How about a story Andrew on the current morale of our teachers? I know things were nasty last year between our teachers and the town and there are stray comments this year that all isn't well and good again, however, I think parents in town would love to read something that explores how our educators are feeling about their schools climate and culture presently. I remember the end of last year reading here on the Patch that School Chair Harkness said she would do everything in her power to rebuild the lost trust and boost morale. What then was done to that end this year?

Big fat zero, to quote Jesse James 'talk is cheap' which is why our teachers get lots of it but come up short in the $ end of things!

Teachers are free to seek employment elsewhere,like those in the private sector, if they are not happy where they are.
Enough of this teacher whining

Good luck with that Dick. These teachers and their union members basically laughed at proposals put forth at TM to cut each departments budgets by 3-4% across the board and voted to approve the budget presented. If we did actually cut costs most of their members would have gotten their increase and steps. Let the massive cuts begin.

Yes, Let the cuts begin and when the school ranking declines (as it will easy as the teacher/ student ratio climbs) and property values decline (and possibly another Market Basket moves to your 'upscale town') dont act surprised. Hey, declining educational system and home values will mean LOWER TAXES and that ait half bad!

Why do our teachers care about petty things like being paid competitively? Arent they supposed to be doing it for the 'love of it' and not financial gain at the expense of the taxed out town? Didnt these staff members know when they were hired here that were are a town that isnt willing to pay 'going rate' for their services?
Just like the liberal hippie demonstrators -Love it or leave it, if you arent 100% satisfied with the status quo then leave and go elsewhere just like people who complain about this great country, Dont let the door hit you on the way out. The audacity of people to think anyone cares about working for change.
Thats way this country has gone to the dogs, too much liberal goop. These teachers are easily replaceable with fresh kids out of college who wont complain because they dont know better- especially if we hire non native born educators!

I read in the Eagle that to give teachers the steps they are going to get next year we are going g to gave to pass a prop 2.5 override! Why did the school committee ratify a contract with money they aren't going to have?
What happens after next year and teachers want another contract with full steps and we don't have the finances to fund them because we spent the money adding new positions? Feeling confused

FULL STEPS? Jeeeezzzz what the hay are these teachers going to want next? I suppose they will be demanding bathroom breaks, OSHA compliance, and Heath Insurance Plans as well!
People think that just because their job requires them to have a couple of college degrees they can ask for the moon around here? Get real!! I know some folks from Calcutta who would teach here for nickles and dimes!

To what extent we TRUST the 'town's elected officials' at this point is certainly the subject of much debate! I don't trust this bunch further than I can throw them!