The Governor Chet Culver delivered his budget to the Iowa Legislature last week in a special joint session of the General Assembly. He presented a fiscally responsible budget that meets our priorities in education, jobs, and health care. I am pleased that the Governor’s budget is balanced, complies with state law, fills our rainy day accounts, and repays funds borrowed in previous years.

Culver’s budget proves his commitment to excellence in education, from birth to college. He dedicated $70 million to attract and retain the best and brightest teachers for our children, and he proposed $20 million for early childhood education. Culver’s plan will ensure quality and affordability at our state universities and community colleges.

In addition to the Governor’s recommendations to help our youth succeed, the House Education Committee, of which I am a member, took action and passed a bill to give teachers the tools they need to enforce discipline and personal conduct standards in our schools. The bill we passed out of committee allows local school districts to develop their own policies and programs to stop bullying, harassment and discrimination against all students. A similar bill has already been approved by the Senate.

Readers of this column know that for years, I have been a proponent of making sure our schools are safe learning environments for everyone. Beginning in the 2001 session, I introduced similar legislation aimed at reducing bullying in our schools. I am pleased that the Iowa Legislature is finally poised to pass this important legislation.

Violence among children in our state and in our country has presented teachers and school administrators with a grave crisis. I was pleased that the Mount Vernon School District took action when an unfortunate bullying incident occurred several years ago. The administrators took that opportunity to address the important issue of bullying, and they have continued their efforts to make sure that all students have a safe environment in which to learn and grow.

While much discussion focuses on consequences and punishment, I believe there is also need to change the culture and improve the atmosphere of all our schools. I certainly support action to suspend the bullying and harassing students, but, in addition to the punishment, I hope those students will also be given the opportunity to learn how painful and hurtful their actions can be to others. I hope they will be given the opportunity to restore their relationships with their peers and with their teachers.

In February of 2001, my friend, Peter Yarrow (of the musical group Peter, Paul & Mary), joined me at the Capitol to promote a program he developed, titled “Don’t Laugh at Me,” which is a character education program for grades 2-8. The goal of the program is to create school environments that are respectful, peaceful and safe. The program promotes personal responsibility and respect for others, and it fits well within the context of comprehensive character development used by Iowa schools. Additional information can be found at: http://www.dontlaugh.org/. For several years, Peter and I traveled throughout Iowa promoting the “Don’t Laugh at Me” program. I hope you have the opportunity to hear Peter’s compelling presentation.

From my twenty-four years of experience as a school social worker with Grant Wood AEA, I know that teaching our kids to have respect for one another and for their teachers reduces discipline problems in the classroom and assures that all students can be successful. We know that over time, by using tested classroom techniques and teaching methods, schools can move toward the elimination of ridicule, bullying and intolerance. We all look forward to a time when all students are able to reach their potential in a safe and nurturing school environment.

Thanks to all the folks who have contacted me so far this year. I encourage anyone with ideas for legislation or comments on specific legislation to contact me at the Capitol. You can write me at the State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319; call me at 515/281-7328 or e-mail me at ro.foege@legis.state.ia.us.

Ro

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