Locally elected school boards are at the heart of the public education system in Washington State. School boards serve as a vital link between the community and the classroom — making policy, setting budgets, and exerting leadership to prepare our children for the opportunities of the future.

Government Relations core mission is focused on promoting student learning by ensuring students, families, staff members and schools have the resources and services they need to effectively educate every child. The Government Relations school board committee and staff members serve as advocates for Seattle Public Schools at the local, state and federal level. Part of the group’s work is to speak on behalf of all children and youth before governmental bodies and other organizations. These advocacy and lobbying measures include mobilizing individuals, local and state units to work with elected officials in molding specific government programs, policies, and priorities.

In order to comply with state and federal rules, the Government Relations group acts as a nonpartisan body working with members of both political parties in order to enact change. When Seattle School Board members or District staff participate in legislative activities that educate lawmakers about officially adopted School Board positions, or support a particular piece of legislation that is in agreement with the adopted legislative program, it is done on a strictly nonpartisan basis.

Government Relations School Board Committee

Mission: To engage local, state and federal decision-makers and advocate for the funding, laws and regulations needed by Seattle Public Schools to educate all students for success in life.

We encourage interested students, parents, staff and community members to learn about the issues facing public education in Washington.  This web page provides important information and links regarding the legislative work and challenges in Olympia as well as our county and city.  It is important for our school system as well as society that we have an informed and engaged citizenry. 

HELPFUL LINKS

• Who represents you?
  • Find which congressional and legislative districts you live in and information about your local legislators at the Washington State Legislature District Lookup
  • Find current elected officials in Washington state at www.washingtonvoter.org
• Federal
  • Washington U.S. Congressional delegation
    • Senator Maria Cantwell
    • Senator Patty Murray
    • Congressman Jim McDermott (7th District, Seattle)
  • Legislative information from the Library of Congress
  • U.S. Department of Education
    • No Child Left Behind legislation, regulations and guidance information
• State
  • State of Washington official government website
  • Governor Christine Gregoire
  • Washington State Legislature
  • Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Washington State School Directors Association
• City
  • City of Seattle
  • Mayor Greg Nickels
• Local media
  • The Seattle Times
  • The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
• Local advocacy groups
  • League of Education Voters

For tips on how to contact your elected officials, click here.