Latest News and Comment from Education

Thursday, October 18, 2012

UPDATE: Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board - NO on 1240

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board - NO on 1240:



On-Line Debate on 1240 Today at Noon

The Seattle Times is having a live chat at noon today, Thursday, Oct. 17th, with Professor Wayne Au, from UW Bothell, opposing I-1240 and Shannon Campion, from some organization supporting 1240.

About Professor Au:

He is an assistant professor in the education program at the University of Washington, Bothell. He is an editor for the progressive education magazine, Rethinking Schools. He is the author of numerous books, chapters, and articles, and his research focuses on issues of equality and justice in education.

Our moderators are Times reporter Linda Shaw and myself. Feel free to send questions in advance tolshaw@seattletimes.com or jbalter@seattletimes.com. 

Get those questions in!


Seattle School Board - NO on 1240

I couldn't stay but it was on Twitter; the Board said No to 1240.

It was a unanimous vote.  Details to come (but if you have input, let us know).  They are the school board for the largest district in the state.  Combine that with Superintendent Banda's no, it's a pretty effective one-two punch.

Others saying No to 1240:
Sally Clark
Both Leg candidates from the 46th: Gerry Pollett  and Sylvester Cann


Support for NO on 1240 Rising

Stats from the latest KCTS-9 Washington Poll (via The Stranger Slog):


Initiative 1240 – Charter Schools
Yes 47.5%
No 39.2%
Undecided 13.3%

That is a slight drop for Yes, a slight rise for No and a LOT of undecideds (which is pretty much what I see out there on the campaign trail).  There's a lot of pondering to be done between now and Election Day but I think Elway polling may be right - initiative support tends to drop as you get closer to it.

Other initiatives:

Referendum 74 – Marriage Equality
Yes 56.3%
No 35.6%
Undecided 6.1%

Initiative 502 – Legalizing and Regulating Marijuana
Yes 50.9%
No 40.8%
Undecided 8.3%

Initiative 1185 – 2/3 Majority to Raise Taxes
Yes 53.6%
No 31.2%
Undecided 15.2%

From STEM to Arbor Heights

We have been asked to relay this message:
Dear Arbor Heights Community,
I wanted to thank you for giving the STEM community the opportunity to speak at the Oct 17th School Board Meeting. The fact that you so gracefully ceded your spot to another parent so we could speak to the board speaks volumes about the amazing people you are. We were so disappointed to only have spots on the wait list, so this was truly a gift you gave our community.
We are so hopeful that your communities zealous advocacy on behalf of your children and families will pay off.
With hope, respect, and big props,
Robin Graham
Co-President K-5 STEM