Somersworth educators speak up for public schools in face of Trump cuts, NH legislation
SOMERSWORTH — Dressed in red, educators, paraeducators, administrative assistants, students, parents and allies staged a walk-in protest before the opening of school Wednesday, They condemned what they call attacks on education from the Trump administration and also criticized legislation in New Hampshire.
Leah Lainez, president of the Somersworth Association of Clerical and Aides, said they intended to share a message of unity.
"We will walk hand in hand into our schools to remind elected leaders that we will protect our students and defend our public schools," said Lainez. "America's students need more opportunities to succeed, and we need to strengthen our public schools where 90% of students — and 95% of students with disabilities — learn. And American families need community programs and resources to thrive."
The events took place at Somersworth High School, Maple Wood Elementary School, and Idlehurst Elementary School and at other locations nationwide. Educators said there were more than 100 similar events in 26 states across the country on Wednesday, organized by the National Education Association union.
Lainez said the national day of action is intended to raise awareness and show solidarity in the face of the unprecedented attacks on public education from the Trump administration, which recently cut the national Department of Education in half, laying off 1,300 people.
More: NH Republicans vote to remove income limits on 'education freedom' vouchers
Lainez said the Somersworth event follows the recent confirmation vote of U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, as well as the effort in Washington, D.C., to dismantle the Department of Education. She also pointed to New Hampshire legislation that would remove the income cap for families who can receive Education Freedom Accounts, which provides public money to fund vouchers for private school and religious school tuition or homeschooling.
Republicans in New Hampshire have touted the vouchers as supporting "school choice" for families.
The local educators are concerned, too, about cuts to vital services New Hampshire students depend on in their public schools.
Speakers at the event included Lainez and Erich Ingelfinger, vice president of Somersworth Association of Educators from Somersworth High School, and Nikki Kinneavy from Maple Wood from Somersworth Association of Educators.
In her speech, Lainez said they will never stop fighting for students and their schools.
"Most Americans believe that every student deserves opportunity, resources, and support to reach their full potential no matter where they live, the color of their skin, or how much their family earns," said Lainez. "Public schools and the Department of Education exist because students, with and without disabilities, in every state and neighborhood have the right to an education that imparts academic lessons, life skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy - and right now, it is under attack."
More: Trump cuts Education Department in half after laying off 1,300 workers
Lainez said students deserve a Department of Education that's fully staffed and fully funded.
"The U.S. Department of Education is the backbone of public education in the United States," she said. "All students benefit from programs run by the Department of Education, especially lower-income students, students in rural communities, and students with disabilities. Dismantling the Education Department and firing up to 50 percent of its employees will have a profound effect on schools in New Hampshire. If Congress doesn't stop the effort to dismantle the Department of Education, New Hampshire families will be hurt."
More: Trump cuts to Department of Education spark divided reaction in New Hampshire
Lainez is concerned about negative results, including hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for grants, Title I and Pell grants for college. She said the impact could also include larger class sizes, loss of funding for public schools in lower income areas, loss of services for students with disabilities and loss of employment for educators.
Somersworth School Board Chair Maggie Larson stood with those taking part in the walk-in event.
"This demonstration highlights the critical importance of public-school funding and resources that benefit all students, particularly those with disabilities and from low-income families," Larson said. "This effort resonates strongly with our local community's values and priorities. Our educators are advocating for the resources they need to serve our students and families effectively. The School Board recognizes that strong public schools are essential to our community's future, and are working collectively to protect educational opportunities for all Somersworth students."
John Shea commentary: 'Education freedom' vouchers bill is a step toward giving up on NH public schools
Larson said peaceful demonstrations before school hours reflect a shared commitment to public education.
"Our community, like many others in New Hampshire burdened by an over-reliance on property taxes, deserves well-resourced schools that prepare every student to thrive," she said.
Ingelfinger, who said he has been a teacher SHS for 15 years, said public schools are "the heart of our communities and our democracy. ... Further reductions in state and federal funding to our public schools are forcing impossible choices on our community and others like ours. Choices like: do we fund art or music? Do we fund AP classes or drama? Do we run classes designed to help students who have fallen behind catch up? Or do we run classes to help students get into the college or job of their dreams?"
Ingelfinger said if the current attempts to reduce state and federal funding to public education succeed, Somersworth loses.
"These cuts will force the community to make ever increasing tough choices, and will result in bigger class sizes, fewer activities, less choice, and fewer opportunities for Somersworth families and their children," he said. "This is at once cruel and short-sighted. ... Removing federal funding or state funding means raising property taxes."
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Somersworth educators speak up for public schools
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