627 replies to this topic

[tessieca]

Thanks for those of you who are supportive. Since the $80,000 figure keeps cropping up, I'll explain that number. Part of the district's proposal beyond the 5.25% increase was to add two steps to the salary schedule. Right now, a teacher will max out on the schedule once they reach 21 years (not get the automatic salary bumps for seat time). The proposal was to add $2,000 per year once a teacher reached 27 (I believe) years of service and an additional $1,000 at 30 years of service. This puts the top salary above $80,000 whether you enhance the schedule by 4.65% plus benefits or by 5.25% total.

[TM70]

Thanks for those of you who are supportive. Since the $80,000 figure keeps cropping up, I'll explain that number. Part of the district's proposal beyond the 5.25% increase was to add two steps to the salary schedule. Right now, a teacher will max out on the schedule once they reach 21 years (not get the automatic salary bumps for seat time). The proposal was to add $2,000 per year once a teacher reached 27 (I believe) years of service and an additional $1,000 at 30 years of service. This puts the top salary above $80,000 whether you enhance the schedule by 4.65% plus benefits or by 5.25% total.

Three things here...

1) all of the above is well and good, but this is the first time anyone has heard of it. Except maybe the $80,000, but the rest is, "you read it first here..."

2) My original post, which I subsequently erased along with many others, was attacked almost immediately. It took several days and 10-20 posts before anyone said a positive thing. All of it was negative. Geesh, one person went to town on how schools need to be privatized...Please give me a break...agree with my tactics or not...at this point...don't care...

3) Still no one to substantiate the districts numbers. We sat down today after school and went over a few basic calculations on the districts comparison sheet. No one could tweak the numbers to add up with what they have. Not a complaint so much as a question...where are they coming up with these figures?

How does 4.65% + $100 = 5.25%???

[supermom]

I don't get what all the fuss is about. Teachers give their everything to our young. In return they ask very little. A smile, a thanks, a hug from some little 3rd grader who will later grow up to own folsom's downtown bank or ...the other side of life...be a crack dealer. Ha just joking. No really. I think the entire public education pay system should be re-vamped. Take the state average income multiply percentage points by years of positive service.
I think that any public school teacher should be treated the same as any other state worker when it comes to retirement or medical benefits. Hello does anyone not see a problem with $600 dollars a month for med. benefits? That is a car payment. As for kids and teachers talking about union and pay scale of teachers at school- hurray!!! Get kids talking. Get them interested in local events. Get them interested in civics and labor unions. I mean what- your gonna make 'em grow up first before they have any experience debating different ideas? I love Folsom, I can't afford it, so I live very frugally. I understand teachers have their own expenses that add up, but the 'recommended' list of supplies each year is frustrating. This year I spent $100 dollars for each kid. Plus the supplies I spend on projects over the course of the year. Sadly, I see the teachers asking me to get classroom supplies for my kids as a positive. Why?
Because my kids are using them. Folsom teachers--keep up the good work, and I will continue to struggle to afford to live here, so that my kids can go to this school. Thank you.

[TM70]

Glazing over here. So many numbers and it seems differences might be date of beginning calculation. With district's offer in any variety, at least they are not leaving teachers at the bottom like the teachers are saying.
Yeah, what's up with going after people who bother to respond and try to give information? It seems like you should thank a board member, not personally attack them. You keep talking about offers from a school board person, but I think any action takes a vote of at least 3, so maybe you're off track there.

It's hard to understand, but here is a LOT of history here between the teachers and the superintendent/board. It's not just today and not just this board and superintendent. I don't care what anyone says, you can come on here, me included and act a certain way, but it's a lot different in real life. It's nothing personal. I don't think the SBP is fiendish or dastardly, those comments kill me...so overboard...I just think she is coming from a completely different point of view and from our end, not just me, it's so condescending...It's hard to see that if you haven't lived through some of the garbage in this district. Granted that can happen pretty much anywhere, but as of right now I'm here. If you were a teacher and you had to put up with so much of the same crap you would get tired of it. The same thing happened 11 years ago, 8 years ago, 3 years ago...it just all runs together and the animosity grows...It's the position, not the person, but when people come off sounding like they are above you...that's when it all comes apart...

And...for those of you who keep saying the same thing..."Why don't you leave teaching then..." My classroom life is great. Love my students, we get along great, and the parents are very supportive. Just looking to the future. I have kids to put through college and retirement as well. Just like anyone else on this board...

Look, the district is coming out with all this info, but not much of it adds up from what I can see. And no one has tried to disprove that. If I'm wrong, then great, I'll admit it, but no one has come forward to dispute that...

Oh yeah...I don't want to strike and I don't talk to my students about this issue.

[mylo]

And...for those of you who keep saying the same thing..."Why don't you leave teaching then..." My classroom life is great. Love my students, we get along great, and the parents are very supportive. Just looking to the future. I have kids to put through college and retirement as well. Just like anyone else on this board...

I don't ask that question, instead... "If the other districts pay better, why not go there instead?". You said to look around at any surrounding district. Surely there's a job in a nice neighbourhood that pays better. I've relocated 5 times and almost 200 miles for better pay to put my kids through college.

My biggest gripe is how the teachers in this fight are coming off as instantly deserving of more pay, just because other districts get it, or the district got a kick.

[tessieca]

Sacramento City Unified is the highest payor. I just don't see people rushing to work there.

[DrKoz23]

As for kids and teachers talking about union and pay scale of teachers at school- hurray!!! Get kids talking. Get them interested in local events. Get them interested in civics and labor unions. I mean what- your gonna make 'em grow up first before they have any experience debating different ideas?

You have got to be kidding me?!?!? You feel discussing teacher/school board negotiations with their students is appropriate in biology class? You feel it is appropriate in algebra?

Why should any kid be subjected to propaganda from teachers. They obviously are only getting one side of the story from the teachers. I am sure the teacher is not bringing in any board members to give a rebuttal to the one-sided information being presented by the teacher.

When did teaching become spewing the teacher's opinions on a student? I thought it was to teach basic knowledge needed to succeed in life.

Honestly... any teacher that is taking classroom time to promote their own agenda should be disciplined. Who should parents complain to if this continues in the classroom. It is inappropriate and unethical.

[DrKoz23]

I don't ask that question, instead... "If the other districts pay better, why not go there instead?". You said to look around at any surrounding district. Surely there's a job in a nice neighbourhood that pays better. I've relocated 5 times and almost 200 miles for better pay to put my kids through college.

My biggest gripe is how the teachers in this fight are coming off as instantly deserving of more pay, just because other districts get it, or the district got a kick.

Yeah... if someone in the private sector went up to their boss and said...

"Company A down the street is paying their technicians $5000 more a year... can I have the same amount?"

I am sure the boss would say...

"Then why don't you go work for Company A!"

Great point Mylo!

[jen]

but this is the first time anyone has heard of it.

Maybe your union isn't telling you everything that's going on. It wouldn't be the first time.

When did teaching become spewing the teacher's opinions on a student? I thought it was to teach basic knowledge needed to succeed in life.

Honestly... any teacher that is taking classroom time to promote their own agenda should be disciplined. Who should parents complain to if this continues in the classroom. It is inappropriate and unethical.

Amen! At the very least, teach it in an economics class and present both sides so the kids can make an informed opinion. Don't teach it in Algebra (my child's teacher did) or middle school history (yep, there too).

Doc, my kids report this has stopped. I was told by the district office that they were going to investigate any new claims, so I would call someone there. If it happens again, I would start with the principal. Then try the office, maybe Superintendent or one of the assistant superintendents.

[TM70]

I don't ask that question, instead... "If the other districts pay better, why not go there instead?". You said to look around at any surrounding district. Surely there's a job in a nice neighbourhood that pays better. I've relocated 5 times and almost 200 miles for better pay to put my kids through college.

My biggest gripe is how the teachers in this fight are coming off as instantly deserving of more pay, just because other districts get it, or the district got a kick.

Many of my continuing education units are only good in FCUSD. Anyway, if I went to any other district I would lost about $20,000 a year, so it's not really an option for me at this point, but thanks!

Also, the whole, "these teachers are griping, blah, blah, blah..." It's the nature of the beast. I didn't create this system and the district is using those numbers to their advantage as well. Can't have both sides.

[TM70]

Sacramento City Unified is the highest payor. I just don't see people rushing to work there.

You also don't see people rushing there to be school board presidents either...

[TM70]

too many clicks...

[TM70]

Yeah... if someone in the private sector went up to their boss and said...

"Company A down the street is paying their technicians $5000 more a year... can I have the same amount?"

I am sure the boss would say...

"Then why don't you go work for Company A!"

Great point Mylo!

Teaching is not the private sector so why do you continue to compare teaching to jobs that obviously have TOTALLY different working conditions. Not seeing it...but again, Thanks!

[DrKoz23]

Teaching is not the private sector so why do you continue to compare teaching to jobs that obviously have TOTALLY different working conditions. Not seeing it...but again, Thanks!

Why isn't it like the private sector. If you really think you are worth more money... then go work in a district that is paying more money. Plain and simple. Is there something you don't understand???

[TM70]

Maybe your union isn't telling you everything that's going on. It wouldn't be the first time.
Amen! At the very least, teach it in an economics class and present both sides so the kids can make an informed opinion. Don't teach it in Algebra (my child's teacher did) or middle school history (yep, there too).

Doc, my kids report this has stopped. I was told by the district office that they were going to investigate any new claims, so I would call someone there. If it happens again, I would start with the principal. Then try the office, maybe Superintendent or one of the assistant superintendents.

Unions not telling their members everything...thanks? I never thought of that?

Yes, call the superintendent. If it's such a big deal and the big, bad teachers are doing this then do something about it!!! Talk about whining and griping...geesh...I don't approve of this practice any more than you do, but I am going to wear my green shirt to show solidarity with my fellow teachers.

Don't wait for the principal. Just call Pat Godwin and go to the top. What are you waiting for? Call 355-1100 Ext. 107