I just finished reading the article (BDN, Dec. 21) about the teacher contract impasse and was appalled at Dr. Robert Ervin’s remarks. I couldn’t believe something so demeaning was quoted by the person running Bangor’s school system.

My first question was, when was the last time Dr. Ervin spent a whole day in a classroom? As a parent who volunteers in my children’s classrooms, I see first hand what the teachers face each day. I don’t believe they get paid nearly enough. Show me one teacher who starts when the doors open and leaves work behind when the bell rings. I haven’t met one yet.

How can someone who takes credit for the Bangor school system’s successes face the teachers after claiming they “only work 182 days” and only expect them to continue at the current level of excellence? And yes, Dr. Ervin, “We are talking about a teacher,” a vital part of our children’s lives.

Maybe, in some cases, this is a person who changes their world and sets them along the right path. Sit down and talk to the students and you’ll understand what a “teacher” means to them.

If we want our children and schools to flourish in Bangor, we must treat our teachers with respect and properly compensate them as professionals.

As a community we need to support our teachers now.

Kim Hillier

Bangor