Teachers will keep fighting for kids

On April 21, I traveled with many of my colleagues to Springfield. We went in order to put pressure on our politicians to fix school funding. The state government owes Elgin Area School District U46 more than $20 million dollars; furthermore, many of us believe that politicians should consider a new approach toward funding education.

The bottom line of our action was singular - our kids. We did not go to Springfield to get raises. We did not go to Springfield to create a disruption to the school day for personal gain. We went for our kids.

I understand the cynicism from a vocal portion of the public that tends to attack public schools and educators. I cannot touch on the many concerns that are often blogged about or voiced in some other format because I will not do what these voices too often do - oversimplify a very complex issue. I would love to have discussions and forums that weigh the issues and express the varied interests and varied sides of our problems. I think we need to figure out a way to have these conversations, for they would offer opportunities for education and expression.

From my 14 years of service to U46, I know that the vast majority of the public is supportive of education and educators. I thank you all and hope to continue my service to you for many more decades. I wanted the public to understand that we want what is best for our students, and our students are our priority.

We will keep fighting for what we believe in - our kids and our schools.

Gary Lorber

Wheaton