Current teachers in Westford do have the option to seek higher compensation by applying for a position at a school system with higher compensation.
In fact, in Westford teachers can ask for an unpaid one year leave, with their position being saved, a go out into the world of industry. As far as I know, all Westford teachers, who gave it a go came back to Westford with a more positive attitude.
So Henry T apply for a leave of absence.

(Continuation)

At the end of the day, town meeting appropriations must balance with the projected revenue from all sources.
If the WEA was to get a 2% increase in FY12 the FY 13 appropriation would have to appropriate that amount plus FY 13 increases plus the increases that other municipal unions will demand.
Let us generate a scenario in which town meeting appropriates all the requested amounts then you get to meet the BiG Kahuna called a Prop 2 1/2 over ride referendum in which all the registered voters in Westford get their say.
I am willing to give you 10 - to 1 odds that the answer will be NO.

Now, Westford will have big problems, the negotiated FY12 pay increases cannot be paid and FY13 increases can be funded only with massive (15 to 20% ) reduction in staff.

Pellegrino, you obviously have no clue about the governmental structure of the town of Westford. Please read and be educated.
Supt. Olsen reports to Westford School Committee.
Supt. Olsen prepares a budget based on guidelines set by the school committee.
The School Committee approves or modifies then approves the Supt. recommended budget.
The Supt. of school coordinates requested budget amount with the Town Manager and Finance Committee. This year the Selectmen/women have been involved in negotiations with the WEA because there is a clause in all municipal union contracts, except firemen, that will reopen their contracts if the WEA gets more than they received.
The Town Manager or the Selectmen/women cannot tell the Westford School Committee the amount that will be requested from the Annual Town Meeting.
The big Kahuana at the party is the Annual Town Meeting. The Annual Town Meeting can increase or decrease any requested appropriation. The budget being presented to the Annual Town Meeting contains a 2.5% increase in the amount to be raised by real estate taxes plus new building tax growth plus the fod and room tax passed at the last TM.

You sound like a likely candidate. Please stand for election.

Teakie, you and your WEA friends should consider putting up candidates. One note of caution. The school committee is given a number for the school by the Town Manager.
The school committee can choose to ignore it and take the battle to town meeting floor. If the school committee wins then the amount above the town manager's number must come out the budgets of the other municipal departments.
BTW Even if the school committee gets the additional money, the SC does not have to use the extra money for salary increases.