Teachers urge Middlesex board to settle contracts amid low morale and student impact

In a packed room filled with educators and community members, the Middlesex Borough School District's Board of Education meeting on May 20, 2025, became a platform for heartfelt pleas from teachers grappling with the challenges of working without a settled contract. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as educators shared their dedication to students while expressing deep concerns about the impact of ongoing contract negotiations on staff morale and student experiences.

Barbara Mark, a special education teacher with over two decades of service in the district, spoke passionately about the unwavering commitment she and her colleagues have for their students. "The truth is, the only reason I continue to show up with a smile and give this job my all is because of your children," she stated, highlighting the sacrifices teachers are making due to the current contract situation. Mark emphasized that the uncertainty surrounding their contract has led many educators to limit their efforts to paid hours only, stepping back from the extra activities that enrich student lives, such as after-school meetings and volunteering at events.

Another educator, Tom Hintleman, who is retiring after 27 years, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the community and the students he has taught. He urged the board to recognize the importance of fair compensation for the hard work teachers put in, stating, "We deserve compensation for that." Hintleman also reflected on the risk of losing the community feeling that has long defined Middlesex schools, urging unity in resolving the contract issues.

The meeting also touched on the dual enrollment program for students, which allows them to earn college credits while still in high school. Board members confirmed that while the previous cohort program is concluding, a new dual enrollment opportunity will be available to all students, ensuring continued access to college-level courses.

As the meeting progressed, the voices of educators resonated with a common theme: the need for respect, fairness, and clarity in contract negotiations. The urgency for a resolution was palpable, with many hoping for a settlement before the school year ends. The educators' heartfelt appeals underscored the vital connection between teacher morale and student success, leaving the board with a clear message: the time for action is now.