Issues regarding public education highlight Drew Darby’s recent meet & greet in Big Spring
State Representative Drew Darby held a meet and greet event at Hotel Settles on Wednesday afternoon.
Howard County residents had an opportunity to speak with Darby about issues pertaining to public education and hear about recent victories passed in the House.
“This is an attempt to connect with public education and to inform them about the critical nature of the election facing us. This is probably one of the most critical election cycles because the issue of public education is on the cutting block. There are people who want to take resources way and devote them to private or parochial purposes without any accountability. Those funds need to stay in public education and make public education better,” Representative Darby said.
According to Darby, there were state funds not appropriated in the budget that are set aside for teacher pay raises and school safety. The goal would be to have the budget direct those resources at those needs.
“Right now we are not able to engage in that conversation because people want to use our teachers as a negotiating tactic. They want to hold our regard for teachers hostage,” he said.
According to Representative Darby the event's attendance reflected representation from area schools and surrounding areas. There were teachers - active and retired - along with superintendents and other public supporters.
“This is my opportunity to visit with very dedicated servants to public education. We don't pay them enough. We put all kinds of duties and responsibilities on them, but we don't give them the resources to do their job in the manner they need to do it,” Darby said.
Darby added, “We have to be organized, involved in the process, and we have to vote. Now is the time for public education to flex its muscle and show people that we are important, what we do is important and you need to allow us the resources we need to do our job to educate our kids.”
Since the past legislative session, the public education sector has seen some victories. There has been over $1.6 billion in funding for school safety committed, for the purpose of keeping kids safe and protection for rural public schools and stopping out-of-state special interests from diverting taxpayer dollars to private institutions. In the upcoming session there are more education issues to be discussed, including teacher raises and testing reform.
Representative Darby is running for re-election in the March Republican Primary. Election Day is Tuesday, March 5 and early voting runs from Feb. 20 to March 1.
“I encourage anyone who cares about public education, now is the time to get active,” Darby said.
For those who were unable to attend the Meet and Greet event with Darby, there is still a possibility to reach out and share thoughts.
More information can be found by visiting drewdarby. com. Resources are available to request yard signs and campaign materials, sign up for campaign messages, add an endorsement and more can be completed.