Do your research on public school funding and the history of education in Washington state and the United States. Think critically about everything you read and hear—what sounds like a good idea on the surface can cause more harm if we're not informed.

We recommend this thoughtful opinion by Mark Epstein and Michael Dixon. It was published by the South Seattle Emerald last year, but the content is very relevant to our conversations happening today.

We also recommend Underfunded and Unsustainable a recent report on the education funding crisis from The League of Education Voters. The report contains findings from in-depth interviews with district superintendents from 28 Washington state school districts and a look at district staffing and spending data to help inform how we can respond and ensure that students are centered as we look to how we can emerge from this challenging time.

Organize with SCPTSA and other organizations who have been advocating for equitable and fully-funded education across Washington State for some time. Select organizations that were estabolished and are currently led by folks of color. Make sure the organization as a whole is representitive of the Students and families in Seattle Public Schools. Families and communities with students furthest from educational justice have the knowledge and experience needed to change our public education system so ALL children can thrive. SPCPTSA recommends checking out the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition to start.

Has your PTA discussed the FEPP Levy renewal? The City of Seattle's Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy expires this year, and a renewal and extension is on the ballot (Prop 1) in the November 4th election.

If approved by Seattle voters, the 2025 FEPP Levy would generate $1.3 Billion in revenue over six years (2026-2032) to sustain and expand investments supporting Seattle children, youth, and families.

The FEPP Levy is foundational to the Every Child Ready Initiative, whichaims for every child to be:

• Ready To Start: High-quality preschool for three- and four-year olds, with free tuition for low- and middle- income families, child care co-pay support, supports for families with children prenatal through age three, and direct payments to childcare workers.  

  Ready To Learn: Free expanded learning supports for Seattle youth including school-day, afterschool, and summer academic, enrichment, and mentorship programs; funding for five new School Based Health Centers bringing the total citywide to 34; and expanded school safety and student mental health services.  

  Ready To Launch: Tuition-free college at Seattle Colleges accessible for all Seattle public high school graduates through the Seattle Promise program, supported transfer pathway to University of Washington-Seattle, and scholarships to grow a diverse workforce in high-demand careers such as education, trades, and the public sector. 

➜ See who’s endorsed the FEPP Levy renewal and why
➜ Learn more about the Every Child Ready Initiative

How PTAs Can Help
Inform, Advocate, Donate!

• Inform your PTA board about the rules surrounding elections for 503c nonprofits

• Share information with your membership from The City of Seattle's Department of Education and Early Learning and the Every Child Ready Campaign

• Invite an Every Child Ready or SCPTSA leader to speak at your next PTA meeting

• Consider endorsing the FEPP Levy as a PTA or Board through a vote

• Consider donating to the Every Child Ready Campaign with a vote of your PTA membership/board

We believe diversity is our strength, equity drives our mission and collaboration must be inclusive.

Who is in your community?
Who are the students and families in your building?
Who do your communications reach?
Who is included in discussions and events?
Who is represented in leadership?

Our mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. We can only achieve this in full collaboration and partnership with the broadest possible set of volunteers, staff, educators, schools and communities. Our work begins with building relationships and requires us to recognize and address bias and privilege, and account for cultural status and power dynamics.

Join SCPTSA on Monday, October 13th, from 12–1:30 pm on Zoom for a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Lunch & Learn. as we discuss National PTA’s DEI toolkit, review the Local Leader Guidance for DEI and how it can benefit our students, and share stories from PTA’s engaged in this work.

All are welcome! This meeting will also be recorded so leaders can watch at a time that works with their schedules.

Zoom Meeting ID: 862 5540 0808
Passcode: 284510
➜ Learn more / Zoom link