Enumclaw Schools Foundation Wants You

Looking for an excuse to party?

The Enumclaw Schools Foundation has not one but two such parties coming up in the next few months -- both of which will benefit students in the Enumclaw school system:

• 2nd Annual Jazzing up Mardi Gras Education Luncheon on Feb. 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Fieldhouse
• Full-Day Kindergarten Dinner and Auction on April 21 at 5 p.m. at the Fieldhouse

The public is more than welcome at both events. Last year's Mardi Gras celebration drew business and community leaders from around the city and beyond (). And last year's full-day kindergarten dinner auction brought in more than $40,000 that went to creating scholarships for students and ensured there was at least one full-day kindergarten class in each of the District's grade schools ().

For more information about both events, check out www.enumclawschoolsfoundation.org.

Calling all Politically Minded Supporters of Education

State Rep. Cathy Dahlquist, along with colleague Rep. Bruce Dammeier are the prime sponsors of House Bill 2533, called Fund Education First, that would require the Legislature to pass a separate K-12 education budget before any other state appropriations.

In a press release this week, it was announced that there is a public hearing this Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 8 a.m. in the House Education Appropriations and Oversight Committee about this bill, and all members of the public are invited to let their voices be heard on the issue.

“The recent on education funding only strengthens the case for Fund Education First. The state Supreme Court said clearly that we are failing in the paramount duty to our students,” said Dammeier. “There must be a clear understanding in the Legislature that all state programs and services are not equal, and education is paramount. Fund Education First would change how we budget for our schools. It would require the Legislature to face up to its constitutional responsibility with a specific budget vote. I encourage people to come to Olympia and let their voices be heard on this important issue.” 

As the largest segment of the state operating budget, K-12 education has been a frequent target of funding reductions the last five years as the Legislature has attempted to align state spending with revenues. The governor is proposing to cut K-12 education more, by $682 million, and then ask voters to pass a state sales tax increase to “buy back” these cuts and others in state government. 

“Fund Education First is a timely proposal considering the state budget situation and the recent state Supreme Court ruling,” said Dahlquist. “What I love about this legislation is it would take the politics out of our kids’ education. Gambling on a voter-approved tax increase to fund schools will no longer be the way the budget system operates. Basic education would get the first dollar and every other program would fall in line for tax dollars based on priority. As a former school board president, I am certain Fund Education First would give our school districts around the state more certainty in budgeting and allow them to rely less on local levies to fund basic education.” 

House Republicans have introduced Fund Education First legislation in the past, including last year with House Bill 1415. The difference between previous efforts and House Bill 2533 is the latter would, if signed into law, go into effect immediately and be used to address the current $1.5 billion budget shortfall. 

The state currently has three separate budgets – the operating, capital (construction) and transportation budgets. K-12 education is already a stand-alone section in the state operating budget.