I was very recently informed that the teachers of SAD 15 are working without a contract. I was very upset to hear that the school board, instead of negotiating locally, chose to hire a law firm to represent its interests that has advised them to proceed directly to a costly fact-finding. This will cost the taxpayers of SAD 15 thousands of dollars, and the salaries, benefits and working conditions of our teachers will be greatly diminished.

How are we going to attract and keep high quality teachers if the school district continues to offer salaries that are not competitive with surrounding communities and decreasing insurance benefits? Teachers are asking for a fair contract and to be treated with respect and fairness. Most of our residents value the teachers and what they do.

Additionally my husband and I will be voting against the $7.35 million bonds because they do not impact all students in the district. Also, the overall focus of the bonds is not on academics and instruction, and will impact the tax rates in the coming years while not improving education for all students. As a taxpayer, I wonder why the school board would be willing to spend $7.35 million on athletic fields and facilities, and not support our teachers who work with all our students.

I urge all residents of Gray and New Gloucester to contact the SAD 15 School Board in support our teachers by giving them a fair contract.

Doreen Thompson

Gray