To the editor,

By the time you read this opinion another nail may have been driven into the coffin lid of Tennessee’s education system. House of Representative sheep are about to rubber stamp a Senate plan to abolish the already almost worthless salary bargaining rights of Tennessee teachers.
Tennessee is currently forty-sixth, four places from the bottom in average nationwide teacher salary compensation. Furthermore, DeKalb County is about ninetieth out of about one hundred-thirty six systems in average salary paid to teachers. Even more ridiculous, in our county more years of service are required to reach maximum salary. More than half Tennessee teachers benefit from higher than annual contracted increments to more quickly climb their career salary ladder.
Keeping these facts in mind, how is it possible that legislators will probably enact a law to deny teachers any salary bargaining rights. They are merely trying to feather their own political nests. Such reprehensible conduct is inexcusable. If this dastardly measure to terminate the collective bargaining rights of teachers does become law, be sure to note the politicians responsible for this action.
What’s going to be entombed in the coffin I mentioned earlier? The invaluable trust, dedication, and morale of present teachers and those aspiring to become our future education leaders. Honestly, is there currently much sense in encouraging our youth to pursue a career in teaching? The answer is a resounding “No.”
If you choose, ignore this commentary and just consider me a doomsayer.
Watch closely, however, within a few years the state legislative agenda may include an attempt to abolish the teacher tenure.

George Speery

                 Smithville, Tenn.