1- Do you believe our public schools are amply funded right now, as is required by the state constitution?

Yes

No

Maybe

As a mom to three kids in public schools and a former PTA legislative liaison who organized parents to lobby the State Legislature for public school funding, I will always fight to fund education beyond the basics. Every child no matter what their zip code deserves an exceptional education and well paid teachers.

 

2- Will you vote for new, progressive revenues to sustainably fund our public schools?

Yes

No

Maybe

The state of Washington will need to find new and creative means to fill the gap of education funding that the 2019 levy cliff will create, this is on top of the already existing gap from the state not fully funding education.  A detailed look at the state’s budget will need to be performed to determine how to create a balance so we can account for the levy cliff without raising taxes. In the Senate, I plan to instill a capital gains tax and cut tax exemptions that don’t provide public benefit which could provide the funds needed to fill the education funding gaps.  

 

3- Will you vote for these specific revenues?

Capital gains tax

Yes

Closing corporate loopholes

Yes

Other: lower property taxes for fixed and low-income households

Yes

 

4- Will you vote to prevent $1.1 billion in school cuts caused by the January 1, 2019 levy cliff?

Yes

No

Maybe

It is estimated the levy cliff will leave a $500 million gap in education funding for our 295 school districts. In the Senate, I will vote against bills that cut school funding as a result of the cliff. I plan to find other avenues to raise revenue to fill this gap.  

 

5- Will you vote to change the 2017 education funding deal (HB 2242) and add more funding to eliminate inequities between districts as well as ensure districts have the money they actually need to give every child a great education?

Yes

No

Maybe

 

6- Will you vote to fully implement Initiative 1351, which creates smaller class sizes and increases in counselors, nurses, teaching assistants, librarians, and social workers, and in particular, with additional class-size reductions and staffing increases in high-poverty schools?

Yes

No

Maybe

As a mother of three children who attend public school, fully funding Initiative 1351 is part of my campaign platform.  In the Senate, I will continue to fight for smaller class sizes and increasing staff to ensure all students needs are met and teachers as well as staff are able to perform their jobs to the best ability.  

 

7- An OSPI survey of school districts found state funding for special education remains more than $100 million short after the 2018 legislative session. Will you vote to fully fund special education?

Yes

No

Maybe

The special education funding formula is inherently unfair. Some school districts have been forced to use levy funds to cover special education even though that should be included as the state’s responsibility under “basic education.”

 

8- Would you support financial incentives to reduce school segregation (racial and economic)?

Yes

No

Maybe

I believe in equality for everyone and especially in education. Schools need to be funded equitably and unfortunately due to institutionalized racism schools and districts that have higher percentages with students of color, refugees, or immigrants are historically underfunded.  

 

9- Do you support a simple majority for school bonds and school levies?

Yes

No

Maybe

 

10- Do you support school vouchers or other programs that allow public funding to follow a student to a private and/or charter school?

Yes

No

Maybe

I do not support voucher programs for sending students to private schools. I do think we need to address the inherent issue which is that charter schools are popular because our state has failed to make public schools meet the needs of all students. I’m dedicated to making a society where everyone wants to send their kids to public schools.

 

11- Will you vote against giving public money to charter schools or programs housed within charter schools?

Yes

No

Maybe

Yes, assuming this doesn’t apply to social services that are being provided to families such as social workers.

 

12- Will you vote to raise the cap on allowable charter schools?

Yes

No

Maybe

My first priority is to fully fund our current public schools.