September is a new beginning, a new year for students and for school staff. It has traditionally been a time to focus positively on the various activities of school and learning. It is a time to unite for a higher purpose - that of educating our youth for a better world.

It is both unfortunate and unnecessary that, once again, the school district has not yet negotiated a fair multi-year contract with its teachers. Education is a commitment on everyone's part. That commitment is called into question in the absence of fair treatment. It is a disservice to this community that the teachers are being treated with so little regard.

Please let the members of the board of education know that this community values and respects its teachers and its schools. Let us return to the practice of negotiating in good faith well in advance of the beginning of the school year. Let us negotiate a fair agreement now. It is the right thing to do.

Kim Rosenbaum