Around 800 educators, parents and students filled Bellevue sidewalks Wednesday, protesting the state Legislature’s stalled budget to fund smaller class sizes and increased school staff.
“I grew up in a family of educators, so I know that the work teachers do is important, and it is better done in small class sizes,” said Kelly Bach, who protested outside Highland Middle School with her children Hailey, 7, and Matt, 9.
With the 2014-2015 school year quickly coming to a close and the state Legislature running out of time on a 30-day special session, neither the House nor the Senate have finalized a state budget. Caught in the struggle is increased funding for state schools.
Educators statewide say both the proposed House and Senate budgets fail to adequately fund schools under the guidelines set by Initiative 1351. The law, which was passed in November 2014, was meant to provide additional funding to lower class sizes for all grade levels, increase staffing, supplies and professional wages and benefits.
Lowering class sizes and increasing staff have long been a concern for Washington state, which ranks in the bottom 10 percent for class size in the country. The legislation currently being proposed would only address K-3 class sizes.
“At my school, we’re nearing 29 kids to a class. I’m a special education teacher, and I know that my students would benefit from smaller class sizes,” said Catherine Kelly of Newport Heights Elementary.
Bellevue educators are additionally concerned about pay increases and cost of living adjustments.
Salaries for Bellevue teachers are still below 2008 levels, according to Bellevue Education Association representatives, and there have been no cost of living adjustments or health insurance increases in the last six years.
“In the Eastside and King County, it’s important for us to provide competitive benefits and salaries. It’s about being able to attract people into the profession. We hear anecdotally of many teachers who are leaving the profession to do something more lucrative,” said BEA President Mark Morrow.
Educators protesting Wednesday also expressed concerns for statewide school standards.
“It’s about changing education across the state,” said teacher and Bellevue Education Association board member Martin Cordell. “Bellevue schools are able to do things that others can’t. There are schools in Washington that are still using chalkboards and have signs that warn students not to drink the tap water.”
The Bellevue protests came one day after teachers from Seattle, Peninsula, Issaquah and Mercer Island school districts walked out of classes to protest the lack of progress in Olympia. In all, 60 school districts statewide are scheduled to protest by June 3.
The Bellevue Education Association decided instead to protest on Wednesday, which was a pre-existing half-day intended for professional development. The Bellevue School District released a statement Wednesday supporting the teachers’ decision not to disrupt student learning, and stating the district echoes the educators’ concerns.
“I’m thankful that teachers taught and came out to protest today. The teachers are getting their message across and did it in a respectful way. It really taught my kids a lesson,” said Bach.
