Welcome to the Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS)

“It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on account of race, color, caste, or sex.”

– Article IX, Washington State Constitution

NEWS is a coalition of parents, teachers, school districts, and education and community organizations.

On January 11, 2007, NEWS filed a lawsuit against the State of Washington to force the State to fulfill its Constitutional duty to fully fund K-12 education.

Update: Summary Judgment Hearing took place Friday, August 24th.

For more information, click here. (last updated: 8/27/07)

No other state has a stronger mandate for education in its Constitution. But Washington has fallen way behind on its Constitutional duty to fund basic education. We rank 42nd in state education spending per student, and 46th in class size. Teachers struggle to give each student proper attention. We’re dead last in teacher compensation among West Coast states.

Our state’s leaders have not yet been able to develop a consistent, equitable and long-term education funding solution. Year by year, we struggle for adequate funding. Our current system contributes to inequity between communities, promotes instability, and deprives our teachers and students of basic resources.

Litigation should always be a last resort. But we can no longer accept ‘business as usual’ from our state leaders. Almost 30 years ago, a successful lawsuit forced the state to address education funding. It is once again time for urgent measures.

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Welcome to the Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS)