Dear Editor,

Three weeks ago, the state Supreme Court ruled that the Legislature has, over many years, failed to live up to its paramount constitutional duty: amply funding public education. The court made it clear to legislators: no more excuses, no more delays, no more cuts.


Senator Rodney Tom and Representative Eric Pettigrew have chosen to ignore the court's ruling. Instead, they want to dip into the same pool of funding the court has said does not measure up and siphon off millions of dollars for charter schools.


On three occasions, the people of Washington have rejected charter schools at the ballot box. That is three strikes. Charter schools are little more than an unfulfilled promise to our students. They simply skim off those children whose parents have the time and capability to fill out endless applications.


As educators, Washington Education Association members are deeply committed to making sure all our students receive a quality education – an education that both inspires them and equips them for the challenges of the 21st century workplace. Across the state, there are countless examples of innovative schools doing exactly that. What we are seeing in these innovative schools is a return on investment we can all get behind.


Tom and Pettigrew should be working on the full funding challenge presented to them by the state Supreme Court. The people of Washington are demanding full public education funding for their children and neighborhood schools. Charter schools are a distraction from the real debate and not a full funding solution.

Mary Lindquist, President, Washington Education Association