrace reform. This will benefit no one and do even more harm to the children of Washington State. Way to GO! How does a member of this organization start the process of regime change?
When the hand of collaboration and compromise was extended to the WEA, they slapped it away with more inflamatory language, insults, and the 'my way or the highway' approach. Now the leadership has carefully manuevered the organization into a wonderful political corner where their traditional political allies and supporters have been spat on and insulted (and probably threatened) as they rush across the aisle to kiss some *ss in hopes of killing this bill in their ultimate quest for more cash now. GOOD LUCK! The political landscape in Olympia is going to look like Chernobyl after they're finished. Imagine the long term consequences (unintended I'm sure, because their leaders apparently can't see the forest through the trees) on community relationships and overall support for public education after this debacle.

WEA needs to call a "time out". Perhaps the rank and file will recognize that it's also time for new "leadership" to come forward at the WEA. If there is any common sense left in this organization, the next letter they release will include a public apology.
LAS

The WEA is using the travesty of the current economic crisis and the draconian cuts associated with it as the reason we shouldn't be making a better plan for the future to avoid another occurrence of just such a crisis. This is like saying, gee, I just had a heart attack, which is horrible and stressful, so now is definitely not the time to begin thinking about a new diet and exercise regime for after I get out of the hospital.

I also feel like I'm in Upside Down World when Republicans are using the same language as the WEA when describing their opposition to the bill. Republicans talking about the shame of unfunded mandates and empty promises is really rich. Do you honestly believe that if it had a funding source attached the Republicans would then have supported it? This was a brilliantly conceived way to sound noble and supportive of kids AND fiscally responsible at the same time. Great political theater, but utterly transparent. The Republicans who voted against the bill do not like it precisely because it puts in statute the requirement of more resources. They're all for a better education system as long as it doesn't cost any more money.

As tenacious and determined as parents have been about securing the definition of a reformed system, we fully understand this is only the first step. There are many more battles to come, namely, finishing the work and securing funding. Do you really think we will abandon the cause? How would that help our kids? The most difficult battle we have to fight shouldn't be against each other but against those who say they want the government do a better job of providing basic education but don't want to provide the resources to make it happen. We could be with the teachers union on this if you would just let us.
UnionDues=Waste

Most teachers I speak to agree with the concepts of the Basic Education Task Force and know that they and children will benefit from the reforms. It's the WEA that is out of step with progress. Teachers should be appalled at what their $600+ in forced union dues buys them while their uniserve directors make more than most superintendents and work out of plush headquarters. It's time for teachers to revolt against their leaders (captors).
DeborahP

Lovely words from the president of a labor organization masquerading as concerned citizens who care for children.

I wonder, for the last 15 years, as I've been working hard to pass levies and bonds, simple majority, I-728, and the failed I-884, masquerading as a concerned parent. What was my real identity? What is my secret special interest?
C. Gerlitz

Vested interests? Parents have a vested interest?

When the reports started coming in over the past couple of months about the sad activities of WEA reps around the state towards long- supportive parents (verbal attacks, retaliation toward students, withering looks, turned backs, refusals to meet for discussions, outbursts at meetings, acidic and inaccurate e-mails), I thought we had witnessed the lowest point to which this union would stoop. Apparently this isn’t the case.

Now the worst has been hurled at us. We have a vested interest.

During the past 30+ years of advocating for children and their education, helping in classrooms year after year, supporting every pro-teacher/pro-student/pro-school piece of legislation that came along, standing in the rain waving signs, doorbelling and phoning for days on end, donating thousands of hours and many more thousands of dollars, writing grant requests, organizing teacher-appreciation activities, serving on countless committees and boards that were child/teacher directed, living in a family that is made up of teachers and school administrators and raising a daughter who spends 10 to 12 hours a day in a classroom of at risk middle school students, I didn’t realize I had a vested interest.

I appreciate the president of the WEA clarifying that for me. I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to think that I had a vested interest. I intend to throw off my masquerade immediately. And this is a warning to you organizations like PTA, LEV, and Stand, you had better come clean too. I’ll bet you didn’t even know you had a vested interest.
Dee Dee Loberg

It is interesting that the education advocates are being called sensitive to criticism. It seems to me that it is really the other way around. Taking the position that we are indicting the teachers is absolutely false. Many of us have been in the schools for decades working with our teachers on behalf of our children. We have worked hard to get more funding ie I732, I-728, Simple majority. I myself have volunteered upwards of 1,000 hrs a year and that does not include the bond/levy campaigns or the initiative campaigns. I have also come to realize that all these patches do not work. We absolutely need to make sure that our government fullfills its paramount duty and puts education first. An alternative funding source wouldn't be needed for education if it were truly first.
Teachers-Yes-WEA-No

Sorry Trevor, but what the state and the profession of teachers need is accountability, evaluation and performance standards of teachers.

The WEA lies to its own members.This bill will bring more money to teachers and raise respectability within the profession.

I have come to think that what is really going on in Olympia this session with these bills has nothing to do with education but is the WEA exerting its power to control the education system alone...with NO PARTNERS on their position. Their position would bring no money to the system.

Threatening elected legislators to unseat them has become a joke at this point. There are now true pro-education groups in the state that will do the same thing and their endorsements will not likely align to those of the WEA. The days of the WEA being the lone voice on K-12 in this state are over. Parents are in the game now.
Jeanette

We are not WEA haters. We do understand their arguments. They REFUSED to discuss or collaborate with the legislators, the education groups, who were TRYING to reach agreement in those items Trevor mentioned. THE WEA REFUSED TO WORK WITH US! How do you deal with children who pick up their toys and go home when they don't get EXACTLY what they want? You move on with out them. WEA forced these groups to do just that. Local WEA leaders were asked by parents to meet with them to discuss these issues, they refused to do so if there was any discussion on 'accountablity'. So how do you discuss and collaborate when on group says NO!? That's my question.
Trevor

This is not an honest debate on either side, especially from the WEA's opponents.

There are two issues at play here as I understand it:

-Unfunded mandate produced by reinterpreting/ updating the state constitution's requirement that the government provide public education

-New metrics for evaluating and rewarding/ punishing teacher performance

The fact is that most of the people who promote this legislation have barely done anything to find an alternative source of revenue for K-12 education during this budget crisis. They heap hate on the teacher's union but can't be found saying anything critical of the state Democrats who are screwing our kids with these cuts. The WEA is correct that attempts by people like John Stokes to frame this legislation as helping children are naive at best and dishonest at worst-- no matter how well intentioned-- because there is no money to pay for the change that is promised. SHOW US THE MONEY.

That said, while the WEA is publicly expressing outrage at the hypocrisy of state legislators who say they're helping kids while increasing their class sizes, you don't hear it talking much about its heated opposition to the accountability standards in the legislation. This is a different debate, and deals with the complicated issue of whether standards should be set at the state or local level, about collective bargaining rights, and about whether such standards will improve education or merely blame teachers for the effects of budget cuts.

I know you WEA haters are intelligent enough to understand its arguments. If you'd stop being so sensitive to criticism, maybe you could actually engage its arguments instead of being baited into mutual character assassination.
John Stokes

Mary Lindquist's outburst here is unprofessional and demeaning to the great number of parent activists who have worked tirelessly for this bill, and to teachers. Throwing a temper tantrum and calling anyone who does not kowtow to the WEA campaign of lies and distortions of the legislation "vested interests masquerading as concerned citizens who care for children" (which includes a majority of the legislators, the WSPTA, the League of Education Voters, Stand for Children, the Library Ladies, the President of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, as well as many district superintendents, administrators, and yes, many teachers) is an act of flailing desperation.

In any other forum I would call her characterization of me and all of my parent colleagues slander and libel. Who is she to question the genuineness of my concern for children?

On top of that, I am one of the millions of parent consumers who pay her bills, hire her to do a good job teaching our children and vote for the initiatives, tax measures, and bonds and levies that provide her livelihood. I pay her with my taxes and raise additional money to pay for things the state does not pay for to help her do her job, and she takes me to task and calls me names when I expect a reasonable level of quality and accountability for her with my kids? Why would she do that?

I have worked for the government most of my career and also in the private world and I have never seen the arrogance and lack of reasonable accountability that the WEA has claimed for itself.

I still believe that teachers as a whole really do care for their kids and want to provide them the best education they can, and that is no different than what parents want. Instead of being an enlightened and progressive organization, the WEA seems to have slipped into a regressive, angry and outdated mode of operation and can only think of fighting needed change with distortion and invective. How sad.

Thankfully, the legislators have a better vision for our state and its children, and the WEA will either correct itself and work with the rest of the world to build a better education system, or it will eventually fade into irrelevancy.

To Mary Lindquist and the WEA leadership, stop the negativity and distortions and invective and join with us to lift us all and be better for our kids. None of us are perfect, and we can all stand growth and improvement, and that includes teachers and the WEA. Enact 2261 in the House and send this on to the Governor for signature, put all this rancor behind us, and lets get back to what really counts, the children and improved student learning. The parents are waiting.
Nancy

Those of us with a real vested interest in the future of education for our kids are ecstatic with the events of today.

A huge thank you to our Senators!
seabos84

Josh - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Too bad my union can't be competent enough to keep me informed... wonder if they've heard of this email thing?

bob murphy
Bill

Julie, I feel the same way about you.
julie

I <3 Bill!
Bill

As though the GOP would ever, EVER support more revenue for schools.

The WEA leaders seem to think that folks will pay more for the current system. Like paying twice for your house. It does not make sense.

If the WEA and the GOP want to form an unholy union in opposition to change and new revenue...the kids of this state will benefit as they become entirely irrelevant.
Bill

To see my union aligned with the largely troglodyte GOP is all we need to see to prove that the WEA leadership has gone off the rails.

Republicans Line Up with Teachers' Union

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