Yesterday the Decatur School District handed 62 teachers their pink slips, indicating that their contracts likely will not be renewed this July. Meanwhile, the bus drivers continue to be screwed over by Superintendent Don Stinson out of the view of the School Board and the public at large.
The 62 pinks slips do not guarantee that a particular teacher will be laid off in July, but this year it is exceedingly likely. The School Board authorized the Superintendent to RIF up to 60 teachers (my understanding of their action - but I await the Board minutes to see if that detail is contained) if the Decatur Educators Association did not agree to cut $3 million from teacher expenditures. Apparently the DEA did not agree to any cuts. If somebody has information otherwise, please note it. If nothing else changes, the number of teachers on the RIF list will be reduced by roughly two teachers for each teacher who chooses to retire. While the Administration and the DEA have discussed retirement incentives, no agreement on that matter is evident today.
So, at this moment the teacher situation stacks up this way - The School Board and the Administration could have decided to sell the Southwest Pavilion Office Building (former Concentra Building) and save all 62 teacher jobs. The DEA could have agreed to an across the board 5% reduction in salary and benefits and saved 28 jobs before retirements are counted in. Or both could have been done and saved all 62 teacher jobs for 2 years - awaiting a better economy.
Meanwhile, the bus drivers still see their hours being cut, even as new drivers are being hired. This is being done without a vote of the School Board. The Administration now claims that only teachers and administrators have the right of appeal of any grievance to the School Board. Thus, bus drivers, secretaries, cafeteria workers, custodians, safety officers, and non-teaching support staff, are being denied the right of appeal to the School Board. The Administration is further claiming it has the right to do whatever it wishes in the Transportation Department without oversight by the Board. Both of these are an outrage and the School Board should step in immediately to rectify these abrogations of authority from the duly elected representatives of the community.
The cutbacks in hours would appear to be designed specifically to get the more seasoned drivers to quit, as they cannot support their families on 4 hours per day. And, with two morning and two afternoon hours, they cannot take a second job, either. Our bus drivers are unsung heroes in this District. They know the children on their route by face and name and where they should be picked up and let off. You often hear stories of a caring bus driver who goes that extra mile, no pun intended, to be sure that the children in their custody are kept safe. There is no way that our bus drivers should be treated this way.
This financial mess has been created by Superintedent Don Stinson and his rubber stamping School Board. Of the $9.8 million in cuts that are needed this year, only $1.5 million is due to the budget cuts ordered by Governor Mitch Daniels. The remainder is due to overspending on properties (breaking state laws all the way), huge raises for Administrators even after the Superintendent knew of the likely impact of the tax caps, going into debt to pay pensions when the budget was not big enough to afford the raises, and the total lack of fiscal oversight by the School Board.
Still there is a way out of this fiscal morass without teacher layoffs, without screwing over the bus drivers or any other employee of the District, and without closing Lynwood and raising class sizes. I have laid it out time and time again on this blog. But, if you want to review it again, see ""How to Minimize the Impact of Decatur School District Cuts", "Decatur School Board Should Demand More Administrator Cuts", and "Let's Back Up and Move in a Different Direction".
Meanwhile the School Board meets this Tuesday evening, March 16, beginning at 7:00 in the Board Room of the Central Office. No agenda has been published on the District website as of this moment. That meeting will be preceded by a behind closed doors Executive Session. No word yet as to whether that will be a catered affair.
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Meanwhile…
10 hours ago
128 comments:
BUS DRIVERS IN TROUBLE!
Drivers are in trouble for supporting teachers by wearing pink Friday. Word was passed verbally that we were wearing pink Fri. to support teachers. However, one driver texted the message to other drivers and the word got out to Stinson. Stinson called Rosie furious about our support. The driver was called into the office and seriously reprimanded. Would it have been o.k. to wear yellow to support Stinson and the schoolboard? Driver was told to never do it again! Maybe the poster who compared to Nazi Germany was not so far off!!!!!
Its a matter of free speech. The First Amendment right. Stinson has no authority to object to what you wear, or what you believe.
Hopefully one or more School Board members will seriously reprimand Don Stinson.
There I go again; expecting the School Board to represent the interests of all of the District employees and the community at large.
Admin. is reading every day and furious about things being said.. Obviously they do not care enough to change the way things are being done.. This is still a free country and people still have freedom of speech ..' EVEN IN DECATUR TOWNSHIP " GO BUSDRIVERS!
I was one of the 62 that received a RIF letter yesterday and it hurt. I love my job and the students that I teach on a daily basis, who yesterday were wearing pink, just like I was. In fact I enjoyed seeing pink through out the district yesterday. Thanks bus drivers!!!
For those of you who were wondering, Stinson did not bring my letter to me, someone else from CO did. As that person gave the "CO speech" I sat there thinking, of course you can say that. You make over twice what I do, won't have to take a pay cut let alone lose your job.
I have been reading this blog often and have a few things to share myself. To those of you that have been commenting on the high teacher salary, I invite you come to my classroom for a week. First of all, to the one that made the comment regarding the average teacher salaries in relation to the average community member's salary, shame on you. I have spent a great deal of $ on my education so that I can be the best teacher, I have spent thousands on my students and classrooms and only get to claim $ 250 a year on my taxes. I work a second job so that the student loan doesnt' kill me. I go to workshops, that cost money, I take classes to keep my license current, which costs money. Just because I teach in an area where most children live in poverty, doesn't mean that I should teach in Carmel to have a good salary. I want to me a role model for these children. To show them that you can stay in school and get an education and make something out of yourself.
Also, as many have said on this blog, there are SO many other ways to save the 62 of us without taking our pay. Again, we should also remember that it isn't the high teachers' salaries that got the district into the fiscal mess. :-)
Moving on to the comments regarding conferences on Monday. I will not be using that time to talk up a referendum. I will be there to talk about each of my students and the great things they have done this year. I did feel as though the talking points sent out by the DEA was doing what central office should be doing. But they are not going to. They think that parents don't care, nor do they want people questioning their bad decisions. BUT, I do care about these children and want parents to know that there will be changes next year and it WILL affect their child. I can only hope that will prompt parents to start looking into these 'changes'.
It is hard to think that I may not be able to teach next year in Decatur. I enjoy teaching there. I have worked my tail off to be a good teacher and help children and parents in anyway that I can. I pray that parents stand up for their children with teachers and demand that education be the most important thing.
To the admin reading this. Think back to when you loved to teach, enjoyed helping the kids and their families, when the salary wasn't the only reason you went to work. I understand that you have put in the extra education and years, but should your high salary and perks not be touched in times like this? Will you even think about those of us that will have to file unemployment? That is going to cost you money too. I like to hope that you got into education for the good you could do. Please take responsibiity for your actions and decisions. I figure that if Clinton and Toyota can, you can too.
This is the kind of stuff that makes some people suspicious of things like the spaghetti dinner. If bus drivers and others don't go will they be reprimanded? Only hope that anyone who goes will wear pink. The actions of Stinson in this matter are unlawful and divide the township.
Anon 11:45
Sorry that you were riffed. Sorry if you do not have the data that teachers are better paid in Decatur than in Carmel. You may want to check out the Indiana Department of Education website where Carmel is ranked 46th in teacher pay and Decatur is ranked 4th. Really, there is very little difference in pay statewide and teachers are not highly compensated professionals where advanced education is valued and recognized. Rather, teachers are recognized for their dedication and commitment. Same should be true for administrators. This is not to say that teachers should not be financially rewarded for their hard work and dedication. The administrators should be rewarded for their hard work and dedication but the Decatur administrator compensation has reached a level that the budget cannot afford so either there needs to be fewer central office administrators and they need to be paid significantly less. This is what is being asked (maybe demanded is a better word) of other employee groups.
anon 12:13
Actually I did know that Carmel teachers on average make less than Decatur teachers. In fact, township schools on average make more than the 'dough nut' districts. The point I was trying to make was that just because I teach where there is poverty and make a good living, it should not be looked down upon.
When I hear the salaries and perks of administrators and CO people, that is where I feel something is wrong. Their salaries and perks are what should be cut, not our jobs.
Agree - agree. Don't know about the Nazi thing. Do know their actions speak louder than their words.
I find it interesting that Stinson said something to only 1 bus driver. I lost count of how many people were wearing pink. I was and half my class was too. I haven't heard from him yet... Gosh, so not everyone is treated the same AGAIN! I think that the bus driver should report it. As Pat said, that is your right in this county.
I also find it humorous that Stinson's actions show that the district standing together in pink upset him. We are getting to him. :-)
There may be some sweet revenge in the works. I was running errands today and ran into a parent who has a child at RISE learning center. It appears that Stinson and the other supers on the board have been rubber stamping some odd things, odd enough that a parent complained to Dept. of Education and it now appears that a few other state agencies are getting involved in a full blown investigation. Of course only from a parent, no other confirmation at this point.
Good luck to all Decatur staff...
The Nazi thing may be over the top but this Administrator Supremacy thing is real.
DEA is currently in contract negotiations and I have no doubt that the eventual agreement will be for less money and fewer benefits than the current (expired) contract. The question is, will the membership approve it?
As a DEA member I would not vote for a pay cut right now. This is because from where I am sitting employees at CO aren't taking a paycut. The administrators took a small pay cut, still have insane perks, as does Stinson and his 'people' do. When they dig deeper, others will. I do think that he gave out too many RIF slips on purpose, I think that it is a scare tactic. We should not let him scare us out of salary AND paying more for insurance!
to anon 12:57, thank you for your post. I am so happy that the parent stood up and filed a complaint!
So did the grandson of the board member receive a pink slip, or was he "taken care of"?
Some of you, expecially bus drivers, might want to do an Internet Search for "Susan Adams Doug Williams Perry Township". There are many references about Susan Adams work as a board member in Perry Township where Doug Williams was the superintendent. Teachers accused Adams of threatening and intimidating behavior. She has been credited (blamed) for creating a major division in the township. She is well known so anyone contact people they know in Perry for further information. What is important is that this is not the first time that this person has behaved as reported on this blog.
anon 4:03
I have heard about that too. From what I understand she caused all kinds of trouble. She wanted the super out, but the teachers supported him. From what a teacher tells me she is the reason he isn't there anymore. Also, was she still on the board in Perry and working in Decatur?
anon 3:40
I don't know if the grandson was 'taken care of' or got a RIF letter. If I knew his name I would look him up on the senority list. Now I would like to know...
anon 4:03
I did the search you recommended and I was astonished by what I read. The people in Perry got her out of their township, and I hope that we can do the same, and she can take a few others with her.
Pat - As parents and taxpayers in the district what can we do? I know the vote for school board is important, but that isn't until May. I know there is a school board meeting next Tuesday and in April. Beyond showing up and the board not listening to us at either of those meetings, is there any recourse that we Decatur township taxpayers have to stop Stinson and/or the board with everything going on?? I feel so helpless.
The grandson's name is Josh Dixson. Please let us know if he is on the list. If you have the official list could you place it on the blog?
Susan Adams was employed as an administrator in Decatur Township when she was on the board in Perry Township and most people in Perry Township knew exactly where she worked - Decatur and that she was a central office administrator as well as good friend of Stinson and Baer.
What happened to the academic coaching positions? Did those teachers get cut or rearranged?
Was it based purely on seniority?
anon 5:33 -- I wish I could say there was a lot more you could do. Perhaps call the Board members and ask them to take action ?? But, more effective will be to show up at the School Board meetings; perhaps wearing pink. And, if you are comfortable speaking in public, sign up to speak during the public comment period. Mention the bus drivers as well as the teachers. A constant reminder of how the community feels about the state of affairs actually has far more impact than the 'nothing' it feels like to the public.
Talk with your neighbors and friends so that the facts can get out as far as possible.
As the Election draws near, consider volunteering on one or both campaigns.
As you find information, get it to this blog so others can know about it, too.
Does anyone have more ideas ??
The January Plan on the district website states a reduction of 2 social workers for a savings of $140,000. Were 2 social workers part of the 62 pink slips delivered?????
Pat,
Do you think should attend the spaghett dinner and dress in pink??
The grandson was Justin (JD) Dixon. He has only been at Decatur for a year, but is the football coach that Greenwalt and others wanted in, including grandpa of course.
It has been stated that they brought him in to "bring back the winning history of Decatur Football".
Unfortunatly the only coach to ever get Decatur a Sectional win, is the coach they fired to get Dixon. Jimmie Ray also helped remove the coach to make way for Dixon.
I took the clue and my kids now play at another southside school. Good luck to all of you in Decatur. Stick to your guns.
Carmel is looking for a new coach. Maybe can go there if he was riffed. Was Dixson riffed?? Phil Wesbster might know.
anon 6:10 - the pink slips were given to teachers due to reduction in force agreements in their contract. I would doubt anyone not covered by that contract got a formal notice. Somebody correct me if I am wrong.
anon 6:10 - I guess what I would say is that if you are going to the spaghetti dinner, that it would mean a lot to a lot of district employees if you did wear pink.
anon 5:33 - somebody posted in the last few days about a group that was preparing for a protest. Maybe, if the plans are far enough along, that person would share some details so that folks who want to do something positive can make arrangements to participate.
Pat,
Is the head football coach position covered by the teacher contract?
anon 6:27 - just to keep the record as straight as possible... I reviewed the School Board minutes for the last few years. At the February 10, 2009, meeting, patrons spoke in favor of keeping Coach Able. At the April 14, 2009, meeting, Greenwald was the lone "no" vote on the staff report. I cannot tell if firing Able as coach or hiring Dixson as coach, or both, was in that staff report. But, I for one am still not sure what Greenwald's position was in that affair.
anon 8:16 - yes, the teacher's contract covers head football coaches.
anon 5:39
When I looked at the senority list, Justin Dixson was 14th from the bottom. I still haven't heard back from another teacher for sure, but with him being so close to the bottom I would be shocked if he didn't get a RIF letter. I know teachers that have been teaching for 5 years and got a RIF letter. It isn't only years, but license area that is taken into account. I will ask at school on Monday to see for official verification.
Btw, the list that we received was seniority list, we have yet to see a list of those RIF'd. ( I wonder why??)
anon 6:10
The last I heard was that cutting social workers was on hold. I did not hear of any of the social workers getting a RIF letter.
anon 5:44
I have yet to hear about academic coaches or literacy coaches being put back into the classroom (which would bump more teachers out) or if they are being kept in their positions.
But another update is that on Tuesday night at the board meeting, Stinson is going to request that Sheila Corbin be appointed the new principal at Valley Mills this fall.
There is safety in numbers. Everyone needs to wear pink everywhere, all the time.
Zeus can't hurl lightning bolts at everyone.
There are many ideas on addressing the financial problems. Whatever your favorite cure, focus on what YOU can do:
* write your legislator
* write to the editor
* submit comments to Let It Out in the Star.
* post updates on the blog
* get high school kids involved in discussion and action
* wear pink
* call and email the school board
* call and eamil and meet with Stinson
* pink on your car
* go to the school board meeting every month and sign up to talk (and speak for those being intimidated)
* talk to your friends, relatives, church, etc.
* contact radio stations, newspapers, local tv news and national cable news
* go to the PTA / PTO / PTC meetings
* join committees at your school and in the district
* read the school board policies, agendas and minutes
* read state and federal education and accounting laws
* whenever you see something concerning on the blog, call central office and ask about it - make them nervous
* request public information for government agencies
* remain calm, poised, professional and respectful
* thank a teacher, bus driver, etc. in writing and send a copy to Stinson and board.
If they are going to hire Sheila Corbin as a principal then they did not reduce 4 administrators at the building level like they said. They just eliminated three - Opal, Meerman, and Downing. It is central office supremacy. Why didn't they put Candice Baer or Gary Pellico at Valley Mills? Guess they really don't want to work or Stinson has other plans for them. The DEA doesn't need a referendum. Ask Adams and Stinson to explain.
Just a note to how great the bus drivers are to the students: On Friday a handful of my students came in from the bus with a sausage buscuit from McDonadls. They informed me that their bus driver gave one to all their kids on their bus for behaving well while on the bus. That shows these bus drivers will go the extra mile putting out their own money (just as teachers do) for their students. We need to keep drivers that care so much!!!
As for RIF information, I too was a teacher that received a letter on Friday. We all questioned if we would get the RIF'd/call back list. Since we were able to get the seniority list, we should get this list as well. No one had an answer, but was going to look into it. This issue will be pushed by teachers as we deserve to know where we are on the call back!
As for DEA, it is correct that they are in the process of barganing. Next week the barganing committee meets 4 evenings. They have been holding off in hopes that HB 1367 passes. For further information on this go to http://www.ista-in.org/blog.aspx?blogid=36954 This did pass and hopefully will be a huge help with bringing teachers back. I also feel that Stinson RIF'd way more teachers than necessary, but I feel he did this so that when he asks many of them back (because of HB 1367 or barganing by the teachers) it will look good on his end. As a teacher that possibly won't have a job next year, I really hope not only for myself but the other 61 teachers, that something gets figured out. Teacers shouldn't have to pay for something they didn't help create!!!!
GET THE WORD OUT !!
Many people in this township have no idea what is going on unless they read this blog.We have to let everyone in this township know what is going on. Even if they don't agree with our opinion on the situation.Stinson is trying to advance his agenda on a referendum by having teachers ask parents during conferences and spaghetti dinners.. We need to talk to everyone we know. Maybe we could make signs like Perry Twp did and place on telephone poles ,in yards, and at all intersections in Twp.stating something like;
Want to know what is going on at MSD Decatur Twp?
Read " HAD ENOUGH INDY" Blog.
Maybe even flyers in doors
We have to do something to counteract the Stinson Spin on the situation!
anon 6:31 - that is a fantastic list of things concerned citizens can do ! Thanks for posting.
anon 10:39 - sorry that you got a pink slip. But, thanks so much for your support of the other employees. I hope you get that call back.
anon 11:07 -- I like your enthusiam !! One small request, please reconsider posting signs on telephone poles, especially with this blog's web address on them. It happens to be a violation of the sign ordinance.
Lets all be sure to spread the word.
What about placing flyers on cars at local businesses like Marsh/Kroger? Perhaps on pink paper????
It's going to be interesting trying to explain this mess to parents during tomorrow's conferences! Most of my parents have only heard enough to be confused about what's really going on. Their number question, of course, is going to be "Where is my kid going to go next year?" Wish I could answer that question for them AND MYSELF!!! Going to be difficult discussing the kids' progress while biting my tongue!
It can also be a problem to put things on car windows. I know a lady who did that and the company called and said she'd better come remove them or they'd charge her for the labor of an employee doing it.
The best thing thing to do is go door to door and talk to friends and neighbors and THEN give them the flyer.
But remember to take an equal amount of time to write to your representatives. Decatur Twp doesn't have the money to pull itself up by its bootstraps.
The biggest thing we can do is VOTE THIS SCHOOL BOARD OUT OF OFFICE! Is Huffman safe this time around? We can only get two of the three is that correct? VOTE VOTE VOTE. Get rid of them all. Greenwald has 3 more years I think. We're still watching him so can't say much about him. If the rumours about hiring his son for the Pavillion prove true then THROW HIM OUT TOO!
Do we know how many admin. are in CO?
By the time the school board is voted out, it may be too late. you also need to write your representatives, go door to door, email and call Stinson and the board, go to board meetings, and contact media (radio, tv, newspapers, cable news). Use actual quotes from articles and statistics.
The staff directory lists 46 at Central Office / Concentra but that includes the technology department and secretaries and custodians. And with retirements, hiring and shuffling it's hard to tell.
The CO administrators are: Stinson, Rather, Jeff Baer, Susan Adams, Harris, Jones, Pellico, Lisa Cook, Anna Cook, Candice Baer, Youngblood, Sullivan, Rogers, catering director ?, and Sanders (housed at Concentra).
anon 10:39
I too was got a RIF letter on Friday. I also want to see the list of call back order. I am glad that I am not the only one requesting it. I think that we should keep pushing them for it. They were very blunt with where we stood on seniority, they should be just as forthcoming with where we stand to be called back. We have to watch out for ourselves, no one else it.
there are TOO many people at CO for a district that has 6300 students.
Also, I am mad, but not surprised that they really didn't 'reduce' four principal positions. Will the board even question it come Tuesday night???!!!
The board should not approve any further hiring of administrators. The credit card is maxed. Checking account is overdrawn. The district is bankrupt. Electricity will be be turned off soon!
Anon March 12 4:44PM posted in Let's Back Up & Move In Another Direction...
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????
+ + + + +
I didn't want this to get lost when the topic gets bumped from the front page.
Stinson has done a FABULOUS job (just not from my perspective)
Newer teachers pitted against older teachers
A union that works without a contract with no complaint
Relatives of admin all gainfully employed
Raised the bar on superintendent salaries in Central Indiana
National media attention for "new" programs that don't really change anything
Gets the union to ask for a referendum so it doesn't look like he's begging for money, then the union gets the teachers to talk to parents (even though talking points don't ask parents to DO anything and gives little information) so it looks like the teachers are hypocrites.
Why should teacher salaries OR taxpayer dollars go to fund trips, catered dinners, company cars, fancy suits, and layers of administration designed to keep parents and teachers away from the people in charge?
I don't believe it. I just got an automated call from Gary Pellico. Redistricting due to overcrowding??? Absolutely NO MENTION of closing Lynwood and laying off 62 teachers. If you think there's crowding NOW...!
This bait and switch makes me want to throw up.
u meen hte porsen thate doen't have spel ceck no him cuputor?
(That was hard to do)
What a crock! Cowards leave an automated message instead of meeting with parents.. They already know where your child will go to school but they are not going to let you know until the last report card is mailed out.Some people have seen this list, it exists now. Parents should call and demand to know which school their child will attend NOW!!!!!!
Parents should also demand to know how many kids are going to be in their childs classroom with 62 teachers being laid- off.
THINK PINK!!!!
We have to stick together.
I have heard it is a computer program for transportation....plug in the numbers and the program will distribute by the data entered. Teachers are supposed to find out where they will be assigned before spring break. How do they know where teachers will be assigned if they do not know the number of students? I agree the parents should really demand ASAP the new district boundaries.
They have spent more time on the spaghetti dinner than on this important matter. Call the Channel 8 tomorrow and see if they will send out Lelie Olson or somebody. That is what Mrs. Strube did when her daughter didn't get admitted to IU.
Dixon and Enright, the two new football coaches who were hired last year, did receive RIF letters. That dosen't mean that Admin. isn't working on some other way to keep them around. Many people are watching very closely.
Great! We will spend more money for someone outside to come in and enter all imfo into trasportation program. I have been told the last time we had an outsider do this it cost over $20,000. Marie in transportation has had the job of running this program for 2 years now.. You would think she would be able to do this by herself by now.Why doesn't Rosie or Brenda know how to do this?
Good information. That $20,000 would pay half the salary/benefits of one beginning teacher who was riffed. Hope we will keep sharing about the waste.
This isn't your average redistricting plan. Think about it. They have to integrate the kids from Lynwood and probably Stephen Decatur into other schools to improve test scores. So it's not like they can say all kids in Lynwood area will go to Valley Mills and all kids in Stephen Decatur will go to West Newton. Who knows which school your child will go to and how far from home. So much for buying a home in the area you wanted your child to go to school in. I am already hearing parents talking about moving to Plainfield or Avon.
I think it is a program already in the district. Data entered would determine boundary. Don't think it will be another 20,000.
Are they going to move some Valley Mills kids to Stephen Decatur? Are they going to move some West Newton kids to Stephen Decatur?
Lots of questions. Lots of secrets.
Do teachers volunteer to change schools or do teacher go wherever they are told to go?
My name is Phil Webster and I am a dues paying member of the Decatur Education Association. I hope that the remarks that I made at the recent Decatur Education Association Executive Board Meeting were not and would not be characterized as long winded. I went there to pose a possible strategy that could save teachers jobs and preserve the advances in education that have taken place over the past several years. We should be proud of our schools and the progress that we are making in all aspects of growth in k through the 12th grade. My proposal is to to put together a community task force appointed by Don Stinson to recommend spending reductions that would not impact student learning or the ability for students to participate in all aspects of student life. After these cuts have been determined then the Task Force would call for a township referendum to approve a tax to cover the remaining debt. I am sure that this economy is going to turn around soon and this very serious problem will be a distant memory. I work every day with many of the teachers who received their notice that they may not be re-employed next year. All of them are young energetic people who are working hard creating lesson plans to inhance the learning and character of the young people of Decatur Township. If we follow the road of cutting and reducing we will set ourselves back and do irreparable harm to a good school system trying to get better. It seems to me that we are waist high in water and we can see that the water is continuing to rise. The conversation seems to be who caused this flood and what seems important to me is that the conversation should be asking how do we turn the water off.
I would think that if they are moving kids from Lynwood and Stephen Decatur to other schools that they will be moving kids from Valley and Newton to Stephen Decatur to fill those spots and try to bring up their test scores since they are on probation as Lynwood was before closing.
Teachers filled out an intent form based on teaching style preference, grade they would like to teach and/or person they would like to work with. They then ranked these of level of importance. No where on the intent form do you choose the specific building. The placements are done by seniority.
I have heard that some teachers at Lynwood put that their preference was to teach kindergarten so they don't have to move their stuff to another building. I really hope this is just a rumor. If not those teachers should not be teaching if they are only thinking about themselves. If this ends up being true they will have a rude awakening next year. Teaching kindergarten takes a special person. Someone that does it because they love it, not because it is conveniant. Karma will come back around to those teachers!!!
I found out HB 1367 got passed which allows school districts to take 5% our of their Capital Fund and transfer it to their general fund to help keep RIF'd teachers. Is there any way to find out how much Decatur has in their Capital Fund?
Mr. Webster is right about one thing we need to turn off the water.I would think that should start at the top with the ones who opened the flood gates and not the ones drowning at the bottom who are trying to do right by my kids and your.
anon 9:01 -- the latest data are not available online yet as to the balance of the Capital Projects Fund. Unfortunately, this is the fund that Stinson claims they must save $3 million this year because of the interest owed on the temporary loans. I have noted a couple of times that this amount of interest, paid on a one year loan of $23 million, does not pass the smell test.
But, regardless of why they need to save $3 million in this fund, it does not bode well for having any extra money to move to the General Fund for salaries.
But, I will keep my eye out for when that info becomes readily available.
I might suggest that the DEA can get its hands on that information tomorrow, if it wanted to. Well, let me amend that statement - that information is readily available if Stinson feels like sharing it with anyone who asks under the open records laws.
Phil Webster, Here we go again. A task force appointed by Don Stinson. Do you think we are stupid? Another panel hand picked by Stinson?.Should Stinson decide to have a fair panel he should allow any volunteer who wants to be on task force to be on it.He already had his hand picked people to offer opinions. Now it is time for people who were not hand picked by calling them on the phone and asking only certain yes people. He is afraid of the recommendations most level headed residents would come up with.He wouldn't follow them anyway. What a joke.Insulting to Township residents intelligence to even ask for him to pick people. Knock it off Webster. Quit being Stinsons' little messenger of bad news.
To Phil Webster:
Very interesting idea to form a community task force at this time. Across the state of Indiana school districts have been working on budget reductions for weeks and we will all be able to follow their work on the Internet by following both media reports and their local websites. By the way, this is what the Indiana Department of Education asked school corporations to do. Decatur hid theirs in the "Enrollment Management Committee" by title. In many other communities their budget committee meetings were posted on their district websites and open to all community members. They did not serve dinners like Decatur did time after time at these meetings. We all trust that you have carefully read this blog so you are aware that Pat Andrews has carefully examined data from many sources and has proposed alternative means to addressing the budget. Stinson and others don't seem to understand or they just don't care that there are community members who do not support laying off teachers when there are other significant budget cuts to be made. This new idea of taking the shortfall to a general fund referendum is in some people's opinion most shameful. All opinions, including yours, need to be considered. Everyone understands that the administration through recommendations approved by the board will be determine what will happen. State Superintendent Bennett told all people in all districts that they should get involved in causing these decisions to be thoughtfully made. Both the governor and the Indiana Department of Education stated from the beginning that they did not want teacher jobs eliminated. It is OK for people not to be politically associated with Daniels and Bennett but Decatur parents and teachers have been able through this blog to get involved. Now, it is a problem.
Phil W.
Appreciate your thoughts. The answer is ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
April 8, 2008 Donald H. Stinson
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 (2008).
Anonymous said...
The staff directory lists 46 at Central Office / Concentra but that includes the technology department and secretaries and custodians. And with retirements, hiring and shuffling it's hard to tell.
March 14, 2010 2:11 PM
How did it go from 33 two years ago to maybe 46?
Can someone look and see how many new jobs they made?
Phil, you need to stop the person from turning the water back on after you get the flooding stopped.
I am a taxpayer with kids here in Decatur Schools. I am very concerned with the direction that Stinson is trying to take the schools. Mr. Stinson needs to stop trying to reinvent the wheel and let these teachers teach the kids what they need to pass the ISTEP and get our graduation rates up. Once that is under control then we can try different things to help get us into the future.
As far as a referendum, ABSOLUTELY NOT! And if that is what they are going to ask for I will help to get the NO word out. Unless, Mr. Stinson shows us that he is willing to cut his staff by a third, cut some of the administration benifets and stop the admin bonuses, raises and perks for the next 3 years. Then if we still need more money I would happily agree to a referendum. I know that he (because we know the board does not make the decisions) has alot of difficult cuts to make, BUT OUR SCHOOLS NEED MORE FROM HIM AND HIS STAFF!
This school board has to go.
i would like to know more about a possible protest. my boys will be wearing pink every friday! i think it should be public info on all who are being bent over ( i mean rif'd) maybe then more of the public would stand up.
*********AMAZING TEACHERS**********
MRS. TAPP
MRS. KLASSEN
MRS. LEWMAN
MR. VOGEL
MRS. J DUNCAN
MR. BRIGHT
MRS. EASTON
MR. BLAIN
MY BOYS HAVE BEEN A/B STUDENTS EVERY YEAR.
SUPPORT YOUR TEACHERS!
upealimaCoach Webster --- I wish to take a moment to ask you dispense with your repeated attempts to extoll the dubious virtues of Stinson and his cake eating snake-oil sales associates. Your efforts are reminiscent of a pot-smoking, street corner pimp in a super-fly hat hawking his business assets to weary passersby on their way home from work.
You seem to think that all of us are so stupid as to not notice that Stinson, Baer and their grifter pals have diverted tax dollars intended for our children into their pockets and paying school related projects. This translates to literally robbing from our kids and raping their future. The very "children" that our C.O. administrators profess to care about.
This makes the bile rise in a parent's throat, and only decorum prevents me from saying what I really think of our admin cake-eaters and party-hearty-at-taxpayer-expense school board members, and the all expense paid out-of-state junkets that Baer arranges for them with our tax money. I appeal to you to stop insulting us as we grapple with bringing Stinson's sweet-life gravy train to a screeching halt.
Stinson and his con-artist pals should be horse-whipped out of the state. The rest of us must make a vow to never again abandon our children's futures to elected school board officials who are only there to fire a coach, or hire a grandson, or turn a buck on a business contract while revelling in catered-in dinners with special order cake.
I, for one, will never and I mean NEVER agree to a referendum to raise taxes and funnel more of our children's money through Don Stinson's hands. Get rid of him, Baer, Susan Adams and their shell-game artist pals, cut Stinson sultan's staff there at C.O. by 50% and cut our losses by at least getting rid of the Concentra Cake-Eaters' building purchase, and THEN I'll listen to talk of a referendum.
Coach, I've had a son and a nephew both play under you while they were at DCHS. I was one of the nameless parents who sat in the stands cheering our kids on under your tutelage. Neither my son or nephew were ever in any danger of being recruited by the big leagues, but along with us parents, you helped to teach them to successful young adults who are responsible men, good fathers and productive Americans.
Please let us remember you this way in our memories of our children's lives. Not as a pimp on the corner attempting to huckster our money into the pockets of people who have proven to us over and over that they don't deserve our faith and trust.
Anon 11:08
Are you saying the teachers you listed got RIF letters? They are all EXCELLENT teachers and our kids need them. The kids do not need Stinson or either of the Baers. Maybe they can get jobs in Plainfield or Martinsville where they live. Leave our teachers here.
P. Webster:
What would you suggest as a contingency plan if the administration does agree to proffer a referendum,and the referendum fails?
Phil Webster,
Is it true that you retired and now work half-days and coach baseball? If you retired and now receive Teacher Retirement Benefits, would it be accurate to say that you get at minimum $37,125 per year from the state pension and at least $30,000 per year for teaching half days and coaching baseball? If this is not accurate, please clarify. If this is accurate - $67,125 per year - ain't bad for a retiree with a part time job. Let us know your opinion.
Where is the central office building? And does anyone know how long the meetings normally last? I'm assuming with as much public interest this is receiving, we'll need to arrive early (wearing pink, of course).
If they are short on donations for the spaghetti dinner on Saturday, might want to think about how we gathered together in a community after the big war. We were not an Italian community so we didn't have spaghetti. It was a pitch-in - lots of fried chicken and deviled eggs - and there were games for the kids to play. Adults danced - usually polkas. A few years later Pink Floyd came out with a song called "A Saucerful of Secrets" so Decatur might prefer that music. At the end of the evening there was a cake walk. Thoughts of the good ole days can make some of this less painful. This year people may want to dress as pink panthers.
Decatur administrators might have preferred a bean soup supper - but they don't need more gas.
NO!!!!!!!!! I WAS LISTING GREAT TEACHERS. I HAVE YET TO FIND OUT WHAT TEACHERS HAVE REC THE LETTER.
Undaunted,
Thanks for the kind words.
L. Blain
TO MR. WEBSTER
"I went there to pose a possible strategy that could save teachers jobs and preserve the advances in education that have taken place over the past several years." THE JOB OF THE ADMINISTRATION IS TO POSE STRATEGIES NOT YOURS
"My proposal is to to put together a community task force appointed by Don Stinson to recommend spending reductions that would not impact student learning"...
SPENDING REDUCTIONS COULD BEGIN WITH;
1. STINSON $150,000. BASE SALARY
2. TAKE AWAY ALL EXTRAS, BONUS, RETIREMENT PACKAGE, CAR, ETC
3. RETURN THE $15,000. RAISE SUSAN ADAMS REC'D
4. NO CARS FOR ANYONE IN THE DISTRICT...THIS DISTRICT IS NOT BIG ENOUGH FOR ADMIN TO NEED CARS AND GAS, BESIDES WE NEVER SEE THESE PEOPLE WHERE ARE THEY DRIVING
6. ALL ADMIN MAKE 10,000. LESS THAN THE NEW STINSON BASE
7. CUT ADMIN STAFF TO HALF OF PRESENT
Obviously you cannot understand the new tax issues...no jobs no taxes paid into the state. No jobs so people do not spend, no taxes going to the state. Anything in finance that you read states the economy will continue to get worse for a minimum of 2-3 years.
"All of them are young energetic people who are working hard creating lesson plans to inhance the learning and character of the young people of Decatur Township."
I COULD NOT AGREE MORE, HOWEVER STINSON AND THE OTHER OF HIS PEOPLE DO NOT CARE ABOUT THESE WONDERFUL YOUNG PEOPLE. WHEN THE ADMIN COMES CLEAN WITH REAL FIGURES AND THEY ALL CUT BACK BY HALF ONLY THEN WILL WE BELIEVE THEY THINK OF KIDS FIRST.
Why hasn't the list of the 62 teachers who received pink slips been made public yet? I heard the Board Member's grandson received a pink slip but I am sure he will not be going anywhere. Everything at Decatur is so political. I realize that this occurs in every school district but I believe it is a lot worse at Decatur. It is so frustrating!!!
I wonder how much Phil Webster was paid off by Don Stinson and/or the School Board to write his letter?
It's almost 8 PM Monday evening...no Board Meeting Agenda posted on School website! Legal or NOT?!
The central office is the building behind the library. Please anyone that can come tomorrow and speak would be great! We need people to call them out on the things that are going on. I would but I don't live in the district.
As for teachers that got RIF letters friday. Out of 62 letters, 30 came from the high school, 11 came from the ECC and I am not sure where the other 21 came from.
6 from Valley Mills and the hiring of 1 principal. All in the same day! WOW the nerve.
So is there anyway to stop the hiring of another principal for Valley Mills? Is there anyway we can suggest another administrator be moved to this position. Instead of moving Corbin to a higher tax bracket. I am sure the people at Valley would welcome the idea.
anon 7:55
in regards to your curiousity about the teachers who were RIF'd. I was one of them and have already requested, many times, to see the list. Do you think that I have seen it yet? NO. and it is something they obviously have it.
It is very frustrating.
To all of you great parents, we love to see all the support. Everyone needs to the community to come together to hold Stinson and his 'side kicks' accountable for their choices.
It is a sad thing that 62 teachers were riffed. The ones that are going to suffer the most are the students. Rather than constantly complaining, we should think about what we can do now to fix this problem. Going over and over again what is wrong with Stinson is not helping us do what we need to do in this time, support our children in this township. The majority of the teachers riffed were elementary teachers. This means that class size in elementary schools next year are going to be at an all time high. What we need to do as parents is to support those teachers who lost their jobs and stand up and fight for them. More teachers = smaller class size which means more support, attention, and help for our children. Lets face it, they are what matters most!
Why wasn't Mr. Harvey moved to Valley Mills as principal instead of hiring Mrs. Corbin? What am I missing here?
Anonymous said...Why wasn't Mr. Harvey moved to Valley Mills as principal instead of hiring Mrs. Corbin? What am I missing here? March 15, 2010 9:39 PM
Read the post and comments "Decatur School District Culture of Fear".
Part 1
I want to thank the person who made the nice comment about my coaching career and my relationship with their son and nephew. That was nice to read and I thank you. In my posts I am not attempting to insult anyone's intelligence. I strongly believe that most people who have written in Had Enough Indy are placing blame for our economic problems on the wrong source. I think we should be pointing the finger at whoever or whatever caused a significant turn down of the economy. What caused the state to bring in less sales tax and led to less state aid for public schools. You might want to point a finger at the state legislature and the Indiana Supreme Court for removing property tax as a source of income for the public schools. You might want to point a finger at the City Government of Indianapolis for granting Ameriplex tax abatement that allowed this huge development to not pay taxes to Decatur Township schools. Another finger of blame could go out to The Airport Authority for buying up all of the homes in West Camby and removing those home owners from the tax rolls. Let' s not forget the Governor of the State of Indiana who told the School Corporations to slash 300 million dollars from their collective budgets. I am sure that Don Stinson and the board have made some mistakes. They are not perfect and I am sure that they will learn from their mistakes. What I am saying is that I am not writing defending Don and the board because I am attempting to gain something from them ( suck up) as some on this blog have claimed . They are not paying me to write for them. My motives are simply that I think they are not to blame for this somewhat perfect economic storm that hit not only Decatur Township Schools but most of the schools in the State of Indiana.
shrockaPart 2
As I read through all of the comments I can feel the frustration and anger that people are feeling. They make very good points about events and activities that should be looked into and questioned. I do not have the time or space in this comment section to answer each and every allegation made against Don and his administration. I have attempted to explain the low test scores and the small learning community concept in other postings. I think the lively discussion that has taken place over these issues has been healthy and beneficial. I welcome all questions about what is going on in our schools. I can only tell you that Don Stinson and all of the men and women on the school board are honorable people like you and me that are attempting to do what is best for the education of our children. They are not money hungry evil people out to only serve their own self interest. Please let focus on what can be done to solve the problem rather than play the blame game. There is plenty of time to do that. I have called for a community task force to study the solution of this problem and make recommendations for their solution . Somebody has got to take the initiative and form the task force made up of the school administration, teachers , and community representatives. They need to have access to all pertinent information. They need to have a deadline to make their recommendation. We can get out of this economic storm without laying off teachers and reducing the activities for our students. Let's all work together for the common good.
In answer to some questions raised about my personal situation. Yes I have retired. I do draw teacher retirement and Social Security. Yes I do teach 3 classes and I am paid for teaching those three classes by Decatur Township Schools. If I had remained as a full time teacher I would have made more money than I am now but by my retiring and coming back in a limited capacity it allowed the school to hire another social studies teacher. I am a good teacher and I am not going to apologize to anyone for actually getting paid for services rendered. I think most of us do the same each and everyday It seems to me as if you want to attack my character instead of my ideas. I welcome a healthy debate on my ideas but I wish we could stop the name calling. I am not a suck up or a money hungry deal maker. I am a good teacher and a good coach who lives in Decatur Township and cares for the people who live there
This entire thing is making me sick. Stinson's words to not add up. Also, anyone can see why they are closing Lynwood. Way to get around the sanction imposed on them.
As for great teachers, I agree with the previous poster about Mr. Bright, Mrs. Lewhman and I'm sure there are many others.
Will be attending school board meeting.
Also, definitely will be demanding answers to redistricting info BEFORE school is out.
To the person who suggested paying for bus services.... We already pay taxes. Why should we have to give money a second time to pay for BASIC school services?
Please elaborate on "getting around the sanctions imposed on LW" and it being obvious as to why it is closing.
Well if memory serves me correctly, we have employed at CO a web administrator and a public relations specialist, yet the meeting information is not on the website. Well let them go since they can't do their jobs. With this I just saved 7 teaching positions! "That was easy"
P.S. Mr Webster, you are correct in saying that all financial problems were not caused by Mr. Stinson. BUT, he is wastful with our money to his staff and giving raises but letting go great teachers like yourself...THATS THE PROBLEM!
Why close Lynwood as an elementary?
Lynwood is about to be taken over by the state ddue to low test scores.
Lynwood has many students who live in poverty. There is a direct correlation between family income and success in school. It's basic psychology: what's more important - daily survival or a spelling test? When you are preoccupied with your family having enough to eat or the power being turned off, it's hard to focus on geometry.
No Child Left Behind and the related state laws are designed to punish low performing schools, not support them. NCLB is part of a nationwide push to discredit public schools and rob them of resources. And it's working pretty well. The economy was just icing on the cake.
I don't agree with playing the shell game with students and teachers to avoid sanctions. We need to focus on ways to end the cycle of poverty in Decatur Township. But this is not going to happen with administrators sitting in their ivory towers finding new programs /philosophies that shorten the school day and increase busy work for teachers so that administrations can sit back and look at reports and agendas and curriculum mapping instead of getting out into the classrooms to encourage best practices in teaching and putting a stop to the bad or nonexistent teaching in some classrooms. We need community schools that help the whole family or the cycle of poverty will never end.
Will the school board meeting tonight get moved to a bigger room? I think it will be a pretty good turnout. If the board room fills up then what?
If Justin Dixon gets back "in" after getting booted, that is NOT RIGHT. Too bad Grandpa Huffman, do you have any pulls in other school districts?
Decatur schools are all about the administrators and sucking up to who you know. I was thinking schools should be all about the kids?????
Is there a way to find out if they have changed the location of the meeting tonight? Like previous poster said, what if the room fills up? I'm sure that's what they want - small room to only accomodate 100 vs. high school cafeteria to accomodate 1100? I have heard many, many people say they are going.
anon 12:02 -- There is no information on the District website indicating that they will move the location of the meeting. I am not sure if they can do that without putting up a notice of that fact 48 hours in advance of the meeting. But, if they can - look at the door to either the Central Office or the door to the Board Room inside the Central Office for a written notice stating the new location.
It may be that they will restrict the number in the room due to fire codes and not, in fact, move the meeting location.
anon 6:31 - the state is not poised to take over Lynwood. If the state were to take over any schools it would be one missing the improvement goals by a wider margin than Lynwood - like some in IPS; which has not happened. I have posted on this in "The Lynwood 'State Takeover' Fable" http://hadenoughindy.blogspot.com/2010/02/lynwood-state-takeover-fable.html
What the heck happened to Dave Brown? Anyone hear from him lately? He used to be a huge thorn-in-the side to the Administration. Where's Dave Brown when we need him!?
Dave Brown, with his children all graduated, probably could care less what happens to the school district now. He's probably sitting back laughing at the chaos and misgivings.
I am a 1st year parent in the district, and I am appaled by the reduction of 62 teachers in the district. When Kindergarten classes already have 26 children in them and 11 teachers got RIF letters, that is absolutely ridiculous. Thirty-five 5 and 6 year olds is overwhelming to think about, let alone be in charge of. In a few short years we are going to have a bunch of teenagers and young adults who know no academics but can throw a ball. I am sure my son's teacher got a RIF letter and that saddends me to no end. She is a wonderful teacher who is geniuninly concerned for her pupils acadimic growth.
The bus driver is in the same boat. Countless times my son has come home with a reward for good bus behavior. She is vigilant in making sure that my son as well as the rest of the students are safe. I had picked my son up early one day and she didnt know it, but stayed at the school and made sure that he was not lost or taken. She had everyone in the world calling and checking on the safety of my child. For that I am greatful.
There are plenty of ways to save money in this township...How about turning off those over the top signs in front of the high school and the DILC just for starters. If we need to know the weather there is always 222-2222. I will wear pink to any township functions from here on out.
Good point. Hey Susan Adams - why can't we turn off the high energy /flashy billboards at the HS and DILC?
Anon 2:47
Be sure and go tonight. These are good points to make to those you meet. Keep speaking up for your child. If you have friend or relative who can go with you to the meeting the teachers and bus drivers will appreciate you being there.
Slamming Justin D. is wrong. He is a first year teacher doing everything he can for his students and athletes. Just because he is a school board member's grandson (and please remember Don is a former TEACHER in this district) doesn't mean Justin deserves this negativity. We expect him to be treated just like every pink slipped teacher - sadly.....
Why should my child's teachers take a cut in pay? ABSURD!!!
Mr. Webster....don't you "get it" Stinson needs to cut his pay, drop the bonus, slash the retirement package, no district cars or gas (for anyone), eliminate a few administrators then perhaps we can form a committee.
At the school board meeting one of them said 61 teachers were laid off. But I've seen 62 in writing.
Too bad there's no list to check.
I do get it. Mr. Stinson has offered to cut his pay by 20 percent but the board thought that 15 percent was enough. I am very doubtful that he will receive a bonus or would accept one. He can not give himself a bonus, it must be granted to him by a majority vote of the board. I have no idea what his retirement package is, but whatever it is, he did not give it to himself. The retirement package is given by the board and would need to be slashed or reduced by the board. I personally think that it would be unfair to reduce anyone's retirement including mine or yours. As far as the gas allowance for car is concerned I would agree that no employee should have their gas given to them by the taxpayer for non work use. Don Stinson has already reduced his staff by two administrators maybe and maybe more. I know it looks like he just shuffled them to new positions but if you follow the re -assignments you will see a reduction of two maybe more administrators. Remember you still need to run the schools.
Even if he reduces or eliminates all that you ask for in your comments we are still in debt. We are still going to have to layoff teachers. We are still going to have to increase class size. We are still going to have to reduce programs and class that we offer our students. What is more concerning for me is that we will stop progressing as a school system. Real estate agents tell me that the number one incentive to people buying a home is the quality of the school system. I know that this situation has created an atmosphere of gloom and doom. It is a time when many want to shout at the dragon and even slay him. Even if you remove the superintendent and all of the members of the board you still have the debt. You can not fire the debt you can only retire it. If we work together and are willing to make cuts in areas that will not adversely effect the education of our children and at the same time be willing to reach into our pockets and pay a small tax we can make this go away. I have every confidence that we can do this and maintain the integrity of our schools.
I hope you take my comments in a positive way. I am not trying to insult anyone. I am not trying to suck up. I am not trying to gain any position of influence. My motives are pure and I would like to see some type of community effort to help a good school system get better not worse. Let us not leave the road on our journey towards excellence
Mr. Webster,
Let me help you understand the frustration many parents and teachers share concerning Mr. Stinson
www.indystar.com/data/education/superintendent_compensation_2009.shtml
Are you serious!!! Two administrators gone, "you will see a reduction of two maybe more administrators. Remember you still need to run the schools." Did I miss something in the math, 2 administrators, 62 teachers.
"If we work together and are willing to make cuts in areas that will not adversely effect the education of our children..." Since teachers really do nothing to contribute to the education of students we can get rid of 62 of them.
"I personally think that it would be unfair to reduce anyone's retirement including mine or yours." Teachers who are within 5 years of retirement will have their social security and teacher retirement pension at a much reduced rate due to salary freeze and possibly 5% cut in salary.
It seems to me your heart believes what you are saying, and so did the people who watched the parade when the Emperor got his new clothes.
had enough....you may want to delete the other address
This is the complete web address for superintendent salaries and contracts, ignore the other
http://www.indystar.com/data/education/superintendent_compensation_2009.shtml
anon 9:24 - let me try, its rather long and getting cut off in your posts:
http://www.indystar.com/data/education/superintendent_compensation_2009.shtml?appSession=367230804689551&RecordID=27&PageID=3&PrevPageID=2&cpipage=1&CPIsortType=&CPIorderBy=
let me know if its not the link you wanted
To March 17. 9:15
I seems to me that we really only have two choices to retire a debt that faces our school system. One choice would be to make as many cuts as necessary to retire the debt. We can reduce 62 teachers and wait for other teachers to retire. This will still leave the schools under staffed because the retired teachers will not be replaced and class size will still go up and programs will still be reduced. We can ask the teachers to take a pay cut. On the face of this it might seem fair. These teachers who you are asking to take a pay cut have signed a legal contract with the school board. They also have financial commitments that they must pay. Financial commitments like school loans that they took out to get a master degrees. They have car payments, house payments, and other bills that they must pay. they make these financial commitments based on a salary that they believed they would be paid based on the contract they agreed to with the school board.
I find it interesting that the school board does not ask all of it suppliers who hold the debt to cut their interest payments or their bills by 5 percent. It seems to me that they are in a better position to take the lose than underpaid teachers.
In conclusion on one side of the equation we can lay off teachers and/or ask them to take a pay cut that will put them in financial harms way. We can combine this with a reduction of administrators and a reduction of their pay and fringe benefits.
On the other side of the equation the superintendent and the school board through a referendum could ask the community to approve a one time tax to see us over this financial crisis. After we get over this crisis, and we will get over this crisis, we must do more to participate in the planning and execution of our children’s future education.
In a future post I would like to engage the thoughts of you and other about what is wrong with public education and what we can do to improve it. Maybe we can get the webmaster to set up a blog topic so we can exchange ideas. What do you think.
That is the correct web address thank you for your help.
Phil, Stinson and Baer, along with school board members, have nearly bankrupted the township. They have systematically raped the residents. You suggested a one time referendum to bail them out. Baer and Stinson don't even reside in the township so of course they are all for this. They won't feel the pain. But you best believe when state reports are released the year after the referendum, CO will be up another layer and so will his retirement benefits and the township will again be looking for another referendum due to gross mismanagement. This has to stop now!
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