January, 2007: The start of another new year and the opportunity to begin it with hope and resolve. When things seem impossible, we must believe that nothing is unattainable. It is this kind of hope, this type of firm determination, that will make us stronger, and ultimately, will effect the type of change that we know is necessary for the betterment of all.

With the last half of the school year in sight, we must be unwavering in our intent to stand for what we know is right and be uncompromising in voicing our collective concerns regarding district decisions that affect all of us and our students on a daily basis. The advent of a new year did not, unfortunately, erase the problems and concerns of the past, but it does allow continued opportunity to utilize our collective voice in order to promote an agenda of activism and involvement.

Now is not the time to stand by idly. There are varied MTA activities, workshops and committees that will be convening in 2007 and your participation is vital. Also, two Board of Education meetings are held each month—a definite eye-opening experience and one worthy of viewing in person.

Speaking of the Board of Education—only four months remain until the May elections and there are two open positions (Sue Botti’s and Linda Knapp’s terms expire this year). It is imperative to find suitable candidates who possess the skill, drive, desire and open-mindedness to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust in order to bring about a restored sense of integrity and credibility to a very splintered and dysfunctional Board. The time for us to have a Board of Education that is not the derisive amusement of Orange County is long overdue. Whether you live in the Middletown School District or not is irrelevant. We are all affected by the decisions made by the members of the Board of Education and we all reap the benefits or feel the consequences of their actions. I implore each and every one of you to think about individuals who could be asked to consider running for one of the open positions.

For 2007, please stay in touch and involved with your union. Let us show a sense of resolve and restore a sense of hope for all.