Plenty of action on the Advocacy front, feel free to reach out to Allison with questions or ideas: advocacy@stevensta.org General updates: WSPTA & Big Three: We at Stevens align with the Washington State PTA on three major needs: Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (aka MSOC, aka "The Big Three"). WSPTA is focused on the Big Three, and is supported in this by OSPI. Big Five: Besides the Big Three, there is a Big Five put forth by Professor David Knight at University of Washington, widely considered to be an expert in public school funding. As reported in the South Seattle Emerald, the Big Five include MSOC + (1) Increasing equitable allocation of funds to higher-poverty districts; and (2) Passing progressive revenue so our school funding doesn't continue to come from a regressive tax structure [link from Seattle Emerald to the Economic Opportunity Institute, which is a liberal nonprofit think tank in Seattle]. There are many advocacy groups advocating for the Big Five, and some of them are listed below.* I'm in touch with these groups. It is my perspective that it is the State's legislature's job to determine how public education is funded to constitutional standards--schools can ask for what we need, but we don't need to solve the State's budget problems for them (nor do we know enough to try, without knowing more). WSPTA also holds this opinion, which is why they will advocate for MSOC only. Open to other suggestions, and would also require additional volunteer time/help to advocate more widely. Calendar updates Jan 13-April 27: Legislative Session: the 2025 legislative session begins today, January 13. It is a long biennial budget session and is expected to adjourn on Sunday, April 27. Jan 14 6:30-8pm: there is a session to talk about funding schools by MLK Labor Delegates (virtual or in person). Feb 17 Advocacy in Olympia: Feb 17: WEA & WSPTA in Olympia (this is mid-winter break, so I will not be able to attend--there is a virtual option the week before) March 5 & April 15: Statewide Days of Action--more info coming on this, but looks like various groups will plan advocacy opportunities at a state level. Top Two Feb initiatives: 1. Stevens-specific brainstorm (coming soon) 2. Engagement with other boards and community members to engage more closely with the Budget. Others have done this work, next step is to take a look and see if the budget can provide any additional dimension or answers to questions outstanding to Stevens. As always, I'm open to conversation, new ideas, other ideas Thank you! *Washington Education Association, Washington's Paramount Duty, All Together for Seattle Schools, OSD4ALL (Olympia), and FundSPS, Fund Our Schools Coalition.