Statement from Governor Ferguson on 2025 Legislative Session

WA State Legislature passes $78 B budget; rent cap; gun permits 

Ferguson levy $9B new taxes to fund state budget

 Seattle Times, 5/21/2025 

Governor Bob Ferguson 
 photo Seattle Times

Statement from Governor Bob Ferguson on 2025 legislative session

Key priorities laid out by Governor Ferguson adopted in budget

OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson offered the following statement on the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session:

“I want to thank our legislators, staff and my team, for all their hard work this session as we faced a $16 billion budget shortfall. I look forward to carefully reviewing the budgets line by line over the next few weeks. When that review is complete, I will share my thoughts with the public in greater detail.

“Beginning with my inaugural address, I’ve emphasized that we must use realistic revenue projections, preserve our Rainy Day Fund reserves, find billions of dollars in savings and efficiencies, include a $100 million grant program for more law enforcement officers, increase investment in affordable housing, and increase the percentage of our budget devoted to K-12 education. The budgets adopted by the Legislature accomplish those goals.

National Indigenous Peoples Day For Eastside Youth

A Proclamation On Indigenous Peoples' Day, by Joseph R. Biden,

October 7th, 2022

Indigenous Peoples were forcibly removed from ancestral lands, displaced, assimilated, and banned from worshiping or performing many sacred ceremonies.  Yet today, they remain some of our greatest environmental stewards.  They maintain strong religious beliefs that still feed the soul of our Nation.  And they have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group.  Native peoples challenge us to confront our past and do better, and their contributions to scholarship, law, the arts, public service, and more continue to guide us forward.

                       "Am I Enough?" celebration at Lake Washington High

 Am I enough to be seen as an indigenous person?  Watch a short video HERE of students celebrating "Am I Enough." 

Mary Wilber, Program Coordinator of the Eastside Native American Indian Association organizes events for our Salish Sea indigenous youth.  She invites indigenous students from three school districts to her Monday evening classes at Lake Washignton High.  

Pam and I celebrated with the Eastside Native American families at Lake Washington High and in a Pow Wow at Juanita High.  Both ceremonies touched our hearts.  School Board members Siri Bliesner and Mark Stuart participated in the Lake Washington festivities.

Posted by Yoder

10/13/24

Sign Up For Osman's "Youth Board" - Be A Voice For The Eastside.

 

YOUTH BOARD: As a Redmond Councilmember, one of my main goals has been to engage more youth in the political process. That is why I'm excited to announce the launch of my Youth Board, a chance to participate in advocacy, policy initiatives, community events, and more! If you are a middle school or high school student (or if you know of someone who may be interested), this is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in the field and allow you to be a voice for youth all across the eastside! Applications are due on Wednesday, October 16th at 11:59 PM. Apply here: https://bit.ly/os-youthboard,

Rumble in Redmond – Robot Combat Competition

Join us on Saturday, October 21st from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in Redmond for the Rumble in Redmond Robot Combat Competition! Builders from all over North America will bring their robots to an all-out clash where innovation and excitement collide. This event will serve as a qualifying event for the Robot Combat League National Championship in May 2024, allowing passionate builders to compete at the highest level of robot combat. 

Competitors will unleash their custom-built remote-controlled armed with hammers, flippers, or blades, delivering stylish and crushing blows to their opponents. Builders invest days, weeks, or even months perfecting their designs for competitions. 

FREE ADMISSION 

This is an all-ages, immersive competitive experience. We invite all who are interested to attend! 

press release, OneRedmond

Mayor Birney Requires Roll Calls To Squelch Absenteeism

Internet

By Yoder:  All across the State of Washington and world it's a no-brainer the pandemic has striked hell in our lives:  death, hospitalization, declining mental health, social and family isolation, low worker productivity, absenteeism in schools and workplaces, and the list goes on. My battle was (and is) declining mental health, and social isolation. The forever masking and lengthened bombardment of variants kindled fear, the root of anxiety. Had I not taken walks in the woods and pumped iron at the gym I'd probably be on medication today.

I'm retired and absenteeism isn't a problem for me.  I cried when children couldn't be out with their friends at school and teacher absenteeism spiked. Especially for children, mental health declined precipitously; anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation were more common. 

I feel no pain for employees working in a hybrid environment. Many actually benefit. However, absentee accountability can be a problem in a virtual - in person setting. 

I report on City Council meetings weekly for government transparency and to shed light. Unfortunately, the Council, the public, even democracy aches when a public servant is chronically absent from the peoples' work. Last week, the Mayor, City attorney and City Clerk finally confronted their problem.

The fix was easy. Identify and define "regular meetings" and take roll call at the top of each regular meeting. Yes, accountability!  The State of Washington gives Council authority to remove Members if they have three consecutive unexcused absences from regular meetings. The Council ultimately decides what constitutes an unexcused absence. 

Requiring roll calls at regular City meetings could be historically significant. We can "thank" the pandemic for that.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 2/12/2022

OPINION: How Will Lake Washington School District Adapt To Our Rapid Growth?

I've been reporting on Redmond's downtown growth for over a year.  Growth has been massive with still no end in sight. On brief count, 2025 dwelling units are approved for construction in Redmond this year. (This, not counting SE Redmond where schools are planned on a $25 M. parcel and burgeoning Overlake Urban Center.) How can Lake Washington School District adapt to this growth?  Drastic measures may be required. Unfortunately, few of the thousands of new dwelling units are family-friendly 3-BR.  

I'm concerned newly-built schools will require building UP to accommodate this growth. Sad for the disruption to educators and the students; distressing for the community taxpayers.  Also, newly built schools are more expensive since the State doesn't fund new construction.

Below, is a sampling of Redmond's downtown growth:

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/11/redmond-center-8-story-twin-towers-to.html 

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/11/5-story-apartment-project-proposed-near.html

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/11/376-unit-development-planned-for.html

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/09/project-one-will-dislocate-three-small.html

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/07/lamenting-about-downtown-redmond.html

Does Kirkland have a similar problem?

-- Bob Yoder, 11/30/2021

Superintendent And School Board Planning Future Bond Measures

Future bonds are planned for 2022 and 2026. 

LWSD announcement: 

The year 2019 was one to remember: We celebrated the grand openings of Timberline Middle School and the newly rebuilt Peter Kirk and Margaret Mead elementary schools. Progress continued on the remaining 2016 bond projects: Juanita High School and Old Redmond Schoolhouse. Construction also began on the addition at Lake Washington High School, funded by the Capital Projects Levy passed by voters in April 2019.

Thank you to the communities of Lake Washington School District. With your ongoing support, we are providing students with great places to learn! Watch the video.

Facility Advisory Committee Update A new Facility Advisory Committee (FAC) began working in November 2019. This group will make recommendations for future facility planning, informed by enrollment trends, community expectations and district programs. The facility strategy will align with the District’s strategic plan and make recommendations to accommodate our rapid enrollment growth and continue to provide quality learning environments.

The Superintendent and School Board will consider these recommendations as it plans for future ballot measures to fund construction. The FAC will open its first community survey at the end of January. Watch for more information on the Facility Advisory Committee page of the LWSD website.

-- LWSD "Building on Success" publication

Questions?  Contact Shannon Parthemer at sparthemer@lwsd.org 

LWSD 2019 Year In Review

Suicide Awareness - A Message From Councilmember Kathy Lambert

November 8, 2019

Dear Friends,

This is a difficult time and we all need to be aware and address this problem directly. Recently, our community has been impacted by a number of tragic suicides and drug overdose deaths (caused by fentanyl). I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the families of those who passed away, and to their communities that are also impacted.

We have been working with many sources and here is very specific and helpful information. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or drug addiction, please consider using the resources available to get help in King County.

By educating ourselves and others, we can make a difference in prevention.

First, knowing the warning signs of a potential suicide are vital. Here is some information from Public Health – Seattle & King County:

“There is no typical suicide victim; however, there are some common characteristics.

The most common are:

• A previous suicide attempt
• Current talk of suicide or making a plan
• Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death
• Giving away prized possessions
• Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness and withdrawal
• Increased alcohol and/or drug use
• Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye
• Experiences drastic changes in behavior

A 3D virtual tour of Margaret Mead Elementary in Sammamish

Click on the links below to jump to updates for other projects funded by the 2016 bond: 

• Timberline Middle School
  
• Juanita High School
• Old Redmond Schoolhouse
• Ella Baker Elementary School
• Clara Barton Elementary School
• Explorer Community School

Innovative outdoor education in the school district

I'm so happy our schools are taking this innovative hands-on approach to learning, What do you think?

Redmond City Hall Ballot Drop Box is Open!

Redmond City Hall  - Next to the Library -  15670 NE 85th Street

24-hour Ballot Drop Boxes Are Open Now!

CAST YOUR BALLOT AT THE CITY OF REDMOND BALLOT DROP BOX!

CONVENIENT DRIVE-THROUGH! 

AVOID THE WEATHER!

SHORTER LINES THAN THE POST OFFICE!

NO STAMPS!

DROP BOXES CLOSE AT 8PM, 11/6.

There's another drop box at Crossroads Shopping Center, South Entrance
IF YOU MAIL:  One First Class stamp is required, postmarked by November 6.
Republished:  11/1/2012

Lake Washington Schools Foundation allocates $72,000 for LINKS tutor/mentor program next year.

7th Annual LWSF luncheon at LW High raised $130K

Lake Washington Schools Foundation allocates $72,000 to LINKS mentor / tutor program for 2012-2013 school year.  Volunteers will be needed to serve 1500 students. 

With outgoing President Terri Blier by her side, LeeAnn Wood, Executive Director of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF)announced plans to bolster the LINKS program at the School Board's last public meeting.
LINKS, short for "Looking Into the Needs of Kids," is a mentoring and tutoring program that recruits and trains volunteers "to work one-on-one with students to help them feel connected, valued, and challenged," said LeeAnn Wood.  "Volunteers come from all walks of life:  they're retirees, business workers, community volunteers, and parents."  LeeAnn said they learn skills like problem solving, critical creative thinking, and work & collaborating with peers.

Last year 788 students were served by 158 volunteers for a total of 4400 hours - and 60 kids were still on the waiting list for a mentor by the end of last year.  Next year, the Foundation's Executive Board projects student needs to double to almost 1500.  LeeAnn said they're waiting for the program person's plan from the district.

Ms. Wood announced the Foundation's four new officers for next year.  Peg Hunt is the new President.  Peg's been on the Board since 2009 and has two sons in school.  She has a BS in Psychology from University of Washington and a Master's in Organizational Psychology from San Diego University.  Peg has 8 year's experience working as a scientist for Batelle in Seattle and fundraising success at over $350,000 levels.  Read More >>

Eastside Schools Rock, By Ross Hunter

Ross Hunter's Blog, May 8, 2012
By Ross Hunter, State Representative, 48th Legislative District, Chairman of Ways and Means Committee

Eastside Schools Rock

5 of the top 5 high schools in Washington State and 5 of the top 200 high schools in the nation are in either the Bellevue or Lake Washington School District, acording to the annual US News and World Report 2012 ranking. While not an uncontroversial ranking (it doesn’t include Bellevue’s football prowess, for example) it’s a well thought-through system of measuring how well high schools prepare students for success in college, AND how well they work with traditionally underserved populations.  READ MORE >>

OP-ED: The Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball's success seems premature

"Superintendent-elect" Dr. Traci Pierce at Redmond  City Hall "Meet and Greet"
Mayor John Marchione in background
Traci will implement Kimball's plan for re-alignment and performance improvements 

OP-ED:  Dr. Kimball initiated the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade realignment over two years ago and the transition won't take effect until Fall 2012 when students, teachers, sports schedules, curriculum, classroom assignments, bus routes and extra curricular activities will all be moved around and reshuffled on a grand scale affecting thousands of students. Will this turn out successfully for each and every student in the district? We've been reassured that *everything* is being taken care of and is under control, but I get the feeling from talking to other parents and kids that the middle schools and high schools will be stressed, if not chaotic, with the new grade assignments. Dr. Kimball is walking away before anyone knows if next year's transition will be a success or if it will be a painful, difficult mess that takes years to work through. I'm sorry, but I think Dr. Kimball packing up and leaving at this most critical time is rather irresponsible. A proclamation by the mayor of Dr. Kimball's great contribution and success seems premature and inappropriate.

By Anonymous on Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclam... on 4/8/12)
Photo:  Patch.com (Internet)

Lake Washington Institute of Technology to offer aerospace manufacturing certificate

Lake Washington Institute of Technology 

Eleven community and technical colleges in Washington state are among the first in the nation to implement a new national program touted by President Obama as key to getting Americans back to work.  Lake Washington Institute of Technology will participate.

A certificate is earned in computer-numeric controlled machining and designed to meet employers’ needs by quickly getting them workers with the required knowledge, skills and abilities and to meet students’ needs by giving them employable skills now plus college credit, something they can build on in the future. 

“This is the first time we have a group of community and technical colleges all teaching the same curriculum, providing skills that are closely tied to employers’ needs and offering a nationally recognized certification,” Bredeson said. “Washington leads the way in aerospace manufacturing and now we’re leading the way in aerospace manufacturing training.”  Read More >>

Redmond High PTSA Co-Presidents give KUDOS for school's community volunteerism

We all need help sometimes...

By Jan LaFond and Shelley Flores, Co-Presidents, RHS PTSA

We like to think of Redmond High as not only a great school for learning, but also an important member of a larger caring community. Our students, staff and volunteers actively support community organizations that help others and contribute to the greater good.  Read More >>

Senate votes in favor of a new teacher and principal evaluation system.

House Bill 5895 makes teachers and principals accountable, expected to pass.

• Tenured teachers rated unsatisfactory two years in a row will be fired.
• First time, new teachers rated unsatisfactory will be prevented from getting tenure

Shannon Campion
Executive Director, Stand for Children

Editor:  On Tuesday, we heard the sweet sound of 46 state Senators voting in favor of a new teacher and principal evaluation system that takes into account how much kids are actually learning in the classroom.

For the first time, these meaningful evaluations will be used in assigning and removing teachers and principals.

This landmark legislation is a triumph for the 1,035,000 children in public school in Washington and for all our advocates who know that a dedicated teacher can change a struggling student's life. Only three senators voted against it.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Councilmember Pat Vache' responds to neighborhood tree hazard

Sidewalk roped off from a tree hanging on wires

UPDATED:  In late January, mothers walked their children down this hill to school, many unaware of the blue spruce leaning over their heads, balanced on utility lines.

Yes, the third wave of our January snow, ice and rain storm was hard on neighborhoods.  It took four days to close this sidewalk on Education Hill and seven days to remove the tree hazard.  Fortunately, neighbors pressed; and no one was hurt.

City and utility companies were slow to respond, despite the imminent danger.   Various distraught neighbors called 911, the mayor's office and utility companies.  Public Works identified the wires as "harmless phone lines" owned by Comcast saying, "it is their responsibility to remove the tree."   Two Pubic Works employees and a police officer looked it over and "walked on," according to an Education Hill resident, John.
 

 Frustrated and upset, John emailed city councilman and Ombudsman Pat Vache' on January 31,   John wrote Pat, "I cannot believe how hard it's been to get Redmond's attention on this."  (John had called 911 twice, PSE and several neighbors on January 27.)  Another neighbor called Comcast and walked them to the site.  The tree was finally removed February 2 after city Ombudsman-of-the-month Pat Vache' stepped in and had the sidewalk barriers installed.  Mr. Vache' went out of his way to help us.  Read More >>

School Resource Officer Chapin loss mourned by Police, Eastlake High and Inglewood JH

Sammamish Police and the students and staff at both Eastlake High School and Inglewood Junior HIgh are mourning the loss of Stan Chapin, the school resource officer for both schools. The Sammamish Police Department announced that Chapin, 61, died in his sleep last night. Chapin had been the resource officer at Eastlake and Inglewood Junior High for the last 12 years and had been with the King County Sheriff’s Office for more than 40 years. Just last month, the city named Chapin the Sammamish Police Department’s “Officer of the Year” for 2011.  Read More >>