CH-UH BOE endorses 'Principles that Unite Us'

The CH-UH Board of Education (BOE) went on the record as supporters of the “Principles that Unite Us” statement during an April meeting. The statement was developed by a broad national coalition of educators and public education advocates to reaffirm the importance of a just system of “publicly funded, equitable and democratically controlled public schools.”

Nylajean McDaniel, superintendent, and Ari Klein, Cleveland Heights Teachers Union president, jointly asked the BOE to join the list of endorsers of the document.

McDaniel said that she was proud that the board took the position to support this message. “How many other communities are going to state so clearly what they believe in as our CH-UH Board of Education?” asked McDaniel, adding, “I especially like the section of the Principles that reiterates what I have endorsed for my entire career—that quality teaching must be delivered by committed, respected and supported educators.” 

Klein stated, “Public education is under attack and many critics and reformers perpetuate the myth that we have failed and should be privatized. The ‘Principles That Unite Us’ was developed to rally support behind public education, the best option for making sure all children receive the education they deserve.”

The Cleveland Heights Teachers Union Executive Board had previously voted to endorse this document due to “its strong message of hope for what public schools have always been and what they can continue to be in the future,” said Klein. 

“As cornerstones for democracy our public schools are important to our community,” Klein continued. “These Principles clearly value and emphasize the importance of keeping schools focused, welcoming, and as an integral part of the community.”

The American Federation of Teachers, the National Opportunity to Learn Campaign, the National Education Association, Communities for Public Education Reform and numerous community and labor leaders organized a conference to build a national movement for educational justice. The gathering brought together more than 500 students, parents, educators and community leaders who produced “The Principles that Unite Us” document as their common vision to reclaim the promise of public education.

The statement reasserts the voice of community in public schools and outlines other principles, such as “Public schools are public institutions,” “Assessments should be used to improve instruction,” and “Strong public schools create strong communities.”  The full document can be found at www.aft.org/pdfs/about/PrinciplesUniteUs2013.pdf.