Music programs not cut, but made mandatory for 6th graders amid parent outcry
In a letter-to-the-editor by Carmela Amador-Fortin, a resident and band parent, criticizing the Edmonds School District’s decision to eliminate 6th-grade band and orchestra programs without public input, transparency, or justification, despite a $452 million operating budget. She argues that the cut, valued at $780,000, was unnecessary and ignored majority support by the community (only 45.1% […]
Elimination of Music Education in Edmonds – From a Band Mom
Edmonds School Board Members, you eliminated the band and orchestra programs across Edmonds schools with no public vote, no line-item justification, and no community dialogue — in a district with a $452 million budget. This letter has been posted on social media and shared with Superintendent Reykdal, Senator Murray, and the Office of the Washington […]
Brittany Gregory takes helm as new Director of state’s Women’s Commission, talks on threats to women
OLYMPIA—Brittany Gregory has been appointed as the new executive director of the Washington State Women’s Commission following a statewide search conducted by the Office of Governor Bob Ferguson. Gregory steps into the role at a time when women across the state face increasing challenges, including federal policies and budget cuts that impact essential services. “I […]
OSPI steps in to sustain Washington’s Imagination Library Program amid budget cuts
OLYMPIA—In a move to preserve early literacy opportunities, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has committed discretionary funds to maintain Washington’s Imagination Library program for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This decision follows the state Legislature’s elimination of the program’s funding in the recent session due to a $12 billion budget shortfall, highlighting OSPI’s […]
Ferguson delivers new plan to slash up to half of state’s $15 billion budget deficit
OLYMPIA—Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson announced his plan to slash an additional $4 billion of the state’s $15 billion budget deficit. The Governor said he hopes to continue working with the legislature to figure out how to deal with the remaining $8 billion dollars to end the legislative session with a “balanced budget.” “[O]ur state […]
