David Ackerman suggested the district try to pay the preschool teachers on par with its other teachers, which is more than usual. "It would allow us to steal the very best preschool teachers around," he said.

Way to go David, got to teach the youngins at an early age the value of stealing. Perhaps you can use your vast professional education background to come up with a more appropriate euphemism.

I appreciate Mr. Ackerman's suggestion for paying preschool teachers on par with school district teachers. It is very hard to sustain a living as an early childhood educator in an area that has one of the highest costs of living. Mr. Ackerman, as a board member you had the perfect platform to provide reasons why you suggested this; the importance of what teachers do, the long history of inadequate pay, the impact teachers make on children, etc. Thanks to your obtuse comment about "stealing the very best preschool teachers," the serious need for better pay for preschool teachers was I'm sure quickly forgotten. I hope you realize that "the very best preschool teachers" are looking for more than just a good salary. It is also about working in a professional environment that respects and values what we do on a daily basis. If it was just about earning a living you would find yourself with no teachers at all. Please be mindful that as a board member, what comes out of your mouth needs to be thought through and chosen with care, just like how preschool teachers speak to their students!

Ackerman you should resign. Unfit for this role. Man, you should engage brain before opening mouth.

I would emphasize the part about the long waiting list. We have known for a long time that quality preschool education is not only humane, it saves money. It cuts crime, drug addiction and teen pregnancy. The research is clear. And yet build jails but don't fund universal preschool as so many other countries do.
Go figure.