We met in front of the Borough building an hour before the meeting, most of us wearing red and holding signs that support fully funding education. Before the meeting started, we filled in the council chambers. Although my familiarity with Star Trek made me a little concerned by the symbolism of all the red shirts that I saw present, we made a pretty good showing.
For whatever reason, I felt the need to speak. In the open public comments, I warned about how stagnated school funding in Michigan led to higher and higher class sizes and more sacrifices by teachers until I felt that I had to leave. I then mentioned that Alaska's current funding conversation led directly to my lay off and that their reduction from the funding floor affected my chances of getting another job. I said that I wanted to put a face to their decision (unfortunately, it was mine ... but what can you do?).
I left after the public comments as it was already after eight and I had planned on being home by seven. They weren't going to make any decisions today anyway, but I kind of regret not staying just to see it through. Hopefully, we will see a change of heart in those who had voted for the lower funding floor.