I was sorry to learn that Harvard teachers and the town were locked in tense contract negotiations. As a 26-year resident of the town and the spouse of a long-serving former Hildreth Elementary School teacher, I am very familiar with their competence and dedication. Back in the mid-90s when we were relocating with our three school-age children from Austin, Texas, to the MetroWest area, we evaluated several local school districts. From the outset, the Harvard public schools struck us as particularly well-staffed with thoughtful educators and administrators.
This sentiment was corroborated by the job they did with our children, all of whom attended the Harvard public schools. During this entire period through to the current year, the Harvard schools have consistently ranked as a top-performing district. Much of the credit for this achievement belongs to our teachers. Their efforts have, in my view, significantly contributed to not only the quality of life in this community, but also the very attractive real estate values in the town.
For all these reasons, I believe that our teachers should be awarded a contract that is comparable to the recent contract settlements delineated in their handout during the recent Town Meeting. Anything less would undermine the loyalty they have exhibited to the town and its children. This was particularly evident during the pandemic when the Harvard schools offered families the most flexibility of nearly all adjoining communities in offering both in-class and remote learning options.
With many experienced educators nearing retirement age and a significant reduction in young adults pursuing a career in education, the pool of qualified teachers is going to decline. Harvard residents would be well advised to send a strong signal of support to their teachers and not drive some of them to districts that are more appreciative of their continued efforts with our children. Anything else would be shortsighted.
John E. Sullivan
Candleberry Lane
