League of Education Voters (LEV)
@educationvoters.org
Working to create learning environments from early learning to K-12 to postsecondary where every Washington student feels safe, supported, and a positive sense of belonging.
Ben Shuldiner has been a classroom teacher, founder and principal of a high school, college professor, and consultant. He thanked the board and the district community for “entrusting me with this great responsibility” of running buff.ly/lKVwuzc. buff.ly/N7bRe0f #WAedu
Seattle Public Schools’ new superintendent will start in February with $425,000 contract
It’s official: Seattle Public Schools has hired its next superintendent, a district leader from Michigan, to begin working on Feb. 1.
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November 22, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Ben Shuldiner has been a classroom teacher, founder and principal of a high school, college professor, and consultant. He thanked the board and the district community for “entrusting me with this great responsibility” of running buff.ly/lKVwuzc. buff.ly/N7bRe0f #WAedu
The Yakima School District (www.ysd7.org) said this funding allows them to provide summer enrichment free of charge and emphasizes full-day programs that advance educational outcomes and keep children safe and engaged in learning over the summer. buff.ly/ZJV0JSm buff.ly/AircMkS #WAedu
Yakima School District awarded $200,000 grant to develop summer learning opportunities
YAKIMA, Wash. - The Yakima School District (YSD) announced it was awarded $200,000 in a preliminary planning grant from Ballmer Summer Discovery initiative to develop summer learning opportunities.
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November 19, 2025 at 7:20 PM
The Yakima School District (www.ysd7.org) said this funding allows them to provide summer enrichment free of charge and emphasizes full-day programs that advance educational outcomes and keep children safe and engaged in learning over the summer. buff.ly/ZJV0JSm buff.ly/AircMkS #WAedu
Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by employers, labor unions or trade associations, sometimes in partnership with community and technical colleges. The programs combine paid, on-the-job experience with related classroom instruction. buff.ly/lCzMHWN wsac.wa.gov seattletimes.com #WAedu
More WA students are getting a jump start on their careers. Here’s how
The number of apprentices has soared more than 70% in the past decade in Washington, thanks to more funding for earn-while-you-learn programs.
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November 19, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by employers, labor unions or trade associations, sometimes in partnership with community and technical colleges. The programs combine paid, on-the-job experience with related classroom instruction. buff.ly/lCzMHWN wsac.wa.gov seattletimes.com #WAedu
The portangelesschools.org and The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (elwha.org) collaboration highlights expanding cultural offerings, new educational supports and initiatives to address the needs of Native American students during a government-to-government meeting. buff.ly/bUMLkNB #WAedu
PA school district, tribal officials work to address students’ needs | Peninsula Daily News
Organizations sign two-year agreement to continue partnership
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November 18, 2025 at 12:50 AM
The portangelesschools.org and The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (elwha.org) collaboration highlights expanding cultural offerings, new educational supports and initiatives to address the needs of Native American students during a government-to-government meeting. buff.ly/bUMLkNB #WAedu
A group of college presidents spent two years studying how to improve the [funding] formula. Their consensus: Funding should reflect actual enrollment, but in a way that wouldn’t punish a single bad year. buff.ly/r2cCUmq sbctc.edu scc.spokane.edu wwcc.edu seattletimes.com #WAedu
Some WA community colleges stand to gain, or lose, under new funding model
Around half of Washington's community colleges will gain or lose money based on a new funding formula that will take effect next summer. Here's why.
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November 17, 2025 at 7:09 PM
A group of college presidents spent two years studying how to improve the [funding] formula. Their consensus: Funding should reflect actual enrollment, but in a way that wouldn’t punish a single bad year. buff.ly/r2cCUmq sbctc.edu scc.spokane.edu wwcc.edu seattletimes.com #WAedu
Near-term, the partnership rescues ECEAP (dcyf.wa.gov) after repeated cutbacks made by state lawmakers. Looking further out, the Ballmer [Groups]’ investment could reverberate for generations, improving more children’s school trajectory and their adult lives. buff.ly/zwunNyy seattletimes.com #WAedu
Philanthropy done right for the benefit of WA kids | Editorial
The state has failed to make good on its promise to provide free pre-K education to all low-income kids. A gift from the Ballmer Group could be a game-changer.
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November 16, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Near-term, the partnership rescues ECEAP (dcyf.wa.gov) after repeated cutbacks made by state lawmakers. Looking further out, the Ballmer [Groups]’ investment could reverberate for generations, improving more children’s school trajectory and their adult lives. buff.ly/zwunNyy seattletimes.com #WAedu
Ballmer Group Philanthropy announced Wednesday that it is pledging about $170 million annually for the next 10 years to add up to 10,000 more slots to the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. buff.ly/zJvtB1e dcyf.wa.gov deniselouie.org #WAedu
Major donation announced to expand WA's free preschool program
Ballmer Group Philanthropy is pledging about $170 million annually to add thousands of slots to the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.
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November 13, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Ballmer Group Philanthropy announced Wednesday that it is pledging about $170 million annually for the next 10 years to add up to 10,000 more slots to the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. buff.ly/zJvtB1e dcyf.wa.gov deniselouie.org #WAedu
Since 2010, the College Access Migrant Program funding University of Washington received allowed it to send recruiters to agricultural communities across the state, including Connell High School north of Pasco. That’s where Xitlaly Mendoza learned about the program. buff.ly/EGskdXh #WAedu
UW loses federal funding for migrant students
A federal program that helps young people from migrant families attend colleges, including the University of Washington, is not operating this year after the Trump administration eliminated funding…
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November 11, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Since 2010, the College Access Migrant Program funding University of Washington received allowed it to send recruiters to agricultural communities across the state, including Connell High School north of Pasco. That’s where Xitlaly Mendoza learned about the program. buff.ly/EGskdXh #WAedu
The operating budget Governor Ferguson signed in May calls for $77.8 billion in spending over 2 years across government, including public schools and colleges. That budget picture is evolving with new economic forecasts. SpokanePublicRadio.org WashingtonStateStandard.com #WAedu
Money crunch puts kibosh on WA state lawmakers’ wish lists
The Senate’s lead budget writer, June Robinson, told Democratic colleagues to skip any 2026 funding requests. Republicans applaud the move.
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November 8, 2025 at 7:55 PM
The operating budget Governor Ferguson signed in May calls for $77.8 billion in spending over 2 years across government, including public schools and colleges. That budget picture is evolving with new economic forecasts. SpokanePublicRadio.org WashingtonStateStandard.com #WAedu
On Tuesday, Seattle voters approved the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise levy, which will support early learning, K-12 services and the Seattle Promise program, which allows Seattle Public Schools graduates to go to Seattle Colleges tuition-free. buff.ly/Rx5iCC4 seattletimes.com #WAedu
Seattle Prop. 1: Voters OK raising property tax for education
Voters appeared to back the $1.3 billion measure according to the Tuesday vote count.
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November 6, 2025 at 9:02 PM
On Tuesday, Seattle voters approved the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise levy, which will support early learning, K-12 services and the Seattle Promise program, which allows Seattle Public Schools graduates to go to Seattle Colleges tuition-free. buff.ly/Rx5iCC4 seattletimes.com #WAedu
It's Election Day! Don't forget to vote! Mail your ballot, with a postmark by today, or put it in a ballot box by 8:00 pm TODAY!
November 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM
It's Election Day! Don't forget to vote! Mail your ballot, with a postmark by today, or put it in a ballot box by 8:00 pm TODAY!
The unprecedented lapse in SNAP funding comes as schools increasingly coordinate with organizations like free clinics, food banks, and volunteer groups to help address their students’ non-academic needs. buff.ly/Q5YHDI9 edweek.org communitiesinschools.org #WAedu
Schools Scramble as SNAP Lapse Nears, Affecting Students and Staff
Schools prepared by partnering with food pantries to provide food for families.
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October 31, 2025 at 8:43 PM
The unprecedented lapse in SNAP funding comes as schools increasingly coordinate with organizations like free clinics, food banks, and volunteer groups to help address their students’ non-academic needs. buff.ly/Q5YHDI9 edweek.org communitiesinschools.org #WAedu
“Our programs are absolutely dedicated, hopeful and are working tirelessly to minimize that impact on children and families, but we cannot operate a program on hope and goodwill alone,” said the deputy director of National Head Start Association. buff.ly/YoE5Rug washingtonstatestandard.org #WAedu
Thousands of preschoolers could lose access to Head Start due to shutdown • Washington State Standard
WASHINGTON — Funding for scores of Head Start programs hung in the balance as the government shutdown continued Monday without an end in sight.
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October 30, 2025 at 12:07 AM
“Our programs are absolutely dedicated, hopeful and are working tirelessly to minimize that impact on children and families, but we cannot operate a program on hope and goodwill alone,” said the deputy director of National Head Start Association. buff.ly/YoE5Rug washingtonstatestandard.org #WAedu
In case you missed our LEVinar this week, where we spotlight effective practices from Washington high schools that are leading the way in helping students complete financial aid applications, you can watch it here. bit.ly/fafsa_strate... collegesuccessfoundation.org wsac.wa.gov summitps.org
October 27, 2025 at 6:26 PM
In case you missed our LEVinar this week, where we spotlight effective practices from Washington high schools that are leading the way in helping students complete financial aid applications, you can watch it here. bit.ly/fafsa_strate... collegesuccessfoundation.org wsac.wa.gov summitps.org
While the issues raised at the forum were wide-ranging, they underscored one central truth: education sits at the intersection of many systems, and meaningful change requires collaboration that crosses regional and institutional boundaries. buff.ly/2yZB9D7 sesecwa.org alliance4ed.org #WAedu
Centering Community Voices in Education: A forum that listened
The Seattle Education Forum gave families and students a chance to speak directly with candidates and share what matters most for public education. From housing to safety and mental health, their…
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October 25, 2025 at 6:39 PM
While the issues raised at the forum were wide-ranging, they underscored one central truth: education sits at the intersection of many systems, and meaningful change requires collaboration that crosses regional and institutional boundaries. buff.ly/2yZB9D7 sesecwa.org alliance4ed.org #WAedu
Every public school district in Washington is required to hold regular board meetings. These meetings are open to the public, often live streamed online, and typically include a chance for community members to offer public comment. buff.ly/uh5w9fr BlackLensNews.com naacpspokane.com #WAedu
Show up and speak out: What you’re entitled to and what to expect at school board meetings
While classrooms are where students spend most of our time, many of the decisions that shape our learning experience happen far from school hallways. Decisions form inside boardrooms, behind district…
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October 24, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Every public school district in Washington is required to hold regular board meetings. These meetings are open to the public, often live streamed online, and typically include a chance for community members to offer public comment. buff.ly/uh5w9fr BlackLensNews.com naacpspokane.com #WAedu
Join League of Education Voters free statewide webinar on Wednesday, 10/22 at 12:30 pm, spotlighting effective practices from Washington high schools that are leading the way in helping students complete financial aid applications. Register here: buff.ly/MLZzGUj
October 22, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Join League of Education Voters free statewide webinar on Wednesday, 10/22 at 12:30 pm, spotlighting effective practices from Washington high schools that are leading the way in helping students complete financial aid applications. Register here: buff.ly/MLZzGUj
The FAFSA, which the federal government uses to calculate how much financial aid to offer to students, opened in late September. The WASFA, for state aid, opened Oct. 1. Here’s what students and their families should know about both forms. buff.ly/GiG9MaX www.seattletimes.com wsac.wa.gov #WAedu
FAQ about FAFSA, WAFSA and financial aid for WA students
Completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA could mean significant financial help in paying for college, trade school and apprenticeships.
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October 20, 2025 at 6:55 PM
The FAFSA, which the federal government uses to calculate how much financial aid to offer to students, opened in late September. The WASFA, for state aid, opened Oct. 1. Here’s what students and their families should know about both forms. buff.ly/GiG9MaX www.seattletimes.com wsac.wa.gov #WAedu
For better achievement scores, our students don’t need equal treatment — they need fairer funding for their schools. This means making sure those who face the biggest hurdles get the support they need. buff.ly/4pAfY7Z seattletimes.com RaikesFoundation.org #WAedu
WA spends so much on schools. Where are the results? | Op-Ed
After the McCleary decision, the Washington Legislature increased K-12 funding but did so through a “one size fits all” model. But one size does not fit all.
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October 19, 2025 at 6:39 PM
For better achievement scores, our students don’t need equal treatment — they need fairer funding for their schools. This means making sure those who face the biggest hurdles get the support they need. buff.ly/4pAfY7Z seattletimes.com RaikesFoundation.org #WAedu
The FAFSA, which the federal government uses to calculate how much financial aid to offer to students, opened in late September. The WASFA, for state aid, opened Oct. 1. Here’s what students and their families should know about both forms. buff.ly/GiG9MaX www.seattletimes.com wsac.wa.gov #WAedu
FAQ about FAFSA, WAFSA and financial aid for WA students
Completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA could mean significant financial help in paying for college, trade school and apprenticeships.
buff.ly
October 18, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The FAFSA, which the federal government uses to calculate how much financial aid to offer to students, opened in late September. The WASFA, for state aid, opened Oct. 1. Here’s what students and their families should know about both forms. buff.ly/GiG9MaX www.seattletimes.com wsac.wa.gov #WAedu
The superintendent coalition's goal is to create a five-year vision — what they call "policy possibilities" — and engage in advocacy and awareness to reform the state's education funding model. buff.ly/3n1LXEA ysd7.org bsd405.org education.uw.edu yakimaherald.com #WAedu
October 15, 2025 at 6:04 PM
The superintendent coalition's goal is to create a five-year vision — what they call "policy possibilities" — and engage in advocacy and awareness to reform the state's education funding model. buff.ly/3n1LXEA ysd7.org bsd405.org education.uw.edu yakimaherald.com #WAedu
Join us on 10/15 for a student-led forum with Shoreline School Board candidates Lama Chikh and Emily Williams, where students will ask questions, share their priorities, and engage directly with district leaders. Hosted by educationvoters.org and @Shorelinepta.org. Register: bit.ly/ShorelineForum
October 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Join us on 10/15 for a student-led forum with Shoreline School Board candidates Lama Chikh and Emily Williams, where students will ask questions, share their priorities, and engage directly with district leaders. Hosted by educationvoters.org and @Shorelinepta.org. Register: bit.ly/ShorelineForum
First proposed in the 1970's, Indigenous Peoples' Day is typically observed on the second Monday of October, and recognizes the Indigenous communities that have lived in the Americas for thousands of years. buff.ly/QehAEWd NYTimes.com
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Explained
Many cities and states are observing the day. President Trump has declared himself a supporter of Columbus Day.
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October 13, 2025 at 5:38 PM
First proposed in the 1970's, Indigenous Peoples' Day is typically observed on the second Monday of October, and recognizes the Indigenous communities that have lived in the Americas for thousands of years. buff.ly/QehAEWd NYTimes.com
Join us on 10/15 for a student-led forum with Shoreline School Board candidates Lama Chikh and Emily Williams, where students will ask questions, share their priorities, and engage directly with district leaders. Hosted by educationvoters.org and @Shorelinepta.org. Register: bit.ly/ShorelineForum
October 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Join us on 10/15 for a student-led forum with Shoreline School Board candidates Lama Chikh and Emily Williams, where students will ask questions, share their priorities, and engage directly with district leaders. Hosted by educationvoters.org and @Shorelinepta.org. Register: bit.ly/ShorelineForum