MEA Votes

A school in Rhode Island that gained national attention after it fired it's entire teaching staff after students returned with low testing numbers, is now changing its tune and has rehired back the 87 person staff.

In another devastating blow to Michigan's children, lawmakers in Lansing last night passed the Retirement bill that will not only have an adverse effect on current educational staff looking to retire, it will also cost Michigan schools much more money in the long run.

From MEA President Iris K. Salters -

Last week there was a large rally in Lansing. Parents, teachers, students and everyday citizens came from across the state to send one message to our legislative leaders - Save Our Schools. It's a message that shouldn't need to be shouted from the rooftops and Capitol grounds, but given the drastic cuts made by the Legislature, apparently it can't be said often enough.

Michiganders are mad, and rightly so.

In this critical election year, the economy is the issue at the top of everyone’s mind. But it's another crucial yet less discussed issue – education – that really drives our economy by preparing students for future careers, encouraging local growth in 21st century jobs, and providing a cost-effective return on all of our tax dollars.

That’s why we’ve launched the MEA Votes Blog, providing a forum for discussion of the key education issues that are part of the political dialogue in our communities, our state and our nation. From how the dropout crisis relates to availability of local jobs, to how the No Child Left Behind law affects students and school employees across the country, the MEA Votes Blog is the place to make your voice heard on the issues you hear about in the school halls and on the campaign trail.