Ed, You mention that under PA Law teachers have to strike in order to enter into mandatory arbitration. What do teachers in 37 other states do where strikes are illegal? They have mandatory arbitration without strikes. I believe again that the teachers union is a great deal of the problem. I don't think our children should be used as pawns to settle any contract and that is exactly what is being done. If you really mean it that the Metcalfe should focus on improvements to our children's education I believe eliminating strikes is definitely a good start. The strikes hurt the children more than anyone else. I totally agree that real reform lies in broader initiatives that address all of the components of education. I would like to see the State of PA look into pay grades similar to the military since they are all paid through local taxes and kept on the State retirement payrolls after retirement. This would eliminate strikes and variations in pay according to the area a teacher is employed in. Keep in mind that if this happens the teachers union most likely would not get the support financially they get now and that would not make the strongest union in our State very happy. So much of this is political it reeks. The teachers union has made campaign contributions to over 75% of our Representatives and Senators. They donated $500,000 to Rendall's reelection campaign. You cannot convince me that the teacher's union does not buy votes. It's obvious. Talk about reform! You have some really good ideas. Have you thought about the vacant seat on the South Butler's Board? However, if you are a teacher or a spouse of a teacher that is a total conflict of interest as far as the teacher's contract goes. I would think any such person should be forced to refrain from voting on such issues if sitting on a school board.