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Serving Queen Anne & Magnolia Since 1919
OCTOBER 16, 2024
www.QueenAnneNews.com
VOL. 105, NO. 42
WA superintendent of public schools candidates agree state's funding model flawed
& QueenAnne&Magnolia news QueenAnne
Magnolia news By Carleen Johnson The Center Square
PHOTO BY LAURA MARIE RIVERA
Attorney General candidate Nick Brown (left) and Dave Upthegrove appeared in Queen Anne at an event last month.
Every vote matters By Laura Marie Rivera Contributing Writer
“The most important election of our lifetime” is a common phrase when November rolls around, especially in the Presidential election years. But what if that were true? This year, and every year. Of course, everyone knows that there is a presidential election this year. But the truth is that there are a lot of other offices and initiatives on the ballot. Some voters vote for the Presidential pick at the “top of the ballot” but do not fill out a selection for the choices that are “down ballot.” Seattle Port Commissioner, Toshiko Hasegawa, is not on the ballot this year but reminds voters that the local positions “have significant influence on everyday life, particularly in shaping policies that affect labor practices, environmental regulations, and infrastructure development.” “This year's election is pivotal for Washington State, and for us here in Queen Anne and Magnolia, as we have the opportunity to have a say in everything from who is President of the United States to who will uphold the law as the Attorney General and on the Washington State Supreme Court,”
said Tyler Crone, chair of the 36th Legislative District Democrats. “For the first time in at least twelve years - we will get the chance to vote for a new President, a new Governor, a new Attorney General, a new Insurance Commissioner, a new Washington State Supreme Court Justice, and so much more this election season.” It has long been said that statewide races are won here in the 36th Legislative District, because of the high percentage of voters who turn in their ballots. Our two State Representatives, Liz Berry and Julia Reed, are on the ballot seeking re-election, alongside the two candidates vying for the highest office in the country. Voter turnout in LD36 is typically some of the strongest in the state. But unfortunately, not all of our local voters cast a vote for every race on their ballot. This year’s primary election saw the closest statewide race in history. In a field of accomplished candidates, it was impossible to discern the winners of the Commissioner for Public Lands primary on election night. The race was literally too close to call and triggered a statewide hand recount. Finally, when all the ballots were counted, Dave Upthegrove landed in second place and secured a spot on the ballot for the general election. The
final tally had him only 49 votes ahead of the third-place finisher. And curiously, there were 27,000 King County voters that did not even vote in that race. Election observers were once again reminded that every vote matters. “No matter who you vote for,” Crone said, “now is the time to do your research and return your ballot as soon as possible so that you have a voice in our democracy. Then text ten friends and make sure they do the same. Each of us has the obligation and the privilege to do our part.” Queen Anne & Magnolia News does not make political endorsements but we are encouraging our community to Get Out The Vote for this election. Washington ballots should be in your mailbox this week. And they are due back by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. King County Elections recommends turning in your ballot as soon as possible. Ballots may be returned to an official ballot drop box or sent by mail. They caution voters to be mindful of the pickup times because a late postmark will disqualify the ballot. Washington residents can register to vote and find more information about the election at www.sos.wa.gov. King County residents can track their ballot or request a replacement at www.kingcounty.gov.
Incumbent Chris Reykdal and Peninsula School Board member David Olson found some common ground during Saturday’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction debate at the Bellevue Public Library. Both think the state’s funding model for public education is flawed. “Our state only spends about 3.1% of its GDP [gross domestic product] on education, and the national average is 3.6%,” said Reykdal, who is running for a third term. “Even with all the gains we made over the last seven or eight years, we still only barely got close to the national average, and then once the pandemic hit, we were asked to rely on federal dollars to get through it, and our state funds actually went down adjusted for inflation,” he continued. A fact sheet put out by Washington State House Republicans this year claims that "Across state, local, and federal sources, school districts received $38.95 billion in the 2023-25 operating budget. This equates to average total per student spending of $18,354, which puts Washington at the top of its peers in terms of state spending." Olson agreed with his opponent to an extent. “Funding education is the state’s paramount duty,” he said. “They have dropped the ball on that." Olson said state funding only pays for one psychologist for his entire district in Gig Harbor where he has been a member of the Peninsula School District Board of Directors for a dozen years. “We have 13 and pay the extra 12 out of our levy,” he said, complaining that the state does not fund education equitably. “Often times the large richer districts get the lion’s share of the money, and the smaller rural districts can’t pass a levy and often end up in more trouble,” Olson said. Part of the funding issue for school districts is declining enrollment, which means less revenue. "Sixty thousand students have fled public education under our current superintendent's term," Olson claimed. "He keeps saying, ‘I have a plan, I have a plan,’ but he has yet to execute his plan." Reykdal pushed back on that assertion. “Since I’ve been superintendent, special education funding has gone from $1.1 billion to $2.2 billion,” he said. “We brought in all-day
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