Parent and teacher: Restore conditions with a fair contract
Editor, Townsman:
I am an Andover parent, homeowner and elementary teacher. I am deeply concerned about stalled negotiations between the Andover Education Association and the Andover School Committee. The ongoing conflict in the contract bargaining process affects my daughter's education in Andover Public Schools, my future property values if we continue to sustain an under-funded and understaffed school system, and my profession as an Andover educator.
As the parent of an incoming freshman, I am worried about my daughter's imminent four years at AHS. The Andover School Committee has a responsibility to inform the Andover community that the changes they are proposing will likely reduce many opportunities students have to take a variety of diverse courses and credits beyond what is required at AHS. Additionally, due to present overcrowding at AHS, there is no guarantee that class sizes can be reduced, particularly with elementary and middle school class sizes consistently rising. Fewer adults in the building will create inevitable depersonalization between teachers and students, together with a mediocre quality of education. Moreover, the opportunity for my daughter to select courses above and beyond general high school requirements will be limited.
Since beginning kindergarten in Andover eight years ago, my child has experienced the stability that devoted and invested public school teachers provide. Unfortunately, the eliminations in curriculum, staffing, special education and programs that have already occurred throughout the district in the past five years leaves me skeptical that she can continue to form meaningful relationships with her teachers and acquire sophisticated academics as she continues her journey into AHS.
Failure to reach a contract settlement creates low morale in our schools. It becomes more difficult for teachers to bring the energy and enthusiasm, which defines Andover teachers, into their school buildings. The AEA Bargaining Unit has been willing and able to reach a contract settlement with or without the presence of a mediator, but cannot move forward without mutual cooperation from the School Committee.
As a parent, I seek high quality public education for my child in Andover. As an elementary teacher, my profession extends far beyond the contractual hours of each school day. My property values depend on the strong reputation Andover Public Schools can provide. I am counting on the Andover School Committee to settle a fair and equitable contract that will restore the quality teaching and learning conditions the Andover community can be proud of.
Lauren McCarron
33 Marland St.
