A Message from the Executive Secretary of the CBEA:

The Central Berkshire Education Association consists of teachers, paraprofessionals, and secretaries. We are proud to work in the CBRSD. Many of us went to Central Berkshire schools and many of us have watched our own children graduate from Wahconah. We are deeply invested in the educational community of our district.

Recently, there has been a great deal of turmoil throughout the CBRSD. From our vantage point, much of the problem stems from the district's approach to bargaining over the past several years. The district's repeated attempts to resolve economic challenges by cost shifting onto employees only causes resentment and tension. To be sure, we are willing to grapple with challenges facing our educational community, the very same community many of us live in and the community many of us grew up in. We only ask that we be treated with respect and as partners.

Educators in our district are shouldering all of the challenges brought on by education reform and volunteering thousands of hours of our own time to enhance the educational experiences of the children of our community. It is unreasonable to ask us then to sacrifice the financial well-being of our own families by shouldering the burden of our district's economic woes. At some point we have to stand up for what we believe is right and just.

We have appreciated all of the support and kindness from community members and parents during this challenging time and hope that it will soon be behind us.