LWPTSA at WSPTA Focus Day 2025: A Bold Call to Action for Public Education

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On Monday, Feb. 17, in recognition of WSPTA Focus on Advocacy Day 2025, advocates, parents and educators rallied in Olympia, demanding bold, transformative action to strengthen public education in Washington. For those attending from LWPTSA Council, the day began with Kameh Saman and her two sons leading a march from United Churches of Olympia to the State Capitol—a powerful symbol of unwavering commitment to well-funded, equitable schools.

Local and council PTA members at WSPTA Focus Day 2025 in OlympiaThroughout the day, influential voices from SEIU, WEA and PTA delivered a resounding message: As a progressive state, Washington must set the national standard for prioritizing public education. At noon, we attended an address by Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, reinforcing the urgency of advocacy in shaping a future where every student thrives.

In the afternoon, Julianna Born, Zahra Eslami, Colleen McCloskey and her daughter, Ella, joined critical meetings arranged by Denise Lindberg, engaging in discussions with Sen. Derek Stanford (D-1st District) in partnership with Shoreline PTA Council. The momentum continued with a productive exchange with Rep. Shelley Kloba (D-1st District), focusing on key education policies—particularly the urgent need for increased support for students with special needs. This discussion was enriched by the impactful video shared by Sara and Malcolm Frikken, shedding light on the real challenges special education students face.

WSPTA Focus Day 2025 was more than an event—it was a movement by all the advocates who care for all students. We marched, we spoke, and we will persist. Our advocacy for a stronger public education system continues.

LWPTSA Council appreciates and values the attendance and participation of the PTA leaders and students from our council area (names italicized).

A colorful crowd of advocates from PTA, SEIU, WEA and more gather on the stairs of the Temple of Justice on the Washington State Capitol campus in Olympia on Feb. 17, 2025
Two boys in blue scarves hold signs with "FUND OUR SCHOOLS" printed in bold red lettering, while standing as part of a crowd of people at the Washington State Capitol campus in Olympia, on Feb. 17, 2025, as part of Washington State PTA's Focus on Advocacy Day.
Three adults and one child wearing blue scarves stand in front of the Washington State Capitol building on Feb. 17, 2025, for Washington State PTA's Focus on Advocacy Day.
Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal gestures while speaking at the front of a conference room to an audience at Washington State PTA Focus on Advocacy Day, Feb. 17, 2025
Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal gestures while speaking at the front of a conference room to an audience at Washington State PTA Focus on Advocacy Day, Feb. 17, 2025

Copyright notice: Photos courtesy of Zahra Eslami, Kameh Saman and Colleen McCloskey, Feb. 17, 2025. Images may not be reused for promotional or commercial use except as permitted by content owners (LWPTSA Council and photographers). All rights reserved.