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Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin took time from her congressional schedule to visit Aldrich Middle School in Beloit Thursday (October 13, 2005). She saw firsthand how schools such as Aldrich are in desperate need of modernization and how school districts are often forced to choose between kids with special needs and those in regular education classes. The Baldwin visit was arranged by Karen Affeldt, president of Rock Valley United Teachers (RVUT) and an 8th grade U.S. history teacher at Aldrich. Affeldt hosted and served as tour guide. Baldwin saw how the Aldrich building is no longer adequate as a modern middle school. It has electrical, heating and safety issues. Unfortunately, the faculty and staff are not optimistic that a referendum to update the building, or build a new one, would be successful because the community may feel tapped out after approving a referendum for the high school.
Two special education teachers, Linda Vance and Chris Dray, showed Baldwin how their classroom area was designed for shop class, not special education. Their teaching space offers many challenges, including the constant sound of the Spanish class on the other side of a temporary wall. Baldwin visited two separate classes of students with severe cognitive disabilities. She saw the incredible amount of work required to assist the students. One teacher, Jill Gentry, noted that she needs three paraeducators to assist her. Their classroom originally was the girls locker room for the gymnasium. Baldwin had the chance to interact with the 8th graders in Janet Elzy’s Social Studies class. One student asked her was why she ran for Congress. “Because I wanted to help the community,” she said. One of the more outgoing youngsters mugged for a photo with the congresswoman. Baldwin said she is very concerned about what President Bush and Congress will do to education during this challenging period. “Education is the last thing we should be cutting in times of deficit,” she said. “I am part of a group of House members that wants any budget cuts to be set aside until after we deal with hurricane Katrina and the war.” The visit to Aldrich was a great experience for all involved. The people who work and learn there found that their congresswoman really does care about them. And Baldwin is sure to remember Aldrich Middle School when education issues are brought up in Congress. Posted October 24, 2005 |
