Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1476161
Elizabeth Douglas Photography I A L W A Y S L O V E the start of the new school year. e excitement and promise of a fresh start inspire and energize our return – even if sum- mer break didn't feel quite long enough. As a kindergarten teacher, I find it so rewarding to be that first friendly face to welcome our youngest learners to their classroom com- munity of wonder, and support the start of their educational journey. Back to School is such a special time for all of us, our students and school communities, and this year there is a lot to be excited about. Over the summer, the governor signed a budget that provides record funding for K-14 education, including a 13-percent increase in ongoing funding for K-12 schools and a 6.56-percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for community colleges. at's money to reduce class sizes; hire school nurses, school counselors, school psychologists and education support professionals; and increase salaries to recruit and retain class- room educators. ere's additional funding for special education, art and music, after- school programs, transportation, career technical education, and early childhood education as we continue to build toward Pre-K for all. e state also increased its historic investment in community schools by another $1.1 billion – providing additional resources as we re-imagine public education and address long-standing inequities through family engagement, community partnerships and shared decision-making. In many ways, CTA's work on community schools is just beginning because we know creating schools that engage students and disrupt poverty requires ongoing educator, community and parent engagement. rough organizing with our partners, these efforts will help make our push for educator- and community-led schools a reality for all. It's another example of how educators believe in better and work hard to make it possible. And we're lucky to have elected leaders The Promise of a New Year like Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thur- mond , w ho has been a true friend to students and edu cators a s w e w eath ered unpre c ed ent ed tim e s together. I hope you' ll join me in working to re-elect Thurmond this November. Visit our website for all of CTA's election recommendations. The last few school years have been anything but normal, and we have dealt with and overcome every obstacle, togeth er. A s we embark on anoth er n e w b e g i n n i n g , l e t 's c o n ti nu e t o su pp o r t a n d l e a n o n each other to advocate for our students and fight for the schools they deserve. As Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai said, "One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world." T h a n k s f o r a l l y o u d o a n d h av e a m e a n i n g f u l school year. E. Toby Boyd C T A P R E S I D E N T @etobyboyd 5 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 P R E S I D E N T ' S M E S S A G E Final Trim Size: 8" x 5" 8.25" x 5.25" Bleed 7" x 4.687 Live Area Colors 4/0 CMYK Y C K M