Advocacy Update: Legislative Assembly Recap

WSPTA Legislative Assembly Recap
by Council Co-VP of Advocacy Holly M. 

​​Northshore PTAs sent 19 delegates from 11 local PTAs and 4 delegates from Council (Terra D., Rachel F., Anna J. and Holly M.) to the Washington State PTA's Legislative Assembly on October 21st and 22nd. The Legislative Assembly was held virtually this year. 

Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal, opened by sharing many of the challenges facing our schools this year and next, especially budget shortfalls. We also heard from OSPI and superintendents across the state how challenging it is to get school buildings funded, built, and updated with the latest safety features. And of course, we added and updated the WSPTA platform for legislative issues and resolutions on topics including:

• Multi and Heritage Language Education for All,
• Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide,
• A Diverse and Effective Education Workforce,
• High-Quality Preschool to Third-Grade Early Learning,  
• K-12 Education Funding, Preventing Traumatic Brain Injuries,
• Social Emotional Learning and Student Success, and
• Substance Use Disorder Education and Prevention.

Soon PTA Advocates will be meeting with their legislative representatives to encourage them to pass legislation in support of the PTAs priorities. If you want to learn more or are interested in joining us, please email us at [email protected] to connect.

Updated 2023 - 2024 Legislative Priorities 
October 2023

click image to download pdf

Important Advocacy Dates: 

New or Amended Resolutions for Consideration Deadline:
The deadline to submit new or amended resolutions for consideration at the business meeting held in May during convention is noon on November 15, 2023. Find more information and the submission form on the WSPTA Resolutions webpage. 

Upcoming Advocacy Dates: 
December 13, 2023  Legislative Session Preview – Legislator Panel 
January 3, 2024  What to Expect in the 2024 Legislative Session – Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant
January 15, 2024 Focus Day in Olympia (kids welcome!)
January 15 – 19, 2024 Advocacy Week (virtual) 
Please note Focus on Advocacy is happening a month earlier this year. Visit WSPTA Focus on Advocacy page for more information and an advocacy toolkit.  

​​More on Advocacy: 

• Council's Advocacy Page
• Questions? Contact Council Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow