Recently, I read that district officials both honor and respect Marysville teachers. Frankly, I have not felt that from district officials or the school board for years.
The proposals from the district are both demeaning to teachers and damaging and insensitive to children. My children graduated from Marysville, two family members teach here, and I have two granddaughters slated to attend here. I have reasons to want the schools to be the best. Those of you who know me personally know that I am committed to teaching and children. Something is wrong … very wrong here.
Our coaches suffered through a needless, expensive investigation. All it accomplished was to demoralize the entire staff. Citizens have received an incredible number of expensive mailings. If people are honest with themselves, I think they know that Feb. 14 was expensive baby-sitting or entertainment at best. That entire issue was demeaning, unfair and ridiculous.
Officials say they are concerned about test scores. How does taking money from teachers’ pockets increase scores? If officials are concerned about scores, why weren’t they present at the summer institute given by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Everett? Districts from much farther away had full teams, including the superintendent, principals and teachers.
I believe teachers are on the front line. I heard from several principals and superintendents at the institute about how they were enabling their teachers to do their very best for children by giving them the gift of time. In Marysville I sense frustration, opposition and insensitivity. When I spoke to the board two years ago, I told them what I wanted from them was what I expect from my students: courtesy and respect. It is still true two years later.
Marysville
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