Local Parents and Educators Prepare for Day of Action on Mercer Island

Stung by comments from local legislators that they seldom heard from the public about education funding, the (MIEA) and the Mercer Island Parent Teacher Association Council are determined to do something about it.

To coincide with the opening day of a special session in Olympia, the two organizations are co-sponsoring a "Day of Action" this Monday afternoon on Mercer Island. Organizers are urging participants to show their support by wearing maroon at events at five of six schools in the school district.

“Together, educators and parents on Mercer Island will be wearing maroon in support of our schools," said MIEA president Tani Lindquist. "We believe schools and students have already absorbed more than their fair share of cuts. Our message to Olympia is, ‘Our Kids Can't Take More Cuts. Standing Together: Parents and Educators.’”

According to a joint press release, the event is intended to tell lawmakers to protect school funding and give our students the quality education they deserve. 

State legislators have made more than $2.5 billion in recent school funding cuts, and new could eliminate another $1 billion or more in funding. Washington students SAT scores continue to rank in the top ten among states where more than 50 percent of the students take the college preparatory exam

“Additional funding cuts could mean increased class sizes, a shorter school year, up to 2,400 educator layoffs statewide, and slashed pre-school and higher education funding,” Lindquist said. “Enough is enough. On Nov. 28, we will stand strong and stand together in opposition to further, crippling cuts to education.

Our legislators have the final decision on what cuts are made. On Nov. 28, Mercer Island Education Association and Mercer Island PTA Council will do its part to educate the legislature of the harmful impact additional cuts will have on our schools and students.”

Day of Action Details:

Monday, Nov. 28, group pictures taken at each school

• 1:20 p.m. Islander Middle School
• 1:45 p.m. Mercer Island High School
• 2:15 p.m. Island Park, Lakeridge, West Mercer Elementary schools