The Joplin chapter of the National Education Association endorsed R-8 Board of Education candidates Debbie Fort, Jeff Koch, and Randy Steele over the weekend.Fort responded to the endorsement on her campaign's Facebook page:
I am very excited to announce that I have received the official endorsement of the Joplin chapter of the Missouri National Education Association!
This shows that Joplin teachers support my simple platform:
Restore Fiscal Responsibility- The Joplin School District’s Reserve Funds have decreased from 25% to 11% and are projected to drop to 8%. I will ask the tough questions and make the hard decisions to hold the Board of Education accountable with YOUR taxpayer dollars.
Increase Academic Achievement- As a retired educator, I know what it takes to be academically successful. Communication Arts scores have stagnated around 55%, with math decreasing from 55%-46% in the last three years. I will let teachers take control because they are the true experts.
Restore Staff Morale- More than 200 teachers have left the Joplin School District since 2012. I will restore the concept of a teacher-driven professional learning community, because our teachers are the true experts.
If you support this vision also, help me by displaying a yard sign, by knocking on doors to share the message, or by calling your friends and urging them to vote. Send me a message. If you would like to support my campaign financially, mail all checks to PO Box 3971, Joplin, 64803
Checks should be made out to "Friends of Debbie Fort for Joplin School Board"
Together we will all win April 8th!
Doesn't the Missouri NEA only support union and liberal causes?
ReplyDeleteOh, stop with the labeling. These are Joplin teachers who are trying to improve our schools.
ReplyDeleteJoplin NEA interviewed all 7 candidates. Debbie Fort and all the other candidates were asked about issues that were important to teachers and students in our schools, including:
Purpose of Candidacy,
Comparing the Quality of Joplin Schools with Surrounding Districts, Critical Issues Facing Joplin Schools, Priorities in Funding, Attracting and Retaining Quality Teachers, Teacher Salaries/Benefits Compared to like-sized districts, Openness of School Board Discussion/Votes, Teacher Representation in Decision-Making, Reliance on Standardized Test Scores, Common Core, Teacher Evaluations, Administrative support with discipline issues, Teacher Tenure and other relevant topics that came up during discussions.
These interviews took place over a 10-day period, which was followed by a lengthy discussion and a secret ballot vote of the teachers who volunteered their time to this process. The results were unanimous and were shared with members at last night's meeting - and two candidates attended to answer questions from teachers.
No other group took the time and effort to do this, and JNEA deserves kudos for stepping up. They knew in advance that their recommendations would be viewed by the community and administration, and they stand firmly behind their recommendations.