Write of Passage
Maureen Connors Badding arrived in Wauwatosa 22 years ago via Buffalo and Phoenix. She's a freelance writer and habitual volunteer who enjoys book clubs, travel, entertaining and cheering for her daughter's swim team.
Sign a Contract Already!
My high school senior came home from school yesterday with a note from the teachers:
Seniors: If you want college recommendation letters and for teachers to continue clubs and activities… support your teachers tomorrow morning at 7:30. Wear a black shirt. Meet on 76th.
Her after-school club meeting was canceled. The college apps may have to be put on hold for a while. Fortunately, sports have yet to be affected.
This isn't about whether it's right or wrong to use kids as pawns in contract negotiations. There's already a great forum going on that topic under the "Your Place" section of this site's home page.
This is about teachers who have been teaching without a contract for almost two years. It's about quality educators who have gone to other districts that pay better. It's about keeping our schools strong so that Wauwatosa remains a desirable community in which to buy a home.
I grew up with a mom who was a teacher and a dad who was an associate superintendent, so I understand both sides of the table. School board members: most of our teachers work very hard and deserve competitive compensation. Teachers: health insurance premiums have gone up for everyone.
Let's find some middle ground and get this behind us. Enough already!
