Last night, students, parents and education advocates attended the Seattle School Board meeting to show support for the tentative agreement between the district and teachers union.
Sebrena Burr, a mother of a Seattle Public School student and PTSA Co-Chair at South Shore School, gave public testimony in support of the historic agreement. Here are her remarks below:
Good Evening Dr. Goodloe Johnson and Board Directors,
My Name is Sebrena Burr and I am mother of a SPS student, a PTSA Co-Chair at South Shore School, and a community advocate that fights for children and families all the way to the State level.
As a mom of a child in SPS, I’ve spent a lot of time talking with other parents about the depth of gratitude we have for our great teachers. When your child is learning from an inspired teacher, you can literally see that child blossom, see that child’s curiosity and confidence grow.
I have no doubt that the people in this room all share a passion for education, the kind that provides all our children with the sturdy foundation they need for their life’s journey.
Thank you to the Seattle Education Association and Seattle Public Schools for their commitment to our public school children.
You have all worked long and hard to tentatively reach an agreement, that supports teachers and our 45,000+ kids in their 88 schools. Your collaboration is admirable and we appreciate your courageous steps. My child is excited about the first day of school next week and so am I!
There was great excitement among the many of kids I saw recently at the annual Rainier Beach Back 2 School Bash where we gave away over 900 backpacks and supplies. Many of you were there, and I was glad to get the chance to meet many of you and learn more about your passion and plans for the work to be done. This contract is a great start to ensuring that our teachers have what they need to educate our children so they are ALL successful in life. The future of America is truly in our teachers’ hands.
Our great teachers are absolutely invaluable. Let’s continue to invest in teachers and let’s continue to invest in our children. Thank you.
