We’ve truly reached a tipping point in the epidemic of cuts that plagues school library programs when the Bellevue school district (aka Bill Gates’ neighborhood) announces plans to eliminate all secondary teacher-librarians. Ironically, the rural district of Snoqualmie that borders Bellevue school district has proposed the same cost-saving measure.
Thank you thank you thank you. . .Legislators for making ed. reform a reality after 30 years. It is crucial that we take a moment to send thanks to Olympia. They listened, they acted. They deserve our thanks. Please help make the case that this difficult decision is appreciated.
The League of Education Voters has made it easy to do so- click on this link to find a full list of the members of the Legislature, contact information and how they voted on ed. reform.
http://www.educationvoters.org/node/468
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE TO MAKE SCHOOL LIBRARIES A PART OF WA STATE’S EDUCATION POLICY!
Lisa, Susan and Denette
****School Library Journal published an article celebrating what WA’s basic ed. bill means for school library programs. A special shout out to Carolyn Logue, WLMA’s lobbyist—THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONALISM, SKILL & KNOWLEDGE that you so graciously shared throughout the session with 3 crazy Moms in Spokane! Your work and generous spirit are appreciated. L,S, D
Read the article here:http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6652808.html?desc=topstory
The House passed the Basic Ed reform bill last night around 10pm on a
concurrence vote and is on it’s way to the governors desk for
signature. She has said she will sign the bill but even for now. . .
Teacher librarians and library materials are now officially
part of the state’s definition of ‘Basic Ed’ for prototype schools.
We were elated and together at Denette’s to watch the vote. Carolyn,
Wlma’s new (extremely talented and effective) lobbyist this session, was in the gallery.
The cutting of middle school librarians was mentioned in a floor speech by Ross
hunter, one of the architects of the bill. Thanks to all the incredible legislators who have worked so hard to make this happen, we will stand by you every step of the way as this journey continues.
Lisa Susan and Denette
Education reform passed in the state of Washington tonight. Congratulations to all.
Bill is up. Tune in on tvw.org
Hear the historic debate.
House caucusing. We hear vote will be tonight. . .
Please take a quick minute to send an email to Rep. Zach Hudgins (Majority Floor Leader). We’ve learned that he is on the fence as to whether or not to vote YES ON 2261. His email address:hudgins.zachary@leg.wa.gov Thanks. Stay tuned!
UPDATE:
Lisa here, I just made my call to the 1-800-562-6000 legislative hotline, it took 5 minutes and my messages to my Senator (thanks) and Reps. (vote yes 2261) and the Governor (sign this bill if it reaches your desk) were sent immediately. I had oatmeal on the stove, a baby in my arms, and lunches being made on the counter. Please, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, stop and take 5 minutes for the children and educators of Washington state– this is it.
Crossing fingers in Spokane with Susan and Denette
Last Thursday, the Washington State Senate passed
ESHB 2261- an education reform bill that represents a
clear and substantive step forward in upgrading and
funding basic education in Washington State — something
that hasn’t been done for 30 years.
ESHB 2261 redefines and expands the definition of basic
education to include:
** Raising high school graduation requirements to 24 credits
** All-day kindergarten, and early learning for at-risk children
** More resources focused on closing the achievement gap
** Gifted education
** Allocations for librarians, counselors and nurses
THAT’S RIGHT! If this bill becomes law, an allocation by
the state will include certified teacher librarians and
funding for library materials and following a phase-in
period. The language you worked so hard securing over
the last year was adopted by the Senate and goes to the
House THIS MORNING for a vote.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION RIGHT NOW!
1. CALL THE LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE 1-800-562-6000
Three main messages:
- Thanks to the Senate for passing ESHB 2261 on Thursday.
- Urge your two representatives to vote YES on ESHB 2261
(quite possibly this morning before noon).
- Ask the Governor to sign the bill into law and bring
quality 21st century education to Washington’s children.
2. CALL AND/OR EMAIL your two Representatives.
Subject line: YES on 2261 … WA kids can’t wait!
Find your Representatives here:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/
If you know your Representatives, find phone numbers and
emails here:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/
The entire house will be on the floor, in session voting
on bills from 10:00 – 12:00 today, Monday morning.
Legislators usually have their laptops with them, and,
believe it or not, many read their emails while debating
and voting on bills! Email them to let them know you
want them to vote YES on 2261, to move WA education
forward into the 21st century.
It’s been a long and difficult session (and education
reform legislation has been through the ringer), but
education champions in the Senate and House have been
fighting for this, and the chorus of citizen voices
calling for action this session has been heard. The hard
work is paying off and we’re many steps closer to our goal.
In her floor speech on Thursday, following the vote on
ESHB 2261, Senator Lisa Brown reflected on the
FundOurFuture movement and how our grassroots engagement
has kept librarians and the important work of school
libraries on the map.
The bill now goes back to the House for a concurrence
vote (probably TODAY), before it is sent to Governor
Gregoire for her signature.
One of the things we learned last legislative session is
that working all the way to the finish line is crucial.
ANYTHING can happen until the final moment. Please do
what you can to keep the pressure on, to ensure that THIS
is the year that Washington’s education takes a giant
leap into a better future.
If you’re interested in watching the House of
Representatives debate and vote on this bill, you can
view the proceedings on TVW (click on ‘View Live TV Signal’):
http://www.tvw.org/
For more information on the bill, and for a link to see
which Representatives voted YES on the earlier version,
please see the blog at the League of Education Voters:
http://blog.educationvoters.
Thank you again.
Lisa, Susan and Denette
***For those of you that have written to ask if this was a ‘win’ for libraries- the short answer is Yes.
A huge step was taken to catapult WA’s system of education into the 21st century. If you are reading this you likely care that teacher-librarians have never been considered a ‘basic’ and that no line-item for technology or library materials exists in the state of Washington. That could be set to change with the historic vote that took place Thursday afternoon.
We’re proud that Senate Majority Leader Brown finished the voting period by mentioning libraries, we were stunned and grateful. She has been a true supporter of libraries as have our House champs Rep. Priest and Rep. Sullivan. Without their stewardship it’s more than likely that school libraries could’ve remained in obscurity!
It’s a huge day for education advocates who went against long odds, worked tirelessly to show up in Olympia; particularly Kelly Munn of The League of Education Voters, Shannon of WA Stand for Children and Kim from WA PTA.
Mostly we are thankful for the leadership of our Legislators. To those who said, ‘If not us than whom? If not now then when?’ We salute you and are grateful.
Turn on tvw— the bill is #9 on the order of consideration could happen before lunch or right after.
PLEASE FLOOD SENATORS WITH THANKS! I CHALLENGE EACH ONE OF US TO CALL EVERY SINGLE SENATOR AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR COURAGE, VISION AND TENACITY!
What a day!!!