Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 14, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke commends education improvements resulting from smaller class sizes

BELLEVUE — Gov. Gary Locke today praised parents and voters who support Washington’s schools and highlighted education improvements resulting from reduced class sizes.

“We all know that the more personalized attention we give to students, the more likely they will be to achieve high academic standards,” said Locke.

The governor addressed students, parents, teachers, school administrators and the media in a press conference at Spiritridge Elementary School in Bellevue.

Reps. Luke Esser (R-48) and Fred Jarrett (R-41) joined Locke to emphasize the importance of strengthening public education.

Lisa Macfarlane, of the League of Education Voters, organized the press conference and classroom tour, which included Dr. Michael Riley, superintendent of the Bellevue School District, Brenda Naish, principal of Spiritridge Elementary School, teachers Cathy Martin and Dana Lowy, and parents Kim McDermott, Faith Wall and Catherine Gilford.

Macfarlane presented the “Report to the People” on the effects of reduced class sizes and other classroom improvements made possible by Initiative 728, which voters overwhelmingly approved in November 2000.

The report notes that school districts across the state are using I-728 funding to:

• Reduce class size by hiring more classroom teachers
  
• Extend student-learning opportunities
  
• Provide ongoing professional development for educators
  
• Provide pre-kindergarten support for children who need it
  
• Make facility improvements related to class-size reduction or extended learning

Speaking to the current economic downturn and upcoming announcement of his proposed budget the governor said, “I will not cut basic education, I-728 or class-size reduction money. This is non-negotiable.”

“Nothing is more important to our long-term prosperity than the creativity, energy and education of our citizens,” Locke added.

“It's exciting to see the remarkable progress being made in public education,” said Jarrett. “As we begin to work on solutions to our budget situation in the coming months, we must remember that protecting our investment in education is essential to the long-term success of Washington students.”

“I am impressed with the commitment of the teachers and administrators of the Bellevue School District to improving student learning,” Esser said. “I received an excellent education in the Bellevue public schools and it's important for all of us in state government to remain focused on the state's primary obligation -- the education of today's students and future generations.”

The League of Education Voters is a non-profit, statewide network of parents, educators, school board members, community leaders and other public school advocates dedicated to making Washington’s public schools the best in the nation.

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Related Links:
- League of Education Voters
- Rep. Luke Esser
- Rep. Fred Jarrett
- Spiritridge Elementary School
- I-728 Implementation: A Report to the People

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