Network for Excellence

The Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS) the McCleary Coalition is a statewide organization made up of 442 school districts, community groups, civil rights organizations and education associations fighting for full and ample funding of K-12 education. Our members represent students, parents, teachers, administrators and other citizen... s who are united in advocacy for public school funding. In 2012, NEWS won an historic victory when the Washington State Supreme Court ruled unanimously in the trailblazing lawsuit known as the McCleary case that the State of Washington was violating its constitutional paramount duty to amply fund the education of all K-12 students. By 2018, the State had finally provided billions of dollars of new funding for K-12 public schools, and on June 7, 2018, the Supreme Court relinquished its jurisdiction over the case. Today, we stand together to ensure that the courts landmark ruling in the McCleary v. State case is enforced. Led by organizations such as the Washington State PTA, the League of Women Voters, large and small school districts across our state, and a broad base of other civil rights and education organizations, NEWS was formed in 2006 when it became clear that action was needed to force the State to make good on its promise to each and every child in Washington. See a list of our 442 member organizations. NEWS membership is open to Washington school districts, their local education associations and other organizations who share NEWS commitment to K-12 education.Read More