Kent School District Strike—That is right—Kent School teachers voted overpoweringly yesterday on Wednesday night to walk away from their jobs that makes the Kent District first one of those numerous school districts where strikes may take place over the next few weeks time.
President for the Kent Education Association Lisa Brackin Johnson said, over 86% teachers of Kent district teachers voted for strike, total teachers counts around 1700 and out of those 1500 voted and voted for strike, moreover, she said, the teachers of Kent District are standing not only for their rights but for their students and for better education in addition teachers are getting strong support from parents at community meetings held by teachers.
Teachers demand from district is that “District must use that $21 million reserve funds to reduce the number of students in every class.” Lisa Johnson said the number of students in each class is as high as 45 in several high school and over 31 students are studying in first and second grade classes.
The other demands include fewer meetings, so that teachers can get more time to help their students before and after the class and school.
Whereas Kent administration is not ready to spend such money, according to them it would be irresponsible to do so, and on the other hand they said that total of $21 million are not available any ways, Backy Hanks spokesperson from District Office said that almost over half of the money has already been sanctioned, however, District is ready to increase Kent teachers recompenses by $8.5 million, averaging raise of 3 percent on this coming school year and 1.5 percent in the next year.
But it feels like teacher want something more than a raise and this time nothing is going to work out except to accept the demands of those who taught us to be here where we are today.
Teachers to Strike
Comments