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The teachers want>

an "evergreen" clause in their employment contracts to protect them during contract discussions. That way they are assured of a certain income after their present contract expires and before their new one starts. That's understandable to me, and I only speak for me. But I don't think it's enough.

The School Committee (SC) wants>

To have the negotiating strength of NOT having to pay ANY amount certain during the negotiations. That's NOT understandable to me (and, again, I only speak for me) as it gives a very unfair advantage and almost total control to the SC. Without protection the SC can, has, and in my opinion, will, use that power to force the teachers to accept less than they should.

The average starting salary nationwide for teachers is just under $40,000. In Rhode Island, the average is just over $40,000 and it's less than Massachusetts or Connecticut. That is according to MSN.

If the teachers are requesting, for example, a 4% raise and the SC refuses, there should be some middle ground to protect both sides, like granting half of the request, in the example above, 2% until a new contract can be finalized. In other contract negotiations such as professional sports, clauses like this are common. It's equally fair, or unfair to both sides and encourages BOTH sides to work things out. (In fact, in the NFL, if a contract is over and a new one hasn't been agreed to yet, the players gets the salary of the highest paid people at that position.)

I would be in favor of this "evergreen-plus" clause. I feel it's motivating to both sides, not just one. Our students are my biggest concern. I believe this solution protects their interests the most.

Happy Spring everyone.

Rick Corrente

The Taxpayers Mayor