State voters were generous – if there wasn’t a price

TNT Editorial Board — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 04:18:14 +0000

This editorial will appear in Thursday’s print edition.

Tuesday’s election returns suggest that Washington is becoming a libertarian paradise – a place where gays can marry, marijuana is legal and parents might even be given the choice of independent schools for their children.

But oh, by the way – not a penny more for public education or other state programs.

A telltale piece of evidence lies deep in the down-ballot election returns, in the tally on two advisory votes that have no legal effect whatsoever.

The 2012 Legislature voted to end a tax break for big banks and maintain a …

I-1240: An essential escape route from failing schools

TNT Editorial Board — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 02:02:06 +0000

This editorial will appear in Wednesday’s print edition.

We’ll let Initiative 1240 speak for itself.

The measure would authorize the creation of up to 40 charter schools, public schools freed from many bureaucratic regulations. They are commonly launched and governed by teachers and parents who believe their local schools are failing their students.

If enacted in November, the initiative would:

• Give priority to charter organizers who want to serve disadvantaged children and students trapped in poorly performing traditional schools.

• Require that charter schools comply with all state and federal nondiscrimination laws.

• Allow them to specialize in teaching students at risk …

Inside Opinion » Initiative 1240

State voters were generous – if there wasn’t a price

I-1240: An essential escape route from failing schools