Dear Editor,
The Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers recommends your yes vote for Measure E, the parcel tax that will support Morgan Hill schools. Endorsement of this measure might have been an assumed position for the teachers union to take. After all, isn’t all money towards our schools beneficial? Until now the union has not taken a position on Measure E. Teachers, as well as community members, want to see value and gain for dollars placed into the trust of our district and toward the benefit of our children. Teachers want the same answers as the community as to how these dollars will be distributed and accounted for over the next five years.
Inclusion in the discussion of what software to buy and how to apply it in the classroom for effective instruction is of great importance to the teachers. We have been concerned that teachers would not be adequately represented in this process. We are experts in our field and an integral part of the team of parents, administrators and community that builds the educational structure for our children. After many discussions with the district administration and board members we are now confident that we will be included in that conversation. These issues impact our students‚ learning, our work lives and the future of the district.
Initially, the bulk of parcel tax dollars will be spent on technology. Our schools lack a modern infrastructure for the Internet, basic technology such as telephones, and campus security systems that contribute to the goal of safe schools. Classroom access to the Internet and telephone alone could improve the communication between home and school that is necessary to support our children.
The union has negotiated to maintain the programs the tax will cover. These programs add value to each child’s education and the growth of our community. During the past three years, in the process of cutting $8 million from the district budget, we argued to maintain athletic programs, music across the curriculum, and summer agriculture programs. This was not an easy task. Advocating for these services/programs was extremely challenging as reductions across the district had to occur to balance the budget, but the overriding concern of the Federation was for quality education and respectful acknowledgment of the value of the work that teachers provide for our children.
Quality education and classroom resources that support our students are always our goals. June 6 vote yes on Measure E.
Donna Foster, President, Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers
