What Did You Say?

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As an educator working for the Mercer Island School District I believe teachers are not yet paid a professional salary. In fact, we've seen a roughly 2% cut to our salaries over the past two years and are now facing the possibility of an additional 3% cut or a freeze to our less than professional salaries. And I haven't even mentioned the rising costs of our health care and ever growing workload. It is hard to focus on our students when we have to worry about meeting the mortgage."

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Will be driving to Mercer Island just to give you a try. Wonderful addition to the Island. Kay Daniels, Corvallis, Oregon

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I think your article resonates with many folks on the island (especially Moms who are often the primary shopper + don't have the time/energy to schlep out to Issaquah etc.) I've also heard that TJ's has passed on MI as a viable location, but don't know if this rumor is truth or fiction. Wondering if you're up for a little investigative reporting i.e. is there someone at Trader Joe's corporate who can comment on what it takes to get one in the neighborhood? I've also been on a few email chains urging me to fill out the form on the website, which I and many others have done... yet still no TJs which makes me wonder if a) they've not yet gotten critical mass through the site to pique their interest or b) if they've already done a risk assessment of this area? Either way, it would be helpful to know more.

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This is very exciting news from Thursday night's school board meeting and it speaks volumes about the exceptionally generous community that surrounds and supports our Mercer Island Schools, teachers and every student who will be the recipient of the Bridge the Gap funding.

However, it goes without saying that the work of the Bridge the Gap Task Force is not done. Realizing our $1.2 million dollar goal is critical. To date 12 teaching positions have been funded through this effort. More importantly, we still need funding for 8 more teachers. Maintaining the lowest possible class size requires that all 20 teachers be funded through Bridge the Gap donations. Before June 10th an additional $255,000 is needed to successfully close the gap and to reach the Bridge the Gap goal. Please make your donation today at: www.mercerislandschoolsfoundation.com/donate

Penny Yantis, Executive Director 
Mercer Island Schools Foundation

Via Facebook: "Art Bus" in response to the story 

Bravo IP for engaging your students in a creative activity that also makes the world a better place. Just goes to show how it takes "art" to spell heart!