Summary
Editor, the Tribune: As Columbia Public Schools teachers, we feel it is important to address comments made in Hank Waters' editorial. The Columbia community has always been a strong supporter of its public education. In recent months, however, there has been a lot of discussion about how that education is being delivered. Most of the discussion has centered on fiscal and administrative decisions. We agree with Waters that keeping these open discussions will improve education by involving all stake holders and holding them accountable. We do not agree, however, with Mr. Waters' statement that "defeating the levy will not degrade the quality of education." Waters continues, "denial of the levy increase need not impair the work of teachers in the classrooms. Quite the opposite, it can have a salutary effect."
Frankly, we are disappointed by his illogical premise. As classroom teachers, we see nothing salutary about increasing classroom sizes, diminishing support, asking us to accept more time- related responsibilities and, in all likelihood, receiving a pay cut. Defeat of the tax levy will undeniably impair our work, which will have a direct impact on the students' learning environment and their achievement. If voters want to send a message of dissatisfaction, they should write to Columbia Board of Education members, attend school board meetings and vote for the school board candidates who represent their ideas. A vote to defeat the tax levy, however, will only punish students. Is this really where we want to direct our message?See the full content of this document
Extract
Defeat of Levy Hike Will Only Punish Students
Laurie Spat...
See the full content of this document
Sponsored links
