SPS Parents: Tell Your Legislators to Fund Schools & Secure Our Kids' Future

email advocacy

Email Subject:

Dear [Your Elected Official],

I’m writing as a parent of public school students in your district, deeply concerned about the state of education funding in Washington. The ongoing financial crisis in our schools is severely impacting the quality of education my children, and all students, receive. Classrooms are overcrowded, essential support services are being cut, and school closures are looming on the horizon. This situation demands immediate action, and it’s clear that the only real solution is more funding for K-12 schools.
I’m asking the Legislature to allocate an additional $4 billion annually for the 2025/2026 biennium to adequately support our schools. This isn't just about fixing a broken funding model; it's about ensuring that schools like those in Seattle Public Schools (SPS) have the resources to meet the needs of every student. 
The way we fund education simply does not reflect the actual needs of our schools today. It was originally created to ensure fair funding, but it no longer covers the real costs of running a school in 2024. It doesn’t account for critical areas like mental health services, individualized student supports, and the rising costs of basic operational needs. The result is that districts are left scrambling to make cuts, which often means fewer teachers, larger class sizes, and diminished resources for the students who need them the most.
Washington is a wealthy state, yet we consistently fail to prioritize our children’s education. It's disappointing to see that in a state with such vast resources, we are still struggling to provide basic educational tools. As a parent, I see firsthand the toll this financial crisis is taking on my children’s education. Our kids are paying the price for years of underfunding, and without immediate action, we risk irreparably harming their futures.
The Legislature has the opportunity to step up and show that we are serious about providing every child in Washington with a high-quality education. Whether it’s through lifting the levy lid, better use of the capital gains tax, or exploring other revenue options, the time to act is now. This is a tremendous opportunity for legislators to take bold action and make a lasting, positive impact on the future of our state by ensuring our children receive the quality education they deserve.
We need your leadership to ensure that every child in your district and across Washington receives the quality education they deserve.

Respectfully,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) faces projected deficits of $100 million annually for the next four years, coupled with declining elementary school enrollment. In response, SPS is proposing to close 28% of elementary schools, impacting every student in the district. But closing schools won't solve the deeper issues at hand for three key reasons: <ul> <li>Closing schools won't eliminate the budget shortfall—it may save, at best, $30 million per year.</li> <li>Closing schools won't address declining enrollment.</li> <li>Closing schools will lead to worsening student outcomes and disrupt communities.</li> </ul> This problem extends far beyond Seattle. School districts across Washington are grappling with similar financial crises. The solution requires a commitment from our state legislators to provide increased funding for K-12 education. We need legislators to take immediate action by allocating an additional $4 billion annually to public education in the 2025-2026 biennium to avoid further cuts, layoffs, and school closures. Our children deserve stable, fully funded schools that support their academic and social development. We must do better. Washington is one of the wealthiest states in the country, and it’s disappointing that we continue to underfund public education. By providing more funding, we can secure a better future for all students in Washington. Sign the letter to the right to send a message to your state legislators urging them to act now and provide the funding our schools need. Note: After entering your address, the name of your legislator will not appear immediately. It will be added after you click "Send email."

Who will receive your email?

Your State Senator(s) and State Representative