It's time for teacher contract resolution

As the parent of a fourth grader, I urge the school board to avoid a teacher's strike, which would be disastrous for our children and community.

When I voted for the income tax levy, it was with the hope this would put our district on a solid financial footing and allow it to compensate our teachers fairly. Our district was fortunate to have teachers willing to make contract concessions when the district was in financial difficulty. It is only fair, now that there is a $7.2 million surplus, for teachers to make up some of the compensation and programs they gave up during that time.

I'm not happy about all the posturing by board members. References to "final" and "take it or leave it" offers, empowering the superintendent to approve a replacement contract, and comments that are generally disrespectful of teachers make it appear as if the board is trying to provoke a strike.

The SEA is not without fault in this matter. Its "no confidence" vote in the new superintendent was particularly unhelpful.

Our community has already been embarrassed by the refusal of a grant for drug prevention. A strike benefits no one and would divide our community. I urge the board to do all it can to avoid one, including some form of binding arbitration. The time for resolution of this contract is now.

Sandy Lunn

Swanton