I am disappointed, as are several others, that Clay Community Schools and the Clay Community Classroom Teachers Association are at an impasse regarding contract issues.

It is disappointing that for five years, a settlement has not been met.

It is disappointing that contract negotiations continue to fluster not only teachers and board members, but also the majority of the public.

It's sad this has been an ongoing eyesore to Clay County.

But, still, as a journalist, I cannot and will not formulate an opinion on the matter.

The duty of a journalist is to report facts. Sometimes, those facts are skewed by some who don't necessarily want everything to get out.

Sometimes, those facts are incorrect because of "operator error."

But, a journalist must only work with what they are given.

If I were to formulate an opinion regarding the issue, it may lean toward the side of teachers. After all, my mother is a teacher. She has been for more than 20 years. I had her for a couple of months when I was in the fourth grade.

My mother absolutely loves teaching. It is her life.

I have sat down and discussed this issue with my mother. But not to the point of the two of us stomping off the other way, unwilling to discuss anything.

I just hope that both sides can reach an agreement. I hope that both sides can come together and figure out a way to end this.

It would work out for all sides in the end. It might end days and nights of continued stress.

Who knows?