Can charter schools and teacher training fix Washington's education system?

That's the question being asked by lawmakers right now.

These are both controversial - but supporters say they're overdue - especially with the state supreme court ruling that the state must do more for basic education.

Representative Bruce Dammier, (R)-Puyallup, says the bill he co-sponsors would bring new reforms when it comes to teacher training, including evaluation and assignment.

A second bill would offer education alternatives for Washington State which would open the door for charter schools. Dammier says these concepts have bipartisan support - but admits the teachers union may not like some provisions.

The Tacoma City Council approved Tuesday a two-year contract for Tacoma's new city manager, T.C. Broadnax of San Antonio.

The council chose Broadnax in December from a national pool of three candidates for the position.

"Pending final signature of the contract later this week, Broadnax is scheduled to begin working Feb. 13 at a starting salary of $221,208. For 2012, Broadnax’s pay will be subject to a temporary reduction of 5 percent, making his first year salary $210,248," says the city.

"Broadnax has served as an assistant city manager in San Antonio, Texas since 2006. Prior to 2006, he was the assistant city manager for the city of Pompano Beach, Fla. from 2004-2006, the deputy city manager from 2001-2004 and the assistant to the city manager/budget officer from 1997-2001."

His contract will begin Feb. 13.

The results of an independent financial audit are in, and the results are not pretty for the City of Tacoma.

Councilman Jake Fey told members of the Sixth Avenue Business District this morning that the actual general fund shortfall is about $2 million more than what was originally thought, due in part to a decline in projected sales tax revenues.

"It isn't good news," he said Tuesday. "[It's] probably a hole that is a few million wider."

Instead of the estimated $31 million shortfall, the city's general fund is probably missing closer to $33 million, he said.

"We're going to be obviously having to make some tough decisions," Fey said.

The City Council called for an independent financial audit last month, examining projected revenues and expenditures for the city from 2012-14 before making a final call on proposed cuts to public safety.