In the wake of the state’s decision to provide an $8.5 million advance to attempt to alleviate the current budget crisis, Lakewood Education Association (LEA) President Kimberlee Shaw issued the following statement:
“The Lakewood Education Association (LEA) is grateful that the state heard our voices and is providing these advance funds so that Lakewood public school students will have a thorough and efficient education.
While we are pleased at the number of staff positions that have been restored and that these incredible, hardworking educators won’t lose their jobs, the news is bittersweet. We are dismayed that the budget still doesn’t call for school librarians and guidance counselors, both of whom are invaluable to the school team and well-being of our students. We are equally dismayed that the budget only calls for the restoration of three athletic programs (soccer, baseball and track) and only two extracurricular activities (orchestra and band.)
Moreover, this one-time infusion of cash from the state—again delivered in the eleventh hour after an uproar—does not solve the long-term issue of the ongoing financial crisis our public schools face.
I am hopeful that these recent events have served to begin the long-overdue, much-needed dialogue between all stakeholders to find ways to work together and avoid this yearly debacle once and for all.”
“We are equally dismayed that the budget only calls for the restoration of three athletic programs (soccer, baseball and track) and only two extracurricular activities (orchestra and band.)” – aww poor sheifelach. Meanwhile, we the tax payers dont have bussing.
@Chaim Yenkel
The taxpayers actually do have busing. It is actually mandated by the state, so neither the Board nor the monitor can take it away.
There’s no pleasing everyone.
Please tell the LEA that their President should give back her full time pay check while not obligated to teach any classes .
That would save at least one librarian .
As to a “T and E” education– the last minute loan does not provide that .
Public school kids are still left without the necessities they need .
The teachers and staff are needed and more supplies -not union hack speeches that encourage dissent .
Lakewood staff we appreciate you
As to the union -bring back Carol Cousins -a true leader !!!
I understand the private school parents may wonder about the extra curriculur activities, since our children do not have them. However if it is standard in other public schools, Lakewood should have them as well, not at the cost of a loan from the State, but as a grant.