We return from a sad summer in which we lost two former colleagues, Bob McCarthy and Al Johnson.  The losses remind us of both the sorrow of our mortality and the joy of sharing our profession and our passions.  Let's enter this new year with an increased awareness of the value of what we do and of each other.
            Due to the economic climate in the country and the political climate in Trumbull, this year promises to make increased demands on each of us.  We are quite grateful that the Superintendent and Board of Education were able to effect significant cuts in their proposed budget without the loss of any TEA members' jobs.  This commitment to teachers is a testament to the work you do and the care with which you do it.  However, we will all be asked to do more with less.  We encourage members to be aware of any requests on your time and energy which detract from your ability to perform your job to your highest standards.  Please bring any concerns over new duties, schedules changes, or increased demands on your time to the immediate attention of a TEA representative in your building.  Most often, such issues can be resolved amicably through open communication with administrators.  The communication begins with you.
            We are celebrating this year the successful implementation of a retirement medical trust fund for retirees who will continue to pay the premium on their health insurance. Eighteen of our twenty-six retirees last spring have chosen to place their incentive checks into a tax-free health care fund.  This program will remain in place for this year's retirees.
            We also celebrate Bob Pitzschler, Brittina Schwartz, and Frank Swetckie all of whom retired after years of service to the TEA, most recently serving on the Executive Board and several of its committees. While Joe Cavagnuolo has not retired from teaching, he is now our President Emeritus--a well-deserved break after many years of service to us.  Thanks to you all.
            We hope your year brings you the satisfactions which make us want to be teachers, and a few pleasant surprises as well.

Roger and Tammy