Governor Jay Inslee in Burien to talk about budget proposal
Photo by Eric Mathison
The following article was published in partnership with the Highline Times and was written by Eric Mathison.
With a background of yellow Highline Public Schools buses and supported by officials from a dozen school districts, Gov. Jay Inslee stumped Thursday, May 2 in Burien for his education budget proposal that would raise revenues through cutting some business tax breaks.
The news conference was held at Highline’s transportation facility, next to the Puget Sound Skills Center.
Inslee has suggested adding an additional $1.2 billion into education by closing some tax breaks and extending existing taxes. The tax breaks Inslee has targeted would raise about $565 million, according to The Seattle Times.
In Burien, Inslee said the state cannot continue to cut social services to fund education.
“It is hard to educate a homeless, sick, hungry child,” Inslee declared. “We need to find another route.”
The governor said the primary duty of the state is to fund education but “not on the backs of seniors, the disabled and children.” (more…)
Six Highline Schools Honored at WA Achievement Awards Ceremony
From L to R: Aviation Assistant Principal Bruce Kelly, Southern Heights Principal Deborah Holcomb and teachers Jennifer Matthews and Kaia Tomokiyo, HS3 Principal Jenni MacDonald and Graduate Specialist Brenda Espinoza, Gregory Heights Principal Phil Robinson, and Deputy Superintendent Carla Jackson.
Hard work and dedication paid off for students and staff at several Highline schools. Six schools were honored at the Washington Achievement Awards Ceremony. Three of those schools received multiple awards.
“What an honor to be part of the celebration for six of our great Highline schools,” said Deputy Superintendent Carla Jackson. “A number of these schools were recognized for high results–and equally important–some were honored for high progress over time. Both are important feats on behalf of students.”
Aviation High School earned awards for overall excellence, math, and science. (more…)
Sheriff Urquhart advocates for more school resource officers; Says Newtown tragedy has resulted in constructive discussion on guns
The following article was published in partnership with the Highline TImes and was written by Steve Shay.
John Urquhart was sworn in as King County Sheriff Nov. 28, 2012. The former sergeant defeated incumbent Sheriff Steve Strachan with over 56 percent of the vote. Urquhart served as deputy most of his career in the Burien precinct, and patrolled South Park, SeaTac, and Boulevard Park.
Sheriff Urquhart shared some thoughts with the Highline Times on the hot topic of guns in schools.
“I don’t have any problem with law abiding citizens having guns. It’s a constitutional right and I’m sure not going to criticize that. Obviously we go after the citizens who aren’t law abiding. There are lots and lots of laws on the books to enforce those laws. Some may get tweaked. But everybody’s talking about gun violence in schools.
Letter to the Editor: I supported “Cops and Kids” initiative especially the “Kids” portion of the initiative
The following letter on the Cops and Kids initiative was sent to Burien Daily by Burien resident Joey Martinez on June 20th, 2012.
I supported “Cops and Kids” initiative especially the “Kids” portion of the initiative. The reason is simple: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
The Highline School District is a wonderful district with great educators who have the best interests of our children at heart. They are dedicated to treating each and every child the same. In its pledge to support each child equally the district and HEA (Highline Education Association) are worried, among other things, about Burien providing more for their schools than the other cities. (more…)
‘Kids’ part of Burien Kids and Cops Initiative roasted at school board meeting
The following article was published in partnership with the Highline Times and was written by Eric Mathison.
Burien’s plan to pump up to $400,000 into some city elementary schools was strongly opposed June 5 by three influential school district leaders.
City Manager Mike Martin presented an outline of the proposed “Kids and Cops Initiative” at the school district’s board meeting.
He said the Burien City Council would be considering the initiative on Monday, June 18 with the goal of placing it on the November election ballot.
If approved by Burien voters, the initiative would target some Burien elementary schools with between $300,000-$400,000 over a four year period. (more…)
Let’s Read campaign encourages parents & children to read together over the summer months
Press Release: New effort launched to prevent summer reading loss
Let’s Read campaign encourages King County parents and children to read together over the summer months.
SEATTLE – As King County area schools prepare for summer break a new effort is being launched to prevent summer reading loss. Let’s Read is a campaign encouraging parents and children to read together over the summer months and being led by the King County Library System, Seattle Public Libraries, United Way of King County, Community Center for Education Results and many other companies and organizations. (more…)
June 30th is the Deadline to Signup Eligible 8th Graders for College Bound Scholarship
Final Push on College Bound Scholarship Sign-up Drive in South Seattle and South King County: 74 percent of eligible 8th graders currently enrolled
Deadline for all eligible 8th graders is June 30
SEATTLE – The Road Map Project, which is aimed at driving major improvements in education results in South Seattle and South King County, is releasing individual school district data collected by the Higher Education Coordinating Board on the Road Map goal to get 100 percent of all eligible 8th graders in the project region signed up for the College Bound Scholarship by June 30 of this year. (Click here)
For the second year in a row, the Road Map region’s school districts are working collaboratively to increase the number of eligible students signed up for the scholarship which covers the cost of tuition (at public institution rates) at eligible Washington’s public colleges and universities. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, low-income 8th grade students must apply by June 30 and sign a pledge to: graduate high school with a 2.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate good citizenship, and seek admission to a Washington state college or university. Income verification also occurs in their senior year before the scholarship is awarded. (more…)
The Road Map Project Wants all Eligible 8th Grade Students to Register for College Bound Scholarship
Press Release: College Bound Scholarship Sign-up Drive in South Seattle and South King County
Sign-up 100 percent of all eligible 8th graders by June 30
SEATTLE – The Road Map Project, which is aimed at driving major improvements in education results in South Seattle and South King County, is releasing individual school district data collected by the Higher Education Coordinating Board on the Road Map goal to get 100 percent of all eligible 8th graders in the project region signed up for the College Bound Scholarship by June 30 of this year. (Click here to view)
For the second year in a row, the Road Map region’s school districts are working collaboratively to increase the number of eligible students signed up for the scholarship which covers the cost of tuition (at public institution rates) at eligible Washington’s public colleges and universities. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, low-income 8th grade students must apply by June 30 and sign a pledge to: graduate high school with a 2.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate good citizenship, and seek admission to a Washington state college or university. Income verification also occurs in their senior year before the scholarship is awarded. (more…)