All three representatives from Bellevue’s 41st Legislative District are behind legislation that will update and streamline Washington state’s educational system.

Sen. Fred Jarrett (D-Mercer Island), as well as Reps. Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) and Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) are co-sponsoring the bipartisan bill that seeks to create a comprehensive system of public education programs, as well as new financing and accountability programs within the state’s public school system.

“Our state’s future depends on giving our children the best educations we can,” Jarrett said. “Those who wrote our Constitution understood that. That’s why education is the paramount duty of the state. It’s up to us to walk the talk.”

The proposed legislation is based on the expectation that Washington’s children receive an education that prepares them to succeed in the 21st century, and it comes on the heels of an 18-month period of study by the Legislature’s Basic Education Finance Task Force.

“We hear regularly from school districts that they face significant challenges in being able to provide the level of resources that will enable all kids to meet the state’s existing graduation requirements,” Clibborn said. “This legislation addresses those adequacy concerns and modernizes the system.”

The plan is comprised of five interdependent parts.

The first is a program of education based on a model school with adequate resources.

Second, the plan seeks to change the compensation system for teachers in order to ensure a large supply of quality educators.

Third, the state will renew its focus on ensuring equity for disadvantaged students.

Fourth, a higher level of transparency will bring about a renewed commitment to accountability.

Finally, the plan will phase in these new resources over a six-year period, which allows time for the necessary adjustments to the rest of the budget and time for school districts to plan for the most effective ways in which to use funds.

“This comprehensive bill is packaged to bring significant change and improved student learning to our public school system,” said Maxwell, who recently served two terms as a Renton School Board director. “These policies and funding ideas are key investments now for all children of the 41st District and across Washington state.”