Gov. Inslee protects transportation funds

Good news!

Today Gov. Jay Inslee signed a proclamation that provides full transportation funding for districts, noting that rather than bringing students to school, bus drivers are bringing school to students. His proclamation allows the transport of computers, supplies and meals.

It further recognizes that some students may be in shelters or other non-traditional homes, and allows for them to be transported to a place where they can receive their education, such as a child care facility. WEA worked closely with Gov. Inslee to make him aware of the funding concerns so he could identify and address solutions.

The Governor’s order provides some financial security for districts, and for transportation employees, that should help keep these critical employees on the payroll while schools are using distance learning models. It also recognizes that we will one day return to buildings. Keeping our bus drivers and transportation employees on staff will allow that to happen in a quicker and smoother fashion.

This is a great win for bus drivers, transportation staff, and our students who rely on receiving meals, computers, and supplies in order to participate more fully in distance learning. We’ll continue to advocate for all of our ESP members who are so necessary to the successful operation of school, regardless of the form it takes