During the December 3rd school board meeting, several Plymouth teachers shared their experiences from having attended the “Red for Ed” Rally in Indianapolis on November 19. School administrators cancelled classes on that day, as did many schools throughout the state, to allow 82 corporation members to participate. Board President Todd Samuelson indicated that there were teachers who wanted to address the board.
Teachers speaking included Laura Kruyer, Delia Gadziola, Lori Mc Clennan, and Bill McIntyre.
PEA (Plymouth Education Association) Co-President Laura Kruyer said, “One of the major accomplishments was that it gave teachers the opening to start a conversation. She added, ”This is only the beginning, and one of the key elements to being successful and getting people to understand a little bit more about the role our community schools play is really to help them understand the state legislature affects us on a daily basis.”
According to Kruyer, the PEA plans to host a workshop to train teachers how to answer school funding questions from the public as well as how to speak to state lawmakers.
She went on to say that their main goal is to increase the base support for public education. It’s got to be more than teachers.” she said. “It’s got to be more than the school board.”
Kruyer shared her plans of organizing a meeting in February with all of the Marshall county teacher’s associations and including superintendents, school board members and even lawmakers. She pointed out that lawmakers need to realize the needs of their constituents in Marshall County are different from those in other parts of the state. She said teachers were not able to speak with State Representative Jack Jordan the day of the rally.
Board members Larry Pinkerton, who is also a retired teacher and principal, commented as well saying, “When you talk to them (lawmakers) individually, they listen. But when it comes time to vote and get the job done, they don’t show up. So there may be a time whenever have to make a change; with some of these legislators.”
Kruyer said, “It’s a fight worth having.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
