Are you paying attention to the media coverage of the Northshore School District budget shortfall?This shortfall will have an impact on every child in the Northshore school district (go to http://www.nsd.org/and scroll down for the details). Unfortunately for a large group of families, it will be a very personal impact if one of the Woodinville elementary schools are closed - impacting both the children from the closed school and the children caught up in the disruption caused by boundary line adjustment moves for the remaining schools.
Let your voice be heard! I want to applaud Nancy Hill of Woodinville for taking the time to write a letter to the NSD Board and Editor of the Woodinville Weekly last week to share her thoughts on this serious situation. While I did not agree with everything she proposed - she is engaged and actively trying to propose solutions. I especially liked her suggestion that we should shift to a "pay or play" system for school sports, assuming that we can make a major budget reduction as a result.
However, I am concerned that many parents appear to be more focused on retaining sports then providing a truly exceptional academic experience for our children. (I say this based upon the number of emails that have been sent to date to the NSD school board that have voiced that concern). If we have to make a choice - then in my opinion, I believe we must choose academics over sports and other extra curricular activities. We need to continue to provide high quality teachers and a variety of educational options so we can reach children who learn differently - whether it is a special needs program, PACE program, EAP program, honors program or a career and technical education program.
Our children need to be prepared so that they will have both the choice and opportunity to go to college, go to a vocational school, or go directly into the workforce and succeed. They cannot be expected to do that if we continue to cut the very environment, teachers and supplies required for their education.
So here is my challenge to you, because Individuals do make a difference!
- Get involved locally - at a minimum send an email to Budget@nsd.org and let the School Board know how you feel and what is a priority for your family. They especially need to hear from families that value academics and value a variety of learning environment because one size does not fit all for children.
- Get involved regionally - send emails or letters to your state representatives - tell them that the Education Funding System is Broken! We shouldn't have to make choices between academics, sports, music, and other extra curricular activities. If you don't know who to contact then go to http://www.leg.wa.gov/ and click on Find Your Legislator.
- Get educated and be an advocate. Attend the PTSA meetings when you are able, read the articles in the media, go to the district website and the national PTSA website. Talk to your friends. Washington state needs to step up and make sure our children are able to compete locally, nationally and internationally and to do that - we need an public education system that works!
Online Resources
Washington State PTA (legislative page)
Northshore PTSA Council
by Michelle Blue
Your Guide to Woodinville Community, Neighborhoods & Real Estate!
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