Prop. 30 helps struggling school system

I am a teacher and I want to communicate to the public about Proposition 30.

First, thank you for supporting public schools when our state does not. Districts will not use the money to just give people raises. Yes, we took pay cuts, approximately $600 to $800 per month, and would love to get that money back.

However, our raises would coincide with getting back the furlough days for our students. Getting the school days back is the top priority. Hopefully, after that we can get our money back.

I wanted to explain the teachers' point of view before too many people make up their minds based on media perception or lack of knowledge. If you have not worked in a classroom for at least a month, you do not know how the school system really works, and therefore are missing a point of view necessary to judge.

Please do not judge the schools themselves if you had a bad experience. Please remember we are an extension of school district policy and state policy. The schools are doing more with less than ever before. Your frustration with the school system is above teachers' pay scale and authority. Just food for thought.

JEFF WENGEL

Modesto