98 replies to this topic

[Robert Gary]

I'm quite aware of that, but where I am on the pay scale it sure hurts. I can't even count on teaching summer school because that will likely not be offered if the state doesn't have the money. Sad when a veteran teacher has to take on a second job to make ends meet! I don't have to do that YET...but it could come to that and there really aren't extra jobs out there.

As a state we've decided that its politically fashionable to put the bulk of the burden on the least consistent source of revenue (taxes on big corporations and top income earners who may not have any income during lean years). As a result we've decided, as a state, that we are willing to accept these extreme cycles of lean times when the economy slows down.

I know some districts simply ask parents to help fund the school. A friend of mine lives near Loomis/Granite Bay and they are asked for $500 per kid for the district. That sounds reasonable to me. I wouldn't mind putting $1000 (for 2 kids) into the system if everyone else did as well.

-Robert

[stacycam]

I remember a report stating that our Sup. has a higher salary (for some reason, 20% is jumping into my mind) than other Sups that are in charge of districts that are relative to our size.

I don't know about his salary compared to other districts, but he makes more than the statewide average. His salary is the ONLY salary about state average. Well, at least it was in 05/06. I can only guess nothing has changed, except that maybe the salary is actually higher now.

[Barb J]

I know some districts simply ask parents to help fund the school. A friend of mine lives near Loomis/Granite Bay and they are asked for $500 per kid for the district. That sounds reasonable to me. I wouldn't mind putting $1000 (for 2 kids) into the system if everyone else did as well.

-Robert

I give at least $500 if not more each year already. I wouldn't have a problem with this, however it would have to go directly to the school, or the PTA, to distribute accordingly. I would not support this if the school district were in charge of meting out the funds.

Barb

[stacycam]

I give at least $500 if not more each year already. I wouldn't have a problem with this, however it would have to go directly to the school, or the PTA, to distribute accordingly. I would not support this if the school district were in charge of meting out the funds.

Barb

AMEN!

[cw68]

Swmr: I would be very wary to let a non-parent volunteer at our school. Don't take it personally, the way things are going in our country these days, you have to be very careful as to who you let volunteer. I do not think it has anything to do with you being gay or filing a lawsuit, I think it's just the culture of our country.

This is a problem. All of us in the community have a vested interest in our schools and our students. The more who want to help, the better. And I think someone who has been in the Folsom schools makes an excellent volunteer.

My non-parent do you mean someone who doesn't have kids at that school? Or just someone who hasn't reproduced? Because I doubt if Grandma Jones moved into your neighborhood without her kids or grandkids, had extra time and the inclination to volunteer at your school I doubt she'd be turned away from volunteering. If swmr was a girl would you be saying the same thing? I doubt the concern would be minimized.

IMO, attitudes like the above discourage men from teaching and/or being involved with kids. It must be difficult to always have to be on the defense.

[Darthvader]

This is a problem. All of us in the community have a vested interest in our schools and our students. The more who want to help, the better. And I think someone who has been in the Folsom schools makes an excellent volunteer.

My non-parent do you mean someone who doesn't have kids at that school? Or just someone who hasn't reproduced? Because I doubt if Grandma Jones moved into your neighborhood without her kids or grandkids, had extra time and the inclination to volunteer at your school I doubt she'd be turned away from volunteering. If swmr was a girl would you be saying the same thing? I doubt the concern would be minimized.

IMO, attitudes like the above discourage men from teaching and/or being involved with kids. It must be difficult to always have to be on the defense.

Why let the cat back in the hen house? If they did let him volunteer that would just open up more ways for him to find other things to again sue the school district.

Plenty of men are allowed to volunteer at schools, that is a fact.

[Barb J]

This is a problem. All of us in the community have a vested interest in our schools and our students. The more who want to help, the better. And I think someone who has been in the Folsom schools makes an excellent volunteer.

My non-parent do you mean someone who doesn't have kids at that school? Or just someone who hasn't reproduced? Because I doubt if Grandma Jones moved into your neighborhood without her kids or grandkids, had extra time and the inclination to volunteer at your school I doubt she'd be turned away from volunteering. If swmr was a girl would you be saying the same thing? I doubt the concern would be minimized.

IMO, attitudes like the above discourage men from teaching and/or being involved with kids. It must be difficult to always have to be on the defense.

We live in a very litigious society whether we like it or not. I wish it wasn't the way it was, but it is. For me personally, it's not a boy/girl issue. I personally would be wary to let a non-parent volunteer because of the potential issues that could arise - it would make it not even worthwhile.

My daughter started Kindergarten the year after a male teacher in our community was arrested and pled guilty to AWFUL crimes against several children at our school. That year, they hired a new male teacher to teach my daughter's Kindergarten class. Was I wary? Not in the least. He has been one of the best teachers my daughter ever had. Do I assume that all male teachers must be molesters because one was? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

These are two completely different issues. I would be wary of having a non-parent volunteer (someone who doesn't have kids at the school) whether they were male or female, gay or straight. Our community is lucky because we have no shortage of volunteers. Our school actually has turned people away in the past because they have too many volunteers. Would I want a non-parent taking a volunteers spot away from a parent who wants to volunteer? No way.

If someone wants to help and get involved, there are plenty of avenues for them to do so.
Barb

[Robert Gary]

Swmr: I would be very wary to let a non-parent volunteer at our school. Don't take it personally, the way things are going in our country these days, you have to be very careful as to who you let volunteer. I do not think it has anything to do with you being gay or filing a lawsuit, I think it's just the culture of our country.
Barb

I think it has more to do with people being afraid after watching Dateline NBC, etc shows that give us a messed up view of humanity. Today we actually believe that there are strangers out there just waiting to snatch our kids if we turn out backs! What a lot of bunk! The end result is that the kids suffer. Kids can no longer go out on their bikes and explore, etc because mom and dad saw a scarry show on TV about a kid who was abducted by his father.

-Robert

[Barb J]

You're sure the teachers' union wouldn't agree? Really? I think the teachers' union would agree if it helped save jobs and keep teachers in the classrooms so we don't have to raise class sizes. Pari.

Hey Pari: There's an article in the SacBee today (Sunday) and the Teacher's Union states that they are opposed to elimintaing 5 days from the school year. 5 days/year = 3% reduction in pay according to the article.

Based on your post above, I would urge the teachers to ban together and let their Union know that they want to keep their jobs and are willing to take a 3% cut in pay to accomplish that. I know that the Dept of Corrections is talking about a 10% cut in pay for their officers due to the budget crisis. A 3% cut is certainly do-able in my opinion to keep jobs (approx. 8 at my school alone)

Barb

[rightwingknot]

Hey Pari: There's an article in the SacBee today (Sunday) and the Teacher's Union states that they are opposed to elimintaing 5 days from the school year. 5 days/year = 3% reduction in pay according to the article.

Based on your post above, I would urge the teachers to ban together and let their Union know that they want to keep their jobs and are willing to take a 3% cut in pay to accomplish that. I know that the Dept of Corrections is talking about a 10% cut in pay for their officers due to the budget crisis. A 3% cut is certainly do-able in my opinion to keep jobs (approx. 8 at my school alone)

Barb

I would also add that this is a wake up call to the district to seriously consider a golden handshake for the 25% of district teachers beyond, at, or near retirement age. A salary cut does not affect their retirement, but it certainly forestalls any chance of any future increases in their salary for the foreseeable future that would increase their retirment benefit.

I have heard the district has no interest in pursuing golden handshakes. 25% of district teachers equals about 250. If even 10% of them would consider a golden handshake, there must be savings there to benefit the district budget.

[ptejhe]

In a recent article by Jim Sanders in the major Sacramento newspaper (http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1510332.html), it was reported that the Governator has proposed eliminating class size reduction, eliminating one of two science courses for HS graduation, and shorten the school year by 5 days.

Eliminating a science class, dumb. Shortening the school year by five days, don't see the savings there. Eliminating class size reduction altogether...absolutely stupid; the data is just now starting to indicate the benefits of CSR.

Of course, this is all premature since the Legislature hasn't passed anything yet. However, Debbie Bettencourt, deputy superintendent of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District seems to have unilaterally passed judgment on the issue and declared in the article "cutting the calendar would only exacerbate the strain on schools to cover mandated instruction"...and..."a new round of budget cuts could force Folsom Cordova schools to eliminate its class-size reduction program." I should think that school board members would take exception to such a presumption of their budgetary authority.

So, here we are again. The FCUSD School Board will again be forced to choose what programs to cut. When this happened last year (CSR for 3rd grade was eliminated with nary a whimper), very little was heard from the public, nor the teacher's association for that matter.

Eliminating CSR is an all-to easy solution for the board because it is a cash cow and saves a lot of money in one-fell swoop. The question is, why is it all-to-easy to cut CSR?

So where does all that money go? Did you know you can find out, and it's as easy as submitting a written request? Any person may request access or copies of district records that are not confidential. Information can be found here: http://www.fcusd.org/AdminWeb/1000/AR1340.pdf.

I ask you, what are you prepared to do to save CSR?

It is my understanding that board members may prefer phone calls rather than emails (let's face it, we all browse emails rather than read them carefully sometimes, especially if it's a deluge of emails). A phone call to a school board member would be much better as it is personal communication that allows a cordial discourse between the board member and their constituent. Below are just a few simple questions one could ask board members, and their contact information is below that.

1) Shouldn't a child's ability to read (1st and 2nd grade CSR) take priority over sports, art, and music at the high school and middle school level?
2) Is teaching reading a district priority?
3) Are you willing to risk the success our district has gained on standardized testing on the unsubstantiated presumption that CSR has no little or no impact on a child's ability to read and learn?
4) Are you willing to place at risk the possibility that students will be more successful with CSR than without?
5) What are the other school districts cutting and why?
6) How are the other school district cutting programs, yet, preserving CSR?
7) Can you explain to me how to read the district budget documents so I can be an informed constituent?
8) When was the last time the school board ever passed a budget item that was not by unanimous consent?
9) How many times have you voted against the majority on a budget item? Any item?
10) Encourage members to spend one FULL day in a K-2 classroom.

11) What are you, school board member, prepared to do?

Parent or not, what we do today does affect our community in the future. Be informed. Get involved.

Roger L. Benton Term Expires: 12/2010
916.798.9953

Edward Short Term Expires: 12/2010
916.362.9618

JoAnne Reinking Term Expires: 12/2012
916.984.0650

Richard Shaw Term Expires: 12/2010
916.351.9325

Teresa Stanley Term Expires: 12/2012
916.985.3802

Why don't we plan a day where we "hound" these board members?? I think that would really speak LOUDLY to them! If we take a few moments to call them whenever we feel like it, I don't think it will make an impact, HOWEVER, if we come up with 1 day where all of us in the community that are passionate on this subject call these individuals and stand our ground, I think that will make the most impact!

[supermom]

As a state we've decided that its politically fashionable to put the bulk of the burden on the least consistent source of revenue (taxes on big corporations and top income earners who may not have any income during lean years). As a result we've decided, as a state, that we are willing to accept these extreme cycles of lean times when the economy slows down.

I know some districts simply ask parents to help fund the school. A friend of mine lives near Loomis/Granite Bay and they are asked for $500 per kid for the district. That sounds reasonable to me. I wouldn't mind putting $1000 (for 2 kids) into the system if everyone else did as well.

-Robert

That is bizarre. That's what my taxes are for. I do not donate to the school or the PTA--except for actual specific fundraising events. Like helping the teachers lending closet (supplies) or the nurses lending closet (clothes my kids outgrew).

Or paying for a school dance.


No way in hell would I give the school $500 bucks a year per kid. I already give the state and the feds lots of money to fund my kids schools.

Blech.

[tessieca]

I don't know about his salary compared to other districts, but he makes more than the statewide average. His salary is the ONLY salary about state average. Well, at least it was in 05/06. I can only guess nothing has changed, except that maybe the salary is actually higher now.

Actually, the CDE shows that supt's for a unified district up to 19,999 students (ours has around 19000) the average is $183,478. 20,000 students and up pay average of over $210,000 (including 3 or 4 of our neighboring districts).

I would also add that this is a wake up call to the district to seriously consider a golden handshake for the 25% of district teachers beyond, at, or near retirement age.
I have heard the district has no interest in pursuing golden handshakes.

In fact, these packages have been offered in past tight budget years, and there were never enough takers to make it worthwhile to the district (the net gain if only a few teachers take it is not sufficient to cover the costs).

[Parizienne]

I didn't see that article. Thank you for the reference. I believe CTA is very out of touch with most of us. Our local chapters are more responsive to these issues in many cases, but don't have the power to effect policy. This is a Catch-22. I need the union because I will probably be laid off this year, and the union will help me challenge this and possibly stay employed. And because of the union, there are rules in place that give me a chance of being rehired and not losing my service credits. On the other hand, they do things like oppose solutions that could potentially keep many of us working and it sends the wrong message to the public. I am so SICK of all this posturing. It's true, no one wants to take a pay cut, but the ramifications of mass layoffs are going to be catastrophic for the state as a whole. Dumping teachers out of classrooms is NOT in the best interests of children, nor in the best interests of experienced, passionate teachers who are dedicated to their pupils. The union is supposed to represent our interests as a whole -- not the safe majority whose jobs are not on the block because of longevity. If my colleagues with more service time who don't get layoff notices were to say to me "I won't take a pay cut. I'd rather that other teachers lose their jobs so I can look out for number one," I would be stunned.

The union is posturing just like every other politico in the state. Nauseating.


Pari.

Hey Pari: There's an article in the SacBee today (Sunday) and the Teacher's Union states that they are opposed to elimintaing 5 days from the school year. 5 days/year = 3% reduction in pay according to the article.

Based on your post above, I would urge the teachers to ban together and let their Union know that they want to keep their jobs and are willing to take a 3% cut in pay to accomplish that. I know that the Dept of Corrections is talking about a 10% cut in pay for their officers due to the budget crisis. A 3% cut is certainly do-able in my opinion to keep jobs (approx. 8 at my school alone)

Barb

[Parizienne]

Actually, the CDE shows that supt's for a unified district up to 19,999 students (ours has around 19000) the average is $183,478. 20,000 students and up pay average of over $210,000 (including 3 or 4 of our neighboring districts).


In fact, these packages have been offered in past tight budget years, and there were never enough takers to make it worthwhile to the district (the net gain if only a few teachers take it is not sufficient to cover the costs).

What is the average age of a teacher in this district? Are they mostly older or younger? What percent are close to retirement age? Why wouldn't the district even consider doing this? Maybe the handshake needed a little more "gold" to be attractive. I can think of at least two employees (one certificated, one classified) who just said they'd take early retirement to me recently. I think many who are close are worried the funds are going to be raided somehow. Or if they aren't raided that the process by which benefits accumulate and are awarded will change. I think they'd consider leaving early just so they can lock in their benefit before the economy gets worse. I think the district and board she reconsider this option, please.


Pari