School board's decision makes teachers question efforts

To the Editor:

An open letter to the Libby School's Board of Trustees.

We would like to make comments regarding the consideration that you gave our request for the retirement incentive. To say that we are disappointed is an understatement. Not only does it make us feel that we are less worthy than all the others who have received the incentive, it is not fair, and does not consider all that we have done as teachers for our students and this district. It makes us feel that the harder one works, the less it is appreciated by those who make the financial decisions that will affect us the remainder of our lives.

We have been exemplary teachers our entire careers, always doing what was asked of us, going even beyond what was asked of us. We have always strived to be the best teachers we could be, preparing our students for their future lives as adults, and treating them with the utmost courtesy and respect.

We feel to have given the incentive to everyone who has applied for it, and even giving one teacher two, then denying us the same, is not right nor is it fair. We have been told it was not a "personal" decision, rather a financial one. We have been told not to take it personally.

As "persons," we are tremendously changed. The decision negates the worth of each of us as a "person" for we have given our careers to helping others. When we asked for help from you, help others have so readily received with a recommendation from the superintendent to grant the help, he declines to comment. His silence was deafening and in essence a vote against us.

Not take it personally? Personally is where we will feel that silence in our futures when we do not have assistance with insurance costs.

When you hire someone to whom you do not have to pay for all the years of experience, you will save money, which could be used to pay for our request.

When the State of Montana announces plans for extra monies, isn't there a way to plan for our request? Without that state assistance, monies were found the last two years. Why not now? How else can we take it but personally?

We do believe the funds to grant our incentive request are there. We also know that it is a matter of priorities, over which you have control, as to where those funds are put. Obviously fairness, rewarding exemplary teaching, and making those who work hard their entire careers feel worthy, are not part of the priorities of this board and administration.

For these reasons, it has made us question our efforts during our entire working careers. This is not the way to feel at the end of 30-year careers, and for this we are truly sorry.

Paula Darko-Hensler

Kathy Dunham

Rose Goyen