LTE: First Selectman's Appalling Disrespect For Fairfield Teachers

The following Letter to the Editor is by Fairfield Republican Town Committee Chair Laura Devlin and Vice Chair Mike Grant:

To the Editor:

At a time when school districts across the country are grappling with severe teacher shortages and the skyrocketing costs of higher education, First Selectman Gerber has launched an unnecessary and insulting attack on Fairfield Public School teachers for their pursuit of continuing education.

During the Board of Selectmen budget meeting on February 26, he characterized accredited online programs as "Fly By Night Online Diploma Factories," a statement that is not only dismissive but deeply offensive to the hardworking educators who dedicate themselves to professional growth for the benefit of their students.

Doubling down on his stance, Gerber further stated that he "didn’t like being ripped off," implying that Fairfield’s teachers are engaging in fraudulent or dishonest practices. This rhetoric is nothing short of an affront to the professionalism and integrity of our educators, who strive to meet the highest standards in their field.

This latest insult comes on the heels of Gerber’s $5 million cut to the proposed education budget. Instead of supporting our teachers and investing in the future of our students, the First Selectman continues to wage an unjustified campaign against those who form the backbone of our community’s education system.

Fairfield’s teachers deserve respect and support, not unwarranted attacks. We call on the First Selectman to work collaboratively with educators, parents, and the Board of Education to ensure that Fairfield remains a community that values and prioritizes quality education.

— Fairfield Republican Town Committee Chair Laura Devlin and Vice Chair Mike Grant