SENATORS, SEATS, AND SIGNS

We are only a week and a half away from the May 19th election, which holds so much of the fate of our schools in its hands. Even before that day, will be May 15th, bringing with it the looming layoff notices that will be delivered to our teachers and staff. Now more than ever we should remain vigilant and let our voices be heard.

Two new developments this week:

#1 - We have been in contact with Senator DeSaulnier's office and were given a tentative date for the senator to visit our school for a Friday Rally! He is planning on coming out in 2 weeks (May 22nd) to join us on the streets. His support, and the support of the amazing people working with him, have been a huge boost during this disturbing time.

#2 - We have set up a row of 16 chairs along Concord Blvd. in front of El Dorado; each one representing a teacher who was given a pink slip in March. Each chair has a sign attached to it that says "One Teacher Lost." The effect of this display is powerful. The chairs and signs are left lining the sidewalk throughout the school day with the hope that a larger crowd will be exposed to the ideas we have been spreading on Friday mornings. If you get a chance next Friday, drive by and take in the silent protest of the cuts threatening nearly half of the teaching staff here at EDMS.

Check out this week's slideshow to the right to view pictures of the chairs.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEK

The photo above is from the Concord Transcript on 4/30. You can see Nancy and James. If you view the photo, you can also read what they had to say about our demonstrations. Thank you CC Times and Concord Transcript.
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United States Senator Barbara Boxer sent a personalized response to a letter written to her about the situation here in the MDUSD. She acknowledged the efforts here and assured us that she will keep our views in mind when law makers are discussing this issue.
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Our very own Tom Henneberry (Mr. T) submitted the following letter to CC Times which was published. Great job Tom!


As a concerned parent of two boys educated in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, I am appalled at the budget cuts imposed on the districts' teachers and other staff.

These cuts have distressed teachers and parents. It seems teachers have become the scapegoats for the failed policies of the state government.

Every teacher, student and staff member deserve all the support our community can muster in voting yes on Measure D in May.

The budget cuts deny our students a quality education, and undermine the dedicated work of the educators providing it. This penny-wise, pound-foolish philosophy has to stop.

Our elected officials must get their priorities straight for the future of our country, which rests in the hands of our children. Wholesale staff reductions and larger class sizes do not provide a solution.

Teachers ask only for a fair shake — for the opportunity to earn a living wage — and to create a positive environment for their students.

With public school education in crisis, it is time to draw a line in the sand. It is vital that we restore this institution to its rightful place in our society, and stop the shortsightedness before it is too late.

Tom Henneberry