Government Relations

Overview

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 SPS 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 and local and state units to work with elected officials to mold 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 non-partisan basis.

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

Ongoing Activity in Seattle Public Schools

• Developing an annual legislative agenda for Seattle Public Schools
• Supporting the work of the State Board of Education to improve K-12 education for all students
• Communicating with local, state and federal officials about the District's initiatives and legislative goals

Work of the District

The Board of Directors will be voting on a resolution in support of the City's Families and Education Levy at the May 4th Board meeting. This levy is on the November 8, 2011, general election ballot. Community members may speak either for or against this action at the May 4th meeting. Please contact the School Board Office to sign up.

City of Seattle/School District Priorities

The City's Families and Education Levy is scheduled to come before the voters in November 2011. Seattle Public Schools is represented on the Levy Oversight Committee by the Board President Steve Sundquist and interim Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield. To learn more about the Families and Education Levy, click here.

State Legislative Priorities

• 2012 Legislative Agenda
• Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000
• Daily reports provided by the Washington State School Directors Association

Accomplishments

• Voter approval of the November 2010 Supplemental Levy
• Passed House Bill (HB) 1776 enabling easier placement of child care facilities in school buildings

Resources

• Who represents you? 
  • Find which congressional and legislative districts you live in and information about your local legislators at the Washington State Legislature's District Lookup
  • Find current elected officials in Washington state at www.washingtonvoter.org
• Federal
  • Washington's 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 Mike McGinn
• Local advocacy groups
  • League of Education Voters
  • Washington State PTA

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