The Seattle Times dedicated a large front page feature story explain why K-12 public schools are broke. According to the Times, the budget shortfalls are due to inflation significantly increasing the cost of materials, fuel, electricity, and insurance. The story even explains that enrollment declines, driven by lower birth rates and lingering effects of the pandemic, have reduced funding. And, of course, the Times doesn’t miss that the expiration of $2.6 billion in federal pandemic relief funds has left districts without “crucial” financial support – especially given that recent local levy failures have exacerbated financial issues.

But what the Times fails to mention entirely – a purposeful omission, if you will – speaks volumes about who the paper is attempting to protect. The story fails to ever point out that, during the pandemic, the teachers’ unions made sure to get their money before students, demanded that schools remain closed, and are now back demanding even more money. And, of course, the demands of the teachers’ unions are always met because those very same unions funnel money into the political campaigns of Democrats.

The failure of the Times to hold the truly powerful accountable – the teachers’ unions and Democrats – is a testament to how they view their role. Not as journalists, but activists. Read the Time’s version of events here.

At long last, Jay Inslee will step down in January 2025 and Washington state will see its first gubernatorial transition in over a decade. And, apparently, preparing for this transition involves extensive planning and a significant budget of a whopping $2,763,000 – at least, that’s what Inslee is requesting to cover the costs of hiring temporary staff, archiving records, and moving the governor-elect into the mansion. Inslee’s requested $3 million budget also includes – surprise, surprise – buyouts for departing staff and additional expenses due to high turnover since Inslee’s 2013 transition. To put the cost in perspective, the 2013 transition cost was $135,000 – meaning those staff buyout are costing taxpayers an inordinate amount. Here’s hoping that is the last outrageous cost Inslee will inflict on taxpayers across our state. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

Many travelers relying on the ferry system for their Memorial Day plans were sorely disappointed last weekend. Thanks to a lack of crew members, travelers faced route cancellations on Saturday. Of course, this is just the latest in the debacle that has become Washington’s ferry system thanks to the failed leadership of Jay Inslee. Our soon-to-be ex-green governor is still pushing to keep his dream of electric ferries alive. Even amid never-ending production delays, Inslee refuses to go back to diesel-powered ferries. And, to wrap it all up, ferry passengers have also seen a nearly $10 increase in round-trip tickets, and they can expect an overall 4.25% fare increase beginning October 1st. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

David Olson, a seasoned member of the Peninsula School District Board of Directors and candidate for Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction, joined us for our latest Newsmaker Interview. Olson brings over a decade of experience in educational leadership and a firm resolve to address significant shortcomings in the current administration under Chris Reykdal. Olson’s campaign is built on a commitment to restoring collaborative relationships between the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and local school boards, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in education. Read more here.

The Seattle Times just can’t help showing its true colors…

Imagine a scenario where rules are enforced by a government agency…

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