Resident: Who needs to bite the bullet?

To the Editor:

In a recent Community Journal editorial, the paper correctly pointed out that while the Ash-West teachers are trying to convince the public that they are working for unfair pay, clearly more information is needed. It is interesting that only the school committee has expressed a desire to inform the public of contract offers on both sides. While the public cannot be involved in the direct negotiations, we deserve to be informed about the negotiations. What is it that the union does not want us, the public, to know? The teachers continue to work under the terms of the expired contract. What I don't understand is that on June 30, 2007, the contract was satisfactory, but on July 1, 2007, it [the contract] instantly became unfair.

The Prop. 2 1/2 override has almost become an annual event here in the Ash-West district, during which time the school district and teachers alike lobby the public to pass this fiscal legislation. Many times they use our children as pawns to appeal to the public wallet with comments such as, "Think of your child's future," or, "Many activities your children enjoy will be cancelled, scaled down, or include cost prohibitive fees."

The message here is that the public should bite the bullet and give district/teachers what the feel they need in terms of money. But as I read that teachers vow to end volunteer support for students' activities, more specifically the eighth grade graduation events, I have to wonder why the "bite the bullet" theory is not a two way street? Teachers, you are not helping your cause with actions like that.

Many teachers feel that the public does not understand the amount of "volunteer" time the teachers give to their jobs. Maybe, maybe not. Why do the teachers consider the work they do after hours "volunteer" and not part of their job? That's ridiculous. It is not volunteer, it's part of the job. Many of us in all walks of life bring "volunteer" work home with us and do not expect to be compensated, myself included. I have also purchased some small items for use at my place of employment and have not been compensated. That is just the way life is. Many extracurricular activity positions that are occupied by teachers come with a stipend; therefore, in some instances, they are compensated for their extra time. Also, in the elementary schools and middle school many people truly volunteer their time in the form of teacher's aides, or room parents to help the teacher in the classroom with the daily tasks involved with educating our youth. If I am not mistaken, at Oakmont, students volunteer to act as aides or helpers in some fashion to get credits toward community service. If I am mistaken, then I apologize in advance. The point is that teachers receive a lot of ancillary support and are not left to fend for themselves as one might infer by the statements of the union leadership, both local and state.

Salary is not the only item negotiated in a labor contract. It is a total compensation package including, but not limited to: retirement benefits, healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision), sick leave, paid holidays, paid vacation leave. Many of us have co-payments, deductibles, matching contributions, premiums, etc., believe me the public really does understand this stuff, but we have to be informed. I have worked at the same place of employment for almost 18 years. The most paid vacation leave I can get is four 40-hour weeks. The school district, on the other hand, gets approximately a week paid at Christmas/ New Year's, a week paid in February, a week paid in April and almost two months in the summer. I don't think I would complain too much.

The opinion presented here is my own based on the information and other opinions that have been disseminated to the public, which hasn't been much. Based on what I now know with respect to the teachers, school administration, and the public tax burden, I don't think the Ash-West teachers are being treated unfairly. Thank you to David Christianson and the school committee for trying very hard to be fiscally responsible on behalf of the residents. Thank you to the teachers who are committed to the children of our land by giving them the best education they can to be successful for generations to come. However, to those whose first allegiance is to the almighty dollar and not to your chosen profession, the educating of children to hopefully build a better society, you know where the door is, please use it.

Christopher Elliott

Westminster