Hello Supporters,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.   It was a busy month for me with kids home and family gatherings all across the state.   We were lucky with only a few days of sickness!!!    As I spoke to family and friends across the state everyone was shocked that such a large and well-known district would be paying our teachers so poorly.  I often got the "Less then Waterford?!?!?" Sorry to anyone in Waterford that signed.  We still love you:)   We are in 2026 now and have more work to do to help our teachers and community. 

Here is a recap of the December 18th was the Board of Education meeting related to the teacher contracts. And a little bit of clarity on what the role of the Board of Education has in negotiations.  At the board meeting, we saw and heard many people supporting our teachers.  The general public has 3 minutes to speak and no one can respond/comment on the speaker. The consistent message or question was how can all the districts around us pay teachers and we cannot?  How can we expect to keep teachers or attract new ones? There was a direct ask of the Board of Education members to provide guidance and step in as its clear the district administration is struggling. Each Board of Education member is provided time to speak, and a few acknowledged the importance of a contract.  Lisa West and Ronald Lippitt mentioned it and Michael Smith said he would recommend a closed session for the Board of Education and School Administration to meet and discuss.   What is important to know is the Board of Education who are elected officials are not involved in the day-to-day negotiations they will see the final agreement and vote to approve it or not.  Their role is to provide guidance to the school administration.  They are privy to details the general public does not see but as elected officials should have the best interest of the community in mind.   

The next Board of Education meeting is January 8th at 7pm. This January 8th meeting I have heard is where they will recognize teacher of the year.  Let's show up again in red and keep sharing this petition. The more signatures the better.

If anyone has interest in speaking but now sure how it works or what to say please reach out.  I am happy to help.  

If you have ideas or suggestions on how to help reach out.  Post them in the comments.