Advocacy is at the heart of everything we do in PTA. We would like to thank the 14 Mercer Island PTA members (2 from West Mercer) who recently attended the WSPTA Legislative Assembly. Their representation gave our children and community a voice. This year we selected the top five issues for our two-year legislative platform as well as other supported issues and a number of long-term resolutions on topics that impact children in Washington state. Learn more here: https://www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/

Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2022-2024

1. Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis 
2. Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding
3. Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
4. Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
5. Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities

2022-2024 WSPTA Supported Issues (in alphabetical order)

Creating a Diverse and Effective Educator Workforce

Expanding School Construction Funding Options

Harnessing the Benefits of Mastery-based Learning

Increasing Education Equity by Closing the Digital Divide

Improving Equitable Identification and Access for Highly Capable Students

Increasing Support for Equitable Family Engagement

Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change

Supporting a Meaningful High School Diploma

WSPTA also adopted a number of new resolutions to their platform. You can read about the many resolutions they have here. https://www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/resolutions/

WSPTA is a strong force for legislative action in Washington state. Sign up to receive action alerts and information bulletins. https://www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy

Learn more about our local gun violence prevention committee

Learn more about funding for our YFS counselors

Learn more about our local DEI Committee

Learn more about our local environmental sustainability committee

Learn more about our local Special Services Committee

Learn more about Gifted and Twice Exceptional Committee

Thank you to all of you who took the survey. At West Mercer our top five priorities are the same as those voted on at the Legislative Assembly.  They are: #1 Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis, #2Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide, #3 Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding, #4 Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities, #5 Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education. We appreciate your input.

If you have any questions or would like to get more involved in advocating for these issues, contact us at advocacy@westmercerpta.org.