Governor Gregoire met with Superintendent Terry Bergeson and executive directors Martharose Laffey (WSSDA), Paul Rosier (Washington Association of School Administrators) and Gary Kipp (Association of Washington School Principals) on Monday, July 31, to discuss the progress of Washington Learns and concerns that members of the three associations have raised relating to the current fiscal crisis facing school districts across the state.

As a result of this meeting, Governor Gregoire, Superintendent Bergeson and the three executive directors agreed that we all must work together to accomplish the following:

• A clear definition of what basic education is in Washington State; how much it will cost to fully fund it; and, a strategic plan to garner public support for a system of schools that is student-centered and provides opportunities for all students to be successful citizens in a democratic society and a globally competitive world;

• A commitment to resolving the fundamental inequities and inefficiencies imbedded in the current finance system;

• A significant down payment in the 2007-09 biennial budget as a first step commitment toward accomplishing our goals;

• A clearly defined plan for district and school efficiencies and accountability that is transparent, maximizes the use of current processes and reporting systems and/or removes unnecessary requirements, and is based on high levels of continuous growth for each student; and

• A plan for a system of leadership and management training for all school leaders providing them with the resources and tools they need to transform schools and districts based on the universal goal of success for each and every child.

WSSDA members are encouraged to participate in the Washington Learns public hearings scheduled to take place throughout the state in September. For more information on Washington Learns, visit www.washingtonlearns.wa.gov.