Left In Lowell

The following post was written by one of our LiL reporters.

Parents, teachers, and education leaders today joined together to challenge Lieutenant. Governor Kerry Healey’s statement from Wednesday night’s debate, in which she bragged that across the state the student to teacher ratio is “13.2 to 1.” Unfortunately, we all that does not hold true in the Merrimack Valley, where student class size reaches the high twenties.

Moderated by Lowell City Councilor George Ramirez, a number of elected officials stepped to the podium at the local Chelmsford Coordinated Campaign Headquarters with testimonials to refute Healey’s assertion.

Among those who spoke, was Paul Georges, President of the United Teachers of Lowell, who stated that, “When I first heard the 13 to 1 I thought I misheard 30 to 1 because that is far more realistic”

He was joined by Donna Newcomb, an educator at Lowell High School, who reminded everyone that four Greater Lowell State Representatives, Rep. Golden, Rep. Hall, Rep. Atkins, and Rep. Nangle had sent letter to the Lieutenant Governor asking for a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor. Newcomb said, “We followed up with a series of phone calls over the course of many weeks, and although Healey said they would be willing to set up a meeting with us, she never did and eventually, we gave up.” She reminded those gathered that the “issues in the classrooms are more than just the academics. And without the proper support, our children cannot get the education that they deserve.”

Chelmsford School Committeeman, Angela Taranto stated that he “…was amazed by Kerry Healey statement of 13 to 1 children in the classroom.” He added that he personally knows that “when Healey has been pressed on the specifics of education her response has been, ‘I’m only the Lieutenant. Governor’”

Nashoba Valley School Committee member and Waltham High School Teacher, Sam Poulten, mentioned that his classes range in size from 21 – 24 and stated “We are doing a good job, and not because of the present Governor and Lieutenant Governor, but because of the teachers, administrators and staff. The worst thing about what said is that she planted a seed in everyone’s mind that we are a special interest group. But, we are not asking for more were asking for enough to do our job. It is about what people value, and I do not think that she values public education. Deval Patrick has made it clear that he does, and that is why I am, supporting Deval Patrick for Governor”

At the conclusion of the gathering, everyone in attendance reaffirmed their support for Deval Patrick because of his total commitment to education not only with class size but also with expansion of early education opportunities, a longer school day and coordinated after-school programs. All those in attendance agreed that it is time for a change.