Not one of our 170 teachers entered this profession with the expectation of being wealthy someday.  We teach because we have a passion for working with students and helping them become successful adults.

 

We have been working for 10 months without a contract.  The school board has been releasing information that is, at best, misleading.  Here are some numbers that are easy to understand.  

 

•2008-09 was my 9th year teaching in Becker and my salary was $20 less than it would have been if I taught in Monticello.

 

•2012-13 was my 13th year in Becker.  My salary was $8,132 less than I would have earned in Monticello.

 

•2014-15 will be my 15th year in Becker.  If our teachers accept 0% and no experience raises, I will earn $11,199 less than in Monticello.

 

Our teachers intend negotiate a reasonable, competitive settlement.  Despite a significant increase in state funding, the school board’s offer is far from competitive with those being agreed to in neighboring districts.

 

I hope that the Becker school board will soon realize that a reasonable, competitive settlement is necessary to retain and attract the quality teachers that help make this district so great.