To the editor:

As an educator for 11 years, I have weathered schools, administrators, regimes and School Boards on the way to honing my craft.

It is in the latter part of my tenure that I have withstood an annual assault on my profession and my cohort, as the previous editions of the Suffolk City Council have forced us to justify our worth for pittance. But I remain optimistic.

During the last school year, while advocating for my livelihood and the credibility of education, I entertained an offer of employment with another district. But I declined, leaving a $4,500 raise behind to remain with the district that invested in me. You see, I am optimistic.

When word came that several candidates would challenge sitting incumbents in last November’s election, many declared that change might be on our horizon, to bring fiscal balance to our city’s priorities. Again, optimism reigned.

And now, as City Council members have toured schools, fellowshipped with constituents and heard the will of the people in the public forum, I wonder: Will this council, which was swept into office by an upwelling of public support for education and public safety, use wise judgment and invest in its city’s future by fully funding school budgets?

I can’t answer that, but I am optimistic.

Tim Kubinak

Suffolk