Education
While much of the focus remains on public school students in traditional classroom settings, thousands also embrace alternative options including online learning, for which Sen. Joe Fain was recognized as a “Champion for Kids” by the Digital Public Schools Alliance.
The Seattle Chamber's top recognition for elected officials is named after former a Senator and a friend and colleague of Fain's. Fain’s recognition stemmed from his work to pass the state’s 2015 transportation infrastructure investments and efforts to close the educational opportunity gap by creating a more equitable public school system.
Sen. Joe Fain received the “Crayon Award” from the Early Learning Action Alliance during the Fall Family Child Care Conference held Saturday at Auburn’s Green River College. Fain was recognized for his work to expand access to and improve the quality of early learning in Washington state after co-sponsoring the Early Start Act in 2015 and championing opportunities for the state’s youngest learners.
Senator Fain was recognized for his "commitment to making college a reality for Washington's Dreamers and for his leadership in the passage of the Real Hope Act.
Graduate Washington Recognizes Senator Joe Fain as ‘Higher Education Champion’
“Not so far removed from college himself, Joe Fain clearly understands the challenges that are facing this generation of current and prospective college student. He has been an advocate for important pipeline programs such as Running Start, which ease the transition from K-12 to post-secondary education and lessen the burden on students and families. One of the legislators responsible for the recent tuition freeze, Fain is an important voice for students in the State Senate."
-Graduate Washington
Sen. Joe Fain was recognized by the University of Washington as a “Dedicated Dawg” for his work on the 2013 budget to keep tuition rates from rising at state colleges and universities.
Rep. Pat Sullivan and Sen. Joe Fain, legislators from the 47th District, were two of the principal negotiators who helped find the final pieces of the McCleary puzzle.
District legislators – Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, and Reps. Mark Hargrove, R-Covington, and Pat Sullivan, D-Covington – fielded questions from more than 200 people who packed a room at the Golden Steer Steak ‘n Rib House for the town hall meeting.
Senate Bill 5064, introduced by Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, would designate school media as “public forums for expression” and make students responsible for determining content so long as it is not slanderous or libelous, unjustly invades privacy, violates federal or state law or encourages students to break school rules or commit crimes.
“It’s about expanding the culture of freedom of speech and freedom of the press so that more students have an appreciation of that early on,” Fain said. “Beyond that, we need watchdogs.”
Senate Bill 6233, sponsored by Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, follows a wave of efforts nationwide to clarify students’ rights to free speech in publications and broadcasts, regardless of whether students are participating in a class or if schools financially support the media.
Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, and his wife, Steffanie, hosted a holiday reception fundraiser at their home for the Auburn Public Schools Foundation on Dec. 15.
The Washington State Legislature possesses one of the most prestigious page programs in the country which hundreds of teenage Washingtonians apply to partake in each year.
The state Supreme Court "missed the mark" recently when it found the voter-approved initiative that created charter schools in the state unconstitutional.
"It's our responsibility to ensure all students receive a quality education," Fain said. "All-day kindergarten expansion is prioritized for schools with the most at-risk students from low-income and minority families, who are disproportionately left behind by our current education system. This will help students begin their academic career on the right track and ensure a child's academic achievement is not determined by their zip code."
State Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, recounted to attendees his first meeting with Sefrioui several years ago when Sefrioui told Fain about his vision for a charter school. "He talked about the technology," Fain said. "He talked about the hurdles and he talked about the people he wanted to get involved. He talked about the steps he was going to take. As much as I am a believer in this model and what we are doing here, I looked at him and I thought to myself, 'My goodness, you're crazy.' And he very quickly made me, and a lot of people, a believer of what is about to start here today."
Fain also addressed the students who will make up the first class at Excel and the challenges they may encounter.
"This is going to be tough because it is new and it is different ...," he said. "You are going to be the ones, you students are going to be the ones to determine whether your friend learns their material and gets their homework done. That is what community is all about. That's what this school is all about."
"Sen. Fain and Rep. Sullivan share our vision of improving public education for all of Washington's students," said LEV CEO Chris Korsmo. "LEV is proud to endorse these two candidates for reelection."
Kent Area Parent Teacher Assocation
Senator Fain was recognized at the Kent Area PTA Awards Ceremony with the Spirit of Community Award for his dedicated service to the students and families within the Kent School District.
Fain has been a strong advocate for education funding and reform in the state legislature, as well as volunteering and supporting local levy elections for Kent Schools.