Finding A Scapegoat

To the Editor:

When things go wrong as they have been with our budget referenda, find a scapegoat. Who else to throw to the wolves, but the school superintendent. I make no comment on the merits of the decision not to renew her contract, but it has the feel of a political decision coming as it does on the heels of an unprecedented fourth rejection of the budget. I see what seems to me fear by the Board of Education of the teachers’ union in their failure to challenge their performance as a money-making machine rather than an educational marvel. Folks, this by its very nature cannot be a friendly discussion, but a fight to the finish for control of our schools. Board of Education stand up and fight for your rights!

Experience has shown that you cannot expect the teachers’ union to gracefully reduce their demands and agree to a fair contract — fair to everybody, not just the teachers. After all they control many of the politicians as evidenced by the television attacks and political pressure on Governor Malloy when he attempted to eliminate tenure, that anachronistic dragon from yesterday which protects the mediocre and the worthless, and stands squarely in the way of a better education of our youth.

When a democratic governor challenges tenure, the holy cow of the teachers’ union, you just know there is something rotten in the State of Denmark. The union has fought tooth and claw to retain it. Why? Because it means control of the schools, and with it a fat pension and pay.

Why are the officials entrusted with our town afraid to challenge the union in court on the basis of the 14th Amendment which requires equal protection under the law. Please listen carefully. This is what the amendment says: You cannot single out one group for preferred status if it harms another group (namely the children). This is what equal protection under the laws of any state means. Ask any lawyer. Do your job and bring fairness of taxation back to Newtown.

We, the aged and the working folks who are struggling to get by, have spoken four times at the polls. It is us you should be listening to for a change and not the coercive voices of an aggressive union meaning to get even fatter. Firing the school superintendent seems like the proverbial shooting of the messenger bearing bad news.

Finally, the concerns of teacher-student relationship: I attended classes in high school of at least 40, but discipline was strict and quality of education excellent. Nice teachers are not necessarily the best. Competent dedicated teachers are. The classroom is a place of learning and serious business. It is not a place to make friends with the teacher. Familiarity breeds contempt. A teacher must be respected not necessarily be popular.

Oscar Berendsohn

34 Appleblossom Lane, Newtown                                                                  July 4, 2012