The Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS) is a statewide coalition of more than 400 community groups, school districts and education associations fighting for full and ample funding of K-12 education. Our members represent students, parents, teachers, administrators and other citizens who are united in advocacy for public school funding.

In 2012, NEWS won an historic victory when the Washington State Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the State of Washington is violating its constitutional “paramount duty” to amply fund the education of all K-12 students. Today, we stand together to ensure that the court’s landmark ruling in the McCleary v. State case is enforced.

Real and steady progress chart

Real and steady progress chart

What does "real and steady progress" mean?

Tom Ahearne, lead attorney for NEWS in the McCleary case, spoke to a packed house in Olympia on March 10 for the annual WASA, WSSDA and WASBO legislative conference. View his PowerPoint slides to learn what the Legislature must do to show real, steady and measurable progress toward meeting the McCleary mandate ordered by the Washington State Supreme Court. Also, view a chart that illustrates what "steady progress" means.