The Kent Education Association joins other Washington educators, parents, administrators and other school supporters in Olympia Nov. 28 to urge lawmakers to protect school funding.
KEA members are worried about Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed $2 billion in budgets cuts that would increase class sizes in public schools by two students in grades 4-12 and reduce support to colleges and universities by 15 percent.
“Additional funding cuts could mean increased class sizes, up to 2,400 educator layoffs, slashed pre-school and higher education funding, and the end of all-day kindergarten,” said Connie Compton, KEA president. “Enough is enough.”
Proposals also include cuts to school levy equalization funding, a potential loss of $4.7 million to Kent Schools.
“Our legislators have the final decision on what cuts are made. On November 28, the Kent Education Association will do its part to educate the legislature of the harmful impact additional cuts will have on our schools and students,” Compton said.
In addition to sending a group of educators to Olympia to meet and talk with legislators, Kent Education Association members across the Kent School District will be wearing red that day to show their support for public education. Members of the Kent School District administration and staff and members of the Kent Community have been invited to join KEA members in “wearing red for public ed.”
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