Advocacy

Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation, policies, and budgets that ensure the financial stability of all school districts, by prioritizing K-12 education in the state’s operating budget, and by closing existing gaps in basic education funding for MSOC (Materials, Supplies and Operating Costs), special education services, and student transportation, so that state funding reflects and keeps pace with actual costs.

Closing The Funding Gaps – Summary

Washington State PTA shall support legislation or policies that ensure all students have access to the behavioral and mental health resources and preventative measures they need to thrive, including funding for:

• Reduced ratios of students to mental health professionals
• Programs and incentives to recruit, train, and retain mental health professionals
• Resources to assist families
• Training and support for educators and administrators

Addressing The Student Mental Health Crisis – Summary

Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation or policies that:

• Fully fund special education services including eliminating the cap
• Simplify the safety net reimbursement process
• Address the statewide special education staffing shortage
• Implement inclusionary practices while continuing specially designed instruction and accommodations when beneficial
• Address disproportional identification, referrals, and discipline
• Provide training in best practices for student and classroom support
• Ban isolation and reduce restraint of all students

Addressing Funding, Inclusion, And Supports In Special Education – Summary

Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation or policies that prevent and reduce gun violence and suicide including:

• Fund school-based mental health services
• Require permits for firearm purchases
• Incentivize safe storage of firearms and medications
• Restrict bulk weapons purchases
• Prohibit firearms in sensitive places including parks and public buildings
• Fund community-based prevention and intervention programs

Preventing And Reducing Gun Violence And Suicide – Summary

Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation or policies that:

• Increase overall state funding and funding options for school construction projects and improvements
• Provide equitable funding options so all school districts across the state can complete capital projects and improvements
• Lower the 60 percent super-majority to pass bonds to no more than 55 percent with a strong preference for a simple majority of 50 percent

Expanding School Construction Options – Summary

Washington State PTA shall support legislation, policies, and funding that ensure equitable digital inclusion and access for all students, families, and staff by implementation of a statewide digital equity plan, including adoption of best practices and strategies for use of technology to improve student education and behavioral health outcomes.

Increasing Education Equity By Closing The Digital Divide – Summary

Washington State PTA shall advocate for legislation or policies that equitably provide funding, resources, and technical assistance to schools to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas pollution and waste
• Improve indoor air quality and resilience to climate impacts
• Meet WA Clean Buildings Performance Standards requirements
• Access local, state, and federal funding opportunities
• Educate, enable, and equip students to participate in solutions

Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change – Summary