Coupeville teachers rally against state funding cuts

Although not a teacher, Joe Thomas joined the Coupeville Education Association
Rebecca Olson/Whidbey News-Times
Although not a teacher, Joe Thomas joined the Coupeville Education Association's rally to support education.

By REBECCA OLSON
Whidbey News Times Staff reporter
November 18, 2011 · 1:07 PM

Coupeville teachers gathered at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 20 on Friday to let the community know that state funding cuts to education are not right.

"Most importantly, we're thanking the local community. They've been most supportive but the state keeps cutting. We want to give our students the very best but it's hard to give the very best when funding is taken away," said Coupeville High School teacher Tacy Bigelow, co-president of the Coupeville Education Association, which organized the demonstration.

The teachers held signs reading "no more cuts" and "we can't put students first if the state puts teachers last" to protest state budget cuts resulting in furlough days and cuts to school programs.

Bigelow urges the community to contact legislators to tell them to vote for full funding for education.

"We work really hard so kids don't know the funding isn't there but it's getting harder and harder and we're all feeling it," Bigelow said.

Contact Whidbey News Times Staff reporter Rebecca Olson at rolson@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5052.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.