Meanwhile, working families like mine are told to “get involved” — as if cupcakes at the PTO/PTA meeting can patch over decades of disinvestment and political sabotage.
As a mom of three, I’m tired of pretending that this is just part of the deal. It’s not. Schools are the heart of our communities. They should be the first place we invest — not the last. And yet, when we ask for smaller class sizes or updated buildings or basic support for teachers, we’re met with hand-wringing and budget excuses from politicians who had no problem approving tax breaks for billionaires.
Let me be clear: a society that defunds public education is a society that doesn’t care if working-class kids succeed.
We need to reimagine what our schools could be — and fight like hell to make them happen. Fully funded. Joyful. Inclusive. Rooted in community. And yes — taught by educators who are paid and supported like the essential workers they are.
Because our kids deserve more. And they deserve it now.
Next up: healthcare — because no one should have to choose between rent and medicine.
In solidarity,
Edil Mari De Los Reyes
Mother. Advocate. Trouble Maker.
