Everett Daily Herald, September 14, 2014

Page 1

Fall TV: The best (and not) new shows, D1

“Gotham,” FOX

“Bad Judge,” NBC

X “Red Band Society,” FO

SUNDAY, 09.14.2014

EVERETT, WASHINGTON

WWW.HERALDNET.COM

$1.50 (HIGHER IN OUTLYING AREAS)

The cost of smaller classes

Texting, driving growing problem A review of hundreds of WSP traffic citations shows range of ages, with more than half older than 30. By Eric Stevick Herald Writer

DAN BATES / THE HERALD

Teacher Jamie Roesler has her hands full during a science lesson Wednesday. There are 31 fourth-graders in her classroom at Seattle Hill Elementary in Everett.

Measure to reduce class size is crowd-pleaser, but figuring out how to pay for it won’t be as popular By Jerry Cornfield

O

Herald Writer

LYMPIA — Voters will get the chance this fall to require smaller classes in Washington public schools, and there’s every indication they will do so. Initiative 1351 would shave the average number of students in classes at every grade level, a move supporters say will improve student achievement, increase graduation rates and reduce the number of drop-outs. But with an ultimate cost of $2 billion a year for additional teachers and school staff, plus an unknown amount for classrooms, there’s concern the state cannot afford it — at least not without the Legislature raising somebody’s taxes. “The state cannot afford not to do this. We’re 47th in the nation” in the ratio of students per teacher, said Kim Mead, president of the Washington Education Association, the statewide teachers

HUSKIES

union whose money and members pushed the measure onto the ballot. It might be difficult for lawmakers, said the Edmonds resident. “It is even more difficult for that child sitting in a classroom that is overcrowded.” Opponents say they, too, want smaller classes, but this would be a budget-buster. The Legislature is already searching for money to comply with a state Supreme Court order to fully fund elements of the public school system like books and supplies. Paying for the initiative, as well, could force lawmakers to cut spending on social services, higher education and other non-education programs. “The question I think voters should ask themselves is where the money will come from,” said Dave Powell, executive director of the education reform group Stand for Children. He signed the ballot argument against the initiative. Voters should be prepared to help lawmakers

The question I think voters should ask themselves is where the money will come from.

See TEXTING, Page A6

Classified . . . . . . . . E2-7, E10 Crossword. . . . . . . . . . . . . .D5 Dear Abby. . . . . . . . . . . . . .D5 Horoscope . . . . . . . . . . . . .D4 Lottery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A2 Moneywise. . . . . . . . . . . . .E1 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D5 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . B4-6 Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7

— Dave Powell, Stand for Children

See SCHOOLS, Page A6

300K-PLUS FAIR GOERS

EVERETT — Texting while driving is not just a practice of the young on the state’s highways. An analysis of the 2,261 traffic stops in which the Washington State Patrol has issued tickets or warnings through July of this year finds more than half of the violators are over the age of 30. They’ve ranged in age from 16 to 81. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste believes the problem of texting drivers, as well as those distracted by holding cell phones to their ears, is getting worse. “We are just glued to these things as a society,” he said. “But it’s a cocktail mix that just doesn’t go together. Period.” It happens with increasing frequency, according to national studies. At any given moment during the day, roughly 660,000 drivers across the country are using hand-held cell phones or manipulating electronic devices on roadways, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study. One survey estimates that more than 100 million Americans answer cellphone calls while driving, and 50 million place calls. The State Patrol has been pulling over drivers on cellphones with greater frequency.

YOUR DREAM LOAN Brilliant 80/54, C10

Shaq Thompson leads UW to a 44-19 win over Illinois. Sports, C1

Extra large attendance this year at the Evergreen State Fair. Local, B1

When we say the doctor is in, we really mean it. 1083467 1083467

Home mortgages within reach for more young singles. Moneywise, E1

SUNDAY

VOL. 114, NO. 216 © 2014 THE DAILY HERALD CO.

6

42963 55555

7

Primary Primary care care and and most most specialties specialties . . Monday Thursday, 7am to 7pm Friday, 8am Monday - Thursday, 7am to 7pm Friday, 8am to to 5pm 5pm

everettclinic.com everettclinic.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Everett Daily Herald, September 14, 2014 by Sound Publishing - Issuu