As someone born and raised in the Spokane-Cheney area, now serving as an executive dean at a California Community College and a former Naval Officer, I’ve always valued the importance of strong leadership and sound decision-making. These principles are crucial in education, especially when it comes to supporting those on the front lines — our teachers.
My sister, Sally Wall, a dedicated teacher in the Cheney School District, embodies the selflessness and commitment that every educator should be recognized and supported for. Unfortunately, the current situation in Cheney indicates a critical need for change.
As the Cheney Education Association continues to negotiate with the district, it’s clear that their requests are not extravagant; they are necessary. Our teachers are asking for better pay, smaller class sizes, reduced caseloads for special education students, and increased support across the board. These are the basics that any district should be providing to ensure a quality education for its students.
In today’s competitive educational environment, Cheney cannot afford to fall behind in teacher compensation. A significant pay raise is not just a benefit to teachers but an investment in the district’s future. It will enable Cheney to attract and retain the best educators from around the state, ensuring our students receive the highest quality education possible.
My sister often finds herself resorting to GoFundMe pages or spending her own money to provide basic classroom supplies, further reducing her personal financial capacity. This is unacceptable. Our educators should not have to shoulder this burden, especially when their salaries are already stretched thin.
Leverage resources
The district’s financial decisions need to reflect a commitment to leveraging all available resources. Programs like Title I, IDEA, and ESSER are designed to support districts like Cheney, especially given the area’s poverty rate and the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (48.2%). These programs can provide critical funding, yet there seems to be a lack of aggressive pursuit in securing and utilizing these resources to their fullest extent.
The district’s current spending per student is $13,888, notably below the state average. This lower spending raises concerns about how effectively the district is managing its funds and whether it is doing enough to seek out additional financial support. Proper management and strategic use of these funds are crucial to meeting the demands for better compensation and improved educational support.
It’s disheartening to see that negotiations have been prolonged, potentially due to personal egos or power struggles within the district’s leadership. As someone who has served in the military and now leads educational initiatives, I know that true leadership is about putting the mission first—in this case, the mission of providing the best possible education for Cheney’s students. The district leadership must prioritize collaboration and transparency, putting aside any personal agendas to reach a fair and timely agreement with the union.
Challenge leadership
I challenge the Cheney School District to rise to the occasion and become a leader in education across Washington State. Prioritizing teacher compensation, leveraging state and federal resources effectively, and ensuring strategic financial management are not just necessary steps—they are the right ones. Our children’s education and the future of our community depend on it.
It’s time for Cheney to set an example, to show that when it comes to the future of our children, there is no room for anything less than our best efforts. Let’s make sure our teachers, like my sister Sally, are supported, valued, and equipped to provide the high-quality education that every student in Cheney deserves.
The stakes are too high for anything less.
— Richard McCrow is a Spokane native and an executive dean at a California Community College. Email him at [email protected].
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