Aged teachers block progress

I am dismayed at the arrogance and deception of the top-heavy School District 81 administration. The smoke and mirrors of phantom job opportunities leaves prospective teachers waiting for Godot as the nonexistent job openings go away. All openings are spoken for by current employees.

The tired veteran teachers with dreams of retirement refuse to leave or quickly return as substitutes while their investments resuscitate. Even the hapless new substitute vies for sporadic work and keeps an evening job to make ends meet. They don’t have the luxury of 20-plus years of handsome salaries the aged teachers enjoy.

The students ultimately pay the price.

New talent is waiting to teach with a fresh perspective and zeal – only to see firsthand the politics and nepotism of area districts. Spokane is like Hollywood, and new teachers are aspiring actors just waiting for their big break against overwhelming odds. No bonuses, no benefits and the nature of substituting makes leaving Spokane an attractive option.

The colleges are cogs in this wheel, too. They keep churning out education students knowing the Spokane market is corrupt and barren. Everyone wonders why the brain drain continues to affect Spokane. The schools are its own worst enemy.

Sam Capriatti

Spokane Valley