Over the last week I have meet with many teachers who teach at some of the schools that serve the children of our district. They had many questions and concerns. Some of the things that we discussed were also of great concern to me.
1) Resource- We have some of the greatest resource teacehers in our district but they are far too overloaded. I am told they average 50 to 60 kids per case load where their counterparts in other districts have 12 to 20. this is a problem that needs to be addressed. Those with special needs need to get the best help posible. We can not do this by overloading those teachers who have specially prepared to serve our children.
2) GATE - This is a program that has for far too long been to limited. I personally have known kids who qualify but are not able to because it becomes the parents job to get them to a school that is out of their area. I believe that there should be a way for our schools to develop ways to have these programs in every school putting it in reach of every child that would qualify.
3) Teacher Retirement - We must make sure that our teachers do not get the short end of the stick with the split. I think this simple statement places where I stand.
Again I stand with all who are in my district. For our students, us as parents, the teachers who teach our children and all of those who will be touched by the actions of the board.
I hope you will stand with me June 24th as we together we work to give our children the tools they need to succeed.
Ken
