The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee’s proposed cost of living adjustment is the equivalent of a pay cut for teacher’s in our district, and fails to prioritize education in our public schools. My husband and I moved to Amherst over five years ago with our two children based on one main criteria: the quality of the public school education. We both attended public schools, and public education is where our values lie. It is the bedrock to democracy. The school committee’s proposal fails to maintain, reward and attract educators committed to providing a quality public education for our students and their families. Not only this, the committee’s proposal threatens to undermine the educational reputation of Amherst. The teachers in our district are deserving of a fair and honorable contract as we continue to embrace the challenge of helping all of our students achieve a quality education. It is incumbent that the School Committee, as advocates of public education, respect the efforts of its teachers and consequently support our children’s future by providing a fair and honorable contract. Given the fact that inflation is currently at 8.2%, the proposed salary increase of 2.5% represents an overall decrease in take home pay by 5.7% which in no way reflects a community that values its teachers. Our schools have dedicated educators, great students, and strong parental involvement. The lack of a contract jeopardizes the educational well-being of students, their families, and all teachers. The School Committee, with the support of the Town Council, needs to negotiate in good faith with the teachers to ensure that the Amherst-Pelham Regional schools remain a quality public education school system.
Laura Pagliarulo
Amherst