I did a little something tonight. I spoke at a borough meeting about funding education to the cap. This would add roughly $2.4 million to the school district budget. We are in desperate need of this money. For all of my friends and family outside of Alaska...the newly elected Governor has proposed gutting funding to many public services including education. The school district I am currently teaching in faces over a $20 million cut. This is "draconian", as many have put it. It would devastate this area, and all Alaskan schools would be in similar situations. I could no longer stay silent about how I feel about this, and wanted my voice to be heard. Here is what I said:
"My name is Sara lucas and I am an educator. I am one of these non tenured teachers and this decrease in funding could mean I will no longer have a job. This is my 2nd year with the district and 7th year teaching in Alaska. I definitely have a vested interest in increasing funding for our K-12 schools, but I am here fighting for my students tonight, not my job. I have a chemistry degree. I feel like I have plenty of options with this degree, but my students do not have a choice. I love teaching and am torn in whether to leave or stay. The students keep pulling me back. I realize I love being in the classroom with my students and can’t imagine doing anything else. However, currently my thoughts are consumed with looking at other career or school options because this is the 2nd year in a row, where at this point in time, I do not have a signed contract. I cannot wait around I need to take care of my needs first and I think it might be time for a career change. It pains me to say this, as I love what I do, but I just cannot see myself teaching for the rest of my life anymore if education is in limbo every year. I feel I am not alone in this sentiment. I have heard many young teachers that share my position fearing what this state will be like if there are major cuts. We are all considering our futures and considering a future that does not include education. Our students will suffer and I can’t imagine living in a state where our next generation is not being given the education they deserve. The schools are the heart of a community, and without good schools there will be a ripple effect that is felt by the community. It pains me to think about the education of kids in our state if education funding is drastically cut. They will be underprepared to enter the workforce creating a crisis for all Alaskans. There will undoubtedly be a decreased morale at the very least. Please fund education to the cap. Our students deserve the best."
*This weekend I also went to my final hockey tournament with the Queens, for this season. It was a blast and I will get a post up about this soon. I know many are patiently waiting.
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