PROPS: Praise for Tom Luna

Thank You Mr. Luna for trying to do what we should be doing.

Your proposals were not ideal, but the NEA and local Union didn’t even try. The new school board is trying.

We as citizens should participate. Three of us attended most of the union negotiations last year for the Coeur d’Alene School District. We were treated very rudely by the teachers and accused of violating the law if we had any subsequent suggestions.

Mrs. Bauman was very gracious and offered tours of the schools, but was way too cozy with the union. Why wasn’t a school renovation budget discussed?

The TV ad recently said teachers couldn’t have a voice in the classroom without that stated in their contract. Many teachers contribute at the public meetings. Not one word was spoken at the union negotiation except for “give us the money from the bus and book fund.”

Surely teachers need to be paid well! They train our children and only a parent has a more important job. For five hours a day and 170 days per year they are paid extremely well; in fact, they still would be well paid if they taught six hours per day. Granted there is more support time teachers have to put in as well, but doctors, lawyers and contractors all put in unbilled “prep” time. This is expected for professionals.

1. Complete Yearly Budget. 2. Eliminate Tenure. 3. Medical HSA. 4. Elect Superintendent. 5. Teach six periods, option five lower pay.

Reform with better teachers and a comprehensive budget.

JOHN RUBERT

Hayden