We are all in this together, aren't we?

When professionals, which some so blithely dismiss, express concerns on a private survey used for gathering information for negotiations, their thoughts have to be seriously considered. These teachers’ opinions were never intended as a personal affront to the students, parents and taxpayers of Whitefish School District 44. In fact, it appears to me to be quite the opposite.

I read with grave concern about the amounts of money being spent on professional development, the time spent out of the classroom to receive training, and an expressed desire to maintain decorum for our students in the face of disregard for the opinions of those entrusted to their care.

To say that these heartfelt sentiments should result in teachers just moving on belies their sincere commitment to the students of Whitefish.

I am optimistic that the district cares enough that it will take into consideration insight our teachers have to share. Perhaps the board could conduct an anonymous survey of its own, in order to include every teacher, so board members can evaluate the concerns of the staff for themselves.

As a retired teacher in Whitefish, I can say that my former colleagues, including administrators and volunteers, are some of the most dedicated, hard-working people I have ever known. Each and every one of them truly cares about their students’ successes both in school and beyond.

Certainly the school board and superintendent feel the same. We feel privileged to play a part in the education of so many wonderful students it has been our pleasure to teach and mentor. I have always believed that the students in Whitefish enjoy the equivalent of a private school education in the public schools. Many people move here because of the quality public education provided by our teachers and taxpayers.

Those of us fortunate enough to have our children taught by such outstanding educators need to show our appreciation for their efforts and listen when they express concerns; we can do that by acknowledging what they have to say. The students our teachers and staff endeavor to prepare for the future have the most to gain from open and honest communication. After all, we are in this together, aren’t we?

— Brenda Moen