To the Editor:
“Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!” We have all heard these words. I believe that there is unanimous agreement about the negative connotation.
I mention this as the background to the years without a contract. During this time, an ever increasing number of faculty members have either retired or left to another school system. Is the community aware of this fact?
These were well educated, dedicated, and caring professionals, who were respected by students, parents and colleagues. Yes, the school administrators are included too. People of integrity are difficult to lose.
The response heard at the meetings of the B.O.E. is “Well, there have been no teacher layoffs!” This hard-to-fathom rationalization makes no sense. Why? Recently, some 500+ seniors graduated and 700+ frosh entered. This would make it impossible and insane to change the teacher-to-student ratio.
Therefore, one must assume that the strategy of the Board of Exodus (aka BOE) is to allow experienced teachers (high salary) to leave and be replaced by newcomers (low salary). Then, the “discovered” tax money could be utilized for gym floors, renovated bathrooms, sensor lighting, paint, plaster, a golden scissor, etc. Or did I miss something?
CHARLES NUZIALE
Guidance Counselor