Inslee: Meeting with U.S. education chief productive

SEATTLE — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says he had a productive meeting with U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Sunday to discuss options to preserve the state’s waiver from provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law.

The governor said in a statement that “there’s a possibility to develop a positive path forward that has a realistic chance of success.”

He said he’ll talk next with state lawmakers and the superintendent of instruction about the state’s options.

The federal government has said Washington must require school districts to use student scores on statewide tests as a factor in teacher evaluation. The current law does not mandate it.

Washington could lose its federal waiver and some federal money by not changing the current law. The state Senate defeated a proposed change to the law last week.

If the state doesn’t comply, the federal government has said it would take away flexibility in how the state spends about $44 million.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Lynnwood City Council appoints new member

Rebecca Thornton will be sworn in Monday to replace former Vice President Julieta Altamirano-Crosby.

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen is reflected in a countertop as he pulls out a bullseye shirt at the start of his 2025 budget presentation at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds to host State of City address in March

Mayor Mike Rosen will speak at 8:30 a.m. March 20 at the Edmonds Theater.

Afternoon traffic moves along the U.S. 2 trestle between Everett and Lake Stevens on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 in Everett, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett is planning for lots of growth. Here’s how.

The city’s comprehensive plan update needs to prepare for 65,000 more residents, 84,300 new jobs and 36,500 new housing units by 2044.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

A person walks in the rain at the Port of Everett in Everett, Washington on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Snohomish County braces for rain and possible flooding

An atmospheric river is expected to dump as much as 2 inches of rain in Everett and surrounding lowlands.

Yakima cherries from Cazares Farms at the Everett Farmers Market across from the Everett Station in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett Farmers Market to return Sunday

“Get Ready” markets will open once per month in Feburary, March and April before the market holds its grand opening on May 11.

A view of the Millwright District at the Port of Everett on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Port of Everett tests the waters on leasing Millwright office space

It’s a move to gauge what office tenants are interested in leasing a new office building complex — the first phase of the waterfront project

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.