Tacoma School Levy, April 25th - A Teacher's Perspective
Think of why you live in Tacoma – you love it here, it’s home. Now, think of a Tacoma where schools are mandated to succeed by state and federal governments but are under-funded. That’s where we currently live.
Now think of a Tacoma where the citizens fail to approve the continuation of the levy which provides Tacoma schools 30% of their budget – increased class sizes, no special programs, teachers with 12 years or less in the district on the chopping block. No more excited and energetic teachers, no more assistant principals to help with the daily management of students, no foreign language classes, no art, No P.E., no music, no after-school programs.
Can we afford to let our improving schools fail? What would Tacoma be like if our kids realized we didn’t care enough about their education to continue the replacement levy that doesn’t increase the property taxes we have been paying?
At Jason Lee there are many teachers that have less than 12 years of service and we pride ourselves on the impact we have on these students. Unfortunately if the district has to make teacher cuts they do so based on seniority and not on the performance or abilities of individual Teachers.
Also keep in mind that special programs such as School of the Arts and the Hilltop Artist in Residence programs would be reduced or eliminated. Think of the positive impact both of these programs have on our community.
Please support Tacoma Schools by continuing the Replacement Levy and vote yes on April 25.
Joann Denyer
Teacher 6 grade Reading & 7th grade Spanish
Jason Lee Middle School
Posted By: James
tacoma | | Mar 03, 2006
