Issue Submittals Due for 2009 Legislative Session
•.....Remember the legislative issues survey “sticky dots” that we voted on at Back to School night last fall? The results of that survey helped determine the priorities for the state PTA’s lobbyist during the 2008 Legislative Session. How did those issues get selected to be included in that survey? They were submitted by PTA members just like you from around the state. If there is an issue relating to the education, safety or well-being of children in our state that is important to you, please consider submitting an issue proposal by the June 15 deadline. Often there are several PTA members throughout Washington who are passionate about supporting a particular issue. Our Community Relations/Advocacy Coordinator, Kim Howard, would be happy to help get you in touch with others who are interested in promoting your chosen issue. She can be reached at (253) 241-7187 or khoward@wastatepta.org.
The Political Picture - Election News
•.....While the heated Presidential election is receiving a great deal of media coverage, here in Washington State we have all of the major executive offices will be up for election, from Governor to Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Just what is the role of the State Superintendent?
As head of the state educational agency and Chief Executive Officer of the State Board of Education, the Superintendent is responsible for the administration of the total state K-12 educational program. This includes the administration of 46% of the state general fund, and provides educational services. To learn more about the educational services provided by Washington State’s Superintendent of Public Instruction go to www.k12.wa.us/. Terry Bergeson is up for reelection after serving as Washington’s top education official for the past 12 years. Running against her are Rich Semler, Randy Dorn, Don Hansler and David Blomstrom.
Don’t Forget to Register! Don’t Forget to Vote!!!
Registration Deadlines
•.....The deadline for registering or transferring your voter registration is 30 days before an election. If you register by mail, your application must be postmarked by the 30-day cutoff or it will not become effective until after the election.
•.....If you are not already registered to vote in Washington and you miss the 30-day deadline, you can register in person at your county elections department until 15 days before the election. Contact your County Auditor for assistance and information.
Registration Requirements
•.....You must complete a voter registration form if you are registering for the first time in Washington or if you have moved to a new county. If you have moved within the same county, you may transfer your registration by completing a new form or contacting your County Auditor by mail, email, or phone. There is no registration by political party in Washington State.
•.....For more information on voting in Washington please go to www.secstate.wa.gov/. Registration can be completed online or mail-in registration forms can be downloaded.
WA State Office of the Education Ombudsman – Do you know what they can do for your family???
•.....An ombudsman is a neutral problem-solver who helps people understand how the system works, how to get their needs met, and what to do when conflict happens.
•.....The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) was established by the Legislature in 2006. OEO is a small agency in the Governor’s Office, which operates independently of the public education system. The OEO staff is available to offer information, consultation and assistance – free of charge - to parents, guardians and students.
Services include:
Providing Information about K-12 Education in Plain Language
•.....Information about the education system and referrals to education-related resources is
•.....available on OEO’s website and over the phone. Interpreter services are available!
•.....Workshops and training opportunities for families, community members, and educators
•.....across the state about conflict resolution strategies, culturally relevant ways to involve
•.....families and communities in school, student and families’ education-related rights, and
•.....more.
•.....OEO provides a variety of informational publications designed to help families understand
•.....and navigate the K-12 education system. Publications are free and are available in multiple
•.....languages. They can be downloaded from the OEO website or ordered by phone.
Helping Resolve Conflict between Families and Schools
•.....OEO acts as a neutral third party when conflict occurs between families and schools. OEO
•.....does not take sides in disputes. The Ombudsmen listen, inform, identify option, and
•.....recommend solutions.
Working to Improve the K-12 Education System
•.....OEO provides the Governor, Legislature, and State Board of Education with
•.....recommendations to improve the K-12 education system on an annual basis.
Visit the OEO website at www.waparentslearn.org for resources, tools and education related information. Their staff can also be reached toll-free at 1-866-297-2597.
