NEWS ADVISORY

October 9, 2003

Recommendations for Governor Locke re: Marysville strike

OLYMPIA -- Governor Locke will be holding a press conference this afternoon at 2:00pm to address what has now become the longest teacher strike in state history. We believe the governor should take seriously the "paramount duty of the state" and do two things to open classrooms again for children in Marysville:

1. Work with the legislature to make it clear that teacher strikes are illegal.
School districts and parents would not be able to file for an injunction to end strikes if there wasn’t some basis for it in the law already. Apparently, the 23 injunctions previously granted by courts and the clear ruling of Superior Court Judge Joan Dubuque just last year in Issaquah have not been adequate.

2. Use this as an opportunity to ask key questions about education spending.
Some people view strikes as a good way to create pressure for increased education spending. But since less than half of the dollars allocated for each child in the state of Washington generally reaches the classrooms where those children are being taught, wouldn’t it be better to first find out how that money is being spent?

Some districts have resolved strikes by approving contracts they can’t afford. This forces them to shift critical funding away from other needs, such as textbooks and class supplies, or else ask for more money from the legislature. The governor and lawmakers should ensure current education dollars are being spent effectively before putting more money into the system.

Bottom line: If this is really about the kids, adults should continue their negotiations while schools are in business.

Additional Resources:

The court restates: Teacher strikes are illegal
http://www.effwa.org/highlighters/v13_n27.php

History of Washington teacher strikes
http://www.effwa.org/press_releases/2003_09_22.php

Facts about the Marysville teachers’ strike
http://www.effwa.org/pdfs/Marysville.pdf

What is the union demanding in Marysville?
http://effwa.org/commentaries/2003_10_03.php

Administration costs: How does the Marysville School District compare?
http://effwa.org/commentaries/2003_10_06.php

K-12: Washington spends $9,594 per student
http://www.effwa.org/highlighters/v13_n10.php

More money needed for education? Who knows?
http://www.effwa.org/highlighters/v13_n1.php

Contact: Marsha Richards | Communications Director | 360.956.3482

Evergreen Freedom Foundation P.O. Box 552, Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 956-3482, Fax: (360) 352-1874 Email: effwa@effwa.org