BATTLE GROUND — About a dozen Battle Ground teachers picketed before and after school Wednesday to proclaim their unhappiness with state education funding.
Members of the Battle Ground Education Association gathered on opposite corners of Main Street at state Highway 503 to protest the Washington Legislature’s failure to fully fund basic education, reduce K-12 class sizes, and provide increased pay and benefits for teachers and school employees, they said.
“It’s important to draw attention that the state Legislature is in violation of what the State Supreme Court has told them to do,” said Carli Barnes, a sixth-grade teacher at Tukes Valley Middle School.
She held a sign that read “Standing strong for public education.” Barnes was among the 2,400 Washington teachers who rallied in Olympia in April.
“Unfortunately, the legislators had already left,” she said.
Cars zoomed through the busy intersection Wednesday afternoon. Some drivers honked to show their support.
Rob Pollock, 31, a third-year teacher at Battle Ground High School, held a sign that read “It’s time.” He also wrote by hand “A COLA (cost-of-living adjustment).”
Pollock said he is near the bottom of the pay scale.
“I love teaching,” he said. “But it’s tough with this salary. It’s unfortunate the Legislature doesn’t want to fund education. They seem to be ignoring us. “
His wife, Erica Pollock, is expecting twins in late August. One of the benefits of teaching is medical insurance, Pollock said.
“We’ll be needing that,” he said. “Even the smallest cost-of-living adjustment would be great.”
Last week, 2,500 teachers from the Evergreen, Washougal, Camas and Hockinson districts staged a one-day walkout. Battle Ground, Vancouver and other union teachers opted not to join the walkout, though many said they are angry about what they perceive as legislative inaction. Statewide, more than 50 local teachers unions have voted to participate in one-day walkouts.
An updated list of one-day strikes can be found at www.OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org.
