Editor, Gazette-Journal:

This letter is in response to Mr. Hicks’s letter published Feb. 17. In his letter, Mr. Hicks stated that the teachers of Mathews County are "lucky to have a job," and in this economy I believe, yes, those who have not been laid off and still have full-time employment are indeed fortunate.

However, as a mother and a member of the Mathews County School Board, I believe our community is "lucky" to have such fine, dedicated professionals working with our children daily.

The employees of Mathews County Public Schools have made significant sacrifices of time and treasure over the past several years every time they were asked. Not only do they step up, but they do so with a merry heart and continue to provide a safe educational environment that benefits the children of Mathews County.

In walking the halls and entering the classrooms of our schools, you would never know these employees have not had compensation increases in years. Th...