On Wednesday, the 139 teachers who comprise the Lakewood Education Association joined with other educators in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties to participate in a one-day rolling walk-out. The decision to walk-out was not made in haste. Much thought went into weighing the pros and cons of a work stoppage. Be clear, this work action was not directed against the Lakewood School District, but rather the educational policy makers and legislators in Olympia. During this session alone, the Legislature has once again ignored its paramount duty of adequately funding public education as outlined by the Washington state Supreme Court in the McCleary decision. They have ignored the voters who, last November, through the initiative process, enacted a law reducing class sizes in all grades. And the Legislature wishes to limit the ability of our association to collectively bargain in good faith with our employer.
On Wednesday, Lakewood teachers stood up for our students, our communities, our profession; and stood up to our legislators in Olympia. We realize our work-action may have impacted the community for a day. Our goal, however, was to impact the community for years to come with smaller class sizes in all grades, and increased funding for all school districts across the county, region and state. Please support the Lakewood Education Association in strengthening public education in our community.
Larry Delaney
Lakewood Education Association, President
Arlington
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