Any time a school board wants to change the system for the children's benefit, they come up against the union. Teachers' salaries are the first and most expensive part of public school education. Enhancement salary programs such as the one in Connecticut were meant to attract better teachers, and keep outstanding teachers. It backfired when older teachers refused to take retirement. Teachers with tenure who were not effective, could not be replaced without a prolonged court battle initiated by the union.
School boards differ across the country.
The teachers in attendance all voted for teachers to make this decision. The traditional public school system today divorces parents from planning and curriculum. Private schools ask for and receive parent input through volunteer boards and committees. Public schools teach curriculum which violates the religious and moral principles of some parents. Private school offers parents more input into the course of study.