I enjoy a different perspective and anticipation of a new school year that I did not appreciate in my youth. As a kid, I cringed at the thought of trading in my swimming suit and water ski for new shoes and a backpack. I did not grasp the fact that each September meant a fresh start filled with opportunities for me to learn, to grow and to better myself. That being said, allow me to be the first to welcome you back to a new school year and all of the potential that it holds.
I want to share with you a few hot topics on the radar that specifically pertain to public education. You are likely aware that Washington State failed to make the first cut in the federal Race to the Top grant. Of the 36 applications submitted, eighteen states and the District of Columbia will vie for a piece of the 3.4 billion dollar purse. Governor Gregoire has indicated that she will continue to push toward her reform effort despite the fact that there will be no additional monies to local districts. Inevitably, this will mean more unfunded state and federal mandates. On a similar note, economists indicate that as a state we are a solid three to five years away from financial recovery, and we are in for yet another difficult legislative session for this coming biennium. There are only a few areas in which our legislators can slash public education monies as many areas have already been cut or eliminated. Area superintendents have worked in concert to create our legislative platform and are communicating in earnest with our locally elected officials. Our platform includes the following four non-negotiable topics: full funding of basic education; full funding of local effort assistance and no increase to the levy lid; full funding of state match for school construction projects; and, appropriate control of preschool-12 education. I will share more with you in the coming months and will be asking for your help in delivering this message to Olympia. On another note, Washington State has provisionally joined 48 other states in adopting the national common core standards for language arts and math. Though this is still in the preliminary stage, I anticipate that through legislative approval, Washington State will join the effort during the next session.
Without question, public education faces many challenges. While I recognize that there is plenty of room for improvement, I fundamentally and philosophically believe in the foundations of our Nine Mile Falls system that…each student will succeed…effective instruction is paramount…quality leadership matters…reflection improves our practice…we are each other’s best resource…positive relationships are foundational to our success. If we continue to act in a way that matches our foundational beliefs, our students are bound for greatness. Indeed, this is why I look forward to the start of a fresh, new school year. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Warm regards,
Brian L. Talbott, Superintendent
