From a registered Democrat (and not a school teacher), I say to elected Democratic officials Rep. Richard Mailhot and Sen. Neria Douglass: Shame on you for voting against LD 1344, giving our educated, dedicated and hardworking school teachers more say in education policy.

Speaking from the public arena, as Douglas eluded to, I’m confident I could find large numbers of bipartisan support for the teachers who spend their long days and nights in the trenches.

Teachers know far better than our elected officials – most of whom have no classroom teaching experience – what policies are and are not working.

The bill won’t give teachers the ultimate authority to make policies, just the right to have more input into what policies will best serve the educational needs of the future, our children.

Contrary to Douglas’ assertion, teachers don’t want sympathy, just faith in their continued education, wisdom and hands-on classroom knowledge to provide constructive input.

By listening to teachers, perhaps elected school board officials and all elected officials may learn more than what they are hearing from superintendents. They may even be able to make more informed decisions after hearing both sides.

Before the public arena is asked again in the future to go to the polls, I would strongly urge my fellow Democrats, Rep. Mailhot and Sen. Douglas and all other elected naysayers, to rethink their positions. Their fears are speculative and based on one side.
William “Guy” Mahon, Auburn