Teacher+testimony

I have been teaching for twenty years and one of the most rewarding experiences as an educator is giving opportunities to students that may not have had them otherwise. This is the beauty of a free, public education. It doesn’t discriminate. The Boise School District has continuously provided a quality education to all of our students. The recent AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) has continued this tradition by identifying students with academic potential but perhaps not the economic or parental support that would encourage them to take advanced courses or set their sights on preparing for a university education. I have seen students challenge themselves with Advanced Placement and concurrent credit courses because our schools and teachers provide the support they need to succeed. It is wonderful to help them write their college application letters and to see their expressions when they receive college admissions letters. The recent state budget cuts seem to want to channel money to private corporations for online coursework instead of keep it in our classrooms where there are caring individuals who help all students toward success. The interaction between a student and teacher cannot be duplicated by technology. I implore policymakers and voters to rail against legislation that takes dollars away from classrooms. Our tax money should be supporting the democratic principle of a free, public, education to all students in our state, not private corporations. Paula Uriarte 2848 S Pine Bar Pl Meridian, ID 83642


 * To the Editor: **
 * I am so grateful to live in the Boise School District! Due to budget cuts year after year, Meridian schools have lost important programs for kids, required them to pay to participate in sports and arts programs, cut their teachers, increased the number of students they sit in class with and reduced prep time for their remaining teachers. Meridian teachers, meanwhile, are doing their best to stop these cuts from impacting students, but with less prep time and more students, teachers have to cut assignments, feedback and individual attention to students. Many of the best teachers have put in their resumes elsewhere. I know, because I teach in the Meridian School District. **
 * I’m grateful that my kids attend Boise Schools, which are nationally recognized for academic achievement. But Boise Schools will be facing many of the same consequences as our neighbors to the west if the supplemental levy does not pass. I, for one, will be encouraging everyone I know to vote in favor of the levy on March 13 th . I can only hope that, for the sake of my students, the residents of Meridian decide to vote in favor of their kids, too. **
 * Anna K. Daley **