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Bronco Talk Editorial
Just a short 11 weeks ago, jubilance could be felt throughout the halls – summer had come, bringing relief to many. The excitement of going to the beach, hanging out with friends, spending time outdoors (though it has been a bit damp of late) and, of course, getting out of school was abundant. Now daunted with returning, we do so to a changed school, as subtle as those changes may be. Those with a keen eye will notice that many old windows have been replaced with newer—and hopefully, better insulating— ones. Teachers will also be glad to know that our new computer lab is finally operational, taking a load off of the always-booked library computers.
But new windows and new computers aren’t the only things that Alvirne boasts as a result of summer vacation. All around the building, there are new faces to be seen. New students (yes freshmen, that means you) and more significantly, new teachers. The town of Hudson has gone through a massive turnover of teachers in the past few months, with over 40 faculty members district- wide leaving our schools. Many retired after lengthy careers in education, moving on to other pursuits. However, many resigned and found other jobs in other districts. According to many teachers, this is happening due to low salaries—insufficient healthcare benefits—some being reassigned against their will to different programs within the schools—and sadly, some being forced to leave, with no option to stay in the schools they love.
Alvirne’s own Mrs. Moynihan-Cooney and Mr. Martineau resigned just as recently as this summer despite wanting to stay at Alvirne.
According to the State Department of Education, Hudson ranks 106th out of 162 New Hampshire school districts in terms of the average salary they pay their teachers.
So why can’t Hudson keep its dedicated staff members in our schools? If excellence in education is what we profess to have, then why turn away some of the best educators and support staff a student could ask for?
These questions will likely remain unanswered, but what is past is past—we must now embrace the present and move forward. AHS now opens its doors to welcome the newest members of our community, students and teachers alike.
So as we embark on yet another year of study, it is this editor’s hope that new bonds can be formed, friendships renewed, lessons learned, experiences had, and most importantly of all… memories made. High school goes by faster than we can often fathom; let us make the most of it while we can. And while summer may indeed be over, another summer waits not so far out of reach. So, in the meantime…
Welcome home, Alvirne.
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