A Washington delegation of school directors are in Washington, DC for an annual meeting with congressional members. Formally called the Federal Relations Network, the event brings together school directors from across the country. Prior to meetings on the hill, school directors hear about federal issues, including common national standards, funding, the new political environment, consolidation, vouchers, and much more.
In a meeting this morning with representatives from the US Department of Education, school directors shared information on reauthorization of ESEA, changing the Title I allocation formula, our concerns about competitive grants to states rather than traditional funding processes, and STEM initiatives.
During the meeting, we learned that Gov. Chris Gregoire is meeting with USDOE Secretary Arne Duncan today to discuss her proposed education restructuring plan. WSSDA board members and executive director Jonelle Adams expressed our issues and concerns with the proposal, particularly our concern about the lack of independent voice on education issues.
Duncan is the keynote speaker at lunch today - about to start in 15 minutes.
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
