Tumwater teachers facing disrespect

Our community is facing a serious problem that everyone needs to be aware of. Especially those who have students in or are part of the Tumwater School District.

Our teachers have now been working over 100 days without a contract. They are currently underpaid and overworked, and more in likely they will be forced to take more budget cuts.

But what you should know is that our district office has more than enough money to raise their wages while still having plenty left over; the Tumwater School District office has been hoarding money in their reserve. About $10 million to be exact (about 10 percent more than other districts that are paying their teachers better). At the same time, district office officials are claiming that they need more money from the legislature.

We are being lied to by those we elected into that office. We are losing valuable teachers to other districts because they are lacking the respect they deserve from the district office. Classes are even very understaffed, I would know being a Black Hills High School alumni.

Yet, the district office is looking for more areas to make cuts in order to save money claiming that classes are overstaffed. It’s time for is to have our voices heard and for to community members to step up and get their foot in the district office. What to make a change? Consider running for your local school board.

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 4:16 PM with the headline "Tumwater teachers facing disrespect."