I was in attendance at the Marlboro Board of Education meeting on Oct. 20 and while public speaking is beyond my comfort zone, I do have some things that I would like to say here, in writing.
I am a parent of three children, two of whom are still in the Marlboro school system. I am also a taxpayer, an educator, and a staunch supporter of the teachers and staff in the Marlboro schools. One of the reasons I was at the meeting was so that my daughter could be recognized for her role in Peer to Peer, a wonderful program, which would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of the teachers and staff at the Marlboro Memorial Middle School.
We moved here to Marlboro, like so many before us, for the community and school district. After having lived in New York all our lives, and working in the public schools for over 10 years, we wanted a better quality of life for our family, which included a better education. I have to honestly say that I have yet to be disappointed.
The quality of the staff and the level of commitment on the part of the teachers is exemplary. As a group, they are extremely hard working and caring, and always put the needs and best interests of their students first and foremost. They are dedicated professionals and it is high time they are treated as such.
It is absolutely ridiculous and insulting to have made them work this long without a contract and to have put them through the emotional and financial upheaval that you have and still expect them to adhere to their high standards of education. But, yet, like the professionals they are, they have maintained that level of quality and excellence. It is time they were rewarded for their efforts.
My husband and I have always voted in favor of the school budget, not because we have always agreed with it, but because we always felt it was in the best interests of our school system. Now it is your turn. Accept the fact finder’s decision and give these teachers a contract. It is in the best interests of our children.
Cathy Limeri
Marlboro