Overview:
During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding K-12 Education.
- Equitable Funding & Local Levies (2026) Senate page, Emmanuel Mwangi, asks Representative Clyde Shavers (D) and Representative Skyler Rude (R) about their opinions on the role of levies in school funding. Since the 2012 McCleary decision, legislators have had to grapple with how to fund basic education, which is the “paramount duty of the state”.
- Immigration Enforcement & Absenteeism (2026) House Page, Daniella Cruz, asks Representative Clyde Shavers (D) and Representative Skyler Rude (R) about how Washington State is addressing fears stemming from Immigration and Customs Enforcement in schools.
- Balancing Student Support & Funding (2026) House page, Jayesh Singhal, asks Representative Clyde Shavers (D) and Representative Skyler Rude (R) about what policies in the K-12 realm would have the greatest long term impact at schools in Washington State. Both representatives focused on the need for mental health support in schools.
Essential Questions:
- What do the legislators see as priorities in K-12 education?
- To what extent can the State Legislature get involved in immigration policies?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of funding schools with local levies?
House K-12 Education Committee
Considers issues relating to Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade:
- Dual credit programs
- Educator ethics
- Tribal language programs
- Medication in schools
- Learning Standards/Curriculum
- Parent and student rights
- Technical education
- Diversity, equity, inclusion
- Special Education
- Materials and supplies
- School discipline
- Behavioral health
- School meals
- School buses
- And many more …
Teacher's Guide