Message to lawmakers: We say enough is enough | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 10:45 am Saturday, May 2, 2015

To the editor:

I am a very lucky person. I get to live and work in an incredible community. I get to teach amazing kids: my friends’ kids, my neighbors’ kids, kids who I have had the benefit of watching grow up into fantastic young adults. I have the best job in the world. I am a Bainbridge Island teacher.

Over the next few weeks and months our Bainbridge Island community is going to hear about the frustrations that are shared by the teachers in the state of Washington. Community, you are going to hear about possible rolling walkouts, rallies in Olympia, letter-writing campaigns. You will hear of these things from the news, on Facebook, and from your friends and neighbors who are teachers.  Please know, Bainbridge Island community, we teachers are not mad to you. We are not frustrated with our district, our students, or your continued support. We are angry at some of our legislators in Olympia. We are frustrated that some of our legislators refuse to follow the will of the people in reinstating the teacher COLA, and limiting class size for elementary grades. We are frustrated with the legislators for refusing to fully fund education, as is mandated by the Washington Supreme Court.

Bainbridge Island community, your support has been wonderful. Legislators, enough is enough.

TODD ERLER

Bainbridge Island