Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter as an educator and staff member at West Homer Elementary School. The members of this staff are all experienced, hard-working, dedicated teachers. This week our staff met and tallied the extra hours that were spent working above and beyond our contract.

We calculate that this past week, 12 of us collectively worked 89 unpaid hours. Those extra hours were spent grading papers, organizing files, writing lesson plans, planning field trips and corresponding with parents. These are all very necessary tasks required in order to insure that the children receive a quality education.

As the teachers of this district negotiate for a new contract, we hope that you understand that the workload of teachers has increased substantially as funding has been cut. As we negotiate for a fairer wage, we hope to have your support. Funding of education must be increased if the school district hopes to offer competitive salaries to keep, as well as attract, quality educators in addition to maintaining the programs necessary prepare your children for the future. We need your support to help make this happen.

Please call (907) 465-2689 or email Drew_Scalzi@legis.state.ak.us and (907) 465-2828 or e-mail John_Torgerson@legis.state.ak.us in Juneau and let them know that you support "Stand Up For Schools."

Caroline Venuti