Our jobs are impacted by what happens in Olympia. As a union, we work with elected officials to improve educational outcomes, working conditions & more.
get involved & Join wea-pac
What is WEA-PAC?
From the state legislature to the school board, many critical decisions about our school day are decided by elected officials, including class sizes, curriculum, instructional hours, and even pay and benefits. Joining WEA-PAC gives educators a greater voice in the decisions that affect educators and our students.
If you have any questions, please contact Robin Clarey (sea.weapac@gmail.com) or Eva James (eva.james@washingtonea.org)
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Legislative Update
June 2o23
The following includes a summary of relevant education legislation passed by the WA state legislature in the Spring of 2023:
HB 1436 – Funding special education.
- $400 million added to the state budget to support special education programs. Also raises the cap on funding that districts can receive per student.
HB 1308 – Concerning high school graduation pathway options.
- This law creates broader graduation pathways then were previously from the original 2019 legislation. Students can now demonstrate graduation readiness through performance-based ways on top of the already present test-based and course-based options.
HB 1238 – Providing free school meals for all.
- School districts must provide free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of eligibility for federally free or reduced lunch status.
SB 5355 – Mandating instruction on sex trafficking prevention and identification for students in grades 7-12.
- Beginning in 2025-26 school districts must offer instruction in sex trafficking awareness and prevention. Instruction can begin being offered in grade 7 and each student must be offered instruction at least once before completing grade 12.
SB 5072 – Advancing equity in programs for highly capable students.
- Universal screening of every student for high capability completed for every student by 2nd grade and again in or before 6th grade.
SB 5257 – Ensuring elementary school students receive sufficient daily recess.
- 30 minutes of recess shall be provided to all students grades kindergarten through 5th and for 6th grade that attend an elementary school.
SB 5650 – Concerning salary inflationary increases for K-12 employees.
- 3.7% inflationary salary increase for 2023-2024 school year.
SB 5243 – Concerning high school and beyond planning.
- Streamlining and increasing equity between school districts regarding their high school and beyond plan platforms.