First of all, let me congratulate members of the South Butler School Board who easily retained their positions in the last election. I hope that this sends a clear message to the board (and to the teachers) that parents and community members, although cautious to speak out publicly, are clearly behind the board and its stance against the outrageous demands of the teachers and their union.

The complete disregard for continuing our children's education without interruption with the most recent strike shows that South Butler teachers have no concern for our community, the residents and our children. They are only thinking about themselves. Now, reading the Final Best offers for non-binding arbitration from both sides that were published yesterday, I'm starting to wonder if the teachers are playing with a full deck. Who do they think they are?

We believe what the board has offered is more than fair, but from what I've heard from teachers, they plan to continue to strike until the community can't take any more. Well guess what? We're here for the long run and will take whatever steps we need to make sure our children are educated. If that means cyber school, starting a charter school or attending a private school, parents will do whatever it takes to make sure our children come first. The teachers WILL NOT hold us hostage.

This round and round, go-nowhere non-binding arbitration process is nothing but a waste of time and money and needs to stop. Here's what I propose:

The main points of contention -- wages, health care and retirement -- should be put to a vote by the community. We as the tax payers are the ones that foot the bill for the teachers contracts so let's put it to a vote.

I also suggest that the board take drastic steps to modify next year's school calendar to ensure that teachers have no time to strike at all. Enough of this pussy-footing around -- shut them down. Control our calendar. It's OUR school, not the teachers'.

We continue to believe in the school board and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.