Bethel Education Association

08/08/2026

07/29/2026

I share this repeatedly during evaluation conversations. SMH.

A waste of time for everyone involved.

07/25/2026

Let’s also rethink icebreakers as we return to our work sites in late August. They don’t feel “safe” to everyone. Be bold and have the conversation with those planning team building activities.

05/20/2026

Centennial Elementary wearing Red on Monday for a bargaining support!

05/15/2026

This may be us next year...

BEA Members: We wanted to take the opportunity to share with you the public comment that was shared with our school board tonight by our VP Regen. Please take the opportunity to read it.

"Good evening Board of directors, I am Regen Lorden, BEA Vice President and I am here tonight to talk about the district's decision to not staff K-3 at state mandated ratios in order to receive full funding.

Prioritizing lower ratios for K-3 was a clear mandate from the voters when they approved Initiative 1351 in 2014.

The state has made it clear that smaller classes for our youngest learners should be a priority.

By failing to staff at the established 17:1 ratio, BSD is leaving money on the table, while sending a message that lower class sizes are not a priority.

When we asked BSD why it was unable to meet the state ratios , we were informed that it would cost the District $700,000 to staff K-3 classes enough in order to achieve this goal.

While getting there requires an upfront investment by BSD, it is what is best for our youngest students and will bring a big return, leading to an additional $5.2 million in funding from the state.

The district has decided not to make this investment even though doing so could help fund an additional 35FTE to be hired and support our youngest learners.

Bellevue Schools finds itself in the minority of districts with higher ratios at K-3.

Over the last several years, the ratio has hovered around 17 to 1, but there was a significant jump to 19 to 1 during this school year.

I am here to advocate that next year Bellevue School District prioritize our youngest learners by investing to get the lower ratios.

Devoting $700,000 to receive millions of dollars and provide more direct support for our K-3 students is an obvious choice.

What message do we send to our community by not investing in our youngest learners and setting them up for success in their future years."

OSPI reported ratios from Bellevue:

19-20 - K-3 17.60 ratio

20-21 - K-3 17.00 ratio

21-22 - K-3 17.25 ratio

22-23 - K-3 17.00 ratio

23-24 - K-3 17.90 ratio

24-25 - K-3 17.87 ratio

25-26 - K-3 19.27 ratio

05/02/2026

Pioneer Valley showing off their Red for Ed!!

04/22/2026

Centennial Elementary, showing off their Red of Ed.

04/22/2026

Bethel High School, showing off their Red of Ed!