What’s wrong with consulting teachers?

Amidst the web of inaccuracies and inflammatory language in Greg Aff’s “commentary” in The Herald on Friday, one small fact does emerge which helps explain why the Marysville District is embroiled in its first-ever teachers’ strike. Apparently, shortly after Linda Whitehead took over, the union president asked to be consulted before decisions were made. Whitehead essentially said no.

What could be more reasonable than bouncing matters off your own teachers before acting? Yes, one does assume that’s the way things used to happen in Marysville – and still does in the vast majority of districts around the state. Yet instead of opening doors of communication, the superintendent virtually slammed them shut – and effectively pronounced that she had the power, and that she was going to wield it.

The mindset of this district’s leadership has been apparent for the last couple of years. Is it any wonder they’ve been so unwilling to compromise during the last couple of months?

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Jan. 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Veterinarian Bethany Groves, center, performs surgery on a Laysan albatross on Feb. 15, 2023 at the Progressive Animal Welfare Society’s (PAWS) wildlife center in Lynnwood, Washington. (Photo courtesy Anthony Denice)
Editorial: Vet shortage requires more access at WSU school

Adding 20 in-state tuition slots can bolster veterinarian ranks and serve animals and people.

If putting conditions on disaster fair, apply to all

In their latest attempt to rip our country apart from within, the… Continue reading

To save orcas, focus on efforts in Puget Sound, not Snake River

I don’t believe tearing down the four lower dams on the Snake… Continue reading

Is Washington interested in joining Canada as new province?

Politics is a lively topic in any country, especially so in western… Continue reading

Comment: Hegseth can’t meet meritocracy he says he seeks

For all his railing about DEI, the Defense nominee seeks his inclusion despite his past faults.

Goldberg: Democrats will regret backing Laken Riley Act

Support provides cover to some worried about border backlash, but its consequences will persist.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Jan. 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Everett Mayor Ray Stephenson, center, talks with Alaska Airlines Inc. CEO Brad Tilden after the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Paine Field passenger terminal on Monday, June 5, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Editorial: Alliance makes renewed pitch for economic efforts

Leading in the interim, former Everett mayor Ray Stephanson is back as a catalyst for growth.

Welch: Spreading ‘tax policy love around’ would come at a cost

A state tax on wealth might sound fair, but it could chase some from the state and lose crucial revenue.

Firefighters are silhouetted against an engulfed home while keeping the flames from jumping to an adjacent home on Glenrose Avenue during the Eaton fire on Jan. 8, in Altadena, Calif. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Comment: What Shakespeare’s plays reveal by wildfires’ light

‘All the world’s a stage,’ with our possessions and homes subject to the same theatrical impermanence.

Comment: Trump escaped penalty, but ‘felon’ tag sticks; for now

Even though a 5-4 majority allowed his sentencing to go forward, it could yet rule on appeal.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.