Teacher Denied Extra Sick Pay

In addition to the financial problems that have plagued the school board in Rochester and Windsor Northwest, a group of individuals under the direction of Supt. Mock have also decided to kill teacher morale.

Recently a teacher who had been providing care for his seriously ill wife had exhausted his sick days and requested additional days from a "Sick Bank" which had been set up by his fellow teachers. Although the teachers had gladly donated 28 days to help their colleague, the school board, under advisement of Supt. Mock, denied this request. Although they followed the letter of the law in this case, they ignored the spirit behind the law, which in this case would have showed compassion and a sense of humanity. Not only that, but it would not have cost them anything because these were other people’s sick days, and no sub had been hired. They were covering his classes "in house." In the end, this was nothing but a further morale-breaker for the teachers in this district who are already among the lowest paid teachers in Central Vermont.

Once upon a time, this school emphasized community service and the doing of good deeds. Where was the sense of charity and humanity from the school board and the superintendent? Where were their family values? They may tell you that they were simply "following the contract." They had the option to interpret this contract with a spirit of humanity and charity, instead they chose to coldly follow the letter of the law. Is it just a coincidence that this decision was made while they were under the gun for our district’s financial bunglements? They may tell you, we were just following orders, but how many times have we heard that in the history of the world?

Shame. Shame. Shame. What a staggering inability to dem-onstrate humanity. I really expected more from this board. Why can’t people do the right thing just once in a while?

Neal A. Cronce

Former WNW Teacher

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