State Sen. Christine Rolfes will be in a crucial position during the 2013 Legislative Session: The Bainbridge Island Democrat has been picked to serve as a ranking member on the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee.

“As one of only a handful of mothers in the Legislature with kids in our public schools, I’m proud to serve in a continuing leadership role on the education committee,” Rolfes said.

“We know there is nothing more important to the future of our state than giving our kids the tools they need to be successful in the future, and we have to make improving and adequately funding the schools across our state a top legislative priority,” she said.

Rolfes, a 23rd District lawmaker, was elected to her Senate seat in November.

On the education committee, Rolfes was designated by Senate Democrats as their lead on issues of reform and providing the funding necessary to implement improvements ordered by the State Supreme Court in what is known as the McCleary decision.

She will also serve as a ranking member, or the lead Democrat, on the Natural Resources & Parks Committee.

“I’m also excited to take on a new responsibility tackling issues facing Washington’s irreplaceable natural resources.   All together, we have our work cut out for us this year,” she said.

Rolfes will also serve on the Transportation Committee, where she said she will advocate for stabilizing the state ferry system that’s critical to many Kitsap communities.

The senator’s new assignments were finalized this week as the Legislature convened for a new session and majority control of the Senate changed hands.