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across the state, and especially in the rural areas, are struggling to keep good teachers and to fill teacher vacancies..." (emphasis added)  In an attempt to express appreciation for our schools and to acknowledge some of the challenges they face, I felt the resolution's implication was that our small, rural schools somehow do not measure up with larger schools in more urban areas of our state.  That simply is not true.  When compared with other schools, our small schools perform quite well.  As I stated in my floor testimony, words have meaning, and I felt that stating that school districts in rural areas are struggling to keep good teachers was an affront to many educators who taught me, and with whom I have worked.  My parents taught for a combined total of over 57 years.  They were always in rural districts.  While some of their peers have retired, many others continue to serve--and serve very well--in rural districts.  The notion that the retention of "good" teachers in rural districts, as opposed to the ability to attract new teachers to those areas are one-in-the-same is not true in this observer's opinion.
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• Again, I invite you to contact me with your questions and/or concerns.  I appreciate the opportunity to work for and with you.  God bless you.