Students, educators, school district leaders, PTSAs and families will unite for a regional town hall on education funding from 7-9 p.m. on Jan. 7 at the Newport High School gymnasium (4333 Factoria Blvd. SE, Bellevue).

Attendees will come from Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Northshore, Renton, Riverview, Shoreline, Snoqualmie Valley and Tukwila school districts.

The “School Funding Crisis in Washington State” event will feature speakers Chris Reykdal, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction superintendent; and Daniel Steele, school funding expert.

“With student-led storytelling, expert insights, and a legislative panel, this event amplifies our collective commitment to accelerating progress for Washington’s public schools,” reads a Mercer Island School District press release, adding that attendees will be advocating for improved funding for special education, transportation and basic operations. “Our region will come together to understand these gaps and discuss how regional advocacy can drive meaningful change.”

To submit questions for the event, go to: https://tinyurl.com/aesp4u2p