All taxpayers in East Providence should support the valiant actions of their newly elected School Committee in its efforts to reduce runaway school costs.

Recently, a consultant hired by the committee reported that the average teacher makes $69,000 a year and receives benefits costing $26,000 annually.

Yes, $95,000, and many make even more. The consultant stated that this amounts to an hourly wage of $93. Please bear in mind that currently the School Department is $4 million in the red and sinking deeper every day.

As average homeowners, as well as renters, struggle to pay utility bills, car payments, the mortgage or the rent, buy groceries and pay medical bills, these 180-day-a-year workers want still more. Teachers, look around! These folks are valiantly struggling day by day to provide basic necessities for their families.

We, the working stiffs who pay for everything, need some relief, not further plundering.

I am very pleased that we finally have a school committee that is working in support of the electorate.

Thank you for being the folks that you are.

SHARON WEST

East Providence