Sky is not falling: Teachers take on Kent School District’s numbers

Published 6:12 pm Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The sky is not falling.

So why’s that news?

Because the district insists on saying it is. As a result, teachers are taking the unusual step of holding a community budget forum that points out the facts and folly of the district’s financial claims.

What: Kent Education Association’s Community Budget Forum

When: 7-9 p.m., Wednesday June 2

Where: Daniel Elementary, 11310 SE 248th Street, Kent.

At stake is whether Kent’s already overcrowded classes, which sparked last fall’s 18-day strike, will swell even larger, and whether the district will go ahead and cut core programs even after seeking, and receiving, more funding from voters.

The forum will provide detailed information about the Kent School District’s resources and budget practices that administrators claim would justify laying off staff, increasing class sizes and cutting direct services to students. The announced cuts include school counselors, librarians, technology specialists, and sports and music programs, all of which impact students.

The cuts are unnecessary; other options are available and the district can afford to continue these important programs.