So they were there and let you go up? I guess maybe they got tired at yelling at people and are trying to figure out a way to make sure people are safe but can still enjoy the view. I was so bummed last time I went and it was locked off.

Honestly, I'm a teacher in NJ and I think we get paid all right, depending on the district. They are gutting benefits which is a huge bummer, but we get paid better than most other states. The thing that is harder to fix is the burnout. We need more support, more subs, more paraprofessionals, more co-teachers. Meanwhile there are more responsibilities being heaped on teachers on top of just doing their jobs. Districts aren't going to pay for more teachers and paras, and aren't going to pay enough to attract new subs. Teachers are exhausted and are now being forced to use their prep periods to cover for their fellow teachers who are out. Why kill yourself working nonstop and getting 20 minutes to whorf down a salad while you grade papers when you could join the private sector? Summers off are obviously great but for a lot of people it's not enough to deal with the stress of the school year. People are leaving in droves.