As the CCEA and CCS District continue to fail to reach a settlement, Karen Taff, CCEA representative and U.S. History teacher, speaks out against the treatment teachers receive in the district.

“We want to work with the administration. It’s better for our town, schools and community, yet we continue to be dealt with with disrespect,” Taff said.

Taff cited a fact-finding argument made by the board that increasing pay for teachers in a recession does not make economic sense. Specifically, the fact-finder noted that only 1 percent of teachers leave for another district that may pay higher salaries.

Taff said, “(This argument) is a misrepresentation of the reality of the situation, (it is untrue) that most teachers are free to come and go with impunity.”

Already, the total cost for teachers’ salaries is $325,000 more than in other districts, pointed out by the fact-finder. Instead, the CCEA proposes almost a $2.9 million increase in pay.

Patricia Hackett, Vice President of the School Board, said that the board continues to look for creative solutions to the contract dispute. “(To me it would be ideal) to settle a full contract resolution that is fair and appropriate for staff and fair and respectful of the students’ educational needs. Our pot of funds is finite. As a board, we walk a balance beam; too much funds in one area robs another. What we need is a sustainable solution that meets everyone’s needs.”

So far, the district has offered to use $1.3 million to increase salaries (about 2 percent) after cutting $1.5 million from the budget.

Taff and Hackett both said they remain frustrated with the manifested lack of progress in the negotiations.

“Obviously we all had high hopes for the mediation session, but these hopes were dashed when the administration and school board made no new offer. We found this curious because they were the ones who called us back to the table. We were more than willing to negotiate in good faith, but just left confused and disappointed,” said Taff.

Hackett said, “Communication continues on, but it is frustrating for everyone. Teachers do deserve fair negotiations, but (in order to accept their proposal) we would need to (take money) from somewhere else. We are confined with responsibilities.”