For many Washington students, and parents, the school year is just about to start - if it hasn’t already.

And they're not the only ones gearing up for the new year. Teachers and school staff are about to step into a new year with all sorts of new questions about how their respective school systems will be run.

So, we wanted to check in with a panel of education experts, to hear about how they’re preparing for both an incoming class  of students, and the realities of working in the Washington education system right now.

Guests:

• Ibijoke Idowu, a special education teacher with Seattle Public Schools

• Hilda Lail, Vancouver Public Schools Bilingual Family and Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator

• Julianna Dauble, president of the Renton Education Association

Relevant Links:

• Cell Phone and Smart Device Use in Schools - OSPI
• SPS, city of Seattle announce safety plan before new school year - Seattle Times
• Seattle school closures: Why almost every student would be affected - Seattle Times
• More school resource officers coming to Renton - Kent Reporter