Like many professions, teaching is a calling. Yet, despite the commitment of our educators, the fact remains that most of them struggle to live on their salaries, often putting their own money into the classrooms across this county. This situation must change. Those men and women who dedicate their lives to providing a strong educational foundation for our children should be adequately compensated. As a member of the board, I will work tirelessly to support our teachers by backing initiatives such as increases in teacher pay and classroom stipends for elementary schools. The interest accrued from the Board’s Fund Balance, for instance, could provide the resources necessary for some of these proposals.