Today’s April issue of the Patriot Press Magazine included an article about the handful of Northern’s teachers who participated in a rally at the state capital on March 14. The “Rally to Keep the Promise” was a protest against proposed budget cuts to education funds and teacher’s pensions. Following are additional quotes that weren’t included in the magazine along with more photos of the event.

How would these proposed changes affect our teachers and students?

“For students at our school it would mean larger class sizes and the loss of the newer teachers (last hired, first fired) who are young, creative and energetic with fresh ideas. I would have to work longer, pay more into my pension and I receive reduced benefits when I retire.”

– English Teacher Ms. Debbie Wilson.

What was the rally like?

“It was breathtaking. It was nice being in a sea of people with the same experience and feelings.”

– Family and Consumer Science Teacher Ms. Pamelia Moore.

If you could personally discuss the issue with Governor O’Malley, what would you tell or ask him regarding serious concerns with his proposed policies?

“I would just ask him to keep his promises, to keep improving schools for Maryland children. I would also ask how he would recruit new highly qualified teachers by lowering salaries and pensions.”

– Biology Teacher Mr. John Rossi.

Do you feel like your voice was heard and would you do it again?

“The House of Representatives, days after the rally, added 58.5 million to the education budget (which still has to be approved in the Senate). I would definitely do it again. Having your voice heard is one of the most important rights we have in the U.S. and what makes this the best country in the world. “

-Rossi.

“Yes and yes. As a government teacher, I always tell my students to be active citizens in our democracy. There is power in numbers. Every single one of us contributed to that record-breaking turnout. It was a good thing. ”

– Psychology Teacher Ms. Carey Young.

The other side of the story

“The teachers will still get 54% of their salary when they retire (final compensation). We’re keeping our promise by fully funding the teacher’s pension and not passing the additional costs to the counties. On the rally, I’m glad that the educators were out asking legislature to take care of their pension.”

– State Representative James E. Proctor, Jr., District 27A

The Patriot Press repeatedly contacted Governor Martin O’Malley’s office, Delegate Joseph F. Vallerio, Jr.’s office and State Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller’s office for comment. None of them responded. Only State Representative James E. Proctor, Jr., District 27A, was willing to speak to us and was included in the article.

–Devin Cutlip and Jessica Ward, The Patriot Press