To the Editor:

I support the Geneva teachers’ determination to convince the school board to develop a stronger contract that will make the most of our community’s investment in our children, our future – that will retain and attract strong, phenomenal teachers and that will allow teachers to feel respected and supported.

If we peruse the websites of the Geneva Education Association and the Geneva school board or speak to individuals from each group, we will see that the GEA has valid arguments for what it’s requesting in its contract. We also see a school board attempting to show fiscal responsibility. What I personally have seen missing is respect for – and support of – teachers from some in the community. Even the board’s press releases have carried a tone of offense and disappointment at the union’s actions. I believe this tone is simply a result of a process that has been difficult and upsetting for all parties. I trust that individual board members do have a great deal of respect for teachers, and I hope remembering this helps them come to an agreement in the near future.