2 Comments

1. klawrance says:

   June 6, 2009 at 8:44 am

   I was present at the budget hearing Tuesday.

   The attendees were comprised of school employees, parents of students enrolled in our schools, genuinely interested community members, and the usual cadre of naysayers.

   Several times one person in particular called into question the motivations of school employees in attendance.

   Of course, the employees had a vested interest in the outcome of the hearing. We love our jobs. Many of us could get better compensated jobs “over the border”. We stay because we care about the children in our community. Our working conditions vis a vis teacher to student ratio, curriculum materials, and other supplies directly impact the quality of education in our community.

   Several speakers seem to have used the term “teachers” to cover all non-administrative staff. I have 10 years experience as an educational technician, possess a certificate in Early Childhood Education from UNH, as well as other higher learning; yet I still do not earn a livable wage for this area. (2006 MECEP, metropolitan statistical area: York- Kittery- South Berwick)

   The excellent medical benefits were also brought up. I realize that 100% single coverage is highly unusual in today’s economy. However, the public should bear in mind the constant exposure to communicable disease that school employees face everyday. We are in close proximity to sick children whose hygiene skills are still developing and others who arrive at our doors unkempt and unclean.

   Concern was expressed for families that are under economic duress due the financial crisis our country is in. Images of cold, hungry children were conjured up several times. In our schools, qualified children get free or reduced fee breakfast and lunch. Snacks are often provided by teachers and educational technicians purchased at their own expense.

   It is not always easy to be employed where I live. I often have to bite my tongue when I hear criticism of my colleagues and complaints about profligate school spending. Sometimes I feel like I live in a fishbowl.

   It is worth it, however, to be part of the heartbeat of the community I have chosen to call home. Those of us who live and work here have first hand knowledge of families needing resources that can be accessed through school. We can discreetly speak to our guidance counselors and building administrators to facilitate the kind of difference the public will never, and should never, know about.

   Yes, I am a school employee. I am also a tax paying, registered voter in South Berwick. My husband and I made the decision to purchase a home here 20+ years ago in large part because we wanted our daughter to attend school in this district. I truly have sympathy for families worried about their taxes going up. I would like my daughter and her family to be able to afford a home in South Berwick should they wish. I would also want my granddaughter to experience the high quality education taught by the caliber of staff that her mother had the privilege of receiving.

   Citizens of Eliot and South Berwick, please vote to approve the school budget Tuesday June 9, 2009.
2. Laura Leber says:

   June 7, 2009 at 1:39 pm

   This morning I found a flyer taped to my mailbox that says “You Can Say No!” and I would like to take this opportunity to respond to it. Whoever left this flyer wants the voters of South Berwick to vote against this year’s school budget.

   This year’s budget absorbs over $500,000 of teacher pay increases and is still $66,000 less than last year.

   If citizens think this is a reasonable budget, and I hope that you do, please vote to approve it on Tuesday.

   Only about a 100 people from South Berwick and Eliot attended last Tuesday’s school district budget meeting. This matter is too important to only be decided by a few people.

   Please vote on Tuesday!