DAE president, Harriette Davis said that the vote shows that teachers who have to work with students in cramped quarters and in outside trailers are keenly aware of the importance of the November vote.
"DAE members, along with most of the citizens of Durham, understand that the teaching and learning environment is greatly enhanced by facilities that are safe, well-maintained, and adequately-equipped for today's technological demands," Davis said.
Because several community groups have voiced opposition to the bond issue, DAE leaders wanted to be certain that it was speaking for the members in each of the schools. The association used the lead story of its Sept. newsletter to discuss the issue and to encourage formal and informal dialogue within the schools.
Members also were asked to contact the DAE office directly.
Before and during the meeting, Davis reported that the vast majority of the comments were highly supportive of a position of support by DAE.
Davis added that there was discussion at the meeting about the needs of those schools that were not included in this fall's referendum.
"However, when the district's ten-year school improvement plan was explained, and when it was revealed that a negative vote could very possibly delay almost all of the major school repairs for the foreseeable future, our representatives were more than eager to support the endorsement resolution," Davis said.
Davis said that DAE members would be actively involved in the grassroots organizing and the county-wide campaign efforts for the passage of the bond issue.
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
