A Teacher's Point of View

I teach in a Long Island district. We reopened our contract for renegotiation at the request of our board of education in light of the bad economy. Something was worked out based on the particulars of our contract. In the end it meant less money for us over the next few years but hopefully minimal, if any lost jobs, a clear message to the community that we appreciate their support and will do whatever we can to reciprocate. We're neither the wealthiest nor the poorest district in the area. Our salaries are, to my knowledge below the average but we care about our community and our community cares about us. I'd never want to work anywhere else.

It's too bad so much bad blood exists in Plainview. It doesn't have to be this way for either side.