Commissioner Hardesty Statement on May 8th Teacher Walkout

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We support those taking to the streets as our teachers and students demand that their education be prioritized. Teachers and students have been paying the price for the state’s disinvestment in schools for far too long. Year after year the state continues to cut resources critical for educators to do their work and students to thrive in schools, and we’re way past the time to say no more cuts.

We have the resources to support our schools – we just need policymakers to do the right thing. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue repeating it: the budget is a moral document that reflects our values and priorities. What does it say about our state’s values when we as a community continually take resources from schools rather than giving them what they need to prepare our students for a successful future?

Austerity does not work. All it does is leave our education system further behind than it already is. If I didn’t have council session I would join the teachers and students in this rally and march to show my support. I am sending staff to the rally to show solidarity in calling for more investments in schools – not less. Join me in supporting our teachers and students today and everyday by calling for investments in our schools.