Arrogant to say Shaker voters have never rejected teacher raises

To the editor,

I read an article in regard to the Shaker Regional School Board's agreement with the teachers' union. Pret Tuthill, school board chairman, recommends a $2000 starting salaries increase. Other districts and teachers' unions have given up raises as well as paying more into the health insurance. Not the Shaker! They have received very generous pay and benefits while many taxpayers are loosing money and/or are unemployed.

This reminds me of when the district claimed the need to build a huge auditorium as they were running out of room for some functions. Many years later it appears they did not run out of room and the taxpayers were wise enough to turn it down. The school population is said to perhaps actually be decreasing? I have asked for a copy of teachers salaries to be printed out and sent with the districts annual report so we, the taxpayers, can see just how underpaid these poor teachers and staff are?I think not!

Mr. Tuthill goes on to say that this would be a 4.8-percent tax increase in Belmont and a 6.8-percent increase for Canterbury taxpayers.

Both Mr. Tuthill as well as the union rep stated they have "never seen a teachers' raise rejected". Sounds a bit arrogant on their part. Another reason the district needs to approve SB-2 for the district!

Taxpayers should turn out for this meeting on March 9th!

Don Irvin

Belmont