Letter: Don’t Compromise Kids’ Education With Proposed Staff Cuts
Saucon Valley parent Shannon Morris says the Saucon Valley School Board should reconsider cutting teaching staff as it grapples with a 2016-2017 budget proposal that includes a significant shortfall.
Note: The following letter was submitted to the Saucon Valley School Board, which is currently trying to close a proposed 2016-2017 budget gap. The board is considering eliminating a full-time English teaching position, two janitor positions and two part-time paraprofessionals, which together would save nearly $500,000. The board meets Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. in the high school Audion. Long-term substitute teacher Joe Harvey–who says the district is considering ending his employment–has asked parents to advocate for his continued employment in the district in a letter which has been circulated on social media.
Family. As parents and educators, we constantly try to teach our children the importance of family. We have a tight family here at Saucon Valley School District; we have so many dedicated, caring professionals teaching our children. Many of these teachers live right here in our district. They know our kids and are an important part of our community. They share their talents with their neighbors. As a parent, these things are important to me.
I understand that the Saucon Valley School District is facing a significant issue with the projected budget for the 2016-17 school year. I don’t see how cutting teaching positions, increasing class size and releasing well-qualified staff is a good solution for finding nearly $2.5 million to meet the new budget recommendations.
Our children need reasonable class sizes. They need caring staff that make a difference in their lives. Releasing teachers like Joe Harvey simply doesn’t make sense. He already has a rapport with our kids; he is a dedicated, educated man and an accomplished author; he knows how our school system works; and he lives in our community. I would think these qualities would be as important to our board members as they are to the district parents. Sadly, I don’t think this is the case.
I am disappointed to hear that Mr.Harvey may not be invited to return next year as a long-term sub or, more importantly, a permanent member of the teaching staff. I am disappointed that he has been passed over so often for a full time teaching position in our district.
I ask that you reconsider any decisions to reduce teaching positions as well as invite Mr. Harvey to stay at Saucon. I understand that the proposed budget dictates that cuts need to be made, and I strongly believe that compromising our children’s education is not an appropriate area to make such cuts.
Shannon Morris
Saucon Valley
Letters to the Editor can be submitted via email to josh@sauconsource.com.
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