Parents concerned about Red for ED aftermath

On the fourth day of the Red for Ed movement, parents voiced concerns and questions about their children’s education once they return to school. “I’m actually questioning the government,” said Aster Garcia, a parent supporting the Red for Ed movement since it began last week. “I would like to know where my taxes are going because they’re definitely not going to my children’s education or the teachers’ salaries, so those are my questions not to the teachers, but to the government,” Garcia added. There are not only questions about funding, but the days students miss from school that might have to be made up for. “Graduations are coming, vacations are coming. I really feel their ‘hurt’ but this is important,” said Christy White. She’s not only a teacher but a parent to students with limited resources. “Our children have been dealing ‘without’ for ten years or longer. It’s time to step up and have legislators take care of our kids,” White said. Joe Daily, who teaches at Gila Ridge High School, explained how seniors in his district will not be punished because of the days missed.
“They do want to hold graduation on Friday night [May 25th] and they’re going to hold out to that standard as best as possible,” Daily said. Daily thinks there could be solutions to make up lost time for the remainder of the school year, “It could be where we make up extra time on a half day, or it could be on the day of graduation where we have a school day.” With most schools in Yuma County closed until further notice, parents are continuing to stay “red” for education. Garcia feels optimistic. “Hopefully Friday. Maybe until next week, I don’t know, but whatever it is I’m supporting the teachers,” Garcia said.