Hundreds of educators, parents and students urge lawmakers to restore K‑12 funding and protect transition‑to‑kindergarten K‑12 superintendents, the Washington Education Association, OSPI and student speakers told the Senate Ways and Means Committee that proposed cuts — notably a $59M reduction to local effort assistance and a roughly $39M cut to Transition to Kindergarten — would disproportionately harm rural and property‑poor districts and reduce early learning access.

Lawmakers are facing mounting pressure as educators and students rally against proposed funding cuts that threaten to deepen inequities in rural schools.

Click to read more!

#WA #CitizenPortal #EquityInEducation #EducationFunding #EarlyLearningAccess

Medical Lake partners outline community priorities and possible community center at online 'Pass the Mic' event City officials, school leaders and community organizations described priorities for Medical Lake's comprehensive plan update, highlighting early-learning expansion, support for residents served by Lakeland Village, broadband-driven economic opportunities and the prospect of partnering with the school district on a community center.

City leaders in Medical Lake are unveiling ambitious plans for growth, focusing on community collaboration, early-learning expansion, and the exciting possibility of a new community center!

Learn more here

#MedicalLakeSpokaneCounty #WA #EconomicDevelopment #EarlyLearningAccess

Oregon lawmakers debate juvenile record expungement and establish Tribal Early Learning Fund Representatives split on juvenile expungement bill while supporting Tribal Early Learning Plan.

Oregon lawmakers are deeply divided over a controversial bill that could automatically expunge juvenile records, while also championing a new initiative to enhance early learning services for tribal communities.

Learn more here!

#OR #CivicAccountability #EarlyLearningAccess

Washington mandates needs assessment for kindergarten transition programs State requires assessments of early learning providers before expanding kindergarten programs

A groundbreaking bill in Washington could transform early childhood education by ensuring every child has access to quality learning before transitioning to kindergarten.

Click to read more!

#WA #EarlyLearningAccess #EquitableEducation #ChildCareReform #CitizenPortal