Jessica Garcia testifies in support of SHB 1618: Engagement Coordinators
Bellevue parent, Jessica Garcia, reprised her testimony in support of the family and community engagement bill, SHB 1618, March 30, but this time with the Senate budget committee. Jessica shared the difference a person equivalent to the FACE coordinator defined in the bill helped the district reach out to a large number of Spanish-speaking parents to identify ways to best meet their students’ needs. She also shared a handout with legislators. Senator Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, questioned whether the bill was irrelevant under the weighted per pupil model adopted by the Senate. Staff explained as a part of the prototypical schools it would be included in the per pupil base funding. Chair John Braun, R-Centralia, said the bill might have to be modified since it would require districts to spend the money allocated for a family and community engagement coordinator for that coordinator, and the policy is to define the roles and choose one specific title for this activity.
Carolyn Stanley testifying in favor of SHB 1377
Jessica was joined by Interlake PTSA parent member, Carolyn Stanley, testifying in favor of SHB 1377, a bill that would foundationally support the social and emotional learning of students through better collaboration of school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and teachers.