Teachers association endorses three

Published 12:20 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Mercer Island voters have the important job of electing three school board candidates. The state is under a court order to fully fund education.  Lawmakers in Olympia have to decide whether to allow communities to use local levies to lower class size, compensate teachers, and provide programs beyond basic education.  The implications for Mercer Island are big.

The Mercer Island Education Association met with all the candidates and endorses Bill Hochberg, Ralph Jorgenson and David D’Souza.

Hochberg is in a contested race.  He demonstrated a clear and deep understanding of a broad span of issues, including our school board’s policy governance role, the McCleary school funding case,  its implications for our schools, the levy lid, the pressures MI students and parents face, the need for balancing a STEM focus with the humanities and civics, and schools’ role to support children’s emotional well-being.  Bill knows our community well, and has a long term commitment to the district. He also brings a fresh perspective, citing the need to ask questions and openly seek the opinions of all stakeholders.  His existing relationships with elected officials on Mercer Island and in Olympia will make his advocacy for our schools that much more effective. Combined with his skills and knowledge, he is uniquely qualified for our school board.

Jorgenson and D’Souza are running unopposed. Both have extensive records of service to the schools and the district.  We look forward to opening a dialogue with both of them as we work to improve the educational experience for students, teachers and staff.

The MIEA represents the teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, therapists, instructional assistants, bus drivers, and office professionals in our schools.

Mike Radow

MIEA President, MIHS Social Studies teacher, resident