The contract that the TEA and the Board just ratified is a monumental one. I don't mean that in a 100% positive way, since this deal is the first truly concessionary contract on the part of the TEA in some thirty years. It's also been heavily influenced by a horrendous educational climate brought about by a state government that's openly hostile to public education.

We've given up more than we have in a long time...to the best of my knowledge, more than we EVER have. We did this because more of our colleagues are coming back to work. We did this because of what Lansing threatens to do to us all. And we did this because it was the right thing to do for this community. We've proven, yet again, that this district has always lived, thrived, and survived on what its teachers have done for it.

I hope I'm not sounding overly pessimistic or negative here. And I don't mean to suggest that the TEA is the only reason why this contract is settled. In fact, I witnessed great things on your side since mid-June: Your central office as a whole moved fast to not only put negotiations first in priority, but to work with us in as close and cooperative a manner as I've ever seen.

Gary Schwartz and I have taken care of things lately in two minutes that would have previously required triple checking with legal counsel and letters of understanding sealed in blood.

Stephanie O'Connor, working with our scheduling team, quickly created a non-controversial middle school schedule that is a shining example of what we can do when we work together honestly and openly.

Ann Deneroff proved that fact yet again with the way she worked with us on handling placements, as well as with the calendar as a whole.

And I've respected Larry Leapley's ability to make things work around here for a long time. I still think he's one of the best line administrators I've ever worked under in that respect. He listened carefully in the many conversations we had. He acted on what I suggested. He thought outside the box. We interacted as teachers do. We understood one another. And when things looked bleak and unmanageable, he didn't slam the door--he redoubled his efforts to work with us. He aims to teach that lesson of cooperation to his successor, which I think stands to be be his greatest legacy.

Most importantly, I want to recognize the Board as a whole. You, too, have thought outside the box. Your willingness to give where you have has been instrumental in bringing this deal in. We're all at our best when we're well led, and I'm deeply grateful for how far we've come together in such a short time, thanks to the way you, too, have worked with us.

Finally, to President Bearden, a simple, heartfelt thanks. Along the way, you've made several prudent decisions that made THE difference between success and failure, and I have taken careful mental notes about them.

So on behalf of the Trenton Education Association, for whom I have the privilege to speak, thank you for demonstrating a sincere willingness to cooperate with us, so we can move forward and excel. This contract depends on close cooperation to work as we planned it to, and I'm confident that we can do that. In fact, I'm looking forward to it!

As always, thanks for listening.

Mark Hoffman. District Director of the Trenton Education Association.