Turk Talk | Teachers walk out for more state funding

"We don't have enough teachers, and when you need help, half the time you don't get it because they're busy with other students,GÇ¥ stated Mandy Lynn, one of Sultan High School's (SHS) seniors at the teachers walk-out rally on Friday, May 15.

Teachers, paraprofessionals and administrators, as well as community members, attended the rally. At 8 a.m., about 50 picketed at the Red Apple. There were some in Gold Bar, and some walking out from Gold Bar to Sultan. At the rally at the gazebo, Washington Education Association President Kim Mead was among more local presidents.-á

Ms. Fuller is a SHS U.S. history, psychology and sociology teacher. She was a big part of planning and organizing the rally for Sultan.-á

"We are rallying because, for over 10 years, the state has not been fulfilling the paramount duty stated in the Constitution, which is to provide ample funding for education in the state of Washington,GÇ¥ she said. "They have cut budgets, suspended a voter-approved cost-of-living adjustment for six years, and we got a 1.9-percent pay cut for two years. We're standing up for our colleagues and mostly for our students, who are not getting what they're supposed to from the Legislature.

"Specifically, we're not getting as much money as we need to be able to provide the best education we can for our kids. There's a big difference to be in a kindergarten class of 17 or 20, versus a class of 25 or 26. There's just a lot more attention that can be paid to help kids in areas that they're struggling with or help them enrich in areas that they're good at. When you're one person trying to teach 25, it's a lot different than teaching 17 or 18, which is where our numbers should be.

"That's what initiative 1351 was about: lowering class sizes for K-12. And right now the Legislature is thinking of ignoring the law and only funding those class numbers K-3 as if somehow high school kids sizes don't matter.

"For someone like Ms.Robbins, to make students better writers, which her job is, she puts 20 to 40 extra hours a week assessing papers, and it doesn't count the planning that goes into lessons, and yes, we do have a prep period that we use, but the reality is that this job can't be done in the seven-and-a-half hours we have it.GÇ¥

Upcoming events for students

Are you interested in learning more about the SHS Sports Medicine program, and the field in general? Come to the next Sports Medicine Club meeting, today, Tuesday, May 19 at 7 a.m. in Room 203. This is a great chance to become involved! Oh, and Mrs. Varnell brings donuts. See you there!

Juniors, counselors are hosting an information night for you and your parents as you prepare for your senior year and life after high school. Mark your calendar: Tuesday, May 19 at 6 p.m. in the SHS Commons. Be there!

Would you like to take a free summer class through Sno-Isle? Courses fill very quickly, often within the first six minutes! Programs are free, but you must provide your own transportation.