One resident speak out on business aspect of budget

To the Editor,

I am pleased that the teachers' union has moved the debate about fair compensation to the public arena. The cost of labor and labor related costs represent 70 percent to 80 percent of the school operating budget and is the source of most significant budget problems, in my opinion. The cost of labor seems to continually outpace our citizen's ability to pay.

The union lwtter to the editor in your last edition mentions fairness several times. Fairness must be a subjective term, because I view it much differently. According to the Massachusetts Department of Education most recent figures (2005-2006), the average teacher in our district makes $59,908, which is 6.25 percent higher than the state average of $56,369. I also compared the average teacher salaries in our bordering communities of Fitchburg $54,385, Gardner $53,577 and Leominster $53,583. The average teacher salary in our district is a full 10.75 percent more than the average market rate in those bordering towns.

This is business folks! Why are we paying over 10 percent more than the local market rate for teachers while we cut opportunities for our students to pay for it? The way I see it, every dollar which goes to fund an expensive labor contract is one less dollar available for course offerings, sports, arts, or some other opportunity for a child. The only other solution is a tax override, which would permanently increase our property taxes, again.

Let's also consider the economic realities of our times. Foreclosures at record levels, banks losing billions, increasing energy costs, decreasing retail sales and Wall Street predicting a recession. Think about the people in our communities who work in the building trades, real estate, mortgage banking, retail, etc. These are tough times for those people and their families. How about some compassion for our senior citizens who are struggling to pay increasing costs of heat and food on their meager fixed incomes? These are among the people who will be asked to supplement the school budget to cover the cost of ever increasing labor costs. These are times to budget for the worst and hope for the best.

Teachers are free people, just like the rest of us. If they feel underpaid, they can leave. I don't think it would be too tough to attract new teachers. Imagine this help wanted ad: "Peaceful, New England communities seeking teachers to work in modern facilities under excellent administration. Teach well-behaved students from loving homes with parents who are involved in their education. Above average salary." Sounds like a pretty sweet offer!

I offer an invitation to any union member wishing to join me on the Your Voice TV show to discuss this issue.

This editorial reflects my own opinion. I am not speaking for the town of Westminster, the advisory board or anyone other than myself.

Keith Harding

Westminster