I am deeply grateful to a special group of East Lansing teachers who have built strong relationships with my children, inspired them to pursue their dreams, encouraged them to put forth their best, and ignited in them a love of learning. I am troubled that the contract has not yet been settled, but I feel as though I need to add a new idea to this mix. Having sat on both sides of the bargaining table, and as a current union member for non-tenure stream faculty at MSU, I think the issue is so much more complex than administration v. teachers. I know the incredibly painful cuts we had to make during the 6 years while I was on the board (and the years prior and since), and while I always supported the teachers behind the scene, I think the bigger issue that needs to be addressed is the fact that THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY IN PUBLIC EDUCATION in the state of Michigan. The School Board/Administration is not the enemy, it is a pawn in a much bigger struggle. By keeping parents, teachers, students and administrators arguing among ourselves, the real oppressors (those in the state government who keep cutting education, cutting taxes), BENEFIT from keeping us yelling at each other rather than pointing the finger at the true source of our collective problems. I believe that this committed, creative group of parents, students, teachers, and administrators could come together with others across the state and lobby the real culprits who are stealing from our childrens education: the state legislature and governor. I ask those of you who have organized this fabulous group of folks to consider taking this issue where it can really make a difference: to the state legislature... Arguing over increasingly small pieces of the pie ensures that the focus of attention remains far away from those who have the capability and power to make real change.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 14:16:17 +0000
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