Teachers Protest at Schools to Educate Parents on Proposed Cuts

Birmingham teachers from across the district joined together Tuesday afternoon to take a stand against proposed cuts to public education by picketing outside school buildings and talking to parents as their picked up their kids.

Members of the Birmingham Education Association (BEA) joined teachers from across Michigan in the statewide Day of Action, during which teachers distributed informational fliers on pending budget cuts and changes to tenure and collective bargaining.

“This is a great way to bring the community together,” said Kate Alexander, first-grade teacher at , outside of which she passed out red fliers to parents picking up their children. “We want to make sure everyone knows what’s going on in Lansing and in education.”

The event was organized by the Michigan Educational Association (MEA) in response to state efforts to trim spending on K-12 education.

Because of various cuts at the state level and reduced taxable values, the district is facing a projected deficit of $6.6 million deficit for the 2011-12 fiscal year and may have to amend its fund equity policy to fill the gap and avoid personnel and instructional cuts.

Scott Craig, history and social studies teacher, said parents have been receptive to the union’s efforts. The BEA is urging parents to write to their legislators.

“Parents are really frustrated,” Craig said. “They know what’s going on and they’re not happy about it.”

Craig said should the budget cuts go through, the programs that might be axed are the ones that “make school fun,” including art, gym and music classes. Class sizes could also go up.

BEA officials received word of the protest late last week, Craig said, so the Birmingham Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) was instrumental in organizing the teachers and transporting them to schools.

High school teachers were bused to and at the end of their day, joining teachers there around 3 p.m. Teachers were then asked to stop by the district’s eight elementary schools on their way home to bolster efforts there.

About eight teachers stood on the sidewalk outside Quarton Tuesday afternoon, wearing union T-shirts and waving signs reading “Stop the Attacks.” Alexander said around one-third of the district’s teachers were present at one or more protest, though the late notice meant many couldn't make it.

The only school not participating in the picketing was . Teachers there decided to cancel protesting after learning earlier Tuesday of the death of eighth-grade math teacher Redi Abazi, who died of cancer Monday.

PTSA President Leila Kessel said parents are already speaking out. Kessel said she’s received hundreds of letters from parents to send on to Lansing. A sample letter, as well as contact information for various elected representatives, can be found on the district’s website.

Craig and Alexander said they’re generally happy with the administration’s support in this issue, but said they can do more.

“I know a lot of superintendents have gone to Lansing to speak and I don’t think David Larson has done that. I would like to see him in Lansing,” Craig said.