Legislators need to shoulder some of responsibility in Kent strike

I am writing in response to Claudia Kauffman’s letter in the Sept. 9 Reporter. She tried to shirk off any responsibility for the crisis in our education system. I will agree with her on the point that not all of the problems with the Kent School District can be solved with adequate state funding? What is wrong with starting with that? And I am not just talking about Kent, I am talking about the entire state. This state is failing its children. Our legislators have the ability and the responsibility to rectify that. She said in her letter that the district has “comprehensive revenue sources,” noting that not only do they receive state funds but also federal funds, local funds and other grants/contracts.

But the state’s constitution states it is the paramount duty of the STATE to provide a quality education. If the education system in our state was funded properly (by our lawmakers) we would not be facing a new levy campaign this school year. We would not have to worry about federal money if/when/and under what conditions it was coming.

While we all need to continue to pay attention to what our school board is doing and participate as active citizens, we need to put pressure on our lawmakers demand that they uphold our constitution and provide a quality education for our children.

This will not solve all of the problems and concerns that arose during Kent’s teacher strike, but it certainly would be a great start.

Dee Klem

Parent

Kent