It is a difficult time for many of us. As a local educator, I feel fortunate that I both enjoy, and even more importantly, have a job that is secure. Many of you reading this, including local educators aren’t as fortunate as I am. You have already lost your job or there is a real possibility that you will be receiving a layoff notice in the near future. It is for this reason that I am baffled that our Senate has approved an Educational Reform bill at a time when there is no funding to support it.
As a member of the Washington Education Association and the Edmonds Education Association, I am fully invested in how our schools are funded. If this Legislature and Gov. Gregoire approve the Education Reform bill, my district alone will have a $13 million funding deficit.
It is very difficult for me to understand why the Legislature is entertaining new reform when there is no money in our state budget to fund the basics of education. I support the suspension of educator raises and lower class size, especially if it means that one or more of my colleagues will remain employed. I cannot support a legislative measure that further burdens a public education system that is already bailing water. I certainly cannot vote for any politician who is in support of further burdening our state’s public schools.
Betsy McGregor
Dean of Students Edmonds School District No.15
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
