Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe (D-Bothell) was recommended today to chair the re-named senate Pre K-12 Education Committee, according to a release from the Washington State Senate Democrats.

“I am honored to be selected by the Senate Committee on Committees to chair the Pre K-12 Education Committee. My passion is providing educational opportunities for our littlest learners and children in our Pre K and K­­-12 schools,” McAuliffe said. “What I want for my 15 grandchildren, ages 3–22, I want for all children. I have fought for education in this state for 35 years and I am excited to be re-elected to continue our fight to provide a high quality education for all students.

McAuliffe won re-election during the November general election.

“I appreciate the confidence my colleagues have in my leadership and ability to serve.”

The release stated that McAuliffe will work to fully fund basic education because it is our paramount duty, responsibility to our kids and confirmed by the McCleary decision. She also intends to work to invest in preschool and all-day kindergarten and support our littlest learners through third grade.

The Senate Democrats said that she will also continue her leadership in expanding science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education with the goal of establishing Washington as the number one educator and provider of STEM employees. This includes expanding STEM education to grades K through 12 and linking them to the high demand local jobs.

She will continue to support the expansion of the Teacher Principal Evaluation System to ensure a high quality teacher in every classroom.