As a former PVSD teacher from ’03-14, I fully support PVTA and suggest the district do the same. PVSD teachers work non-stop before school, during school, after school, at night, during the commute to school, during the commute from school, and just about all the time. Most importantly, they teach with all their hearts and souls. Portola Valley School District teachers give everything they have with all of their intelligence, experience, and energy. And the community and sitarists asks this of them. They deserve a wage that reflects their commitment to their students and helps them afford the struggle to live in the Bay Area.

Teachers are leaving the profession in droves and districts are unsuccessfully scrambling for professionals. What they end up getting often falls very short. I have worked in several different districts since leaving and can truthfully say that PV teachers are a gift that the district should cherish. Why the superintendent and board are wasting teachers' most precious commodity, time, is beyond me. Please stop using such disheartening language and settle the contract. The choice is always yours!