Teachers' union president speaks out on negotiation process

To the Editor:

David Christianson, chairman of the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee, told The Community Journal that the school committee wishes that the teachers association "were more cooperative in moving things forward" (in the article "Contract negotiations continue with union" on Jan. 11, 2008). The teachers' association has been cooperative in moving forward. After looking over all the proposals that were offered by both sides beginning January 9, 2007, it is clear that movements and concessions have continually been made in order to settle a fair contract.

Please understand that it was the decision of the school committee to file for mediation, a step the association did not believe was necessary. The mediation process naturally slows the progress of negotiations. Adding to the slower mediation process, the school committee has refused to meet face to face with the association's negotiating team five out of seven meeting times since June.

In an effort to settle a fair contract, the association has consistently offered and altered proposals in order to meet budget limitations. Periodically, during the negotiation process the association was reminded of budget numbers and the association continued to modify their proposals. However, a settlement has still not been reached. It seems that no matter what the association does, it is not good enough.

The teachers' association is not asking for the moon; but for simple fairness. To date, the contract proposals made by the school committee give with one hand but take away with the other. The bottom line would leave many teachers worse off than they are today.

This negotiation is certainly about fairness for teachers, but it is also about our communities' values and future. In an effort to demonstrate their commitment to the district's children, as well as the amount of money teachers saved the district through "voluntary" activities, Tuesday night teachers planned to present two mock checks to the school committee. One "check" was written for $1,355,110. This "check" illustrated the time teachers worked above and beyond what most would deem normal teacher duties. This was calculated at a rate of $35 per hour, a rate well below the normal consultant's fee. A second "check," in the amount of $60,214, was for materials and resources that teachers buy for their students and classrooms to create a better learning environment. This money is not reimbursed.

As you can see, in spite of the lack of a settled contract, the teachers of this district support the best education for the students of this district. The teachers are firmly committed to every child being taught by highly qualified, effective teachers - the single most important determinant of success.

However, all the actions in the world cannot match the power of support from the residents and voters of Ashburnham and Westminster. Community support is needed. Many people move to this district because of the excellent reputation that the school district has.

Please help us maintain that reputation. Providing a fair and adequate contract to teachers is the very best way to attract and retain highly qualified staff, and that is the key to excellent schools.

Linda Perla-Mullins Ashburnham-Westminster Teachers Association

President