In the 21 years that I have been a school nurse, I’ve seen it all. From treating students with strep throat to comforting children who are coping with mental illness, I have devoted my life to helping kids. That’s why I have very real fears that Issue 2 will put students at risk. We need school nurses and support professionals who really know our students, not contract workers hired because that’s cheaper.
Unfortunately, I’ve had a preview of what could happen if we don’t defeat Issue 2 on the November ballot.
I have known of educators in other states who have lost collective bargaining rights. As a result, they now are facing a very different reality. In some cases they are confronting skyrocketing insurance deductibles, decreased preparation time, longer work days without additional pay and extra duties when substitutes are not utilized. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Sadly, all these take-backs will ultimately affect student learning, safety and success.
Here in Ohio, we have an opportunity to right a wrong. Along with tens of thousands of other OEA members, I rallied against Senate Bill 5. After the Legislature refused to listen to us, I worked with colleagues to gather petition signatures so that we could get a measure to repeal Senate Bill 5 on the November ballot. By voting No on Issue 2, we’re repealing Senate Bill 5. We’ve come so far, and we can’t stop now.
That’s why I am getting my friends, family and neighbors involved, and urging everyone I know to vote No on Issue 2. Together, we have the power to make a difference for our students, our colleagues and our communities.
—Monica Whitty, RN, school nurse, Dayton, Ohio
