One of WEAC’s priorities is school funding reform. This spring (Yep, it is spring) locals are engaging their communities and legislators to educate them on the need for school funding reform. We want to “Move Education Forward” by reforming the school funding system. And while I know that ESP members across the state believe in this concept, I’ve heard from some of you that you don’t know if or where you belong in this campaign.

If you haven’t heard it before, you are hearing it now, YOUR involvement is critical to the success of school funding reform.

Why does school funding reform matter to ESP?

Well, I ask you this question, “What happens if you don’t get involved?” I hear all too often that ESP members are the first to get cut when layoffs arrive. This instills some fear in all of us, I know. But if we don’t advocate for a change in the school funding system, more budget cuts may be on the horizon leaving us with fewer of our ESP colleagues across the state to advocate for our jobs. So I encourage you, don’t wait to be asked to join the effort to achieve school funding reform. Share your voice now. Share your perspective now. You matter.

You are a critical link to student success. You see the students when others don’t. You have a unique perspective and you offer valuable life lessons to the students. Your community knows that and they respect you for it. Did you know, according to WEAC polling, community members view educators such as yourself as the most credible source when it comes to education, compared to school administration and other external sources. That’s because you live in the community. You’ve built relationships with the community members and they want to hear from you. What you have to say is important, so tell them.

Let’s Get It Started…How Can I Help?

Can you wear a button and write a postcard? If you can, you can influence change. As I mentioned, there is a statewide campaign, called “Moving Education Forward.” Our goal is to start and continue to share and educate our communities and legislators that the current school funding systems isn’t working. And it is impacting our students. To reach our goal, we are asking members to work with their locals to participate in 3 steps:

1. Complete an assessment. Tell your story about how budget cuts are impacting the students at your school. You see it. Share it.
2. Educate your community. Simply pay it forward and talk to your colleagues and neighbors about this issue. It is as simple as wearing a button together as a local, as a school district.
3. Tell your legislator you want change. We’ve created a simple postcard campaign you can do in 3 minutes or less and send it in.

 Ask your local president how you can get involved. Share with them how easy this can be. Coordinate your efforts with other unions in your school district to gain a more visual demonstration of support for school funding reform. This is a great issue to collaborate with the school administration and school board members on. Reach out to parents and other supportive groups in your community for help. For resources and a step-by-step guide, click here.

If you still have concerns, I leave you with this thought: If I do nothing, what will happen to the students? What will happen to my community?