I am writing to share my viewpoint as a teacher in the Stanwood-Camano School District. Traditionally the district has been a fair employer, willing to work with the teachers union. That’s changed this year. the district seems determined not to give teachers overdue salary increases. Districts within a short driving distance have offered increases above what we are asking for. We might lose good teachers to them.
Before Stanwood, I worked in Arizona for three years, but I couldn’t stay and have the future I wanted. Teachers there haven’t seen a consistent increase in about 20 years. The year I left, I was accompanied by a third of the faculty in the school because we couldn’t afford to stay there. One of my friends had to work two additional jobs just to get by. He has a master’s degree and 12 years of experience. Arizona now has a severe teacher shortage.
My salary only increased slightly here, even though housing is twice what it is in Arizona. To afford to live in Washington, a teacher must have at least a master’s degree, even in the highest paying districts. Salaries haven’t kept up with housing prices. I have my master’s degree now (didn’t when I first moved back), but I’m not going to be able to afford a home for at least another eight years. Then, if my salary keeps up with inflation, I’ll only be able to find something in a cheaper county. That’ll make me a first-time homeowner when I’m in my early 40s.
We are headed the way of Arizona if Stanwood doesn’t increase teacher salaries. Stanwood has the money, but they would rather purchase things than provide good teachers for students. I ask you to urge the school board to work with teachers about salary increases so that we can afford to stay here and teach your children.
Jennifer Benton
Arlington
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