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Another week has passed, and more teachers have resigned from the district. I ask myself, what more can we do as a community? It was evident at the Monday School Board meeting that certain members on the board just want to keep ignoring the issue and hope people will back off. I appreciate those board members that keep speaking up and addressing the issues even though they keep getting stopped by roadblocks. The board members that are putting up those roadblocks truly need to ask themselves why they want to be on the school board. From where I’m sitting, it doesn’t appear that they are there to support the teachers and students at Austin Public Schools. Teachers are begging for support, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. It is disheartening that teachers are disciplined because they speak up and that discipline occurs right when they plan to share their experiences. What happened to freedom of speech? Teachers and supportive board members are only allowed to speak when it is favorable to the district.

I know as a parent, I’m tired of “no comment”, can’t be reached for comment, or “please talk to HR” (who don’t respond). What is the action plan moving forward from the district? Allow more teachers to leave the district which only hurts our students. This plan of ‘silence is the best plan of action’ approach is not working. The community deserves genuine communication from the district that recognizes the issues and shows an action plan moving forward.

The same can be said for the teacher’s union. I grew up in a very strong union household, UAW and American Federation of Teachers. I know what a strong union presence looks like and how they are there to support its members. I don’t see this with the union here. Where were you at the board meetings? Why aren’t you speaking up for the teachers? It is sad that it has taken parents to bring these issues to light. I hope there are conversations occurring that the public isn’t aware about that are fighting for our teachers. Teachers pay dues for a reason…..Put them to use!

I know things will not get fixed overnight, but I hope the board and district realize that we aren’t going anywhere. As a community we need to keep on fighting and speaking up. Be present, wear your ‘I love APS Teachers’ pins, and show up at the meetings. The next School Board Study Session is Tuesday, May 27 at 4:00 PM in the Austin High School District Office Conference Room. Please show up and support our teachers and students.

As I said in the beginning, School Board, APS Administration, and Teacher’s Union, WAKE UP!!

Ashley Blilie, Ph.D.

Austin, MN