Call it naïve optimism, but I didnt think that my UTLA shirt saying “A War Budget Leaves Every Child Behind” would still be so relevant as we turn the corner into the year 2010. In terms of nationwide, statewide, and citywide policy and legislation, its clear that our students and our community here at Manual Arts continue to be the last concern.
Tomorrow, I will march with my union sisters and brothers because daily I am humbled by the efforts our community goes through to provide the best we can with the little we have. I will march and yell and oppose because our students are being silenced in political life. Each student that is placed in a class that’s too big with outdated materials or drops out or doesnt pass the CAHSEE is another incident of our government and LAUSD and our school board turning their backs on those that have been ignored for too long.
Im honored to march on Beaudry with such an amazing community of educators. I look forward to seeing you there.
Antero Garcia