On MLK Day, the Northshore Council PTSA Advocacy team visited Olympia with local PTA members, students, and district leaders to urge legislators to keep K–12 funding a priority this session. We met with Senator Lovick, Representative Berg, and Representative Donaghy from the 44th District, Senator Stanford, Representative Kloba, and Representative Duerr from the 1st LD, and Senator Dhingra’s legislative aide, as well as Representative Springer and Representative Goodman from the 45th LD. We spoke up about how NSD’s budget cuts over the last 3 years have left our students in overcrowded classrooms with loss of preferred classes, electives, and enrichment. We asked them to remember our Kids are an Investment- Not an Expense! If you would like to sign up for action alerts, visit https://actionnetwork.org/forms/subscribe-to-wsptas-action-network-group If you would like to learn more about Council's Advocacy work or how you can get involved, visit our Advocacy page. Council would also like to recognize the PTA Advocates who took time out to participate on focus day:
 Are you concerned about the larger class sizes, lack of student and special education support, cuts to activity bus, sports, music programs or other shortfalls caused by lack of state funding for education? Now is the time to advocate! There are several important opportunities to stay informed and engaged before the 2026 Washington State’s Legislative session begins. In preparation for Focus Day, WSPTA will host Legislative Preview Zoom Calls on Dec. 10, 2025 and Jan. 8, 2026. We encourage you to attend the School Funding Crisis Town Hall in Bellevue on Jan. 7, 2026 to amplify our voices and hear from our legislators. By attending WSTPA Focus Day in Olympia on Jan. 19, 2026 you can voice your concerns directly with your legislators. They appreciate hearing first hand from students and their constituents. The number of advocates matter to our legislators, so please be sure to sign up with Northshore Council PTSA to attend Focus Day, as we are coordinating meetings with legislators in the 1st, 45th, and 44th districts. We hope to see you at these events! If you are unable to attend Focus Day, but would like Northshore Council to share your concerns about the impact of budget cuts or other advocacy topics with our legislators, please Click here to share your advocacy story PTAs please share this widely in your school and newsletters. Thank you for all you do to advocate for our kids and ensure their voices are heard. 📅 FOCUS DAY – January 19, 2026 Join Northshore advocates in Olympia for WSPTA’s Focus Day and “Go to Bat for Kids”. This is a powerful opportunity to meet with our legislators, share our priorities, and advocate for closing funding gaps in public education. All WSPTA members are welcome. Bring your kids/teens to join in the fun! STEP 1: Click here to SIGN UP to attend FOCUS DAY with Northshore PTAS Carpool opportunities are available. STEP 2: Register with WSPTA for Focus Day today! The event is free. Sign up for a Capitol tour (limited space available). Date/Time: Mon. Jan. 19, 2026 Location: Olympia  LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW ZOOM CALLS 📅 Legislative Preview – December 10, 2025 (Educational Zoom call) Join Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan and leaders of the Washington State legislature for a discussion about priorities during the 2026 legislative session. Date/Time: Wed. Dec. 10, 2025 7:00–8:30 PM Location: Zoom – Sign up to attend the session. 📅 “What to Expect” Legislative Session – January 8, 2026 (Educational Zoom call) Join WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan for an overview of what to expect in the 2026 legislative session, including post-election changes in the legislature, known session protocols, and how to best engage with the 2026 legislature during this short session. Date/Time: Thurs. Jan. 8, 2026 7:00–8:00 PM Location: Zoom – Sign up to attend the session. Help take action during the 2026 legislative session: Subscribe to WSPTA's Action Network Group  📅 SCHOOL FUNDING CRISIS: Town Hall - January 7, 2026 Washington State continues to fall short of fully funding K–12 education, and our students feel the impact every day. The School Funding Crisis Regional Town Hall on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 brings families, educators, and community members together from 10 school districts. With student testimonies of funding gaps, expert insights, and a legislative panel, this event amplifies our collective commitment to accelerating progress for Washington’s public schools. When we show up as a community, we strengthen our schools and our future. Date/Time: Wed. Jan. 7, 2026 7:00–9:00 PM Location: Newport High School Gym, 4333 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006 📝 Pre-submit your questions to Legislators for the Q&A panel. February 2026 Election – NSD Funding Measures Northshore School District will run three funding measures. District staff are prepared to present details to PTAs, HOAs, Faith Communities, Senior Centers, Rotaries, and more.
At the Monday, February 10, 2025, NSD School Board Meeting, the following statement was given to the school board members during association comments:
The Northshore Council PTSA Board was sorry to hear that Superintendent Tolley will be retiring at the end of this school year. We would like to thank Mr. Tolley for his service and leadership in the Northshore School District. As the superintendent plays a crucial role in shaping our school district's educational environment and future, we are happy to hear that the school board will be hiring a search firm to aid in the superintendent search. We thank the school board directors for your commitment to casting a wide net to find the best candidate to lead our school district. We look forward to being given the opportunity once again to provide input on desired candidate traits and feedback on the candidate search, as we did two years ago. The Northshore Council PTSA Board of Directors thanks you for your time and consideration.
Over the weekend of October 26th and 27th, PTA member delegates from all over Washington convened on Seattle Pacific University to attend Washington State PTA's Legislative Assembly. These delegates included representation from many Northshore PTAs and Council! Delegates attended panels dedicated to learning more about the school budget crisis in Washington, hearing from school board directors and school superintendents. Delegates also discussed, debated, and voted on new issues and resolutions, including the adoption of WSPTA’s 2024-2026 Legislative Platform and Top Five Issues. At the close of the 2024 WSPTA Legislative Assembly, WSPTA President Angela Steck announced the results of voting for the 2024-2026 Top 5 legislative priorities.  The remaining issues, "Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change" and "Increasing Educational Equity by Closing the Digital Divide" will be added to the "Also Supported" list of our short-term legislative priorities. Soon PTA Advocates will be meeting with their legislative representatives to encourage them to pass legislation in support of the PTAs priorities. Important Advocacy Dates: Submit a New or Amended Resolution for Consideration at May 2025 WSPTA Annual Meeting Deadline: November 1 – Draft submissions (titles and concept) should be emailed to the WSPTA Resolutions Chair at [email protected] November 15 – Final, complete submissions should be emailed to the WSPTA Resolutions Chair at [email protected] Learn more about submitting a resolution HERE. Upcoming WSPTA Advocacy Events: December 17, 2024 - What to Expect in the 2025 Legislative Session – Hosted by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant | 7pm | Online January 8, 2025 - 2025 Legislative Session Preview: Legislator Panel – Hosted by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant | 7pm | Online February 17, 2025 - Focus Day in Olympia (kids welcome!) February 10 – 14, 2025 - Advocacy Week If you want to learn more, visit Council's Advocacy Page.
If you have questions, reach out at any time to Council's Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow.
Northshore Council PTSA is building an Advocacy Coalition!
This isn't your average meeting; this is where passion meets purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting to feel that fire for education reform, it will be a chance to share the areas you care about most and turn your ideas into action. We're here to discuss real, impactful ways to advocate for better education funding and policies that work for ALL students in Washington -- starting right here in Northshore! Bring your voice, your curiosity, and your drive to create lasting change. Let’s come together, share perspectives, and build pathways to equity and success for all. We promise there’s no experience required, just a desire to make a difference. Ready to rise up for change? We’re all ears! Join us from the comfort of your home, PJs optional but enthusiasm encouraged! Let’s revolutionize education together, one conversation at a time. Register Now! Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 8pm on Zoom! 2024 Meetings
2025 Meetings
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Co-VPs of Advocacy, Holly Muenchow and Terra Droney. WSPTA urges our over 84,000 members to vote no on I-2109 and I-2117.
Further information can be found on the WSPTA blog:
WSPTA Advocacy Roundtable: No on Initiatives 2109 & 2117 WSPTA will be hosting an Advocacy Roundtable dedicated to voting no on initiatives 2109 & 2117 online on Tuesday, October 8th from 7pm-8pm online. Join the roundtable to ask questions and/or learn more about how your PTA can take a position! Register here to participate! The Fight to Fund our Public Schools: A Community Discussion on I-2109 There is also an opportunity to gather for a Community Discussion specifically regarding I-2109 hosted by Friends of Davina Duerr and Shelley Kloba. This discussion is open to all community members to ask questions, voice their concerns and learn more about what's at stake. The event will be held in-person at North Creek High School on Tuesday, October 15th from 6:30pm - 8pm. Register here. Education Funding Crisis Town Hall This town hall is a kickoff to conversations with our legislators about the devastating impacts of the lack of funding on our districts, schools, and students. This is a joint effort between the educators and leaders of Edmonds, Northshore, and Shoreline school districts. Legislators from the 1st, 21st, 32nd, 44th and 45th legislative districts have been invited. There will be a chance to hear about the impacts of underfunding, as well as engage in conversation about it. The event will be held in-person at Edmonds-Woodway High School on Wednesday, October 23rd from 6:00 - 7:30pm. Register here. 
Summer Advocacy Meetup Tuesday, August 20, 2024 @ 4 PM Bothell Landing Park Open to the Community! We invite you to join us at our summer advocacy meetup. Together we can make a difference. Email Co-VPs of Advocacy for questions or more information. The journey over the past year, marked by tireless advocacy and leadership within PTA, the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the nation, has been remarkable. Together, the Northshore community has worked diligently to ensure the well-being and education of all children. Challenges and Triumphs The road to advocacy is rarely smooth, and this year was no exception. One of the most significant challenges faced was the need for increased school funding in Washington state. Despite this obstacle, the community's focus on progress led to notable achievements through advocacy partnerships. Among these were the retention of the 7-period day in Northshore high schools, increased pay and support for paraeducators, enhanced access to mental health resources, and a reduction in the special education funding gap. Additionally, the passage of laws aimed at reducing gun violence and suicide, along with other policies, contributed to the education and well-being of all children.  Focus Day 2024 Key Advocacy Milestones Throughout the year, Northshore PTA advocates made significant strides on their road to advocacy. Key events included:
Looking Ahead Reflecting on the advocacy journey, it is clear that the work is far from over. The road to advocacy is long, but with the continued support and efforts of the community, further progress can be made. The focus remains on increasing state funding to reduce budget shortfalls and avoid future cuts, ensuring that Washington state fulfills its paramount duty: education. Gratitude and admiration extend to everyone for their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to ensuring excellent education for all children in local schools and beyond. As the journey continues, the Northshore community stands united in its advocacy, ready to navigate and overcome any challenges that lie ahead. Take Action!
Attend Council's Summer Advocacy Meetup
Write Your Legislators
Attend a School Board Meeting
Be a PTA Advocate!
Together We Can Make a Difference! Open to the Community! We invite you to join us at one or all of our advocacy meetups. Our meetups will address the challenges presented by the budget cuts in education and finding ways to overcome them. Let's explore how effective advocacy can make a difference and keep education a priority, no matter the financial constraints. It's all about taking action and standing up for what's important, even when times get tough. See you there!
Questions?
Email Council's Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney and Holly Muenchow at [email protected].  On January 16, 2024, Northshore Council PTSA held a virtual General Membership Meeting. We would like to say thank you to all of the local leaders from across the Northshore School District, as well as community and school partners for taking the time to join us! Continue reading below for a recap of the meeting. Announcements
After the meeting was adjourned, membership was invited to join Co-VP's of Advocacy Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow to discuss how to continue the advocating momentum after Focus Day. We hope to see you at our next March 18, 2024 at 7PM via Zoom. Register for Zoom meeting link. |
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Northshore Council PTSA is a welcoming organization that works to support our Local PTAs and serve the children and youth of our community through advocacy, collaboration, education, engagement, leadership, and mentorship.