Dear School Board,
 May 9, 2025

We are Know to Grow, a campaign created by BIPOC youth to employ change for the future of our generation through fighting oppression that marginalized groups have faced relentlessly within schools and overall communities.

Although public schools strive to provide equality in our educational spaces, those aspirations do not manifest in students' daily lives. Young learners, rather than focusing on engaging content that stimulates curiosity and passion, are instead distracted by issues regarding safety, expensive exams, and a lack of investment in school supplies and extracurricular activities within the school.

These disparities that only some schools face in the district, depending on property taxes and students’ socioeconomic status, further enforce the gap preventing all scholars from achieving their full potential.

We urge school districts throughout Washington state to invest in the people’s future in learning spaces, especially in Title I schools, through:

·      Schools being provided classroom supplies directly by the district

·      Standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, PSAT, AP, and IB being free of cost

·      SAT and ACT preparation through tutors and textbooks provided by the schools 

·      Fair funding by allocating additional resources to less wealthy schools to further help equalize funds throughout the district

·      Increasing the number of social workers and mental health professionals in schools

·      Investing in school clubs, arts, and career and technical education programs

With your cooperation toward our goal, many benefits can happen in our communities:

·      Students of all backgrounds are better prepared for college

·      Students are ready for post–high school career paths

·      Lessens the stigma surrounding mental health and aids in developing healthy coping mechanisms

·      Better engagement in curriculum

We are committed to public education and the prosperity of everyone attending Washington schools. Together, we can build a future for students that is made for us through equitable, inclusive, and safe environments. We’re ready to partner on developing real solutions, always guided by a single priority: our students and our futures.

Sincerely,
 Know to Grow