Class-Size Initiative Qualifies For Ballot

Thu., Aug. 10, 2000

From Staff

Backers of an initiative aimed at helping school districts reduce class sizes submitted enough petitions to earn a place on the Nov. 7 statewide ballot, officials said Wednesday.

I-728 would funnel more lottery revenues, existing state property taxes and state budget reserves to local school districts for use in reducing class sizes, providing more after-school programs and investing in professional development for teachers.

Five initiatives have now qualified for the fall ballot. Election workers are now checking signatures on the last remaining measure, I-729, which would authorize charter schools.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.