Kids rank above administrators

We can’t support adding even more bureaucracy in Spokane schools.

We’re already top-heavy in administration, with only 42 percent of its employees full-time classroom teachers (vs. the state average of 47 percent). An embarrassing statistic in the context of the 238 layoff notices sent to the dedicated professionals that actually work with and help our kids. With nearly 30 percent dropping out, we need even more support for teachers and the all-important counselors as they work one-on-one with kids – many living with poverty, abuse, dysfunctional homes and hunger. They badly need this help if they are to stay in school, learn and have a better future.

Caring teachers and counselors make a difference, especially in high-poverty schools. Thanks to these dedicated professionals, some such schools have even scored “good” in the Washington’s Achievement Index – compared with many in more affluent neighborhoods that only scored “fair.” These are professionals that we – and the children they’re helping – can’t afford to lose. Hopefully, the school board and administration will focus on cutting administration (where we already have 110 administrative employees making over $100,000.)

Kids are our future. Let’s focus on their needs.

P.P. Lynch

Spokane