Let me introduce you to us, the people who work for your school district and with your children¬day in and day out¬working hard to provide your children with the services they need to learn in a safe and comfortable environment. We are the bus drivers, custodians, cleaners, secretaries, monitors, grounds and maintenance personnel.

We are grandparents, parents and single people who work diligently to provide for our families and run our homes and educate our children. We know the value of education and it is our philosophy to do our best in both our personal lives and in our jobs. Many of us have gone over and beyond in assisting students, whether it be waiting at the bus stop until a parent arrives, or staying after hours to assist a student or parent with an inquiry, or answering the phones after the work day is done, even though this is not required. We supported the bond issue so the students of the district would have an environment conducive to learning¬as they should.

And for all our commitment, the district still has not come up with a contract for these employees. They did well for themselves (check with the administration at 56 Cathedral Avenue to see what they and their confidential personnel received). To date, one and three-quarter years after the last contract, they still have not felt it necessary to give their support staff any consideration.

If you and your students feel that a fair contract is due, please write to the board of education and administrators to let them know. We appreciate your support.

Thank you.

Edna Lopez, Veronika M. Baker, Laurie McGee , Linda Nell, Marcia E. Puzio, Ellen Buxton, Annette Giudice, John Biancalli, Patricia Dino, Christopher Maggiulli, Stacey Weisel, Loretta Ragaglia