TERRE HAUTE, Ind., (WTWO/WAWV)– Indiana lawmakers welcome a large crowd for the first Cracker Barrel session of the year.
Many took to the podium to address their concerns.
One of the major concerns was public school funding.
Jodie Buckallew, a member of the Vigo Co. Teachers Association, said she wants lawmakers to recognize the disconnect between teachers and lawmakers.
“They are our elected officials and we as the people who have elected them, have never asked them to defund or devalue education. So where is this coming from?” said Buckallew.
Jodie said she also concerned about the future of public schools after she retires in the coming years.
“In that ten years left I look back and I look and I say who’s going to replace me?” said Jodie.
High school math teacher and state representative Tonya Pfaff said lawmakers must first recognize that there is a problem.
“I keep talking about a teacher crisis. 92 percent of all the school corporations in Indiana can’t fill their positions. So it’s not like we’re just walking around saying there’s a problem. There really is a problem,” said Tonya.
Pfaff said she plans to do everything she can to restore the faith in education.
“I will continue to fight for teachers and get more respect back to our profession,” said Pfaff.
The next Cracker Barrel sessions will be held on Feb. 8 and Mar. 7 at the Vigo Co. Public Library.
