Carleen Johnson

Carleen Johnson is The Center Square’s Washington state government reporter. She has 30 years of experience in broadcast journalism in the Puget Sound region, including being a traffic reporter…

Public Education
Washington taxpayers to pay more for school meals as program expands

(The Center Square) – More school districts across Washington are providing free school meals for students, both breakfast and lunch, at no cost to families. Other districts will be providing meals… Read More

April 25, 2024
Courts
Washington parents denied foster care license sue state over gender ideology

(The Center Square) – After nine years serving as foster parents in Washington state, Shane and Jennifer DeGross say they have lost their foster care license because of their religious… Read More

April 4, 2024
Public Education
No good news about student learning on 4-year anniversary of COVID school closures

(The Center Square) – Four years ago this month, schools nationwide shut down as COVID-19 numbers skyrocketed and students were sent home for what was initially planned to be two… Read More

March 26, 2024
Legislation
Gov. Inslee signs pro-LGBTQ school curriculum bill into law

(The Center Square) – Public schools in Washington state will be required to update curriculum to include LGBTQ histories and perspectives under a new law signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday. Read More

March 21, 2024
Legislation
Parents’ bill of rights initiative moves ahead in Washington State Legislature

(The Center Square) – A “parents’ bill of rights” initiative to the Legislature passed out of two legislative committees in Olympia on Friday morning.  Initiative 2081 would require… Read More

March 4, 2024