I am disappointed and irked by Auburn Superintendent Tom Morrill’s unprofessional criticism of Auburn’s educators. Health care concerns dominate the news every day, and the suggestion of altering or eliminating benefits to Auburn educators and their spouses is unconscionable. The superintendent’s retort that Auburn educators’ refusal to attend open house was unprofessional and ignores the teachers’ obligations to students is absurd.

Auburn educators’ refusal to attend open house does not directly affect the time teachers spend with their students. Open house is an additional service that teachers provide each year to help parents and students. It is proof, in contrast to Morrill’s suggestion, that teachers go beyond the call of duty to serve their students.

Because educators cannot strike, the only recourse they have is to follow their contract explicitly and eliminate voluntary services. This does not compromise students in any way; it means that educators will not attend the non-paid, voluntary activities that parents and the public have become accustomed to as part of the expected, but not contractually mandatory, school activities.

My three children graduated from the Auburn school system and I applaud the dedication and professionalism of the Auburn educators.

I urge Auburn taxpayers, especially those who have children in school, to support Auburn educators.

The School Committee and Superintendent Morrill must settle the contract immediately and protect health care benefits and policy language.

Muffett Dulac, Auburn

President, Lewiston Education Association