Sonja Schmanska, Teacher
St. George
Dear Concerned Legislators,
I would like to add my voice to those teachers who are opposed to the
fingerprinting and background checking. I have taught in Waldo and Knox
counties for 23 years. I was born, raised, and educated in small towns in
Maine. If I had ever hurt a child, you would know about it. My husband is
a basketball coach who out of a love for kids and the game has donated many
hours of his time to coach/teach kids of all ages. I believe that most
educators are like us, not potential criminals, but caring, compassionate
people who give and give and give to make life better for kids.
But, the greatest irony of this whole scenario is that my twenty-year old
daughter, a junior in college, was the first in our family to receive the
news in the mail from the state department that she must be fingerprinted.
This is because out of the kindness of her heart (and when we are desperate
for substitutes!), she sometimes fills in at our little school in St.
George during her school breaks. Where are we going to find substitute
teachers who are willing to subject themselves to this invasion, much less
attract new teachers from the college crowd who are now trying out their
skills in the classroom. I know one such candidate you've scared away. A
bright, young, biology major, too...isn't that what we're looking for?
Please vote to repeal this law which has gotten way out of control.
Sincerely, Sonja Schmanska