The Executive Board of the Orcas Education Association, on behalf of our membership, would like to express our concern about the Reduced Education Program Resolution passed by the school board on Wednesday, April 30. Our position is that budget cuts need to be kept as far away from the classroom as possible. The proposed drastic reduction of 21.6 percent of the certified teaching staff , as well as the cut of one principal are untenable.

OEA members believe their voices haven’t been adequately heard within the current budget process. Budget choices haven’t been made in a manner that reflects what is best for our students. We want our school district to be in a position of fiscal health and stability, but these proposed cuts are misguided.

Last spring, when we faced teacher and principal cuts, the community made it very clear to that Board of Directors that they would not accept cuts in school programs that would affect the education of our students in a negative way. From increasing class sizes at elementary, to limiting course choices at the high school, these cuts were labeled unacceptable. At that time, the proposed principal cuts were less than half the current proposal, and the community said that was unacceptable. Currently, principals oversee Orcas Elementary School, Orcas Middle School, Orcas High School, Oasis K-12 School and Waldron School. To ensure the safety of our children, to deal with discipline issues in a timely manner, to supervise curriculum and quality instructional programs, staff, and professional development, and attend meetings with parents, staff, and the community, this job cannot continue to be done responsibly if cut in half. One person cannot assume all of this workload, and two principals at 50 percent will leave much uncovered and undone.

In a spirit of fairness, teamwork, and what is best for our students, we must all work together to come up with budget alternatives that are not hurtful to student learning or safety. We will be addressing teacher cuts in more detail as specifics become available.

We need to further look at reductions in the district reserve proposal and in the district administrative office to try to keep our award-winning instructional and athletic programs as intact as possible, continuing to meet the needs of all our students. Please join us in making your voices heard on behalf of the Orcas student population who deserve the best we can offer!

Orcas Education Association Executive Board