This week, King County Superior Court Judge John Erlick ruled that the state is failing to meet its “paramount duty” to amply provide for the education of all Washington students. This was a huge victory for Washington’s kids and for the plaintiffs, the Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS)–a coalition of parents, school districts, unions, and community-based organizations
Following the decision, Gov. Gregoire released a statement saying she “will be reviewing this decision to determine where we go from here.” The statement leaves open the possibility that Judge Erlick’s ruling may not be the final answer. An appeal by the state would send the case to the State Supreme Court.
Now, Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina) is sending a letter to Gov. Gregoire and Attorney General Rob McKenna urging them not to appeal McCleary vs. State of Washington. The letter is signed by 30 other state house members, including Rep. Skip Priest (R-Federal Way). The letter says:
The court did not tell us anything that we do not already know. The Legislature is not giving schools the money they need to provide the quality of education we want. The court has rather bluntly reminded us that we are required under our state’s constitution to make the education of our children our number one priority.
To all of the legislators who signed the letter – Thank-you for acting quickly and decisively.
Laura Bay
Thank you legislators who urged the governor not to appeal school-funding decision by Judge Erlick! You are breaking your own laws by not funding basic education.
As the decision confirmed, education is the primary responsibility of the state. This decision should not be debated nor appealed. Thank you to each legislator who recognised the state’s legal obligation and the role of education in developing productive citizens and a healthy economy.
Don’t procedure with litigation! Committ yourselves, House and Senate, Democrat and Republican, to funding schools on behalf of the welfare of our citizens.
Thank you to the legislators who signed this letter. It is important that the state not waste precious resources challenging this ruling. Please write to the Governor and your legislators as soon as possible and encourage them not to appeal the ruling. Encourage your friends to write letters also.