This letter is in support of the Shadyside Education Association. The time has come for the Shadyside Board of Education to step to the plate and negotiate a fair and equitable contract in good faith. In addition, the board has a moral obligation to the community and the students of Shadyside to stop the confusion and disruption of the educational process that is happening in the district. Five years ago the S.E.A. voted to take concessions that would keep the district in a financially sound state. During those years the teachers agreed to a zero percent raise on the base salary in order to keep the educational integrity of the school system. Their concessions have worked; the district is sound and the board is able to repay the teachers for their sacrifices. So what is the problem? The B.O.E. has been given the time and financial resources.