Every time I see the slogan, Kids First, I think, you can’t put kids first if you put teachers last.
In observing interactions between the school board and teachers in the last few years since Act 10, I am concerned that the school board is not working as well with the educators as they could and should be.
The teachers are advocates for the students in their classrooms. It is much tougher for teachers to be in that role when they feel concerned that their jobs might be on the line, and when they feel their voices are not valued. The board needs to do a better job of collaborating with teachers to foster relationships that will move our district forward.
Our failed referendum a few years ago showed that the board did not work closely enough with educators and our community to ensure the passage of the plan. Educators can be partners in addressing and solving problems in our schools when they are invited to the table to participate, and when they are seen as collaborators.
Please join me in voting for Barb Feeney, Gwen Maitzen and Charlie Uphoff as candidates who will foster a stronger collaborative relationship between teachers and the school board.
Kelly Sullivan
Village of Oregon