Governor Chris Gregoire’s proposed 2009-11 biennium budget includes cuts of $800 million to K-12, and $300 million to higher education. And with the 2009 Legislative session less than a week away, educators from all over the state are continuing to come up with ideas on how to improve their efficiency and save money. School board members and Superintendents in Whatcom County met with state Legislative officials on Monday, January 5 about the dilemma.

From the Bellingham Herald:
 

Some school officials also pointed out changing insurance providers as a potential way to save money. Currently, insurance coverage is part of employee union bargaining, so school districts can all be on different insurance. But if everyone is on the insurance offered by the state, there is a potential savings of about $70 million statewide, according to data from Jenkins.

Jerry Jenkins is the Superintendent for the Northwest Educational Service District that serves 35 public and private schools in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.

This is only one idea from one meeting in Washington. But other meetings just like these—which are held to brainstorm ideas and come up with solutions for looming budget cuts—are happening all over the state. No educator wants to see schools closed, programs eliminated, and be faced with the inability to fulfill expectations.

The upcoming Legislative session looks to be quite challenging, may run a little longer than normal, and rather grim for education. Nonetheless, there will be a lot of updates to share, so check in with us daily throughout the session.

For a 2009 Washington State School Directors’ Association Legislative Preview and a list of Legislative Committee leaders click here. And don’t forget to check WSSDA for “Daily Legislative Updates” beginning on Monday, January 12.