The CCT is reporting that the Teachers Union began picketing this morning. Seems logical -- particularly if they are trying to eliminate the precious little public support to which they cling. The Town unions and many of the smaller Sandwich School unions settled for contracts and wage freezes two years ago. The SEA still hasn't agreed to anything.
Maybe the SEA would like to explain exactly what the unresolved issues are?
Do they expect taxpayers to support a contract without even knowing what's in it?
I think its time the SEA shows a little "ResPect" (that was the spellling on the sign at SHS this AM -- must have been a math teacher) to the taxpayers and parents who are already working multiple jobs with little vacation time, few benefits, and no pensions.
Now the schools want to triple the K-8 sports fee, and teachers are threatening to not write college recommendations, and cancel after school activities -- even though teachers are paid to "volunteer" for them (see pg 35 of the contract) ? That should help build support for the schools!
Maybe the School Committee should finally execute the Evergreen Clause (see pg 37, final paragraph) which states:
"In the event the parties commence negotiations for a successor Agreement as provided herein, and such negotiations are not concluded before August 31, 2010, then, in such event, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until a successor Agreement is executed; but in no event beyond August 31, 2011." (emphasis added)
Throw the old contract out, and start over.
MY STANDARD DISCLAIMER ON TEACHERS -- My kids have had many great teachers in Sandwich. My oldest daughter graduated from SHS and is now studying to be a Teacher, my mother and many members of my family were teachers. I readily acknowledge I don't have the patience to be a good teacher. I am pro-teacher, but I believe that good teachers should be well-compensated based solely on their own ability -- just as any other profession. The biggest beneficiary of union protection are those teachers who could not be retained based on their own abilities and merits.
23 comments:
These comments have been relocated from an earlier post:
ANONYMOUS:
I'm an unemployed electrician --- I'd be glad to trade my lack of a job with somebody who gets full benefits and a $70,000 paycheck to work 180 days per year -- and can't be fired once they get tenure.
ANONYMOUS:
How do you know the Union is refusing to budge? If you think it's so easy to teach, become a teacher.
ANONYMOUS:
4:21, Nobody said it was "easy" to be a teacher --- not many people have "easy" jobs. Nobody forces anybody to be a teacher --- and nobody forces a teacher to stay where they feel they don't get "ResPect" (sic). I am sure somebody else would be willing to take their spot.
ANONYMOUS:
I would suggest that if the teachers are so "distracted" with their lack of contract, they quit. No one should be miserable in their jobs -- I wish them much happiness and serenity! In the meantime, our District would be able to hire younger more energetic and enthusiastic teachers who would be busting their buttons to have a job with a fraction of the salary dollars currently being allocated to our "unhappy" teachers! But don't hold your breath -- another district is not going to offer these disgruntled and safely TENURED teachers. They are going nowhere, they know a good thing when they see one. Everyone of the damn fools that march around the school yard holding a sign should be fired immediately -- let them sue the District. The SEA and MTA are out-of-control bullies -- JUST SAY NO SANDWICH TAXPAYORS!!!
ANONYMOUS:
I'm so frustrated with the entire teacher contract issue. The kids come home and suggest that we contact the school committee and support the teachers or they won't get to go on field trips, have dances, etc.. Don't get me started on how unprofessional it is to lay this all on the kids. The bottom line is that I have no idea what issues are preventing the contract from going forward. That is all in executive session. So, how could I possibly know which side I would fall on without any real information whatsoever?? I will say that I think this drawn out contract process is hurting the schools because it taints the budget process. If the teacher's contract was settled and had a few years with no raises, things would proceed more smoothly. So, this has nothing to do with whether or not I respect teachers, I do. Just don't ask for my support for your contract when I don't have a clue what you are asking for.
ANONYMOUS:
Just saw the picture on line from the teachers protest at the High School this morning. Interesting that respect seems to be a one way street where the teachers are concerned. Where is the respect for our kids and for families and for taxpayers. The union leadership is quoted in the article as saying "all other avenues have been exhausted, we have to bring it to the public." What a bunch of hog wash. The smirk on one of the teachers in the pictures says it all. Let the games end. Do your part union to respect our town.
ANONYMOUS:
I can't believe the teachers are picketing infront of the high school this morning!!! You don't see the custodians, bus drivers, or secretaries out there who haven't had contracts for 2 1/2 years. Get a grip!!!!
ANONYMOUS:
And now the Cape Cod Times reports that 50 teachers are standing outside of the high school protesting. I have a very simple answer - FIRE THEM. A contract has not been signed because union is refusing to budge. Unions in a public school are insane. Teachers are paid well, insured well, and provided more than ample vacation time. I do not think that they need 'protection' from the union. You want to protest - quit or get fired. And we wonder why people are fleeing the district.
Yah I agree. All those teacher's that have vast amounts of experience in teaching with Masters+degrees should leave. MCAS scores, AP scores and being a top rated school have no correlation to these teachers.
Why do they stay when they are the lowest paid on Cape Cod? It's called DEDICATION
To Anon 7:55
My problem is that most employed people do not have contracts. Do a good job, keep your job. If you are not doing a good job, then your employer should have the right to fire you. I would like to hear an honest explanation as to why a deal has not been reached between the two sides but the bottom line is that I do not believe that teachers need a union to represent them.
And on a side note, the top rated high school was something that had to be applied for so I think that needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
According to Mass DOE website, Sandwich teachers earn more than the state average, as well as the Cape Cod average.
80,494 Nauset
72,234 Barnstable
71,156 Falmouth
69,883 Mashpee
69,609 Sandwich
68,781 State Average
68,534 Chatham
67,513 Dennis-Yarmouth
67,431 Cape Average
66,262 Eastham
66,010 Bourne
62,322 Harwich
61,701 Plymouth
59,187 Provincetown
58,568 Wareham
55,972 Truro
See http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/teacher.aspx?orgcode=02420000&orgtypecode=5&leftNavId=815&
I agree with the previous post that teachers deserve credit for the high scores, etc. --- but that's what they get paid to do ... and they ARE better paid than in MANY surrounding towns.
They are NOT the lowest paid on Cape Cod !!
According to the CCT this morning, Canfield "thanked" the union for giving him a heads-up that they would be protesting! REALLY! Just what we need here in Sandwich, a union-friendly superintendent who lacks the testicular fortitude to deal with these union bullies. I wonder where he's stashed the funding for the salary increases in next year's budget. Maybe we should just skip the debate and start a pool over which line item holds the "pot of gold"!! Come on, Bob, let's have some fun! I'll put my bet on the energy line item. Any takers?
I am going into the picket sign business. I will feature proper puncuation, accurate spelling and proper spacing. Also, as as an added bonus I can provide up to date weather reports. Seems to me picketing could have been done when it was near 50 degrees last week instead of temperatures in the teens. But hey.....what do I know?
I love the new mantra, "it is a distraction" -- perhaps, a little ritalin would help. Some of us who orbit in the real world are distracted with real issues: unemployment, the failing economy and rising gas prices. But when my son was suffering from distractions in the classroom, the doctor prescribed ritalin. Perhaps we could get it in aerosol cans and give our teachers the relief they so desperately need!
The Truth Maker would ask when does the Union leadership respect the Sandwich Taxpayers?
Once again they have taken the threats and intimindation approach, that even the leadership from the board of selectmen have taken of late.
What is it, about this town of late, that some folks need to prove, who has the power of controlling what gets done here in Sandwich
What has happened to the democratic proccess in government and with in the thinking of the School Union leadership that takes us all back to prohibition days?
This is 2012, not 1930. Put the differences aside and get with, what is going on around you with your fellow neighbors, that have had to live on less and survive, in at times, a cruel world of reality.
If you are looking for sympathy
then think again. If you are looking for respect, then you need to also respect what is occurring with your fellow citizens that have to pay for your benifits, they themselves are unable to pay for.
The golden goose has stopped laying gold eggs and it time the union leadership, take this into account, before they will be the ones to finish destroying what ever remains of the Sandwich School District now.
I would venture to guess that every time the union leadership holds a picket fence around each school here in Sandwich, that another 10 families will be placing there child in another district next year. So hold your line of disrespect for the community and see what ever crediabilty remains and watch your vision become a reality for some other school district to embrace.
It is time for the teachers of Sandwich to replace your union leadership with people with more awareness of what is happening around them. You are being led down a path with no return asnd no vision.
These people (SANDWICH TEACHERS) make me sick! Someone please defend their actions, I'd love to anylize the logic. I drove by them yesterday and almost threw up in my mouth. Be happy you have a job in this economy and get back to work!!!
Well said Bob. I couldn't agree with you more. It is so dishonest and short sighted of the union leadership to proceed the way they are in public. Not to mention it is detrimental to the kids, our schools and our town. I agree also with the writer who points to the challenge when it comes to who does the contract protect? In many cases, and we see this nationally, it protects people who no longer are effective in their jobs. At the same time is creates disillusionment in the young teachers that come our way. Frankly at this point I doubt many good teachers would even apply in Sandwich. I worry that the teachers we will need to replace class time for the new department heads at the High School will actually not move us along but just be part of the structural changes in the district that continue to be ignored. As for the writer who says the good teachers will leave, the ones responsible for the MCAS scores. Doubt it, in this economy. #2 MCAS scores are also due to the intelligence of our population. #3 The good teachers I know are not on the picket line but trying like us all to just survive this terrible place we are at.
I am amazed that given the current state of the economy,somebody who averages almost $70K for 180 days of work -- with full benefits PLUS an outrageous number of half days, "prep periods" etc., could complain about ANYTHING!
My husband & I work 3 jobs bettween us and have to pay extra for childcare so teachers can do their professional development on MY time!
In the real world, employees are expected to maintain their own licenses on their own time and out of their own pocket --- and we have the receipts to prove it!
I am also outraged that these would use the kids as props for this bullshit --- my daughter wanted to know "why can't Mrs. X have a contract?".
I suggest Mrs. X go find a job in another town if she doesn't like it here!!
My child had the union leader twice while at SHS during another contract "battle". She was absent from class more than teaching due to her "extracurricular yearbook editor", or (union "stuff"). Most teachers seem to be awfully busy with subs during class time, for whatever reason.....
I dont understand how the union thinks taking their situation to the public will help them if they wont say exactly what it is they want/
do they really think the public will blindly suport them because its "for the children".
Good luck with that plan!
"Why do they stay when they are the lowest paid on Cape Cod? It's called DEDICATION"
Bullshit -- they aren't the lowest paid and they stay because they know they will never get a better deal anywhere else!!
If they could have gotten a better deal elsewhere, I have no doubt they would have fled long ago.
I agree there are many good teachers --- but they need to regain control of their own union.
Teachers picketing, blaming everyone but their leadership for an unsigned contract, kids coming home with union tales from the classroom, negative stories week after week in the papers about the schools, successful program cut, schools asking the town for more money, and now a story in today's paper about a radical plan to close the oldest school, millions of more funding for the schools needed to implement this Superintendents plan, move the Jr. High to High School. You can't make this stuff up. And one small line in the paper about the Community School. That in this new plan it would be displaced. It is a PR nightmare.
I do not believe the stories of children coming home with talk about contracts being held in classrooms. If that is happening, then those parents should be contacting their school administrator immediately. I doubt it is happening or this would have be happening all over town and should. This advice brought to you by a picketer and doubter in negative propoganda. We can't tell you what we want for the same reason the SC can't- it's illegal.
It has definitely happened. It happened last time with my older kids its happening this time with my younger kid. (Last time HS teachers also had to be told to take union signs off their classroom walls & doors.)
There is no way I'm going to complain to the Administration if I have to leave my kids in that same classroom for the rest of the year.
Others (who didn't fear retaliation) complained last time and nothing happened. Why bother, the union seems to run the schools anyway.
How do you expect ANY public support if you won't tell the public what you want?
It is not illegal to discuss negotiations -- both sides can agree to publicly discuss whatever they want -- I have no doubt the School Committee would be willing to talk, what is the union hiding?
The longer this crap continues, the more support for the school district (and teachers) will dissolve.
Anon 10:32, I was an SHS student last time contract negotiations went down hill. Not only were teachers talking openly about the fact that they lacked a contract, one teacher went as far as to tell the class that if they wanted someone to chaperone their dances, call the school committee. Not only that, I watched students whose parents were on the school committee take heat from students and teachers alike (I believe there was even something in the CC Times about that). That same year teachers in all four Sandwich schools were displaying signs in their classroom windows....of course they were focusing on the students! How many school committee members spend their time walking through the halls of the schools?!?!
Don't get me wrong, there are fabulous teachers in the town of Sandwich. I could go on for hours about all of the teachers who had a positive impact on my life, but I honestly don't understand their reasoning in this. As someone considering becoming a teacher, it is moments like this I say to myself I will never ever join a union.
Picketer and blogger. You are covering up and maybe you are believing what you want to believe. I have seen it and heard of it for over a decade. It is an absolutely disgrace that teachers use our kids and disrespect us all in order to go after their goals. Parents will talk about it at meetings but not with specifics and of course they won't complain to administration because the children will be effected. Mine have been and I know it is true of others. A few years ago SC members were publicly talking about the way their children had been mistreated and put on the spot. We all need to be honest about this stuff so we can get rid of it. It is a dirty game and we can change the rules. The adults need to change the rules.
The Truth Maker would add, here we go again with the accusations our lack luster union leaders are once again using the children of our district as pawns in a game of chance. We all know it did in fact occur the last time the Sandwich district was facing a similar desicion process.
One may ask why, because they can and they do not have anyone looking out for the children of our schools. It behooves the Chairman of the School Committeee to take an unannounced walk around the buildings with the present superintendant.
Any room found with any union displays will automatically result in the teacher being placed on unpaid leave for one week. I wonder how that would fly with the present situation?
Let us be honest about the claims put forward in this matter, that the facts speak for themselves and that it is a well known practice, that gets lost in the game of intimidation and power.
It would be great to have the SC and others come into the schools and see what is actually going on. You'd be surprised as to the vast amount of learning and energy being generated.
PS if you have a 4 year degree, sign up to sub. It would be a good experience working with the kids.
I don't think anybody is questioning what is going on in the classroom. I think everyone agrees a lot of good work is being done.
As parents we expect good work to be done and we pay taxes so that good work will be done. The only issue is how much the Town is able to pay for that work?
For the record, at 8:05 this AM I saw three teachers were walking from the parking lot into the school with protest signs under their arms. If they weren't going to bring the signs into their classrooms, why didn't they leave them in their cars?
Let's stop kidding ourselves -- the kids are being used by the union.
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