About Bryant

Financial Review and Budget Committee help needed

Lily Chan

Consider joining the Budget or Financial Review committees this spring. These are a fantastic opportunity for those curious about how the PTSA is spending money and eager to contribute to financial planning. Both are time-bound, meet online and attendance at PTSA meetings is not required. Come join the fun!

Budget Committee: This committee reviews last year’s budget vs. spend, considers and prioritizes new requests, and makes the final recommendation to the PTSA membership. Work typically occurs in March/April, with approval of the budget at the June membership meeting. Last year there were two meetings held online, each about 60-90 minutes.

Financial Review Committee: As part of our commitment to good governance, the PTSA treasurers present our financial details for review by this committee. Typically done in one meeting held online. While a financial background is helpful, it is not necessary. Your participation ensures transparency and accountability in our financial practices.

Please email volunteer@bryantschool.org if you are interested in one (or both) or have questions.

Legislative Updates

Lily Chan

Take Action! Three important K-12 funding bills are being heard in the Ways and Means committee this week: Senate Bills 5187, 5192, and 5263. Please take a minute to go to the links below and sign- in PRO on each of these bills by February 11 at 3pm. 

Levies

  • Reminder: Levy votes must be in by February 11, 2025. We strongly encourage the Bryant community to educate themselves about these levies and vote! While the EP&O levy has not raised much controversy, we know that there are a lot of differing opinions on the BEX VI levy, including concern that it includes $150M to build a new school in NE Seattle. This op-ed and this op-ed demonstrate some of the wide-ranging perspectives on this levy. You can also go here to read SPS’s response to some FAQs and see the Bryant-specific workplans under the BEX VI levy. There is a lot of information out there so do the research and vote!

Lastly, the Washington PTA Focus on Advocacy Week will be from Feb 10-14 and the Advocacy Day in Olympia will be on February 17th.  Go here for more information and to get involved!

Advocacy Update

Lily Chan

Reminder: Levy votes must be in by February 11, 2025. We strongly encourage the Bryant community to educate themselves about these levies and vote! While the E&O levy has not raised much controversy, we know that there are a lot of differing opinions on the BEX VI levy, including concern that it includes $150M to build a new school in NE Seattle. This op-ed and this op-ed demonstrate some of the wide-ranging perspectives on this levy.  You can also go here to read SPS’s response to some FAQs and see the Bryant-specific workplans under the BEX VI levy. There is a lot of information out there so do the research and vote! 

Legislative updates:

There are many important bills that impact K-12 education being heard in the legislature this week. If you are interested in learning more or taking a minute to sign in “PRO” on any of these bills please visit this Seattle Council PTSA blog which summarizes the relevant bills. 

Also, three school fundings bill were voted out of  the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee last week ( SB 5263 (special education funding), SB 5192 (MSOC), and SB 5187 (student transportation funding))! All three bills are now heading to the Ways and Means Committee.

Lastly, the Washington PTA Focus on Advocacy Week will be from Feb 10-14 and the Advocacy Day in Olympia will be on February 17th.  Go here for more information and to get involved!

Help sign PRO on House Bill 1310 by January 30th to increase special education funding!

Lily Chan

It is great to see that funding K-12 education is a top priority during this legislative session! This Thursday various K-12 funding bills will be heard in the House including Rep. Pollet’s bill to increase special education funding that he discussed at our Bryant legislative panel a few weeks ago.  As we know, insufficient special education funding is one of the primary reasons SPS currently faces a large budget deficit. Please take a minute to go here and sign-in PRO on this bill.

The Senate heard a group of important K-12 funding bills last week, and this Thursday three of these bills are scheduled for executive session (this is where legislators will vote on whether the bills should leave committee and continue through the legislative process). The bills are SB 5263 (special education funding), SB 5192 (MSOC), and SB 5187 (student transportation funding). The Bryant PTSA supports all three of these bills!

Also, on the same day as these hearings/executive sessions, advocates are meeting in Olympia to rally for increased K-12 funding! If you want to be part of the action and support our schools, attend this advocacy day!

Lastly, remember to keep informed about the school levies, there is a lot of information available from SPS, advocates and news outlets. Votes must be in by February 11th, 2025!

Join the Bryant Blast Committee 

Lily Chan

Planning for the Bryant Blast has begun! Event organizers are looking for committee members to help plan food & activities, advertise the event, organize volunteers and more.

This is one of the big events in our school calendar and we need as many volunteers as possible to make the event a success.

Haven’t been to the Blast before? Don’t worry! It’s a group effort, a fun way to get involved and meet other Bryant grownups.

If you’re interested in getting involved please email: leahexten@bryantschool.org.

Photographers Needed for the Yearbook

Lily Chan

We’re looking for photographers to help capture memorable moments for the Bryant yearbook!

If you have experience with photography, whether using an advanced camera or a high-quality smartphone, we’d love your help. Your eye for detail and creativity can make a big difference in creating a yearbook that truly shines.

We have a list of upcoming school events where we need photos taken. Click the link below to see a list of upcoming events and to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4FADAE2CA0F58-54341475-yearbook#/

Thank you for sharing your talent with the Bryant community!

Volunteers Needed for Bryant’s Upcoming Open House for Prospective Families

Lily Chan

We are seeking 10-12 parent volunteers to help lead tours during Bryant’s Open House for Prospective Families on February 6th, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

We would greatly appreciate volunteers who can arrive at 5:30 p.m. to assist with check-in and welcoming guests, and stay until 7:35 p.m. However, if you’re unable to stay for the full time, we’d still love to have you!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Christy Hunt at christine.morgan9@gmail.com or Jamie Polin at jamie.zander@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support!

January 8 Legislative Panel

Lily Chan
State Representative Gerry Pollet and others, will be joining the Bryant community on a panel on January 8th, to share their insights on the future of K-12 funding in Olympia this legislative session, and the best ways the Bryant community can help advocate for increased funding for Washington state schools.  
 
When: January 8, 7-8pm
Where: On-line
 

RSVP here. 

 
Currently Washington state public schools are significantly underfunded, leading to limited resources, budget deficits and school closures. To ensure our children get the education they deserve, and that we aren’t again in a position next year where we are worried about school closures and rezoning, we need more funding. Come hear how we can make that happen at this event!