Seattle Public Schools | Government Relations

Government relations in Seattle Public Schools 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. School board members and staff 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, district board and staff work 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.

2009/10 activity in Seattle Public Schools:

At the October 21, 2009 regular meeting, the board took a position in opposition to Initiative 1033, a measure on the November 3, 2009 ballot.
At the October 21, 2009 regular meeting, the board also adopted a legislative agenda for 2010.

Ongoing activity in Seattle Public Schools:

Taking action to support H.B. 1410 and S.B. 5444, the two laws enacting the provisions of the final report of the Basic Ed Task Force.
Working with the Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance to ensure that Washington State public schools are fully funded
Supporting the work of the State Board of Education on Core 24, which focuses on high school academic rigor
Communicating with local, state, and federal officials about the district's Strategic Plan

State Legislative Priorities

2010 Legislative Agenda
Legislative hotline: 1-800-562-6000
Daily reports provided by Washington State School Directors Association

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 advocacy groups
- League of Education Voters
- Washington State PTA

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