WHEREAS, The Washington Constitution states that making ample provision for the education of all children residing in the state of Washington is the paramount duty of the state; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington Constitution states that the legislature shall provide for a general and uniform system of public schools; and
     WHEREAS, It is impossible to provide children a quality public education if they cannot get to school, if they are hungry during the school day, or if they arrive at schools that are neglected, cold, and unsafe; and
     WHEREAS, Classified employees are the bus drivers who safely transport, sometimes in dangerous road conditions, over 474,514 students each day in 9,035 buses over 500,000 miles; the child nutrition employees who provide breakfast for 113,518 students and lunches for over 440,000 students each day and the custodian, maintenance, and security employees who ensure that the 2,174 school buildings where our children are receiving their education are functional, warm, clean, and safe; and
     WHEREAS, Classified employees are the secretaries who make sure that all parents, staff, and, most importantly, all children receive the necessary support and services, while at the same time providing attention to each student's special needs, even if all that is needed is a Band-Aid, a friendly ear, or a reminder; and
     WHEREAS, Classified employees are the paraeducators who are increasingly called upon to provide individualized attention to students in the classroom to ensure they meet the higher academic standards, as well as provide such specialized services as interpreting for deaf and disabled children and students who speak other languages; and
     WHEREAS, Classified employees are normally the first employees called upon when there is a threat to our children's safety and security; and
     WHEREAS, It is necessary to employ over 50,000 classified employees to provide these essential support services to the nearly one million students receiving public education; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state students have had their education and learning environment significantly enhanced by the services of classified school employees; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state citizens seldom reflect on the critical role classified employees play in providing our children a quality education; and
     WHEREAS, Classified school employees across the state are celebrating March 9 through March 13, 2009, as Classified School Employee Week;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor classified school employees during Classified School Employee Week, March 9 through March 13, 2009, and urge all citizens to join in honoring, recognizing, and respecting the dedication and hard work of all classified school employees; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Public School Employees of Washington, SEIU Local 1948, and SEIU Local 925.