Just finished reading the article about pay raises for school administrators and teachers. This news made me very happy for them as I know firsthand how hard they work and the hours they put in to do their job; it doesn’t end when the bell rings, folks.

I was, however, a bit upset that they seem to be the only one getting raises. As a former data manager for 16 years I can tell you that the support people seem to be overlooked — a lot. I worked 12 months for 12 years while working at Salisbury High. Those schedules don’t fall from the sky, folks. When I switched to the elementary school level, I worked 11 months. Financial secretaries work 12 months, custodians work 12 months, receptionists and guidance secretary positions are 10 month jobs.

   I finally retired, early, because I had not had a raise in six years and realized that I could make more money sitting at home, drawing my SS and retirement, than I could pulling my hair out for a job that people setting the monthly salaries don’t seem to think is important. Bottom line is this: The support staff jobs are just as important as those that are in the classroom and those that are behind closed doors.

  Just something to think about … again I am very happy for my teacher and administrator friends who will be getting a nice pay raise, but I encourage those setting these raises to ask the teachers and administrators if they could do their job without support from those of us behind the scenes.

— Vickey St. Lawrence

Salisbury