Vote for Pam Shelton, Position 1, Yakima School Board
I will always be the voice for: safe schools, excellent education for all students, retainment of highly qualified teachers, smart spending, and responsible budgeting.
I was born and raised in the Yakima Valley and I'm a proud graduate of Eisenhower High School (Crew of '92). I've also had the privilege of being a substitute teacher for the district and I have witnessed, firsthand, the issues our teachers deal with everyday in the classroom. At present, our teachers feel disrespected and unheard. They are frustrated with the District's decision to RIF teachers, special education supports, para-professionals, librarians, and janitors, and the cuts to many of the resources and programs our students need to succeed.
For those who may not understand RIF: RIF stands for Reduction in Force.
Essentially, it's a more 'politically correct' term that is used instead of: Cut or Fired or Terminated or Eliminated. Our AMAZING Yakima school teachers and other vital staff (librarians, janitors, paraprofessionals, special education staff) have been Cut/Fired/Terminated/Eliminated due to the Yakima School District's financial deficit and their "cost-saving measures". These measures were unanimously approved by the current elected members of the Yakima School Board: Ryan Beckett (current board president), Martha Rice, Norman Walker, *Ray Navarro and **Graciela Villanueva.
So, why am I running??? Because I DO NOT agree with the way the Yakima School Board has gone about trying to obtain their cost-saving measures! Cutting teachers and taking resources away from students should ALWAYS be a last resort; Not a first! I want to see changes made within the District that will ensure our students get the RESOURCES they need to succeed and our teachers get the RESPECT they deserve. I believe the District can accomplish their cost-saving measures without making cuts in areas that directly impact the educational goals of our students. I also believe the Yakima School Board should review old policies and make appropriate updates as well as create new policies that ensure our students have the essential resources they need to thrive academically. Our children deserve nothing less!
When they eliminate teachers, they are eliminating essential resources!
The children of this Valley spend more than six hours a day with their teachers—often more time than they spend with their own families during the week. Our teachers are more than educators to them; they are mentors, caregivers, confidants, advocates, empathetic listeners, high-fivers and hug-givers. And sometimes, teachers are the only constant in a child's life. They are the heart of the classroom and they are amazing people who show up every day to teach the next generation!
You know what else is AMAZING about our teachers? They love "their kids". That's how they refer to them. Not pupils or students, but "their kids" because they care about each and every one of them as if they were their own, and in a way, they are. A teacher is responsible for each one, Every. Single. Day. That’s a huge responsibility, but one teachers take seriously—and carry out with unwavering dedication. Teachers show up, not just to teach, but to listen, guide, encourage, and protect. Every day, they help shape futures, build confidence, and create safe spaces where "their kids" can learn and grow. Their Kids/Our Kids. The kids of OUR VALLEY. When we take teachers away (and other support staff...they are important too!) from our students, we take away stability and trust both within our school and within our community as a whole.
YAKIMA SCHOOL BOARD...ARE YOU LISTENING???
You need to protect and prioritize the people who show up for our kids. Every. Single. Day.
Please note: *Mr. Navarro abstained from voting for last year's RIF because he has a family member that works for the district and respectfully stated that he felt it was a conflict of interest. **Ms. Villanueva is not re-running for her board seat, Position 1, which is the seat I am running for. Please help be a part of the change you want to see. Get out and VOTE. Together, we CAN and we WILL make a difference. RESPECT for TEACHERS. RESOURCES for STUDENTS.
