Teachers, parents protest cuts within Kenosha Unified School District

KENOSHA (WITI) -- Dozens say they are taking steps to improve their children's future in the Kenosha Unified School District. Their major concern is the voices that echo down the street are not being listened to by the School Board.

"We're not being heard. Teachers are afraid to talk. They do limit the voices of the teachers," parent Mary Butler said.

"I think it's a little disheartening, mostly because we have been listening," Director of Communications for the Kenosha Unified School District Tanya Ruder said.

There is an obvious communication breakdown between some parents, teachers and school administrators -- each happy to point the finger. Picketers and educators alike are stressed by budget cuts resulting in teacher layoffs, higher class sizes and trimming $60 million from the district's bottom line.

"I want smaller class sizes and more teachers," Butler said.

Butler and others accuse the schools of gutting the quality of education without getting public input, and if there's opposition from teachers, they are subject to retribution.

"Some of the teachers have masks on because they don't want to be seen, but wanted to show their support. They're telling me they're afraid for their jobs," Butler said.

"We actually appreciate our teachers coming to us," Ruder said.

Ruder says the district is intimidating no one. She believes some of the frustration at Tuesday's board meeting is public comment is allowed, but not a formal debate.

"It's not a two way conversation at that meeting," Ruder said.

"Because we're not on their agenda, is their excuse," Butler said.

A war of words and divided opinions led to a protest in the street Tuesday -- with the district saying it is open to discussing complaints in a formal setting.

"We can speak all day long, but they won't talk back to us," Butler said.