A huge shout out to Tukwila School Director Mary Fertakis, South Kitsap Board Chair Kathryn Simpson, and Chris Marks, President of the Bellevue School Board, for their amazing testimony at today's Senate Ways & Means Committee.
Speaking against the various bills that would suspend class size funding (SB 5471) and bonuses for national board certified teachers (SB 5470), Fertakis and Simpson then fielded about 30 minutes of questions from engaged committee members. The school directors were unfazed by any question posed, and stressed the importance of funding, resources, and the bonuses as key to helping children succeed.
Marks spoke in favor of SB 5652 and SB 5651, bills which would preserve a school district's levy base, in the face of cuts in this school year. She explained how levies are used in Bellevue and told the committee it was important to allow districts to capture the funds approved by their voters.
Catch their testimony on TVW - look for Senate Ways & Means, February 17, 3:30 p.m. You'll be glad you did!
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
