The first thing I noticed at the May 15 Mars School Board meeting was that most, if not all, teachers present were wearing T-shirts bearing their union slogan.

I believe all of the school board members, the many students who were in attendance as well as the teachers themselves knew who the teachers were. Thus, why the “tees,” if not for intimidation purposes?

When I see such intimidating union T-shirts, I liken it to waving a red cape in front of a bull. I get very angry.

Most of the public portion of the session involved a discussion about the elimination of one day of instruction in art. Art is not an academic course.

Many students made eloquent statements regarding the importance of this art class reduction even though they, and some of their parents, do not own property and therefore do not incur the tax burden to cover the cost of those classes.

These youngsters behaved as young ladies and gentlemen and I have no complaint about their presence and behavior, but I do question why they were there.

I quickly jotted down the comment “art brainwashing” after I had listened to many speakers. They were well prepared with comments equating art class to the world economy, China, etc.

The youngsters also stated that art is a prerequisite for college entrance. I don’t think so. I have no doubt that these great kids were coached by teachers to make such wide-ranging statements about a relatively unimportant subject.

I have stated many times that I do not want a one-cent increase in my property taxes until most, if not all, non-academic activities are eliminated.

No comment was made about the ongoing teacher contract negotiations, but I have no doubt that the union wants not only to have a pay raise on the table but also to make up for the lack of a pay raise during the current year’s contract period.

Let me see: We have a true 16 percent to 17 percent unemployment rate in this country but the teachers want a hefty pay raise.

Teachers are paid quite well for a nine-month part-time job with a three-month vacation in the summer, a week off at Christmas, and very long weekends during Easter and Thanksgiving.

Oh, and not having to drive to work on snow days.

I have one final comment:

Someone wants the school board to post a referendum on the November ballot about covering the cost of a swimming pool within the Mars School District, at property tax payers’ expense, of course.

I sure hope Mars voters are smart enough to vote such foolishness down, if the referendum is placed on the ballot.