It appears that the Washington State Legislature is headed toward another double-overtime — a second special session. The issue is simply money – and not enough time to for the divided Legislature to come to a consensus. Nearly everyone agrees that more money is needed for schools and teachers —  but just where can that money be found?

In a meeting held here late last week, lawmakers and educators told Islanders that they are as frustrated as we are about money for schools. But the mechanisms for finding more money are scarce or essentially illegal. Everyone wants more but no one wants to pay. Rep. Tana Senn was correct in pointing out that adequate school funding has lost out over the years to the dictum that more taxes must be avoided at all costs.

Now of course, the fruits of that approach have come home to roost on the roof of the schoolhouse.

Communities like Mercer Island have stepped up and have given generously to the Mercer Island Schools Foundation and in other ways to help pay for unfunded activities and curriculum. But even those good intentions leave critical pieces out. Those monies do not pay teacher salaries or benefits or cost-of living raises.

The only clear way to find more money beyond taxes is to make deep cuts. But that threatens other essential state services.

Lawmakers and school administrators urge parents and citizens to keep the “conversation going.” OK. Who do we talk with? Other parents, teachers or college administrators? Everyone already agrees about the need and the lack of resources. Should we talk to legislators? They are pretty busy talking to each other. Perhaps we need to change the conversation —  perhaps figure out if and how many citizens and corporations would be willing to pay more to keep our schools whole.