"The public educators and staff at Lakeland School Corporation have joined in a nationwide effort to help raise awareness about funding issues affecting schools across the United States," said Garett Chrisman, Co-President of the Lakeland Education Association.
"In the state of Indiana, roughly 90% of all children attend public schools. Despite the fact that the vast majority of Hoosier children attend public schools, Indiana lags behind in per pupil funding when compared to the rest of the nation at #35. The most recent Indiana legislative session has only exacerbated this issue with Senate Bill 1 which proposes to limit the amount of property taxes that can be allocated to public education. The teachers at Lakeland School Corporation want to serve their community to the utmost of their abilities, and a lack of proper public education funding impedes that effort. Your communityβs educators humbly ask for any and all support from concerned constituents. We implore you to contact your local representative and/or senator about what can be done to increase the funding of public education or to stop harmful bills that cut funding like Senate Bill 1."
Dr. Blaize took the time to highlight the positives:
"Our students have wonderful, caring teachers, bus drivers, principals, counselors, cooks, custodians, secretaries and more that support them every step of the way," she said. "Our students have opportunities to explore topics they are interested in and passionate about."
Blaize highlighted services for students with special needs, nutritious lunches, field trips and speakers, and the opportunity to earn college credit while still in school.
"Our students have the opportunity to explore the workforce options in our area," Blaize said. "Our students learn the skills needed to be contributing and successful community members. We do all of this on tight budgets, with ridiculous mandates, and continuous criticism by lawmakers who should be supporting a system that educates all children regardless of race, disability, sex or ability to pay. A system that builds the workforce of the future. A system that helps lift families out of poverty. Our public schools are an essential part of our economy and community."