I am a proud graduate of East Knox, Class of 2000, and I am writing in support of the upcoming school levy. Having spent all 13 years of my primary and secondary education at East Knox, I had the opportunity to be influenced by many excellent teachers. These educators helped me get where I am today, enjoying a rewarding and challenging career in environmental policy. One of my best elementary school teachers was Mrs. Oxenford. She challenged me with science riddles in a special gifted class that I attended weekly. Two of my other favorite teachers – Mr. Hubbard and Mrs. Blubaugh – were outspoken, tough love teachers with high expectations for their students. They took their jobs as educators very seriously and had long tenures at East Knox. We students reaped the benefits. In high school, Mrs. Bunn (M as her students called her) was my art teacher and my role model. “M” taught me the value of hard work and discipline, and she demonstrated how those values could lead to seven spots in the Top 25 at the state art competition (more spots than any other schools received). Then there was Mr. Kepple, my chemistry and physics teacher. To me, Mr. Kepple was a genius. Certainly, he could have chosen from many careers. But he chose to devote his life’s work to educating the next generation in science. As a result, my love of the sciences has continued throughout college, graduate school and into my career life today. Over the past two years, East Knox has suffered a 50 percent staff turnover, with over 30 teachers leaving early for retirement or moving to more stable school districts. We must value education as a community. The alternative is failing to attract and retain the most talented and committed teachers for East Knox Schools. Without teachers like those I mentioned above, students will suffer from missed opportunities and unmet potential. And the community will suffer from lower educational attainment and prosperity. Lets move education and our schools to the top of the priority list in Knox County. Lets pass the levy in November and get things moving, again, in the right direction. Whether you are a retiree, a parent of young children, or not a parent at all, you will enjoy the benefits of a properly-funded and successful school system in your community, in your property values, and in your local economy. Melanie Houston Cullen
Posted on: Sun, 20 Oct 2013 12:23:05 +0000
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