Did you hear that? It was the collective sigh of relief from our teachers and community when the announcement about negotiations was made. It was like a tension broke and those of us who were invested in the decision exhaled for the first time in months. This is has been a tense journey where emotions ran high. There have been major disappointments like the failure of the opt-out. A despondent attitude was multiplying and the environment was becoming toxic. But now, we have some room to breathe. Our teachers will not have to leave a career or students they love. Our teachers can walk with a new found confidence knowing their board and administration values their expertise. This is the true gift of better pay. The stress of questioning your value to a community is gone and there is a renewed sense of optimism.
Thank you for this message. The action of supporting our teachers resounds far louder than any other public statement. We have now seen our leadership trying to make it work for everyone involved. Our community is overjoyed the board and district took this risk and supported our teachers. For us, this means you support our kids. This momentum of positive change will continue. Be sure to thank anyone who was involved with negotiation process, let them know we appreciate their diligence.
We know this is not a permanent solution; this is an immediate but much needed fix. There is this unfortunate give and take because of the lack of funding. This is where the real change must happen. Our state has to change the funding formula and find a way to compensate our teachers that is equal to their training and professionalism. Our hope rests with the Blue Ribbon Task Force. We have to continue to find and suggest creative solutions. This must change in order for us to stay competitive and offer a 21st century education. The tide is turning in Rapid City, we are showing we can negotiate, we can cooperate, and that above all we value education in this community.
Thank you for this message. The action of supporting our teachers resounds far louder than any other public statement. We have now seen our leadership trying to make it work for everyone involved. Our community is overjoyed the board and district took this risk and supported our teachers. For us, this means you support our kids. This momentum of positive change will continue. Be sure to thank anyone who was involved with negotiation process, let them know we appreciate their diligence.
We know this is not a permanent solution; this is an immediate but much needed fix. There is this unfortunate give and take because of the lack of funding. This is where the real change must happen. Our state has to change the funding formula and find a way to compensate our teachers that is equal to their training and professionalism. Our hope rests with the Blue Ribbon Task Force. We have to continue to find and suggest creative solutions. This must change in order for us to stay competitive and offer a 21st century education. The tide is turning in Rapid City, we are showing we can negotiate, we can cooperate, and that above all we value education in this community.