An Olympia Update from Board President Jennifer Talbot

At the beginning of this week, Superintendent Brian Flones, Deputy Superintendent Jon DeJong, and I gathered with education leaders from across the state for the 2016 WASA/WSSDA/WASA* Legislative Conference in Olympia. We received updates on education funding, policy, and issues being debated during the current legislative session.

Along with other leaders from our region, we met with legislators: Senator Linda Evans-Parlette, Representative Cary Condotta, and Representative Brad Hawkins.  As a group, we voiced our concerns and provided insight on several education topics including operating budget; revenue considerations; levy reform; teacher and substitute shortage; science assessment graduation requirements; and capital budget.  Superintendent Flones communicated the need for enhanced funding formulas for Construction Cost Allowance and Student Space Allocation.  Overall, it was an excellent conference.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend and advocate for education.

Jennifer Talbot
Wenatchee School Board President
*Washington Association of School Administrators/Washington State School Directors Association/Washington Association of School Business Officials