Jacobsen’s message heard: Legislature provides $4.2 million for Seattle schools

OLYMPIA – The Senate today passed a budget providing $4.2 million dollars to the Seattle Public School system over the course of two years, a major victory for children in Sen. Ken Jacobsen’s district.

“I’ve been long disappointed with the state’s school funding formula not recognizing the needs of our most needy children. I insisted the Legislature address it in some way before I voted for simple majority,” Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle said. “This session, the Legislature understood some of Seattle’s needs and addressed them.”

The funds will be used to support the “Closing the Achievement Gap – Flight Program,” a collaboration between the Seattle Public Schools and the community. The program will focus on closing the academic achievement gap for students of color and students in poverty by promoting parent and family involvement, and enhancing the social-emotional and the academic support for students.

“Our schools are faced with challenges – we have many low-income families whose students receive free and reduced lunches, students with learning disabilities and a widening achievement gap our teachers are working hard to close,” Jacobsen said.

According to Jacobsen, the governor has agreed to meet with the Seattle Education Association to discuss the special needs of students in that district after the legislative session, which is scheduled to adjourn today.

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