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Our names are Gloria Miller and Alicia Curtin Mallon, and we are Steering Committee members for Westford for Equitable Teacher Pay.  We are also candidates for School Committee this year.  We support the override for the same reason we are running for School Committee – we believe Westford has exceptional schools, and we want to do everything we can to support them going forward.
As parents, we became aware of the problems with teacher salaries in Westford several years ago.  During the 2011-2012 school year, the town was facing an uncertain financial future.  Unable to secure even a cost of living increase, the teachers agreed to a contract that included 0%-0%-1% pay increases over three years.  We recognize that this was a substantial sacrifice on the part of our teachers that helped the town through a difficult time.  Unfortunately, this widened the gap between teacher salaries in Westford and comparable communities.
Over the next few years, some small progress was made in closing the teacher salary gap.  However, as costs of living and inflation increased, standard adjustments simply could not make up the difference.  By 2016, it became clear that an override would be necessary to make substantial progress.  In October of 2016, the School Committee reported the problem to the public in their monthly meeting.
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Over the last six months, a growing awareness among parents has created a grassroots movement in support of the override.  We have carefully studied the research, met with town boards and citizens, and have come to the same conclusion – if we do not act now, Westford risks losing our reputation as a town that values education, which is a key factor for families when choosing a community.  Many Westford parents have lent their time and expertise to spreading awareness of this problem.  These parent volunteers have given generously of their time to create a website, send a mailing, make posters and flyers, and raise community awareness.  All of these parents believe, as we do, that Westford teachers are our greatest resource and should not be taken for granted.
Correcting the teacher pay imbalance now is a good investment for all.  Westford has exceptional teachers, who deserve equitable pay.  Please join us in voting to support this ballot question on May 2nd. — Gloria Miller, candidate for School Committee, and Alicia Curtin Mallon, candidate for School Committee
