Its time to repeat that there are other paths we can travel to save teacher jobs and the attendant increase in class size.
Let's begin with why it is important to save teacher jobs. The only thing educational research finds over and over is that class size and school size DO MATTER to the learning by children. If we close Lynwood as an elementary school, we guarantee that about two dozen teachers will have to be let go. That is because there are no extra classrooms in the District for them to move to (the ECC would be vacated permanently).
Let me take a side track here for a minute. The latest 'reason' offered by Superintendent Don Stinson for the closing of the ECC is that it is an 'old building'. That is not true. It was refurbished at the same time the new Middle School addition was constructed, and opened as a Kindergarden about 12 years ago. The taxpayers likely are still paying off the bonds on the ECC, as a matter of fact. It is specially equiped with small scale furniture, bathrooms, and storage, to accommodate the tiny student population. See my blog entry "What's Behind the Closing of Lynwood Elementary" for more on the ECC. In addition, the $85 million bond floated a couple of years ago for the High School project and bus barn construction, included $500,000 for an expansion of the ECC. Don Stinson testified at the Department of Local Government Finance hearing on the $85 million bond (July 20, 2006), that any extra contingency funds (excess money built into the construction budget for unforseen expenses) would be used to update the ECC and old high school building. Instead they spent at least $1 million on astroturf for the football field. Go figure.
As I have blogged previously, there are other moves that can be made that would minimize teacher lay offs. (see "How to Minimize the Impact of Decatur School District Cuts" for the most detail, but also "Decatur School Board Should Demand More Administrator Cuts") The first step is to sell the excess land and buildings that the School District bought - much of it without the legally required appraisals (see "MSD Decatur Township Should Sell Excess Properties" and "Decatur School Board Broke State Law in Purchase of Properties")
The District has about $6 million in property not associated with a school campus. Of that, over half, $3.2 million, is tied up in the Southwest Pavilion Office Building (former Concentra Building). Stinson and the Central Office crew are steadfast in wanting to move their offices over to this building. But, they should sell it. Yes, I know that times are tough in the real estate market. But, given the one appraisal for the property at 7900 Camby Road and the fact that the District overpaid for the property by 41 %, it will take us 40 years to recoup our investments anyway. AND we could use the money to preserve class size RIGHT NOW. Its not perfect, but it is far superior to laying off teachers.
Now, even in my scenario, the hole dug by Stinson and the School Board is so deep that some concessions must be asked of the teachers to totally eliminate the need for lay offs. I have stated that they should consider taking a 5% cut in pay - the Administrators should take a 15% cut, and Stinson a 20% cut.
On top of all this, let me add that $3 million of the $9.8 million in cuts is supposedly a one time cut. Stinson continues to say that the $3 million shortfall in the Capital Projects Fund is to repay interest on temporary loans. Now, I'll believe that this is a one time payment. But, it doesn't pass the smell test that we are paying $3 million in interest on a $23 million loan. In my blog entry "More Fiscal Mismanagement at Decatur School District", I talked more in depth about this. The short story is that the City of Indianapolis, by comparison, has taken out temporary loans ten times that amount, but paid similar amounts of interest. For 2008 they borrowed about $282.5 million and paid about $5.2 million in interest. For 2009 they borrowed about $212.8 million and paid about $3.1 million in interest. And in 2010 they expect to borrow about $163 million and expect to pay about $2.5 million in interest.
But, this $3 million shortfall in the CPF is a one shot deal. Why ask the teachers to come up with $3 million in cuts - permanent cuts - when the District can sell the Southwest Pavilion Office Building and cover the one time need?
So, lets back things up here. The School Board should rescind their former votes and instruct the Superintendent to sell the Southwest Pavilion Office Building, if not all of its land holdings, keep the ECC where it is, keep Lynwood open, and preserve class size in Decatur Township Schools.
Posts
The Pollyanna Approach
14 hours ago
65 comments:
Unfortunately Stinson's "car" doesn't seem to be equipped with a brake, much less a reverse gear. We can only hope that enough members of the school board start thinking for themselves before our families are put through so much upheaval.
There has been so much factual information put on the table with the HadEnoughIndy blog and I would feel certain that board members and the superintendent have seen the data. But so often the data is twisted and turned despite the evidence. Pat has given a very reasonable, responsible proposal to address the money crisis. Webster and others must know that the big concerns are not personal attacks on anyone but the personal attacks are the result of the superintendent and board's refusal to address the facts, consider all options, and keep teachers in front of students as the number one priority. The superintendent and board have not earned respect from many staff members and Decatur residents. One significant example is the continued employment of Candice Baer. Pat accurately reported that she was hired for up to two and one-half years at most. That was 4 years ago!!!!! They will probably say that the original position was eliminated and she is needed as part of the NEW vision or restructure. Again (please note Phil) this is an obvious example of using the system and no one has held them accountable for either the $$$ or student achievement. Don't give up but do keep knocking on their "doors." They are aware of each and every word written here.
April 8, 2008
Dear Parents, Guardians and Community Members,
I want to make you aware of a serious situation facing our school district. The Indiana Legislature has
put a cap, or circuit breaker, on the Transportation, Capital Projects, and Debt Service Funds of school
districts. This measure could mean a loss of more than $2,000,000 in the school years of 2008-09 and
2009-10 to the MSD of Decatur Township.
In addition, the tax reassessment in Marion County this past year has resulted in delayed payments to the
schools from the state. This delay in payment made it necessary for public schools to borrow money to
pay regular expenses. The interest alone on these short term loans for Decatur schools amounts to
$900,000 for 2007 and $1,500,000 for 2008.
We need to reduce more than $2,000,000 out of the 2008-2009 budget now. In order to meet this goal
we have to reduce expenditures in all areas of the school district’s budget. Unfortunately, this necessary
restructuring will include cutting both staff and programs. It will mean eliminating some things that will
upset people and change some services that we have come to expect. I have been taking suggestions and
listening to different groups to get ideas and suggestions on how to reduce our expenses. In our ongoing
effort to decrease expenses and save classroom positions, we have reduced administrative positions from
38 in 2001 to 33 this past year.
I want you to be aware that these are not easy days or easy decisions. We recognize that we are a
publicly funded institution and must operate within the parameters that we are given. We want to
reassure you that none of these changes will have a negative impact on the education that your child
receives from the MSD of Decatur Township. This is a challenge but we refuse to give up the Journey
Toward Excellence for our young people.
Please feel free to call me at 856-5265 or email me at dstinson@msddecatur.k12.in.us. You can also
reach me through the district website: www.msddecatur.k12.in.us.
Sincerely,
Donald H. Stinson
Superintendent
Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township
5275 Kentucky Avenue Phone: (317) 856-5265
Indianapolis, Indiana 46221 Fax: (317) 856-2156
This letter was sent in April 2008 just two months before he and other administrators were given a 4.5% raise in salaries. This letter verifies that there were financial problems long before the economy went downhill. The fact that he and the board raised salaries knowing full well that they didn't have the $$$ is unreal. He and others continued to travel around the country and eat high on the hog.
The 4.5% raise was bargained two years prior to the release of that letter. Contracts are typically bargained two years at a time. The raise in 2008 was actually negotiated in 2006, two years before Governor Daniels was elected. But I'm sure someone will say that the raises should have been suspended or taken away in light of this information, even though families of employees, including single parents or parents of kids in college, had already planned on and banked on that money. Because of COURSE if that happened in YOUR job, you would have willingly taken a 4.5% pay cut with no warning after you had already planned your finances around it. Right.
My mistake...I did not mean to write when he was elected....I meant to say when he began his dramatic fiscal restructuring.
Anon 8:32
I was not referring to the two year teacher contract. Administrators other than Stinson do not have two year contracts. In the summer of 2008 they could have been told that their contract would continue at the same pay as their 2007-2008 contract. Stinson could have been told that his would continue for the next four years at the same rate. Just a reminder that Stinson's contract has been a major newsmaker in Indiana. I do understand that teacher's were counting on the raise as negotiated by the teacher's master contract. Hope this clarifies.
Just because the administrators other than Stinson will have a 5% salary decrease does not mean the teachers should have. The teachers do not have annuities and 100% paid health insurance like the administrators. The major point of this post is that there are good reasons why people don't trust and there are good reasons for new leadership. The reinvention has not worked.
Anon 9:03 said: The major point of this post is that there are good reasons why people don't trust and there are good reasons for new leadership. The reinvention has not worked.
Gee...I can't wait to see how Stinson reinvents trust...I think it involves spaghetti...
...that, or catered-in cake. Baked to perfection from his Mom's down-home recipe. All on the taxpayers' dime. I guess he and his friends need pampering to keep their creative juices flowing while they shake down the system for more of our kids' education money. Their golden retirement years are fast approaching. Gotta have those golden parachutes ready to meet their true "vision" for themselves.
Is anybody going to weigh in on the RIF list that has come out? Why so many names on this list? Is Stinson hoping to scare the teachers into a 5% pay cut? Or is he going to look like and be treated like a Saint when he cuts the RIF list in half. Stop with the games!
The title doesn't mean the school has soaring test scores. In fact, ISTEPscores at Decatur Middle School are flat, with about 60 percent of students passing each year, Anderson said.
"It's not about test scores," he said. "It's about what you're doing to help the kids."
Decatur Middle School started changing the way it teaches three years ago, including more project-based learning in anticipation that Indiana would become a Schools to Watch state, Anderson said.
Schools don't compete against each other in the program, stressed Debbie Sullivan, a Decatur Township associate superintendent and Indiana Middle Level Education Association group assessor.
"It's a process of school improvement, school reform."
(2 of 2).
The above appears in today's Indianapolis Star (online see indianapolis star.com and click on news-education).
Interesting that Decatur closes Lynwood due to No Child Left Behind test scores and then states that reform is a "process."
Looks like Sullivan is an ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT rather than an assistant superintendent. Is there a difference other than $$$$?????? Maybe it is just a title that she is to be superintendent once Stinson hits the road.
How can we see a copy of the RIF list????
Spaghetti is better without the meat balls.
Parents are coming together for the teachers. A protest against the school board is being currently being planned. Since teachers are getting pink slips on the 12th. They are going back up to 10 years of service, just depends on how many qualifications you have. It doesn't matter how good of a teacher you are. With cutbacks, there will be 40-45 students per classroon. Most parents do not know that their child may go to a different school next year, and teachers from all schools will be moved around.
Does anyone know if there are parents and teachers involved in the choice for Valley Mills principal? or does Stinson and his commanders just choose the new principal?
On the school website it says there is a free spaghetti supper on March 20 sponsored by the Decatur Township Action Committee. What is the Decatur Township Action Committee????????????
mel4iu - thanks for the info. Please keep us up on the particulars of the planned protest.
anon 4:18 - I don't know. If anyone does know who started this Decatur Township Action Committee, please share with all of us. I saw a flyer that was asking local businesses to contribute to the spaghetti dinner, but that didn't have any explanation.
I am curious if this could be a political action committee for the reelection of incumbent board members and if so, why it would be on the school's website????
anon 5:48 -- while I cannot eliminate the possibility that you are correct, they certainly have not registered as a PAC with the Marion County Election Board. And, the solicitation did not identify them as having that mission.
I know there are parents on the action committee and it's a district committee, not political. (was around before announcement of contenders). Seem to be better organized and proactive than admin - so they MUST HAVE started at the grassroots level.
The RIF list is not a RIF list. They just called it a RIF list.
Basically an updated seniority list with the lowest 120. (Amen to the person who suggested they'll cut a lot now to make Stinson look heroic later).
No one really knows until tomorrow.
Good times. :-(
The MD-Times is reporting that the spaghetti dinner is co-sponsored by the Decatur Township Action Committee and the MSD Decatur Township. It is the first annual Decatur Township Day celebration. A Brian Byrd is listed as the contact person for the committee.
I'd provide a link, but you have to have a subscription to gain access to their website.
There is also a list out telling where your child will go to school next year. Several people I know have seen it. Can some one post it on the blog? This seems to be the only place you can find out what is going on..
a note was also sent home with the kids about bring in a box of spaghetti to donate for the "FREE" dinner
Hope Natalie and Bobbi can attend this free dinner. Likewise, hope concerned parents can attend - maybe wear pink. This would send the "message" that the fear tactic will fail.
Would also think could be a good time for bus drivers to meet other concerned citizens. Don't get sick if there are meatballs. Knowlege could be powerful. Or the rally could be silenced.
anon march 10 4:54 - lets keep the facts in front of us as we move forward. I know it sounds like a mere platitude, but it is in the hardest times that you need to see your goals most clearly and to keep your wits about you so that you make the best decisions.
The direction Stinson and the Board seem hell-bent on travelling, would indicate that their goal is to keep the Central Office Administration in high cotton. It seems to me and to many who post on this blog, that the goal should be to retain as many teachers, bus drivers, and security personnel as possible. And, that is in the best interest of the kids and the community.
anon march 10 8:01 - I am still gathering documents for a specific blog entry I have in mind. With your permission I will cut and paste your entry into it, as well. In any case, thanks for bringing more facts to the table.
anon march 10 8:32 - I agree with anon 9:03 -- I don't think the reference was to not observing the teacher's contract. Stinson knew we were already in financial trouble. The Administration should have shown leadership and said, "no raises for Administrators this year".
The Administration is not part of the bargaining unit and therefore do not automatically get whatever raise the DEA negotiated. If they feel that it is their right to recieve the same raise, then somebody else should be called in to cover the negotiations on behalf of the School Board.
Pat,
You sure do have my permission to paste the March 10 8:01 entry. By the way the administrator positions that are referenced as eliminated were simply the "renaming" of assistant principals as academic coaches.
Everyone should keep in mind that the top guy is ultimately responsible for successes as well as shortfalls. In the private sector, Don Stinson, Jeff Baer and their board would have been history a long time ago. Unless township residents stick together on this, the schools will become inexpensive daycares. One teacher cannot keep the interest of 45 students and deal with discipline issues all day. There are good teachers today in the township but why should they stay here where they are going to be obviously unappreciated?
I am still concerned about the goals/mission of this Decatur Township Action Committee. Since we have the Decatur Township Education Foundation I am curious as to the purpose/goal/mission of this action committee. If students are being asked to donate spaghetti it really "smells." Is this a nonprofit? Do teachers have access to the website on school computers while being denied access to hadenough... on school computers? Should not the school district, since it is announced on the district website, provide answers to any and all questions??????
anon 10:20 - I agree, the School District should be more forthcoming with information. But, we all know that answering questions isn't exactly where their talents lie.
I have to wonder why the School District would co-sponsor an event before the financing is all lined up for it. Its kind of inept sounding to ask the kids to provide the spaghetti to a free spaghetti dinner.
I'm afraid we will also have to ask if the School District is paying any of the expenses of this dinner. For sure this is exactly the wrong time to be spending the taxpayer's money unnecessarily.
By the way, we should not be shocked nor surprised to see a "renaming" of former teaching positions that were riffed by board action and then resulted in non-contracted positions (formerly teacher positions) and with legal advice (expensive legal advice) become either hourly positions or positions like that of Phil Webster. Probably sell this as part of "fiscal restructuring." I suppose the teachers association could file an unfair labor practice but again there is "risk" for the teachers riffed that they do not become "earmarked" for recall or future employment in other districts. Would guess that when teachers were given the pink slip they were told that the administration will help them get another job. Fact is that other districts have declared a freeze on hiring due to the poor economy. Fact is that even though other districts have a freeze they are not laying off large numbers of teachers. They understand the costs of unemployment that they will pay for those riffed. They also know the consequences of increased unemployment in terms of state revenue to support education. Fact is they do love kids and value their community members.
Decatur (and Perry) are laying off teachers, but are participating in a job fair?!?!?!?!?!
Hadenough 10:51. Agree. Would guess that since this is "co-sponsored" that there is no facility rental fee. Taxpayers will just pay for the utilities, custodial fees (unless Susan Adams and Don Stinson are cleaning up the facility), etc. Sadly, they are seeking donations from those children who struggle on a day to day basis. Sadly, they don't have an understanding of how children who can't donate feel about not being able to donate. This administration either doesn't care or doesn't understand but the bottom line is that there is a great need for leadership that does care and does understand. The renaming of the assistant principal positions probably is defended by saying these are new positions paid from grant money. That enabled them to continue with the outlandish administrator salaries that they, to this day, will not relinguish but they have the nerve to ask bus drivers, custodians, and teachers to quietly accept a pay reduction and/or job loss. It is just so sad.
anon 12:46 - thanks for bringing up about the kids who can't donate. It truly is something we should all remember.
I contacted Brian to see what I could do, and he said sure he could use some help. I like spaghetti and I'm hoping there will be some meatballs to go with it. Oohh, and not let's not forget the bread sticks. I was even dumb enough to buy a few boxes of spaghetti to boot.
Anyway, I don't believe a simple community gathering at the school will be the downfall of the entire Decatur Township educational system.
Mike Burrows
mozella - You are likely correct. But some real communication could make a real difference, even on this event.
Enjoy !
Is Phil W a dues paying member of DEA? At discussions it is reported that he was rather long winded in discussing a referendum. Wouldn't it be easier to ask parents to pay for transportation? Why ask all tax payers to contribute, many on fixed incomesiss are already struggling. The following, put out by DEA should have come from the administration. HOWEVER, since the admin does not communicate it appears the DEA is speaking for the CO
DEA Talking points for
Student-Led Conferences
Please take a few minutes at the end of your conference time to discuss the issues listed below with the adults at your conferences. It is time for us to involve the community to help save our schools. They worked together to save the Armstrong Pavilion, now we need their help for the students of Decatur Township.
·The district has to address a shortfall of nearly $7 million dollars due to actions taken at the state level.
·At this time we will have a Reduction in Force of 62 teachers which will cause classrooms to have 33-35 students in them next year.
·Decatur Township Schools need your help!
·If we can get a referendum passed in November it will cause everyone to give a little in order to save many.
·These funds will offset fiscal setbacks to the school budget by the State of Indiana, via declining income and sales tax revenues, and the governor’s removal of $300 million from moneys earmarked for education.
·We are NOT asking for money to be used for raises for teachers or administrators, or for buildings and grounds.
·We need to stand up and save our schools.
·Please join us as we work together for the students of Decatur Township.
I think the DEA should have been a bit more teacher friendly. Invite parents to attend the spag dinner and ask teachers present their opinion on the current fiscal restructuring. Invite parents to attend board meetings. Invite parents to volunteer in the classroom so they can witness the difference in class size for the next school year. Invite the parents to make an appointment with Mr. Stinson to share their concerns.
Who does DEA really work for????
So, can anyone from the inside comment on how large the RIF list was today?
Any notables?
Anon 4:44
I am shocked that it would be suggested to use student led conference time to discuss a referendum or any other budget issues. Student led conference time is paid for by the taxpayers to discuss student achievement and learning. This is a time for parents and teachers to work together on learning strategies and also a time for students to share about their learning.????????
anon 4:44 - that is a complete outrage. I hope the teachers refuse to do it.
Any parents who read this blog should report the name of any teacher who solicits you for a referendum. There are other ways to settle this matter and the teachers should not be shills for this Administration.
Hadenough indy 4:44
Thank you. Thank you. I too am outraged. Indeed almost speechless. We all need to think about this because they have perhaps "crossed a line." When are the next student led conferences scheduled to occur? Has the school board discussed a referendum????
Student Led Conferences are scheduled for this coming Monday, 3/15.
Talk about pressure on employees. Monday is a paid teacher work day. I do not know much about referendums but the Marion County Election Board does. Administrators may need to violate something about the election and then someone file a complaint with the election board but there may not be a punishment - just admonishment??? This board and superintendent seem to be exempt from consequences for their actions. The chances of passing a referendum may not be good but their manipulation of constituents and employees is amazing. Their idea about student conferences shows NO respect for students. Guess that is OK - they are just kids. What else is to be expected when you pay the superintendent $250,000 per year?
The school board / Stinson / EMDT has "discussed" many things including transportation fees, eliminating busses, referendum, etc...but they keep dragging their feet, taking no action until we're in deep fertilizer. They're like a deer in headlights.
Mr. Burrows,
Perhaps you could explain what the action committee is all about, who is on it, how it started, etc.
Responding to Had Enough...(Mrs. Andrews) and others of around the time of 4:44
I find it laughable that you are asking for teachers who discuss the talking points to be reported.
I’m a member of the D.E.A., a parent, and a resident in this township. I would vehemently argue your implication that myself and other teachers are “shills”. This is a terrible time for Decatur Schools, implemented by the mismanagements of our state school superintendent and Mitch Daniels. I find it offensive that the D.E.A and various teachers are being attacked, while many of your followers claim to be supporting those very same teachers. While many parents in Decatur are very caring and concerned with the future of our schools, many are simply not. We need an attitude in this community of support, with an emphasis on the value of education, not one based upon the rhetoric of attack, hate, and blame. No one person in our district is to blame. I am certainly not suggesting the support of everything that the school board or administration does is the answer. I myself disagree with some decisions. However, at some point we have to put lying, hearsay, and the edition of facts to the side, and support everyone in Decatur as we move forward. Rumor is ripping our schools apart, and I am sickened by the display of some on this blog. I can honestly say that the people I work with, administration included, truly care for students and are among some of the best people I have ever known. While I feel awful for my 62 fellow teachers and their families, and I pray that these wonderful people with be brought back, we have to begin moving forward.
This brings me back to my original comment. The views of people suggesting that teachers be reported for discussing the D.E.A talking points (Which were created by the D.E.A. and not the administration) are the very foundation of blame that is pervasive in this community. Not everything that is done is founded on lies and deceit as many suggest. As clearly stated in the opening sentence, these are to be discussed “at the end of your conference time.” Rather than reading “into” situations or believing ill-informed people, and I am including some of my fellow teachers, perhaps people should take the time to actually READ what is presented and take the time to ask questions to better understand, rather than ranting without consideration as to why that information released. Having teachers discuss with parents at conferences, after the normal conference is completed, may by the only way for some parents to be informed of what is happening. I still have many parents who don’t even know that there will be a change in school setup for next year. I am also certain that many people will complain that they were not warned that class sizes are going to be projected at 33 to 35. These talking points are so people are informed of possible circumstances in the future. All stakeholders need to be held accountable and this includes parents. This is the another step to making sure everyone is informed.
I agree that people are reading too much into the use of parent-teacher conference time to discuss the current monetary mess the district is in.
It is only for a few minutes at the END of the conference. It is NOT in place of the conference.
Information needs to be disseminated to the parents, and the conference time is an ideal way to do it.
"All stakeholders need to be held accountable and this includes parents."
I'm not sure how many families can afford to be more financially accountable with the generational poverty characteristic of Decatur Township and the current economical and political climate. But we sorely need more parents to be accountable for their child's behavior and achievement and attendance.
Anon March 12 7:20p.m.
Thank you for your information and thoughts. I do like factual information and the most of the info reported on this blog has been factual.
The average teacher salary in Decatur Township is $57,428. Many of the writers on this blog have been opposed to Stinson's request for you to give up 5% or an average of $2871 per year which would result in a salary of $54,557 per year.
53% of Decatur students qualify for free/reduced lunches so their parents make less than half of the average teacher salary.
Decatur residents on social security, like those everwhere, did not receive any increase this past year. The average citizen on social security is receiving about $12,000 per year.
The purpose of student conferences is not to make parents feel accountable for the financial mess in the school system. The purpose of the conference is to involve them in their children's education. That involvement has nothing to do with passing a referendum.
Pat Andrews has provided lots of factual information about the school district's financial problems.
Are you certain "the district has to address a shortfall of nearly $7 million dollars due to actions taken at the state level" (quoted from the listed talking points)? It would be my understanding that the district needs to find closer to $10 million dollars and maybe some $3 million due to the state's action.
Please know that just as teachers need advocates so do students (obviously).
Perhaps if Gary Pellico's press releases included more than a cheezy event calendar, the union wouldn't have to do admin's communicating for them.
Anon 8:05
Let us be reminded that the behavior and achievement of administrators are being watched by those little eyes.
I have often wondered what the mode and median of teacher salaries are.
The little eyes might see an administrator a few minutes a day. Then they spend hours and night, the weekend and summers with parents who
* lie for their children
* don't make them do their homework or go to bed or go to school
* do drugs or get drunk
Parents like these are definitely in the minority. But don't tell me that some administrator's office drama has made little Johnny into the devil spawn he is today and has been in several school buildings.
For more info on the DONATE a box of spaghetti the letter said to call Tim Huber. and WE thank you for your support who ever WE is.
Concerning the dinner, I don't know alot. I first heard of a s school board meeting awhile ago. I think Brian Byrd (?) stood and mentioned something about a community gathering a bring the township folks together for a social gaterhing.
I read in the Mooresville Times, about the event needing help and spaghetti, so I am doing both. I think some people are being a little to harsh regarding this event. I don't believe there is a conspiracy afoot I honestly believe it is an attempt to do something good. I hope people show up for it. Heck, I hope I don't forget to be there.
As, far teachers talking to me about their current situation during the conference, I'll talk about it and I won't report anyone that does. I'll give you my honest opinion and my opinion should reflect on ME.
Mike Burrows
Anon 8:28
Yes, too often the little eyes see a very disappointing world. The administrator behaviors I was referring two were things like saying we are reducing two central office administrators when indeed we reduced one - Anna Cook and gave Susan Adams a raise, reduced one principal and now are hiring a principal, pay an outlandish superintendent's salary. All of this and rif 62 teachers. We could easily have saved 5 teachers with this "extra" money. There are other cuts that would not have had the impact on class size such getting rid of district vehicles and gas for administrators. The little eyes know selfishness when they see it and then when we tolerate it in the name of sollidarity.??????????????????
It seems that many of you are missing the whole point....the administration should be communicating with the parents NOT THE TEACHERS organization. Also, it is not about average teacher pay, the board allowed Stinson to sign a $189,000. contract on July 1, 2009 AND THAT IS JUST HIS BASE. Just a few weeks later the negotiating team was told there IS NO MONEY, and the union quietly walked away. Now the admin RIFs 62 teachers and the average teacher salary is being discussed. Ask how many times Mr. Stinson has visited your child's school. Also did he meet with any of the RIFed teachers to give them the news. He gets paid a bonus and the teachers are doing all the work. When the CO can come forward with REAL numbers about administrative cuts perhaps teachers would be willing to let go of 5%. Up until now the CO is playing a shell game. The 62 is a scare tactic in my opinion. WHEN WILL THE ADMIN communicate with anyone.
I was one of the 62 that received a RIF letter today. Really? I can't imagine what things will look like next school year.
Anon 9:09
I am truly sorry. Many people on this blog are truly sorry. Many do not think that there should be a reduction in teacher positions and just because a person does not think that teacher positions should not be cut this does not mean that the person is being non-supportive of excellent schools. It does mean that many are not supportive of spending money on lavish salaries and hiring unnecessary administrators. It is sort of like saying no to a teenager when he tells us that all of his friends are doing it. Stinson and Baer and others have said they need their extravagant salaries, cars, gas, and cake because they work hard. Well, for some taxpayers the answer is NO. Decatur cannot afford it. We cannot afford to move them to the Concentra building but they will be warm next winter. We cannot afford board meeting dinners but they can bring a PJ sandwich if they like. We cannot afford to lose teachers like you so we will continue to make the publlic aware to the best of our ability.
Anon 9:09
I am truly sorry. This is a sad day because I think most know the importance of having teachers with students. This blog has allowed many to see that administrator cuts were needed - not teacher cuts. Many people understand that this blog has been about saying NO to this administration and board. The extravagant expenditures for administrator salaries, cars, gasoline, and others must end. Of course, they now want everyone's support to move forward with their money in their pockets. It is not time to move forward until all 62 teacher positions are reinstated, the planned move to Concentra is negated, and reduction of administrator salaries and positions is completed. No more twists and turns????????? People are not trying to cause trouble but people do expect the right things to be done in the right way.
Can someone find and post what everyone in CO makes?
What is the average number of years teaching at Decatur?
What is the average $$ that the teacher spends of their own money on stuff because the school will not get it?
To:Anon @March 12, 2010 8:08 PM
Excellent post.
What is the average $$ that the teacher spends of their own money on stuff because the school will not get it? Anon 9:51 PM
It's hard to tell. Teachers for some reason are limited on home much work-related $ they can declare on taxes. ($200 I think) But their spouse who isn't a teacher just declares their actual expenses.
It's hardest on the younger elementary teachers who are paying student loans, waiting on their first check, weren't allowed to work during student teaching, and have nothing except a passion for making kids excited about learning.
Anectodally, most teachers I know spend hundreds. A few spend thousands.
Becoming and staying a teacher is like swimming upstream.
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