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Redmond Schools Budget Draws Hard Comments

The Redmond School Board heard an impassioned plea from teachers Wednesday night not to remedy the financial crisis the District faces on the backs of teachers. Board members and teachers alike realize the current recession is a problem is a far-reaching problem, but how to deal with it on a local level is the question. Karen Gray is a member of the Teacher's Union and says to ask instructors for a third year to take a hit on salaries is going to be a hard pill to swallow: “When you ask people, teachers are givers, that's why we do what we do. So to continue to ask and ask and ask,, is I think unrealistic sometimes.” She says quality of education has continue to improve, but continuing to ask more of teachers with less pay is not a sustainable trend. The School Board approved a proposal to ask more senior teachers to retire early and thus hopefully save some jobs.   Mike McIntosh is Director of Operations: “We believe it’s cost effective. In our District, there’s a minimum of 10 that we hope to find that it starts costing more money more than we would gain if we go much past 20.” School Board members were sympathetic to teachers, but said tough decisions will have to be made. Right now up to 80% of the students are on reduced or free lunches, revealing how serious the recession is. Board members and teachers alike feel it's time for a dialogue to rethink how to deliver education in the current economic reality.

 

 

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