Director Peloquin outlines draft WASDA priorities: safety, staffing, special education and MSOC among top items

Director Peloquin reported on the Washington State School Directors Association process for selecting legislative priorities and said she reviewed the district—s priorities from the past five years to identify trends. She said the list she plans to submit includes comprehensive school and student safety, amply funded staffing levels, full funding of basic education, support for special education programs, universal free school meals, transportation funding, MSOC funding (materials, supplies and operating costs), stabilizing district budgets, transition to kindergarten supports, and continued attention to McKinney-Vento services for students experiencing homelessness.

Peloquin said the WASDA legislative committee — which she serves on as vice chair — will consolidate priorities from many districts into a shorter set that is used for legislative advocacy. She flagged that federal funding uncertainty remains an issue: the Federal Relations Network reported the federal government had eliminated funds for deaf and blind students in eight states, including Washington, as part of a fairness-based change; she said districts are watching federal policy closely. Peloquin reminded board members that voting for WASDA and ESD elections closes Oct. 16 and that registration for the WASDA legislative conference in January is open.

Board members asked clarifying questions and expressed support for focusing the district—s top 10 into a shorter set for the WASDA process.