Many of your colleagues from Edmonds, Northshore and Shoreline spent May 13-16 in the Spokane Convention Center, attending the WEA-Representative Assembly. Delegates from NSEA, SEA, EEA, SESPA and NESPA representing certificated and classified staff from throughout the Cascade UniServ Council joined with approximately 1,000 of their colleagues from all around the state at the WEA’s annual meeting.

At this year’s RA, many important business items were voted on and delegates heard from several education and political leaders. Here are some highlights:

  • Mary Lindquist, WEA President, opened the RA by discussing the challenges and facing WEA, our successes and Race To The Top.
  • Gov. Christine Gregoire spoke to the delegation about Race To the Top and School Funding.
  • Bill Gates, Sr. addressed the delegates who were inspired by his speech to overwhelmingly support I-1098 which calls for a High End Income Tax on individuals making more than $200K and couples making more than $400K.
  • Dennis Van Roekel, National Education Association President, spoke to the delegation about Ed Reform and Race To The Top Grants.
  • Delegates voted to:
    o Support a High End Income Tax
    o Boycott Arizona
    o Not Restrict Local Options To Deal With Ed Reform

WEA-Cascade would like to thank ALL of our WEA-RA delegates for taking time away from the classrooms and families to attend this important conference!

A complete list of the new business items and resolutions delegates voted on and the outcome of those votes can be found below.

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