Sunday, May 22, 2016

WTF: Washington State PTA to Members: Not Qualified to Talk about Money for Education

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Washington State PTA to Members: Not Qualified to Talk about Money for Education:
Washington State PTA to Members: Not Qualified to Talk about Money for Education


There was a speech that was delivered by Duncan Taylor, the interim Legislative Director, at this weekend's PTSA convention in Yakima.  I heard about it from several PTA people who told me they were quite surprised at what he said.  He skipped going over what happened at the last legislative session in Olympia which is surprising. 

So the lessons learned from this past legislative session were not so important to talk about for Mr. Duncan. Unfortunately, there was one key thing that it would behoove all ed groups to understand - bring the kids.  It certainly was the tipping point for some Democratic legislators for charter law legislation. 

What did he say?

Basically, Mr. Duncan is saying PTSA shouldn't advocate for money for public education for two reasons.

One, all those numbers are too big and complex for parents to understand.

Two, it's not their mission as a group.

 He said that for the last 30 years that the issue of full-funding for public ed has been on their list and why was that?

I'll bite; that education keeps costing more money because of mandates from the state and the need for more student supports? Let's look at the PTA website;here's their mission statement:

Our Mission:
PTA is 

  • a powerful voice for children,
  • a relevant resource for families, schools and communities, and
  • an advocate for the well-being and education of all children.
 Mr. Duncan apparently said that PTA isn't a org that works on tax issues.  He said that kind of work wasn't part of their mission.  And, that parents don't have the expertise to talk about it to legislators.

    He's probably right on that exact point - taxing"  but under "History" they say,"here are some specific examples of PTA successes right here in Washington"(partial)

    at