Letter deserved a failing grade

Editor,

M.J. Nicolaus's Sept. 15 letter deserves a failing grade for his sermon-like advice to teachers due to incomplete and misleading information.

The self-described preacher claims to have done his "homework" and counsels the school district's "public servants" not to strike. To be sure, at least for the short term, strikes are strictly a last resort in which everyone loses — students, teachers, and school board members as well as the entire community.

But rather than focusing on something that the teachers have not planned to do, the preacher should be praising Polson's educators (Amen) for their remarkable restraint and all-round good nature under such trying circumstances. More than 30 times over one and a half years, the teachers' negotiating team has tried to reach a fair settlement for everyone involved.

Chances are, however, that this is the first time you have even heard there is a problem, which is not surprising since Polson's teachers have enthusiastically worked the past school year without a new contract. And true to their outstanding character, our teachers have quietly but cheerfully returned to school for another year of educating the district's youth even though the lack of progress at the bargaining table might suggest otherwise.

We remain hopeful that the scheduled mediation on Sept. 26 will resolve this unfortunate situation between the school board and its teachers. Please urge the board to do the right thing by providing a contract that recognizes the teachers as highly trained professionals who should be valued for their expertise, knowledge, and service to the young people and their families in School District 23.

In the meantime, perhaps preacher Nicolaus could offer up a prayer for a successful resolution to this troubling time.

Jim Rogers

Teacher

Polson High School