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Makes you wonder how they were handing out 9% raises over 3 years? Beacon Commenter YOU are part of the problem with that kind of rhetoric. Anytime there are budgetary issues addressed on this site in regards to the schools you and others cry it's an attack on the teachers. It's the oldest trick in the book: Play victim anytime you are being criticized publicly. If there is such "anti teacher sentiment" why were they given 9% raises, why was a majority pro union School Committee elected? Oh but 2 people on a comment board suggest laying off teachers and suddenly this place is a "cesspool"? You know what I think is a cesspool Beacon Commenter? A coordinated effort to leave schools understaffed by staging a "sick out" over an expired contract. That's about as classless and selfish a move as I've ever witnessed in my life. Warwick has some great teachers that care so much about every student they teach, but they are being undermined by the tactics of the union and their leadership as a whole. The last contract that was given out was reckless given the financial stability of the city, I'm not sure how anyone can argue against that. Rather than counter the argument, you instead chose to attack the commenters on this website. Why not state your case? I'm not claiming I know everything, I don't. I just don't want our city to continue heading towards a fiscal black hole. You can disagree but atleast have an opinion other than trashing others.

Unfortunately, Danny Hall is right. The Committee with the exception of Dave Testa are there to get the teachers the best deal possible. They are there to help the students so long as it doesn't get in the way of union business and that is a DISGRACE. How does this problem get solved? I don't see the contract being opened up and renegotiated so that seems like a non starter. Layoffs are capped so while some may consider that a popular option I also believe that's a non starter.

When this contract expires I think there should be an overhaul of the "step increase" system. Teachers are living longer and as a result working longer and retiring later. I don't know if it could even be done but it seems like something that should be looked at. Even if the School Committee had to grandfather in teachers with "X" amount of time in so that it mostly effects new hires/employees w/ less than 10 years in. The other aspect that should be looked at is health care but I could spend another 4 paragraphs on that. All I'll say is we should be looking at ways to shift costs to employees where applicable. Personal responsibility/how you use your health insurance as well as wellness incentives can go a long way. If others disagree with my opinions, make your case. I'm open to hearing other ideas and I'm not suggesting all of mine are right. I just don't want to be debating the same problems in 5, 10, 20 years...