Let's move on and settle the teachers' contract

To the Editor: 

What is happening to the Warwick Public Schools? They used to be one of the best in the state. Now, substitutes are reluctant to sub in the schools.  Teacher morale is going down rapidly.

I have been a Warwick resident since 1964 and am a retired Warwick teacher. My four children attended Warwick schools and received an excellent education.

As a teacher of 30 years in the Warwick schools, I had the experience of going through many contractual negotiations. At times these negotiations were drawn out and were frustrating for all.  But, when they were settled, it was always in the best interests of the students.

It seems that many of the things that the Warwick Teachers Union fought for in the past (class size, support services for special education students, support services for the classroom teacher, among them) are slowly being chipped away.  It almost seems like the current superintendent was hired to do just that.  A top-notch school district has to spend money to attain that status, but do it wisely.  I agree that our district’s expenses should be looked at carefully and judiciously.  Teacher salaries are only part of it.  Has the School Committee looked at the added expenses of extra legal fees, consultant fees, and administrative restructuring fees?  

Yes, there is the mantra that we want our children to be taught in the least restrictive environment (usually meaning, put everyone in a regular classroom).  However, when there is a chronically disruptive child, or a child needing 1 on 1 attention and doesn’t always get it, or a child who gets frustrated because he/she doesn’t understand, is a regular classroom the least restrictive environment?  What about the classroom teacher taking time away from teaching to try to calm a disruptive child and having to document everything when it is happening, and then has to get the rest of the class back on track?  These are just a few of the challenges that might go on in a classroom when all students are grouped together.  I realize that the School Committee and the School Administration have many “regulations” to follow, but what happened to using common sense in enacting them?

I would encourage the Administration and the School Committee to have an open, honest dialogue with the teachers.  They know what is happening in the classroom.

Parents, when your child relates a story of what happened in class, listen and ask questions.  Be an advocate for your child’s education.  Your voice may very well bring about change.  Learn both sides of the issues that are being negotiated.  Let the School Committee, the Superintendent, the Mayor know that the teachers’ contract has to be settled NOW so that teachers and students can have an enjoyable educational experience. 

Elizabeth Kelley

Warwick