Erin Charpentier, a high school English teacher speaks at the April 16th rally
Hebron takes to the streets for education
Contributed By:The 411 News
Rural schools rally for more state funding – decry funds for charters, vouchers, virtual schools
On Tuesday, April 16th, Hebron Schools joined forces with teachers from neighboring schools, retired teachers, parents, students, and trade union members to march in support for traditional public education.
The march began in front of the Hebron Middle School and concluded with a rally at the Hebron Community Center where six speakers explained the need for increased funds from the state legislature to financially support their public schools.
According to union president Joanne DeFries, teachers throughout Indiana have only seen an average salary increase of about $6,904 over the past 17 years which ranks them 50th in salary increases across all 50 states. She explained that schools with declining enrollment are being hit financially since the "money follows the child" in state foundation funding.
A loss of 10 students in the school system amounts to about $60,000 in lost revenue, but unfortunately, since those students are spread out over all 12 grades you cannot simply cut a teacher.
“However, operating costs for running a school continue to rise with inflation,” DeFries said. “Therefore, a school is required to function with less revenue which directly affects teacher salaries.”
Dr. Nathan Kleefisch, superintendent of Hebron Schools, stated that he currently has 15 teachers who have a salary which would qualify them for the schools free and reduced lunch program.
Both speakers stressed the fact that dollars for school funding are being diverted to charter schools, virtual schools, and vouchers. This loss in revenue directly affects the funds traditional public schools have to pay teachers and operate their school system.
The rally was held to help raise public awareness that Indiana traditional public schools are facing serious financial problems and that the legislature needs to hear from their constituents in regards to school funding.
The speakers urged the audience to call their legislators because time is of the essence.
Hebron Middle School will hold a walk-in on Tuesday, April 23rd, from 7:00 - 7:30 a.m. in front of the school to continue to raise public support. Several students will be speaking at this event promoting their school and public education.
“They came to the teachers wanting to do their part, so a walk-in was organized to give them a chance to voice their opinions,” DeFries said.
All parents and residents are invited to attend.
Hebron community members rally for education
Story Posted:04/22/2019
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