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:
Updated 2023 - 2024 Legislative Priorities
October 2023
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:
Registration is NOW OPEN for WSPTA's 45th Annual Legislative Assembly! WSPTA Legislative Assembly 2023 Saturday, October 21 & Sunday, October 22 Registration Open Until October 5 at 12 noon. Virtual Event
Registration:
Important Dates and Deadlines:
Voting Delegates: During the 45th annual Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly, delegates will decide the public policy positions that guide state and local advocacy work for WSPTA and its associated local PTAs and councils. To learn more about being a voting delegate, visit WSPTA's Legislative Assembly Delegate Information page and the 2023 Voting Information page that has been created to help delegates prepare for the caucusing and general sessions. About Legislative Assembly: The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. On the even-numbered years, the new platform is voted on by members at the legislative assembly in the fall. The top five issues become our short-term platform and consist of our priority issues when advocating throughout the year. Other issues are placed on an “also supported” list. Learn about WSPTA's current legislative priorities and other supported issues by clicking here. It will be an incredible weekend of advocacy, education, and networking including informative guest presenters, workshops, panels, trainings, and of course, the important work of debating and voting on additions and updates to our legislative platform. This is an amazing opportunity to connect with PTA members and advocates statewide. Check out the Legislative Assembly web page to learn more about this year's event. More on Advocacy:
October may seem far away, but now is the time to begin to identify your PTA's voting delegates for this year's WSPTA Legislative Assembly so they will be able to register when registration opens. Legislative Assembly will be held remotely through the Whova App on October 21 and October 22, 2023. Registration will open soon!
About Legislative Assembly: The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. On the even-numbered years, the new platform is voted on by members at the legislative assembly in the fall. The top five issues become our short-term platform and consist of our priority issues when advocating throughout the year. Other issues are placed on an “also supported” list. Learn about WSPTA's current legislative priorities and other supported issues. More on Advocacy:
 "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." - Helen Keller In May 2023, over a dozen Northshore parents and community members voted to form a new organization and to apply for PTA affiliation. Washington State PTA has approved their application and the Steering Committee is working over the summer to get the organizational needs in place and ready for their Charter Meeting. The new, district-wide organization will be known as the Northshore Special Education Community PTSA, or NSEC PTSA. Their purpose is to enrich the lives of students with disabilities in NSD by providing Special Education focused resources and supports for our community, including students, families, teachers, and specialists. Be a Charter Member! The opportunity to join the NSEC PTSA as a Charter Member opened on August 10th, 2023, and will close on September 21st, the date of their Charter Meeting. They need a minimum of 25 Charter Members to create the new PTSA. Join as a charter member today! Save the Date: NSEC PTSA Charter Meeting will be held on September 21, 2023 at 7pm, when they will vote in the first leadership team. Questions? Want to know how to get involved? Watch for upcoming posts on Facebook or email nsecptsacharter@gmail.com.  Northshore Council PTSA invites you to attend the School Board Candidates Meet & Greet.
Enjoy coffee and baked treats while getting to know the Northshore School Board candidates in a casual setting at the park. There is no formal Q&A at this event. All four candidates who filed to run for Northshore School Board have been invited to attend by Northshore Council PTSA.
Questions? Email advocacy@northshorecouncilptsa.org Primary elections will be held on Tuesday, August 1st. Voter registration information available. Register to vote or update your registration information today! Disclaimer: Northshore Council PTSA does not support or oppose any candidate (appointed or elected) for public office. This event is to assist the community in making an informed judgment in the election of its school board. School Board Candidates
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Director District No. 2 Candidate
☐ Elisabeth Sotak Candidate is unopposed and will not appear on Primary Ballot in August, but will appear on the November ballot. |
Northshore Director District Map
Board members represent the district at large although they must reside in specific geographical areas of the district. Voters within the Northshore School District boundaries are able to vote for all school board director positions.
Board members represent the district at large although they must reside in specific geographical areas of the district. Voters within the Northshore School District boundaries are able to vote for all school board director positions.
Sample of August 01, 2023 Primary Ballot
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 Wednesday, April 26, 2023 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM via Zoom Register in Advance | Northshore Council PTSA invites you to join us in viewing RARE's 30-minute film about race & equity in Seattle schools. Learn how we can do better in this documentary about race and education, based on the experiences of Roosevelt High School yesterday and today. Join us for a panel discussion, Wednesday, April 26th, on race and equity in the Northshore community which will feature student voices from around the district.  Click to Register |
Free and Open to All Community Members.
Below are flyers to download, print, and share with your community.
Grayscale -
Click to Download, Print, and Share
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Color - Click to Download, Print, and Share
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Questions? Contact Council's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair, Cherry Holmes at dei@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
Northshore Council PTSA, as part of its advocacy efforts, Northshore Council PTSA holds candidate forums ahead of upcoming elections, including school board elections. This year, we are beginning our advocacy work earlier by providing information about the role of school board directors to the community so that potential candidates can be informed ahead of filing deadlines.
Northshore Council PTSA, as part of its advocacy efforts, Northshore Council PTSA holds candidate forums ahead of upcoming elections, including school board elections. This year, we are beginning our advocacy work earlier by providing information about the role of school board directors to the community so that potential candidates can be informed ahead of filing deadlines.
What is a school board?
Each public school district is governed by a board of citizens who are elected to serve as school board directors. School board directors work together to oversee the school district. As a board, their primary responsibilities are:
Each public school district is governed by a board of citizens who are elected to serve as school board directors. School board directors work together to oversee the school district. As a board, their primary responsibilities are:
- Hire, supervise and evaluate the superintendent
- Set the vision, mission and strategic goals for the district
- Review, revise and adopt policies
- Establish and oversee the budget
- Serve as community representatives
- Monitor the district’s progress towards its goals
How do you run for school board?
The WA Secretary of State’s website provides guidance and resources to guide you through the process of determining what positions are up for election, whether you are eligible to run for office, and how to navigate the process.
In Northshore, we have 5 school board directors, each serving a term of four years. Board members represent the district at large although they must reside in specific geographical areas of the district. Check out this map to see which director district area you live in.
In November 2021, voters elected School Board Directors for seats 1, 4, and 5 with terms ending in 2025. This November, School Board Directors seats 2 and 3 will be up for election for terms ending in 2027.
The WA Secretary of State’s website provides guidance and resources to guide you through the process of determining what positions are up for election, whether you are eligible to run for office, and how to navigate the process.
In Northshore, we have 5 school board directors, each serving a term of four years. Board members represent the district at large although they must reside in specific geographical areas of the district. Check out this map to see which director district area you live in.
In November 2021, voters elected School Board Directors for seats 1, 4, and 5 with terms ending in 2025. This November, School Board Directors seats 2 and 3 will be up for election for terms ending in 2027.
For election and candidate filing information, check out these additional resources:
- Election Dates/Deadlines: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/Dates-and-Deadlines.aspx
- Running for office (King County): https://kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/for-candidates.aspx
- Running for office (Snohomish County): https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/5729/Run-for-Office
What is it like to be a school board director in Northshore?
While there is a lot of general information available on the role of school board directors, we wanted to hear from our current school board. Here are some of the questions we asked them and how they answered. Note: The answers below have been summarized and anonymized from the current board’s responses to a poll and is not meant to promote any specific candidate. Northshore Council PTSA’s goal is to provide the community with general information about the role of a school board director.
Highlight over each question and click to expand to read the answers.
While there is a lot of general information available on the role of school board directors, we wanted to hear from our current school board. Here are some of the questions we asked them and how they answered. Note: The answers below have been summarized and anonymized from the current board’s responses to a poll and is not meant to promote any specific candidate. Northshore Council PTSA’s goal is to provide the community with general information about the role of a school board director.
Highlight over each question and click to expand to read the answers.
Question: On average, how many hours per week do you spend on school board business?
Answers: It depends on the week, but in general, between 10-20 hours. Those hours will often be split between different duties, such as community engagements, reading materials/meeting preparation, study sessions, and meetings.
Question: Is it possible to hold a full-time job and also serve on the school board?
Answers: Yes, but flexibility is the key. The board will do their best to work around work schedules as much as possible, and most required meetings will be 4pm or later. However, know that if you have a traditional 9-5 job there may be times you won’t be able to be there, so it helps to have a supportive boss.
Question: How much travel outside of the district is required for someone to serve as a NSD School Board Director?
Answers: There is none required, however, there are a few travel related opportunities throughout the year. One being the Annual WSSDA Conference which is held every year and rotates between Bellevue and Spokane. While not mandatory, this is an important event to attend, especially for anyone new to the role of school board director, as it provides training, professional development, and an opportunity for team building. Other opportunities that could require travel include regional board meetings and travel to our state capitol in Olympia for advocacy, however some of these things may be offered virtually as well throughout the year.
Question: What previous experience does someone need in order to run for a School Board Director seat?
Answers: There is no required previous experience. However, its beneficial if school board directors have a basic understanding of Northshore schools and programs as well as an understanding of what it’s like working in teams with long-term goals. It could be also useful to have a background in some aspect relevant to running a district, whether education, finance, program/management, legal, etc. Additionally, having experience in Northshore schools, such as being involved in their local PTA or volunteering in the classroom, is helpful because it allows for a perspective beyond just their own child.
Question: What skills do you think it takes to be an effective School Board Director?
Answers: There are many skills our current school board sees as beneficial to the role, including:
- Willingness to commit to the work and investing the time it takes to do it.
- A passion for students and public education
- Open mindedness; willing to listen, learn, and take input before drawing conclusions
- Empathy
- Trust that everyone is coming at this from a place of doing what is best for students
- Ability to work well with others
- Effective communicator
- Willingness to learn and get familiar with a wide array of educational concepts, academic research, programs, and financial and budgeting processes
- Able to analyze data; time and patience to process large amounts of data and diverse concepts
- Ability to take criticism with grace and respect
Question: What do you enjoy the most about being a NSD School Board Director?
Answers: Here are just a few of the things our current school board find most rewarding:
- Making a positive difference in the lives of children who are our future.
- Getting to serve the amazing students, parents, and staff in the Northshore community!
- Being involved with a team of very smart and caring people - board members and staff.
- Being able to improve the educational experience for students and staff.
- Working with all the great people who invest countless hours into public education in our community, interacting with our brilliant students, and the satisfaction of seeing something improve - no matter how small - and know that I have been able to make a difference in the life of a child that I might never meet.
Question: What has been the most difficult part about being a NSD School Board Director?
Answers: School board directors shared that it’s not always easy to do this work and it can be stressful. it’s not always easy to do this work and it can be stressful. Being in the public spotlight you often have to deal with animosity and personal attacks. Northshore is a large district, and not everyone gets along or agrees with the decisions you will make. The time commitment to properly prepare for meetings can be challenging and it can be hard to balance the duties of school board director, personal life, and other commitments.
Question: What one piece of advice would you give someone who is considering running for a NSD School Board Director seat?
Answers:
“Do it. It will be the most important contribution you can make to the people in your community.”
“It is a bigger time commitment than it appears but completely worth it. Being able to admit that you don't have the answers actually makes you a better board member than believing you have all the solutions.”
“Learn all you can about the role and responsibilities, have a plan to manage the time commitment, and plan your favorite stress management regimen (you might not need it all the time, but there will be a time when you will need it).”
“Standing for election is a very different thing from serving as a Director. This community is amazing and committed to our students and they will recognize and support a candidate who shows that commitment. Focus on the good you hope to do, if only just to serve the community, education and our students. Make it a conversation. Be willing to listen but also willing to turn the topic back to students.”
“To be aware that the Board is not a legislative body or executive agency that runs the daily activities of the district or makes decision on how things are run. It does not make employment, classroom, or school building administrative decisions. That is the job of the Superintendent, the Board's only employee. The Board is similar to the Board of Directors of a company. It provides oversight, advice, and sets goals, values, and aspirations based upon community and educator input.”
“Do it. It will be the most important contribution you can make to the people in your community.”
“It is a bigger time commitment than it appears but completely worth it. Being able to admit that you don't have the answers actually makes you a better board member than believing you have all the solutions.”
“Learn all you can about the role and responsibilities, have a plan to manage the time commitment, and plan your favorite stress management regimen (you might not need it all the time, but there will be a time when you will need it).”
“Standing for election is a very different thing from serving as a Director. This community is amazing and committed to our students and they will recognize and support a candidate who shows that commitment. Focus on the good you hope to do, if only just to serve the community, education and our students. Make it a conversation. Be willing to listen but also willing to turn the topic back to students.”
“To be aware that the Board is not a legislative body or executive agency that runs the daily activities of the district or makes decision on how things are run. It does not make employment, classroom, or school building administrative decisions. That is the job of the Superintendent, the Board's only employee. The Board is similar to the Board of Directors of a company. It provides oversight, advice, and sets goals, values, and aspirations based upon community and educator input.”
Question: Is there anything else we didn't ask about that you feel someone who is considering running for a NSD School Board Director seat should know?
Answers: Overall, our current board emphasized how this is the most rewarding work they have ever done. Serving as school board director will expand your understanding of how a complex organization functions and empowers you to be a part of making education better for students and staff. However, it’s important to note that being on the school board can make it harder to be an advocate for your own child or to express concerns about a teacher or other student when you are in the public eye than when you are not on the board.
Most importantly, our school board wants to thank those who are considering running for a school board seat; for taking the time from work and family to serve our community's children.
Most importantly, our school board wants to thank those who are considering running for a school board seat; for taking the time from work and family to serve our community's children.
Thank you to the current school board directors who took the time to answer our questions.
We hope you have found this information to be both helpful and insightful to anyone considering running for a school board seat. Please make sure to share this article with your school community.
If you want to learn more about running for school board or how to get involved in advocacy, check out the additional resources below or email Northshore Council PTSA VP of Advocacy at advocacy@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
If you want to learn more about running for school board or how to get involved in advocacy, check out the additional resources below or email Northshore Council PTSA VP of Advocacy at advocacy@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
 | Additional Resources Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) website: https://wssda.org/leadership-development/board-development/becoming-a-school-director/ Northshore School District School Board website (including emails): https://www.nsd.org/our-district/leadership/school-board Register to Vote: https://vote.gov/register/wa/ Northshore Council PTSA’s Advocacy page: http://www.northshorecouncilptsa.org/advocacy.html |
Elementary Art 4 Northshore
A group of parents, educators, and visual artists began an awareness and action effort to secure consistent and frequent visual art instruction from certified art educators for K-5 students in Northshore School District. Schools across the country and in Washington state already offer this instruction. Visual Art is important: the benefits on both well-being (mental health, social-emotional learning, reducing stress) and on future positive outcomes (higher engagement, success in school and life, creative future, and the global economy) are well documented.
The catalyst for this effort was the passing of SB 5878, March, 2022. This bill requires visual arts and performing arts in Washington State's education systems, especially in elementary schools. Visual arts taught by certified art teachers in elementary schools was eliminated in 1967. A volunteer Art Docent program has filled this gap. With certified visual art educators providing a consistent and frequent foundation, the Art Docents will be able to further enhance the artistic experience of all students.
This group has met with NSD district leaders, community groups, and individuals about this cause. A Statement of Support was developed and is available for individuals to endorse and find further ways to engage in this effort. The creation of a Facebook Page allows people to be informed and connected. The group has also led a letter writing campaign, invited individuals to speak at school board meetings, presented at multiple elementary school PTA meetings, and attended legislative and district meetings.
A group of parents, educators, and visual artists began an awareness and action effort to secure consistent and frequent visual art instruction from certified art educators for K-5 students in Northshore School District. Schools across the country and in Washington state already offer this instruction. Visual Art is important: the benefits on both well-being (mental health, social-emotional learning, reducing stress) and on future positive outcomes (higher engagement, success in school and life, creative future, and the global economy) are well documented.
The catalyst for this effort was the passing of SB 5878, March, 2022. This bill requires visual arts and performing arts in Washington State's education systems, especially in elementary schools. Visual arts taught by certified art teachers in elementary schools was eliminated in 1967. A volunteer Art Docent program has filled this gap. With certified visual art educators providing a consistent and frequent foundation, the Art Docents will be able to further enhance the artistic experience of all students.
This group has met with NSD district leaders, community groups, and individuals about this cause. A Statement of Support was developed and is available for individuals to endorse and find further ways to engage in this effort. The creation of a Facebook Page allows people to be informed and connected. The group has also led a letter writing campaign, invited individuals to speak at school board meetings, presented at multiple elementary school PTA meetings, and attended legislative and district meetings.
| How to Get Involved: The best way to get involved is to sign the Statement of Support, join the Facebook Page Elementary Art 4 Northshore: Support the Implementation of Senate Bill 5878, and help raise awareness about this important issue. By taking these steps, you will know what actions are being planned and have the opportunity to help develop and implement new strategies to ensure consistent and frequent visual art access for all elementary students in Northshore. |  |
Related Links:
Facebook Page: Elementary Art 4 Northshore: Support the Implementation of Senate Bill 5878
Statement of Support: https://forms.gle/kLv7f1y2mdj1zHRC7
Senate Bill 5878: SB 5878, March, 2022
Facebook Page: Elementary Art 4 Northshore: Support the Implementation of Senate Bill 5878
Statement of Support: https://forms.gle/kLv7f1y2mdj1zHRC7
Senate Bill 5878: SB 5878, March, 2022
Do you have an advocacy effort you would like highlighted in our blog?
Email Council's VP of Advocacy, Jennifer Drury.
Email Council's VP of Advocacy, Jennifer Drury.
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Northshore PTA members and students in Olympia at Focus on Advocacy Day.Â
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On Presidents Day, about 25 Northshore PTA parents and students travelled to Olympia and met in person with three lawmakers that represent our district, Representatives Berg, Donaghy, and Kloba. Joining them was Interim Superintendent Mike Tolley and School Board Director Sandy Hayes.
Leading up to and during Focus Day, members of Northshore PTSA Council met with all nine Senators and Representatives that cover the large territory of Northshore School District. These advocates shared the Top Washington State PTA Legislative Priorities including Special Education Funding, Addressing Student Mental Health, Gun Safety and Suicide Prevention, School Safety, and Addressing Critical Gaps in Funding. Specifically, students and their families shared how educational policies and gaps in funding directly impact them. They also advocated for specific laws like raising the cap on Special Education Funding and Universal Highly Capable Screening. Here is a complete description of Washington State PTA's Platform.
Leading up to and during Focus Day, members of Northshore PTSA Council met with all nine Senators and Representatives that cover the large territory of Northshore School District. These advocates shared the Top Washington State PTA Legislative Priorities including Special Education Funding, Addressing Student Mental Health, Gun Safety and Suicide Prevention, School Safety, and Addressing Critical Gaps in Funding. Specifically, students and their families shared how educational policies and gaps in funding directly impact them. They also advocated for specific laws like raising the cap on Special Education Funding and Universal Highly Capable Screening. Here is a complete description of Washington State PTA's Platform.
Northshore advocates meeting with Representative Berg.
Northshore advocates meeting with Representative Donaghy.
Northshore advocates meeting with Representative Kloba.
More on Advocacy:
- Council's blog post WSPTA Adopts Legislative Priorities for 2022-2024
- Council's Advocacy Page
- Questions? Contact Council's VP of Advocacy, Jennifer Drury
Council's VP of Advocacy, Jennifer Drury is scheduling virtual appointments with our legislators leading up to Focus Week. Please indicate your interest in participating in any or all of these activities by completing this short survey by February 5, 2023.
Focus on Advocacy Week is scheduled for February 6 - 10, 2023. During this week, members can participate in daily calls to actions. Subscribe to WSPTA Action Network.
Focus Day will be Monday, February 20, 2023 (Presidents Day), in Olympia and members are encouraged to meet with their legislators about our 2023-2024 Legislative Priorities. Washington State PTA is planning speakers and tours.
2023 Legislative Panel Preview
Key leaders of the Washington State Legislature provided a preview of priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session. You can watch the 2023 Legislative Panel Preview on WSPTA's YouTube page.
Focus on Advocacy Week is scheduled for February 6 - 10, 2023. During this week, members can participate in daily calls to actions. Subscribe to WSPTA Action Network.
Focus Day will be Monday, February 20, 2023 (Presidents Day), in Olympia and members are encouraged to meet with their legislators about our 2023-2024 Legislative Priorities. Washington State PTA is planning speakers and tours.
2023 Legislative Panel Preview
Key leaders of the Washington State Legislature provided a preview of priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session. You can watch the 2023 Legislative Panel Preview on WSPTA's YouTube page.
Focus on Advocacy - Q&A "Office Hours" is being offered by WSPTA. This is an open opportunity to have your questions answered by experienced WSPTA Advocates and learn how to best hold effective meetings with legislators. There is no formal program, please just come by and let us help you. Register to receive meeting link.
Would you like to discuss more on how your PTA can participate this year? Please contact Northshore Council's VP of Advocacy, Jennifer Drury.
More on Advocacy:
More on Advocacy:
- Previous Advocacy Blog: January 2023 PTA Advocacy News
- Council's blog post WSPTA Adopts Legislative Priorities for 2022-2024
- Council's Advocacy Page
- Questions? Contact Council's VP of Advocacy, Jennifer Drury
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