LAWRENCE TEACHERS’ UNION
LOCAL 1019   AFT   AFL-CIO
Everett Mill
15 Union
Building 6, Suite 402                                                                                                                                                         Lawrence, MA  01840
                                                                                                                                Tel: (978) 685-8708
                                                                                                                                Fax: (978) 681-9328
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                                                                                                                                December 10, 2007
To:       Members of the Lawrence Teachers’ Union

First, I would like to thank you all for attending Wednesday’s union membership meeting.  This was by far one of the largest meetings I’ve seen and it speaks volumes to the commitment and dedication of the teachers.

As you know, the primary item on the agenda was voting whether or not to ratify the contract we negotiated over the past months.  The vote was convincing and the membership has spoken.  I want you to know that the members have been heard.

I believe our next step is to make our voices heard to the school committee.  By now you surely know that Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy received a glowing review, despite the teacher’s recent 98 percent vote of no-confidence.  At their next meeting, the lame-duck committee is likely going to vote Mr. Laboy a salary increase of at least 5 percent.
 
I encourage you all to attend the school committee’s meeting this Thursday.  It is important that we not let our needs go unheard while an underperforming superintendent is rewarded for our hard work.

Now is the time to continue our show of unity and dedication to getting a fair contract that meets the same high standards we have for our students.  Please join me in attending the school committee meeting this Thursday, December 13, 2007, Hall of the School Committee, 255 Essex Street, 1st Floor, Lawrence, MA, @ 7:00 P.M.

Thank you,

Frank McLaughlin
President, Lawrence Teachers’ Union