Editorial

Sandwich Teacher Union Sours School Choice

Union Snatches Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

What is the matter with teacher unions today? How disappointing is it to read that the Sandwich teacher union is staging a "work to rule" job action to punish the school district over contract negotiations?

Lately teacher unions seem to have incredibly bad timing. Those who followed the scandal that unfolded over Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School may recall that the entire story arc began with the Orleans charter school's teachers voting to unionize.

Why have the teachers in Sandwich gone 424 days without a contract? Since contract negotiations are held behind closed doors, we probably won't ever know the entire truth.

Could it be that the teachers' union "doesn't get it"? Could it be that their leaders are out of touch with the new reality facing public employee unions in this economy and political climate? Does the union realize that it might not be possible to squeeze the taxpayers of Sandwich for more money or super-deluxe benefit packages?

Despite recent melt-downs in the leadership of the Sandwich school district, we believe the district is doing the best it can to work with the teachers that have helped make Sandwich High School one of the best in the nation.

Lately teacher unions seem to have incredibly bad timing. Those who followed the scandal that unfolded over Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School may recall that the entire story arc began with the Orleans charter school's teachers voting to unionize.

Now we have Sandwich poised for success in the school choice competition, offering an excellent "product" - and here come the teachers shutting down the co-curricular activities that comprise a key part of the district's success.

If the district can't control its teachers any better than this, perhaps Sandwich should put aside its school choice plans and leave that to the more stable school districts.

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