Comments for The ETA http://theeta.org Elgin Teachers Association Sun, 22 Apr 2012 03:19:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on ETA Moving Forward by Bonnie http://theeta.org/2012/04/20/eta-moving-forward/#comment-52 Bonnie Sun, 22 Apr 2012 03:19:14 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1326#comment-52 First, I would like to thank our team for the countless hours put into the process of collective bargaining. Second, in regards to the TA that was presented to the members I felt it was much too open ended. So much of it was an “if...than” statement. A contract should hold certain guarantees. In addition, I felt there were not enough informational meetings held to explain and answer questions and concerns about the 50+ page document that contained extreme changes never before encountered. For the next TA I would like to see more time given to the membership to study the document and have enough time to have questions addressed. I do not think anyone wants to feel rushed into a decision that we have waited to make since last May. Finally I would like to commend our membership for continuing to do what we do best, with or without a contract, which is pour our heart into our teaching. I wish the best to the team that will continue this work on behalf of all of us. First, I would like to thank our team for the countless hours put into the process of collective bargaining. Second, in regards to the TA that was presented to the members I felt it was much too open ended. So much of it was an “if…than” statement. A contract should hold certain guarantees. In addition, I felt there were not enough informational meetings held to explain and answer questions and concerns about the 50+ page document that contained extreme changes never before encountered. For the next TA I would like to see more time given to the membership to study the document and have enough time to have questions addressed. I do not think anyone wants to feel rushed into a decision that we have waited to make since last May.

Finally I would like to commend our membership for continuing to do what we do best, with or without a contract, which is pour our heart into our teaching. I wish the best to the team that will continue this work on behalf of all of us.

]]> Comment on ETA Moving Forward by Phil http://theeta.org/2012/04/20/eta-moving-forward/#comment-51 Phil Sat, 21 Apr 2012 04:57:38 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1326#comment-51 During this whole process it seems that ETA rarely if ever made clear to their teachers—and the press--about the considerable fund balance U-46 is carrying forward from last year. I am sure most teachers (and I’m thinking some ETA negotiators??) have no idea what dollars are available for raises, more staff, insurance, etc. This info needs to go out to teachers, and the press, immediately. As of the June 30, 2011, U-46 financial audit show (pg. 55), U-46 has a SURPLUS of cash of $29,383,790 in the Education Fund and a healthy $89,925.088 in the Working Cash fund. The board can abolish the working cash fund and place it into the Education fund. So total dollars available for education purposes, including raises and reducing class size, and additional staff is actually $119,308,878. Remember, you had over 600 teachers vote for this awful contract. You need to get them, as well as the community on your side. Making public this financial data will help ETA move forward. Also, get rid of the awful 29.2.1 The Termination Clause. This will be a DISASTER for teachers. No negotiation team should EVER agree to something like this. The board can re-open this contract at any time withour union approval? If anything, the openers need to be a JOINT decision, not just the Board. If this TA passes, this clause will become your greatest nightmare. During this whole process it seems that ETA rarely if ever made clear to their teachers—and the press–about the considerable fund balance U-46 is carrying forward from last year. I am sure most teachers (and I’m thinking some ETA negotiators??) have no idea what dollars are available for raises, more staff, insurance, etc. This info needs to go out to teachers, and the press, immediately.

As of the June 30, 2011, U-46 financial audit show (pg. 55), U-46 has a SURPLUS of cash of $29,383,790 in the Education Fund and a healthy $89,925.088 in the Working Cash fund. The board can abolish the working cash fund and place it into the Education fund. So total dollars available for education purposes, including raises and reducing class size, and additional staff is actually $119,308,878.

Remember, you had over 600 teachers vote for this awful contract. You need to get them, as well as the community on your side. Making public this financial data will help ETA move forward. Also, get rid of the awful 29.2.1 The Termination Clause. This will be a DISASTER for teachers. No negotiation team should EVER agree to something like this. The board can re-open this contract at any time withour union approval? If anything, the openers need to be a JOINT decision, not just the Board. If this TA passes, this clause will become your greatest nightmare.

]]> Comment on Statement of TA Support by ETA Member http://theeta.org/2012/04/11/statement-of-ta-support/#comment-50 ETA Member Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:00:27 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1302#comment-50 Thank you Phil! Undoubtedly, the members of the ETA also had major reservations regarding the proposed TA, and rightfully so! Thank you Phil!
Undoubtedly, the members of the ETA also had major reservations regarding the proposed TA, and rightfully so!

]]> Comment on Statement of TA Support by Phil http://theeta.org/2012/04/11/statement-of-ta-support/#comment-48 Phil Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:36:05 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1302#comment-48 As on outsider who has negotiated my teachers union for over 20 years, I have some serious reservations about this TA. The obvious one is the poor lack of compensation on the 3-year salary schedule. As of the June 30, 2011, U-46 financial audit show (pg. 55), U-46 has a SURPLUS of cash of $29,383,790 in the Education Fund and a healthy $89,925.088 in the Working Cash fund. As anyone who deals with educational finances knows, a school board can abolish the working cash fund and place it into the Education fund. So total $$ available for education purposes, including raises and reducing class size, additional staff is actually $119,308,878. While caring a positive fund balance is important, nearly $120 million seems a bit excessive considering the nature of U-46. Of course, most board members and administrators will disagree, hence the negotiations process. I (roughly) estimate the cost of the step movement for each of the next two years at $5 million each year. Even with the increases in insurance, that leaves U-46 with some serious cash in hand. I find your insurance TA reasonable. While the salary alone is a solid reason for teachers to vote NO, the most serious part of this TA is: 29.2.1 The Board, upon written notice to the Association, may terminate this Agreement effective at the end of the school year in which notice is given if any of the following events occurs: 1. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (“PTELL”) is amended, or a new law enacted, which has the probable effect of reducing the Board’s real estate tax levy over the previous year’s levy. 2. The law pertaining to teacher pensions is modified, or a new law enacted, which shifts any of the burden of payment for teacher pensions to the Board. This will be a DISASTER for teachers. No negotiation team should EVER agree to something like this. The board can re-open this contract at any time withour union approval? BAD, VERY BAD! If anything, the openers need to be a JOINT decision, not just the Board. If this TA passes, this clause will become your greatest nightmare. Few understand the frustrations teacher negotiators go through during this arduous process. It seems like your board and administration might have attempted to wear you down. That’s what these board lawyers are good at. I hope not! This contract shows massive disrespect toward teachers. As on outsider who has negotiated my teachers union for over 20 years, I have some serious reservations about this TA. The obvious one is the poor lack of compensation on the 3-year salary schedule.

As of the June 30, 2011, U-46 financial audit show (pg. 55), U-46 has a SURPLUS of cash of $29,383,790 in the Education Fund and a healthy $89,925.088 in the Working Cash fund. As anyone who deals with educational finances knows, a school board can abolish the working cash fund and place it into the Education fund. So total $$ available for education purposes, including raises and reducing class size, additional staff is actually $119,308,878. While caring a positive fund balance is important, nearly $120 million seems a bit excessive considering the nature of U-46. Of course, most board members and administrators will disagree, hence the negotiations process.

I (roughly) estimate the cost of the step movement for each of the next two years at $5 million each year. Even with the increases in insurance, that leaves U-46 with some serious cash in hand. I find your insurance TA reasonable.

While the salary alone is a solid reason for teachers to vote NO, the most serious part of this TA is:
29.2.1 The Board, upon written notice to the Association, may terminate this Agreement effective at the end of the school year in which notice is given if any of the following events occurs:
1. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (“PTELL”) is amended, or a new law enacted, which has the probable effect of reducing the Board’s real estate tax levy over the previous year’s levy.
2. The law pertaining to teacher pensions is modified, or a new law enacted, which shifts any of the burden of payment for teacher pensions to the Board.

This will be a DISASTER for teachers. No negotiation team should EVER agree to something like this. The board can re-open this contract at any time withour union approval? BAD, VERY BAD! If anything, the openers need to be a JOINT decision, not just the Board. If this TA passes, this clause will become your greatest nightmare.

Few understand the frustrations teacher negotiators go through during this arduous process. It seems like your board and administration might have attempted to wear you down. That’s what these board lawyers are good at. I hope not! This contract shows massive disrespect toward teachers.

]]> Comment on Beyond the Classroom by Julio A. Martinez http://theeta.org/2012/03/05/beyond-the-classroom/#comment-38 Julio A. Martinez Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:56:45 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1190#comment-38 WOW! I couldn't have said it better than our speakers for tonight. They have managed to capture and express our concerns so well. I am proud of my colleagues and fully support everyone of them. I look forward to hearing them speak tonight. WOW! I couldn’t have said it better than our speakers for tonight. They have managed to capture and express our concerns so well. I am proud of my colleagues and fully support everyone of them. I look forward to hearing them speak tonight.

]]> Comment on Retirement Notification – An Update by Jack Janezic http://theeta.org/2012/02/13/retirement-notification-an-update/#comment-37 Jack Janezic Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:23:52 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1143#comment-37 Jerry - I'd be happy to include you in the distribution but I'd like to know if you've updated your profile at the IEA member profile site? If not can you please do so to ensure that you continue to receive our communications. Thanks. Profile site: https://member.ieanea.org/ Jerry – I’d be happy to include you in the distribution but I’d like to know if you’ve updated your profile at the IEA member profile site? If not can you please do so to ensure that you continue to receive our communications. Thanks.

Profile site: https://member.ieanea.org/

]]> Comment on Retirement Notification – An Update by Jerry Hund http://theeta.org/2012/02/13/retirement-notification-an-update/#comment-36 Jerry Hund Sun, 26 Feb 2012 23:08:45 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1143#comment-36 Please include me in your e mails to ETA members, etc. Please include me in your e mails to ETA members, etc.

]]> Comment on Secondary Grading Committee by Judith Arman http://theeta.org/2012/02/05/secondary-grading-committee/#comment-33 Judith Arman Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:35:08 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1119#comment-33 Gary, I do hope that after all the time and effort this committee has put into creating a document around grading practices, that all stakeholders would embrace the new culture around grades and grading. The ETA members on this committee have worked long and hard to make sure that the final document is one we all can be proud of and we have not taken this task lightly. I would also hope that our fellow members take seriously the efforts of all involved and implement these practices as part of the learning environment. We must continue to use our professionism and our professional voice to work toward creating a successful learning environment. Judi Gary,
I do hope that after all the time and effort this committee has put into creating a document around grading practices, that all stakeholders would embrace the new culture around grades and grading. The ETA members on this committee have worked long and hard to make sure that the final document is one we all can be proud of and we have not taken this task lightly. I would also hope that our fellow members take seriously the efforts of all involved and implement these practices as part of the learning environment. We must continue to use our professionism and our professional voice to work toward creating a successful learning environment.

Judi

]]> Comment on Secondary Grading Committee by Gary Lorber http://theeta.org/2012/02/05/secondary-grading-committee/#comment-30 Gary Lorber Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:19:29 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1119#comment-30 Thanks Judy. I appreciate your efforts on this committee. This is a difficult subject. I completely agree that we have a culture problem around grades that leads to serious problems. There is no doubt that the differences in grading from teachers within a building (let alone building to building) is a very serious professional problem. I imagine administration wants an easy answer and is likely dismissive of important discussions and valuable research. Equally problematic will be how we all embrace (or not) a new system. Thanks Judy.

I appreciate your efforts on this committee. This is a difficult subject. I completely agree that we have a culture problem around grades that leads to serious problems. There is no doubt that the differences in grading from teachers within a building (let alone building to building) is a very serious professional problem. I imagine administration wants an easy answer and is likely dismissive of important discussions and valuable research. Equally problematic will be how we all embrace (or not) a new system.

]]> Comment on Secondary Grading Committee by Judith Arman http://theeta.org/2012/02/05/secondary-grading-committee/#comment-29 Judith Arman Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:13:06 +0000 http://theeta.org/?p=1119#comment-29 To answer your first question, there has been plenty discussion around the concept of "0". It has been and probably will always be a hot bed for us. It is my understanding we are to give students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, as a grade should represent knowledge and not behavior. At some point if they are not working or have missed a deadline, I would assume a "0" would represent that you were unable to access. This has not been determined. Secondly, to the best of my knowledge, Infinite Campus has not been pre-determined in regards to 0's. There has been discussion about the district setting percenatges used for homework, finals, classwork. There was a break down in communication to this idea as the administration felt the need to dicate these percentages to us. I personally felt offended by the lack of respect for my professionalism and ability to create a fair and accurate grading scale. This discussion will continue on February 17. The purpose of this committee is to bring forward some grading principles that are consistant throughout the district. As you can see, there is inconsistency in grading within your own building, imagine how different it is in the entire district. Changing the way grades and grading are viewed by our stakeholders is going to be a very difficult task. We not only have to change the way we do business but we now will have to change the culture around grades and grading. To answer your first question, there has been plenty discussion around the concept of “0″. It has been and probably will always be a hot bed for us. It is my understanding we are to give students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, as a grade should represent knowledge and not behavior. At some point if they are not working or have missed a deadline, I would assume a “0″ would represent that you were unable to access. This has not been determined.
Secondly, to the best of my knowledge, Infinite Campus has not been pre-determined in regards to 0′s. There has been discussion about the district setting percenatges used for homework, finals, classwork. There was a break down in communication to this idea as the administration felt the need to dicate these percentages to us. I personally felt offended by the lack of respect for my professionalism and ability to create a fair and accurate grading scale. This discussion will continue on February 17.
The purpose of this committee is to bring forward some grading principles that are consistant throughout the district. As you can see, there is inconsistency in grading within your own building, imagine how different it is in the entire district. Changing the way grades and grading are viewed by our stakeholders is going to be a very difficult task. We not only have to change the way we do business but we now will have to change the culture around grades and grading.

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