of the non-competitiveness of teachers’ salaries by the three

of the non-competitiveness of teachers’ salaries by the three math teachers the high school had in the space of four months this fall. Ask the students how much time they spent learning algebra versus how much time they spent adjusting to the style and expectations of a new personality in the classroom. Our children are paying the price for the low priority given to their learning.

We are faced with the opportunity this year to take significant steps to close the gap between the value of the work that teachers do and the amount they are paid. If every adult in Rappahannock gave $50.00 more than their present taxes towards teachers’ salaries, we would have raised more than the $180,000 necessary to make our public school salaries equal to the surrounding counties. Mr. Oliver had some excellent ideas about how to stretch the tax dollar further by increasing teachers’ benefits. I believe increased benefits should be added to a minimum increase of 13% to the base salary. We must continue the School Board’s efforts to make up for the disgraceful financial priority teaching has in our society. As many other parents have stated, I too want Rappahannock’s teachers to be paid the best salaries in the area, not the worst.

I am reminded about what a community ol determined people can achieve by the recent efforts of a group of well-known singers who are working together to raise funds for the victims of Africa’s famine. Their words apply to Rappahannock’s public schools as well:

We are the world

We are the children.

We are the ones to make a brighter day,

So let’s start giving.

There’s a choice we’re making.

We’re saving our own lives.

It’s true we make a better day,

Just you and me.

LAURIE MARSHALL

Sperryville