The following message was sent out from SPFT President Nick Faber on 5/9/18.
Dear SPFT members:
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Throughout my three decades teaching in Saint Paul Public Schools, I have always been amazed by the dedication and care my colleagues put into teaching every single day. It has been a privilege to teach Saint Paul’s students with you, and it is an honor to serve as your union President.
Public school educators are special people because we teach everyone, regardless of their race, religion, gender, national origin, or ability—and we are proud of that. However, our many of our schools are struggling right now because there is so much missing: full-time licensed nurses, needed mental health supports, and more educational assistants to work one-on-one with our students.
Every single day, teachers and other educators in Saint Paul go above and beyond for our students. And every day, many of us are frustrated that we cannot do more. For far too long, legislators at the state and national level have decided that it is ok for our public schools to not meet the needs of many of our students, especially many of our black and brown students.
If we want to fulfill the true promise of public education, then we need to fully fund our schools. Governor Dayton has proposed adding $138 million in emergency aid to the K-12 budget. While this in no way solves the long-term funding problem facing our schools, it would help in the short-term.
Please take a moment, if you haven’t already, and call your state legislators. Encourage them to support the Governor’s K-12 funding proposal. You can find your legislator’s contact information here: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legdir
Also, make sure to take some time and celebrate! Stewards: SPFT will reimburse up to $1/member for treats to celebrate this week. You can find the reimbursement form here. If you have any questions, contact Julie Hawkins (Julie@spft.org) or me.
Also, we hope to see you at the SPFT Social this Friday night at Manicini’s (531 7th St W) from 3:30 to 6:00pm! The cost is $8 and includes hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets.
Thank you again for all you do for Saint Paul’s students and families!
Nick