To the editor:
Dear School Committee,
To be perfectly frank, we are appalled at how this contract process has unfolded. As we all know, having been members of elected boards (School Committee, Select Board and Board of Health) in the past, a productive and successful committee member needs to be collaborative. Regardless of all of the other issues, disputes and conflicts that you are having with the educators and the community, your main goal during this time is to get the Marblehead Public School students back into the classroom. Your mentality should be that you will do whatever it takes to make this happen. This has gone on far too long and your inability to work with the union has impacted all of Marblehead in a way that could have been prevented if you simply sat at the table with the union members and worked together.
Your approach to this process has impacted far beyond the walls of the schools. It never should have come to
where we are today. You were elected to be the leaders of our educational community. You need to set an example for our children and work together. Our children are watching. There is a way forward and the ball is in your court and you need to serve. Do something. Bargain. Meet the teachers at the table. Have a discussion face to face. Do whatever it takes. This process has been unacceptable and you are destroying this community.
Jackie Belf-Becker and David Becker
Nonantum Road
