School Committee ‘bullied’ by teachers

Dear Editor:

I’m writing to share my thoughts on the School Committee meeting held on Thursday, June 16. Concerned teachers and parents have watched in awe as a child desperate for relief from bullying is overlooked and left to seek relief in the form of suicide. School systems nationally and internationally have worked tirelessly to prevent bullying and develop new policies to protect victims, including our own Canton policy against bullying recently approved.

But on Thursday, June 16, bullying was not only present among students, but the teachers of these students fiercely exhibited it. On Thursday, five School Committee members arrived for their bi-weekly meeting concerned about what they found upon their arrival. Three of the members walked alone down a pathway of heated picketers and up a stairwell of stoic teachers to reach their meeting room. Two of the members walked together through a nonviolent but furious crowd. Two of the School Committee members were reduced to tears as they were faced with presentations from teachers who alleged, “You don’t appreciate us” and “You don’t value our work” from school teachers who, on any other day, are friends, neighbors and peers to the committee members.

I personally know that the Canton School Committee absolutely appreciates and acknowledges the many contributions made by teachers and other staff in our district. The committee’s support and confidence in Canton teachers is reflected by the fact that all of the children of the School Committee members are currently students within the system or, like myself, have graduated from Canton High School.

Every member of the School Committee and the majority of the members of the Canton community are sympathetic toward the teachers. But just as the community recognizes the pain the teachers feel as a result of this limited economy, the teachers should recognize the pain these School Committee members feel as they try to balance the interests of the teachers, the community, and above all, the students during this difficult economic time. The School Committee consists of five volunteers from our community who dedicate their time and effort to try to maintain a strong educational foundation for the children of our community.

Disputes between the School Committee and the teachers/staff of the schools should be expected, and both sides make valid arguments. But never should these disputes include personal attacks or extreme accusations, such as “You don’t appreciate us.” And never should the protests become so extreme that discussion and reasoning becomes secondary to a verbal fistfight, leaving crying parties on both sides of the dispute.

Let me conclude by saying that I am biased on this issue, for my mother, Reuki, is on the School Committee. Let me follow this declaration by saying I am biased, for I credit my academic success to the teachers in the Canton Public School System. Let me finish by asking: Is this the type of decorum we wish to see in the town of Canton? I suggest that everyone, on both sides of the bargaining table, exercise care and appreciation for the diligence of all involved and work to be empathetic to one another.

Signed,

Premela Schutt

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