An Open Letter to Miller Place Teachers

Dear Miller Place Teachers,

You are being misinformed. If you have not already done so, please read the May 2012 issue of Straight Talk that appears here: http://www.ecurranonline.com/stmay.pub (If you cannot open the MS Publisher file a .PDF version can be viewed here). This MPTA publication contains inflammatory and factually-incorrect statements. A few examples are highlighted below.

“The time of year when we walk around with targets on our backs.”

“They need to know that we will not stand for the bullying that has been going on.”

“Few community members truly support us.”

“Budget short-falls were not caused by teacher expenses yet we are scapegoated.”

I must assume that most of you have not attended the BOE meetings this year because, if you had, there is no way you could feel this way. I do not recall a single person criticizing you at the many BOE meetings this year. In fact, I, along with many other community members and students, have publicly praised you on multiple occasions. 

If the above statements do resonate with you, I must conclude it is because you are being misinformed by your union leadership. If the above statements do not represent your views, then you must ask your leaders why they are not accurately representing your feelings in a publicly posted document.

Not only has the community supported you with words, we have supported you over the years with our wallets. Since 2006-2007 your salaries have increased by as much as 38% and the top base salaries are now between $109,000 and $130,000. Your contract for next year provides raises between 4.6% and 6.1% (except for those at top step) assuming the CPI remains at 2.6%. () Our taxes have increased to pay for these raises while at the same time our children’s programs have been cut. How is that anti-teacher?

The community thinks you are wonderful. The fiscal reality is that there is a budget shortfall even though . Do you really believe that asking you to renegotiate your contract to save your own colleagues suggests otherwise? We do not want to see ANY of you lose your job.

This type of circle-the-wagons rhetoric is counter-productive and your leaders should understand that they are biting the hands that feed you. Publicly attacking the BOE here and in a large ad in the Village Beacon Record () and claiming that the community is unsupportive do not enhance your image within the Miller Place community. Right now that image is very good but I fear that your leaders are taking you down with their sinking ship.

I beg you to ask your leaders to accurately represent the sentiments of the Miller Place community and to act professionally on your behalf. So far they have failed at both.