Cindy Omlin

The Legislature has done some fine work in recent years to get the schools less beholden to labor union demands and more accountable to their local communities. But it could do so much more, and it should.

Trustee candidates have the right to be outraged that district leaders are giving special treatment to the Boise Education Association (BEA) and its endorsed candidates.

NEFW (June 23-29) highlights how unionized teachers and other employees often don’t know that they have the legal right to opt-out of union membership. Empower educators to select an association that best matches their budget and beliefs.

Teachers should encourage and school boards should require elections that will result in a valid proof of majority representation before a union receives the privilege of bargaining for all teachers, both union and nonunion.

The Northwest Professional Educators believes that positive change will only occur when all educators are heard and respected.