The teachers did not initiate the work stoppage, it's a union, there's a contract, and you cannot (I think) be a teacher without being in the union. In this day and age there appears to be less and less striking along with less unionization. Unions were created because initially, workers really were treated unfairly and it worked very well for both sides for a long time. Then in the late 60's-early 70's it got very ugly and greedy.

re: The board members didn’t always have answers for the public
I agree with Beth Tupa that not having an answer is a cop out. Were these adult college graduates (at least I hope they are) that are our board members ever present in class when the word 'contingency' was introduced?
Just what do they actually do during negotiations behind closed doors? Negotiate who is going to Starbucks to get coffee?
Here's what really bothers me and maybe Rachel can shed light on this.
When does the contract expire and when did negotiations start?
Is there something in the contract that negotiations cannot start X number of days before expiration? And if not, when was the first communication to initiate negotiations. Why does it ALWAYS, and this is evident many time, that when it comes to crunch time, there's a 'hurry up' to seal the deal for the next contract?

What will happen to All-Day Kindergarten in the event of a strike? We're scheduled to pay $390 a month for this program, but will it be scrapped if the BOE's only option is to hire a sub ill-equipped for ADK? Can you find out for me, Rachel?

The teacher’s actions are despicable. Showing up as a mob in their red shirts with buttons is nothing less than bullying. They are trying to discourage the people of Brecksville from speaking up and letting the school board that they support them. If you are a parent and side with the school board are you going to stand up and publicly state your opinion in front of the teacher that is teaching your kid? Teachers know this and are using this as a bullying technique. I'd caution the teachers that if it does come down to striking and losing your job all the other districts and private schools know that you are trouble makers that initiate strikes (99.5% of you voted to strike) and they will not want anything to do with that type of person in their organization. Teachers have it really good right now and I think you went too far this time and your greed has caught up with you. If the teachers do lose their jobs here is what their future holds:
- Average salaries in their next jobs would be in the $45,000 range
-Pay 30% of their insurance premiums (right now they pay 10%)
-$4,000 to $6000 deductibles (right now they pay $0)
-Fund their own retirement (right now they get 14% of their salary for free for this)

There are so many points that need to be addressed here. Edward, the teachers have worked under old contracts before while still negotiating. This Board has done things a little differently though. While, you say the Board cannot force a strike, it has been their plan all along to do so. They keep saying that they are negotiating in good faith but did you hear all of the things that haven't been discussed yet? First, the Board contacted Huffmasters after only several negotiation meetings. Did you hear Tyron LIE last night and say he didn't know about the invoice for $800? Did you hear how they stopped 5 hour negotiating sessions after only an hour? Did you hear how they cancelled all July negotiations? Do you understand why they would want the teachers to strike? So they can blame all on the teachers and they can in turn save money. Do you not think they already know how many days the teachers need to be out to save the dollar amount they want?

It was a mob. They cheered and made a scene when they entered. Mr. Zenir walked around shaking hands like the ringmaster of the circus with a smug grin on his face. Clearly pleased with himself. The teachers spread out and sat among parents not dressed to support (when there was ample seating that they could have used to sit together in one section). I quietly said something to a parent next to me about how uncomfortable it felt and a teacher glared at me. Another teacher my son had at the middle school came up and said "you do support us right?" After the meeting started and the treasurers report was being given (which was great by way) Mr. Lucce prearranged to have the football team dramatically enter from a side door that no one else used, parade through the auditorium with teachers cheering/clapping/whistling. Then they walked out. I left board meeting with doubts about the special needs language and questions about impact on reducing prep time. I was embarrased to have Mrs. Mack and Mr. Dozen on the board as both appear to be arrogant and disrepectfuly people with inflammatory actions. I left the board meeting with little respect for teachers. I now view them as union, no different than factory worker mentality. It will take quite a healing process before I can again view them as professionals.

Did you notice how they can answer any financial question but they have no answers for the questions on special education and planning time. Mr. Dosen said that just because a teacher doesn't have 400 minutes to plan anymore doesn't mean that they stop planning when the 200 minutes is up. This just shows his ignorance in what is really happening in the schools. Teachers don't sit at their desk and plan during their planning time. That time is used to help students, meet with parents, collaborate with colleagues, etc. They admittedly didn't spend much time on sections of the proposal that are extremely important to student success - and the worst part is they don't even know it.

The teachers had no control over the football players walking in. Did you see Mr. Prebles up there clapping? And the parents? The teachers are not some mob Edward, it's called unity- just like we wear our spirit wear every Friday, or wear our different shirts to support school clubs. We understand that there are people with differing opinions and we are not discouraging anyone from voicing them. All we are asking for is a fair and equitable contract and would like the Board to negotiate that with us but all the Board wants is their contract. The teachers are willing to give back!

Matt G. obviously wasn't at the meeting last night or he would have seen that the teachers were in white shirts. So, he just lashes out without real information, it must be just to agitate.

A strike is easily averted. Don't impose a contract, continue with the current one until there is a settlement. The teachers in this district have worked many times without a contract, even a whole year while negotiations go on. This board wants to make a name for itself as the board that broke a teachers' union. It will do whatever it pleases to accomplish this. Because it got a plurality of the 30% of eligible voters who voted it feels it has a mandate. That also means that less than 15% of all eligible voters elected the two new members.

Edward, I don't think the reason this district doesn't pass levies on the first try is the teachers. This district hasn't passed a new operating levy on it's first try in over 40 years. There always seems to be some reason to vote against it. But I think the main reason is you want to keep your taxes as some of the lowest in Cuyahoga County. If you were even in the middle of the county tax wise there wouldn't be this problem.

I posted this as a reply on another thread but believe it applies here as well.

My family moved to this district from a district whose levies continually failed. A result of the bad economy, partially but the community thought the schools were asking for too much. Two of the immediate results: more homes went up for sale and property values plummeted. As a result bussing was cut not only from HS students but from K-8 students living within a two mile measurable driving distance (shortest not necessarily most direct route) from the school which they attend, art and music classes district wide were cut to minimums, foreign language classes at the HS were cut to minimums, a plethora of elective classes were cut at the HS, AP classes were cut, mandated classes were cut to state minimums, pay-to-play was instituted, the school day (district-wide) was shortened, certified and support staff were drastically cut, and class size, at the HS and MS at least, were increased to 30+ (if I missed anything I apologize). This was not blackmail, this was reality.

(continued)

The last new money levy in this district was passed in 2004. According to current laws the amount of money generated the first year by this levy is the MAXIMUM amount of money that can be collected until a new increase is passed. So let's look at numbers...are you generating more money than you did in 2004? Have you gotten any cost of living adjustments in 7 years? Has your cost of living remained at 2004 levels while others have increased? Has there been NEW residential development in this district since 2004 that can positively impact a new levy?
My family lives on a "budget" and we are able to readjust according to need, but no one is asking us (or many of those in this community) to live on the income they received more than 7 years ago.
The fact that there was more than a $100,000 surplus in last year's budget seems to imply that some cost cutting measures are working so why are we asking for our schools to do more and providing them less?

I attended last night's meeting and did not witness anything remotely resembling a mob. I felt the proceedings were respectful, and opposing views were all given ample time and respect to voice their opinions. The football players were quiet and walked in and out the same door that I chose to. I find it commendable that a number of students, who obviously are very affected by the current state of affairs, decided to attend the meeting. I am genuinely perplexed at many of the false and hateful comments posted here. Please direct all the anger and emotion you're feeling to the job at hand - let's encourage the school board to start the process of REAL negotiations. For the sake of our schools, our kids, our community - please compromise somewhere in the middle of the two contracts. Everything I've learned points to the fact that the teachers/staff are willing and fully expect to meet in the middle. They know they'll never receive one cent of the rollover contract salary increases. In fact, they aren't asking for them. They are proposing another salary freeze and an increased contribution towards their health care benefits. The board is proposing 6% salary cuts and increased health care contributions on an all new health care plan. Meet in the middle. Negotiate. Don't leave negotiation meetings early and declare an impasse. Budge. Please work out an acceptable outcome for all involved now.

By the way, the district has certified with the state that they could afford to pay staff a 1% increase in the next two years. The money is there. I think the community should be thrilled that the school district didn't cut even more since it hasn't gotten new money in so long. Imagine if the teachers sign a new 2 year contract, and no new levy money comes in, it will be 10 years without any new income at the end of that contract. No business would survive 8 years with the same money coming in for 8 years. Most would go out of business. Schools can't put out more product or get investors though stocks. Schools investors are the tax payers. And everyone knows that eventually you get what you pay for. As it is now, the students are getting less offerings, thus less opportunities, larger classes so less individual attention. Now they will start to get less skilled teachers. Some may grow into being great teachers. However when you lose teachers like Mr. Luce because of the attitude of a vocal (hopefully) minority and when you have teachers turning down offers for "lesser" districts, what do you end up with?

I wish the board could have a meeting that were only for residents so they could speak their opinion without the risk of teachers taking it out on their kids. The teachers union hold their own meetings without residents. Can't we do the same so the board can see how the residents really feel?

Four comments were just removed for having profanity in a user name, which is not allowed by our Terms of Use. Please keep it clean: http://brecksville.patch.com/terms

Kim, no teacher is going to take anything out on your kids. I can't imagine many people who go into teaching who would do such a thing. It's not really what teachers are about. Besides, with so many kids in the classes, it is difficult to link parents to kids, especially if you haven't had the kids yet, and then trying to remember who said what… Don't worry about that. In spite of what some have written, teachers aren't union thugs. Most teachers are very protective of their students and usually refer to them as "my kids."

No teacher will write letters of recommendation if they are on strike. You should not expect them to. I can only guess that the middle school teacher may have been thinking that your child might not be safe in a classroom without a certified teacher. If they meant what you take it to mean, then that teacher should take a long look at him or her self and remember why they are teachers. I guarantee that the union tells teachers not to act that way, or say those things. It's not the way the union wants teachers to conduct themselves.

Kim that is all good and well but let's not forget teachers ate community members and tax payers too. Would your special meeting eliminate these community members? I think your best bet it to call or email the board. Also don't forget the board holds private meetings too. It's called "executive session". You really shouldnt be afraid to voice your concerns because you feel the teachers will react. Also let it be known that when the teachers were trying to express their concerns or educate the public they were silenced by the board through legal ulp's (unfair labor practice). I've personally seen at least two letters. It is my understanding that these filings are costing between 10-20,000 dollars to file.

Meant to say "are" not "ate". Stupid iPhone!

Lenore L., Mr. Luce did NOT have the football players come in like that, they had a practice and were only able to come in at the time when they did. Do not.make up facts. And at no point did it feel as though there was a mob with the teachers, they were respectful and quiet. Also, when the players walked in, it was the parents and the students that clapped and cheered for them, not the teachers, I noted that many of the teachers sat quietly when the players walked in. Do not make up things to attempt to make the teachers look like a bunch of thugs. You are wrong ma'am.

To Lenore L
If is unacceptable for you to slander Joe Zenith when you clearly do not know him. As I read what you said it is clear you had nothing better to add to a heated debate than defamation. A four year Why would he not shake hands with others? Can I

Try this again...it is unacceptable for you to slander Joe Zenir when you clearly do not know him. I predict you teach or have taught your child not judge others, and, if so, you have two opposing philosophies at work. This is simply a matter of conveinence when you are at odds with another point of view, so what would you tell your kid(s) to do?. From your tirade it is clear you had nothing of substance to add to a heated debate other than to to defame Joe. An apology is in order.

Frank, do you have a last name? If so, what is it?

Since Frank has little to say that isn't inflammatory and hateful perhaps his comments should be removed as well Rachel. He likes to make threats towards the teachers an awful lot on here...The teachers who have posted on here have been respectful and genuinely have tried to contribute to the dialogue even with a wide variety of viewpoints and often hurtful, untrue statements. I don't appreciate his verbal threats. Interesting that the union/teachers are being called out as thugs, but when we are verbally attacked this isn't thuggish behavior. There is definitely a double standard here.

The terms state that we should not be threatening or harassing individuals or groups...sure sounds like a lot of Frank's comments.

There are no threats but I can stop the threats? That's a bit contradictory don't you think?? Pretty sure we are all taxpayers Frank. Including the teachers who work AND live in the community.

Frank and Edward, what is it you do for a living? Glad you are drinking the Kasich "anit-public education" Kool-aid. Start treating those teachers like the professionals they are - the ones educating and caring for YOUR children. Those teachers have advanced degrees and chose that profession so they can make a difference in a child's life. If you don't like the high price that comes with a good education, there are several suburbs to your north and east that would be glad to welcome you in.

I’d like to use a specific instance to make an assessment as to if teachers are being reasonable or not versus using vague generalizations. The example I’d like to use is for a teacher who is leaving the Brecksville district (perhaps because he feels he is not fairly compensated) and written several times on this site about this issue. All of these numbers are public information that can be found http://buckeyeinstitute.org . This teacher’s salary is $90,434 for 1,320 hours worth of work per year. He also gets 14% on top of that each year for retirement (brings salary up to $103,000 per year), plus only pays 10% vs 35% that typical worker pays (assume total premium for family is $20k, we add another $5,000 to his compensation to bring salary up to $108,000), he pays zero deductible for insurance, he only has to 1,320 hours instead of 2,080 vs the rest of the public brings his equivalent salary up to $170,181 ($108,000 x 2,080/1,320) plus gets $87,000 per year for the rest of his life after retiring ($60,000 pension plus $28,000 Soc. Sec). I’m sorry, but I do not have any sympathy for someone complaining about this compensation package, especially when I am paying for it. Perhaps in a few years we will hear about Beachwood teachers striking after he starts complaining there too. Bottom line he is making the equivalent of someone in the private sector making $170,000 per year and can retire young while receiving $87,000 a year for life.

It may be a side point to your detailed example, but respectfully, teachers do not receive social security. And we work FAR more hours then that a year, as do many other professionals. We simply would not be able to do our jobs if we only worked those hours.

Hey Frank, we know you were there. God forbid you and your neighbors are forced to shop at Giant Eagle instead of Heinens?!!!!!! Tough times must call for tough measures. By the way, you should try Marc's. One is coming to your town soon!!!!!!!! ;)

Well, not that it's worth trying to change your mind Kim, but there are two huge mistakes in your whole rant. One, he isn't complaining or talking about striking. He wasn't leaving because of that. If you were at the meeting last night you would have heard that he was in the process of leaving the profession to become an actuary. He had already passed the first test required to do that when the Beachwood job opened. Being that he comes from a family of teachers and he respects the profession and enjoys teaching, he took the job. Amazingly they will pay him where he should be on the pay scale. I am sure they are very happy to have such a fine teacher.

Second - Teachers do not get Social Security. You have to have 40 credits based on earning a certain amount of money while not employed in the public sector. You can earn 4 credits in a year. Most teachers will never have enough money into SS to get any out. We do pay into Medicare every year.

I'd like to see any teacher work only the hours that they are at the school. It just doesn't happen. What do you do Kim? If teaching was such a wonderful profession when you were younger, why didn't you become a teacher? I could argue other parts of your "facts" but there would be no point, as you would not be willing to admit a mistake.

Most teachers in my building arrive by 7:30. Even if we left by 3:30, by my calculations (even though I don't have an ADVANCED degree according to Frank)that is 8 hours. Many stay long after. I know someone will say that we also have time for lunch. This is true. We have a 40 minute lunch period. I often work through mine but even if I didn't, I believe most jobs that go from 9-5 have time allotted for lunch. Ok, so then someone will say that we have planning times. Well that time is used for work as well. It is not free time just because we are not in front of students, although some teachers may use that time to do just that. So I'm not really sure what the issue is. Just because contractually we are not required to be there does not mean that we are not there working anyhow. Fact.

I guess I am unclear. What exactly are the teachers seeking? I am not talking general phrases like "to negotiate" or "to put kids first", I want specifics of what is proposed, what do you want changed so that you would sign? What is 100% unacceptable?

The Board's proposal as it stands language wise-what was initially posted-regarding LRE, planning time, seniority, and teacher evaluation...is completely unacceptable. I have detailed and been specific on previous threads that you have been on Lenore, what exactly is unacceptable about it to me. As have many other teachers.

Lenore as passionate as I am about providing a good education for my children I am a well informed PARENT not a teacher so I do not exact wording that they want only what I have interpreted from reading the proposals and what has been communicated to the public.

I agree that changes should be made to rid systems of bad teachers but measurements to do so can be as biased as the people using/implementing them. Lots of good teachers are lost because of the way the system works just like a lot of good employees are lost because of bad bosses/management.

Frank if your son feels the teachers are lazy or not challenging him maybe you as a parent need to advocate for your son to be placed in advanced classes or to go post secondary.

Our children's generation is so used to instant gratification many times they don't see the need for doing the mundane prerequisites before getting to what is more stimulating. This is something they must be taught.

Frank...who are you and why are you bothering to get involved in this community manner?

Frank, a Masters in indeed an advanced degree. Teaching is the specialty just like I have an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) AND my company paid for it, as many do. A Masters degree whatever kind requires a certain number of courses in order for the degree to be earned. My mother has a Masters degree in reading. She was a Cleveland school teacher and taught in regular ed, title 1, LD, etc. So don't dare insult any degree dear sir because it isn't just handed out. It is earned. If you were educated properly you would know that and have much better grammar and spelling. You should be grateful that Charlie has such great teachers. Oh and by the way, I can save you and your neighbors a little money with a hint. Heinens is a much better value than Giant Eagle my friend. Price shop a little and the money you save can be used to pay your taxes.

Lenore,
I am not a teacher in Brecksville, rather another suburb. We have willingly taken pay cuts and freezes, AND added costs of healthcare on top. We did so without complaint - my particular district has gone almost a decade without new funds, and with all the funds that have been cut at the state level, we are in a prediciment. You'd be hard-pressed to find a teacher that would complain about a standard of living increase, or even keep their salary the same if need be. It is the issue of the board working against them and refusing to talk. Ignore those on here that say otherwise.

Lenore,
I believe that if we were a business, the teachers and staff would be getting raises or bonuses for all of the great results that have come to/for/by the students. That said, the teachers are asking for 0% raises for the next three years. Any teacher at 15 years or more would not be getting a pay raise unless they increased their education. Until year 25 and year 30, when they get a longevity increase of $750. Asking for 0% increase in medical with a 5% increase in year three.
We will not accept a 6% cut in pay, a 20% increase in medical cost and a medical plan that could cost each family 5 to 10 thousand dollars out of pocket. Also, we will not allow them to gut the contractual language so there are no defined limits to anything other than state mandated minimums. When the board suggests that they need the flexibility of that, it means that they will do exactly that. I'm sure even Frank would agree, if you give government all the say in how things are done, it will be done the cheapest and poorest way possible.

Lenore, (part 2)

The board has enough money to pay for a 1% raise to all it's employees for the next two years. I think they should be asking for a decent sized permanent levy to re-instate lost programs over the last 3 years. Not all students do great in the academic areas and need the more hands on and real life courses.

I think everyone needs to take a step back and think about some of the comments that have been made here. The recession has been taking quite a toll on the community, and I'm not sure that we can afford these salaries. One man had to change grocery shopping locations from Heinens to Giant Eagle. It's terrible that our community has sunk to this level...

Here is my solution: we need to get this man back to Heinens. It's what he deserves. Nevermind the education of the children, this man had to shop at GIANT EAGLE. It's almost as if he was being sensible about money! Therefore, we need to DEFEAT THIS LEVY! The money saved in taxes should be enough to send this man to Heinens. If we defeat more levies, we can send him to TRADER JOE'S, the grocery store he deserves.

Honestly, I don't see what's more important than the grocery store you shop at. WAKE UP, PEOPLE!

Frank I'm starting to wonder why you came to reside in Brecksville. Was it the schools or the low taxes? And for the record I came to live in Brecksville because of the schools. The value I have gotten out of the schools has been phenomena. That is until people like yourself started talking about how teachers are "greedy" and began to vote down levies. That's when things started to change. The economy may hit a major crash every once in a while, but once the schools go down the drain they usually stay there.

Oh and by the way calling the students “fools” isn’t winning any argument anytime soon. But it's nice to see your true feelings about the students.

Frank one more thing. Instead of asking Charlie what the teachers "said", ask him what he learned that day. If he is indeed not learning and has skipped 2 grades then you need to find ways to keep him learning. There is nothing worse than being bored at school. I am not sure what Old Trail offers or it that school is better, but maybe you should take a look see. I am sure they offer financial aid or scholarships as it is rather pricey. There are other privates around as well.

Frank I will not presume to know the situation with your son. If indeed he is operating at such an advanced rate that he can indeed skip 2 full grade levels you had better learn to be a much more focused, vocal advocate for his needs. This may require you to *ack* get much better acquainted with the school psychologist and accelerrated teachers. This would require you to stop bashing them and their work effort and to help facilitate your son's education

Frank---although this is off the topic. I advice to to seek having your son attend college (if he is in HS) and get credit at no cost before he graduates from HS. You will not only be fulfilling his academic need but he/you will save time and $ on college.I know students who start their college years as sophomores!

I don't think Joe stated he wanted get rid of state mandates. I think it says he doesn't want the curriculum reduced to state minimums

I had to read it through 3 times myself, Lenore...font on phone is a bit small...no apology is necessary

A comment was deleted for a personal attack on another user. The active conversation is appreciated, and obviously people won't agree on everything, but please respect one another. Those types of comments can be deleted. The terms are here: http://brecksville.patch.com/terms

And to everyone who has posted questions here and on other articles—thank you. I'm compiling a list and will be looking for answers. I'll post updates when I have them. Feel free to keep the questions coming.

Mt last comment was directed to Frank...who I think feels all are against him.

Frank- Tell us about what you learned while in prison all of those years?

Frank, read your grammar. Pot, meet kettle. I have a Masters in Evaluation and Measurement and will be pursuing a Ph.D next year.
I have two children plus a household to look out for. My apologies if my lack of proofreading a forum post are all you can argue with :-)

It is very sad how these posts have deteriorated. Very little free flow of information and ideas exist anymore; more name calling and accusations. For the teachers out there you need to stop being goaded into these name calling interchanges. If you all ignore someone just posting insults against you it marginalizes them. By responding to those posts that are personal attacks you are only providing more fodder for those people. In the end it makes you (teachers) look bad. As far as the real topic at hand I have encouraged the Board to continue to negotiate. In my business the rule of thumb is each side is allowed one ridiculous offer before real negotiations begin. Let's keep it civil here folks, the children are watching us adults.

Lenore,
I have a question for you and others on here who wish to respond. What would be enough for the teachers to "give back" for you to support a new money levy. I ask with no intent of sarcasm. Last night the board stated that in 2 years we would have about a 4 million dollar deficit. Would you find it reasonable if the the teachers met half way. If, for example, they gave back enough in salary and insurance to save the district 2 million of those dollars. Would it be reasonable to then put a new money levy on the ballot to generate the additional 2 million? Or, do you need to see a certain dollar amount in pay cuts. Just wondering. I've stated on here before that while I do feel there needs to be sacrifice, it does need to be shared. The deficit cannot rely only on the backs of the teachers. Again, that is my opinion but I feel a community must share in the responsibility. Yes, the community voted down the last three new money levies; but what if the millage was reduced due to the give backs from the teachers or I should say BEA and BOSS since they both have a stake in this.

I would support no pay changes for the first 2 steps. I believe it takes a teacher a good 2 years to establish themselves as competent. The evaluation process should be more strict in this first 2 years to weed out bad hires. In terms of pay take the last freeze and apply it to the current steps. In other words, if you were frozen at step 5 two years ago that means you are currently a 7 year teacher. Make the new 7 the old step 5 pay. In terms of healthcare I would support an 80/20 heathcare policy with a $750 individual/$5,000 family cap. Prescriptions $20. Teachers would pay 25% of this premium (sounds like a lot but going to a "non cadillac" plan you will find it is quite reasonable), I feel special education is complicated. There are kids with dyslexia where consulting with the teacher may be adequate along with reading intervention vs. a child that has sever downs syndrome and requires 1:1. I am not well educated on special ed and do not feel I totally understand the issue. I would tend to support teachers on this issue. I am happy to answer any other questions of what I would support.

The board has had the agenda to force a contract/strike and I think we have the new members to thank for that. The way I see this, the board wants the teachers to take pay cuts. There is no way the board will allow teachers to work under the old contract which would grant pay increases and step increases. The board will force a contract leaving the teachers 2 options: take it or strike. This is why the board has moved so quickly to declare impasse and get a mediator. They have no interest in negotiating and it's obvious from how quickly they declared the impasse. They need to be sure to force a strike before school begins. In my opinion, they will force a strike and sit back and wait for the union to give in. They have no concern for our children, their education or the devastating effects a strike will have on the school system. They do all this in the name of trying to save money and work with the money that the district has. They are acting irresponsibly and spending far more money than they need to in order to carry out their plan.

In my opinion, the board sat there last night at the meeting lying through their teeth. Their answers about not discussing what would happen or not planning what will happen if there is strike is an outright lie, in my opinion. Any board would plan ahead for those situations and if they were not planning ahead, then why would they be hiring subs already. They know exactly what will happen and they are not telling the public because they don’t want to have to deal with the parents and complaints. From what I have heard, everything will be cancelled the first semester of the year if there is a strike. That means no sports, no clubs, no PSO functions, NOTHING!

I hope come election time in the next few years, that everyone remembers what this board has done to ruin the school system and that they are all elected out!

I feel at this point these conversations are fruitless. We know where the teachers and union stand. They know where the tax payers stand based on the past failed levys. Neither of us are going to change each others minds. Looks like the mediator has his work cut out for him/her.

After reading a number of posted comments on this thread, both pro and con the school board stance, I understand the negotiations process is and has been heated but a number of talking points have been generated here. Most community members that have posted here have come down on one side or the other but appear willing to work it out. Some suggestions or proposals are realistic others are not. There is obviously room for discussion and concession on both sides so let's focus on getting the negotiations process going and remain open to possible solutions to resolve this situation.

Looks to me like the most vocal proponents of salary and benefit reduction are a couple of small businees owners that haven't managed to move to a high level of success. One has proudly commented on the crappy benefits that she offers her people and the other is a little dude trapped like the Maytag repair man in a world of throw away appliances. Can't blame them for hating. They really have no money to give.

Edward, again, you are not paying anything to the union leaders, and that amount of money paid to the unions though dues will not change no matter what the board does, It is not a cost factor for them, or one they control. So what is the point of asking for fiscal responsibility for something the board isn't responsible for?

Dear Amy,
1. I am not bullying kids to get my way. Explain.
2. Mr. Luce is probably one of the most nonthreathening and nonintimidating teachers I have ever met. Have you met him?
3. Mr. Luce is not sending secret messages to students about the schools, levy, union, or politics - as Joe Allen said where is that proof?
4. A 2012 grad started the FB event to see if student were interested in attending. Did you attend the meeting? I think it is safe to say STUDENTs are interested - NEWSFLASH it is their education at stake. So yea, no one had to encourage let alone FORCE them to attend.
5. Again I ask, were you at the meeting? Why couldn't the Board answer the questions about Article 19 and alcohol policy? Hmmmm let's see BECAUSE THEY HAD NOT GOTTEN TO IT YET. WHY NOT? WE HAVE ELECTED THEM TO DO JUST THAT, NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT.
6. Mr. Tryon kept saying how many changes there were to read and go over, then DO IT and quit bellyaching. That is what I say. It this name calling? No bullying NO, I want the Board to do what they were elected to do, not sit and wait for expensive lawyers as the students wonder if they will have school, football games, band practice, fall sports, or help with college essays by their English teachers (YES THEY DO THAT TO BE HELPFUL - it is not required).
That is my response Amy. Have a great day!

Of all of the homes in the Brecksville school district, how many currently have property tax liens on them? How many homes in Brecksville are being foreclosed on because they are behind on taxes? What percentage of the average homeowner's income in Brecksville goes to pay their property taxes? How much is too much? How much has their home value decreased in the past few years? These are questions that need to be answered and considered in the debate. It's all public record. The tax increases are enforced by the threat of foreclosure.. So please be mindful of other's perspectives. The mindset of give me more money for the same work or I won't teach your kids or give me more money and you better pay it or you'll be homeless is not very community minded nor is it putting the children 1st.

It appears that there are a number of pro-school board backers either not reading all the posts made in this thread or choosing to ignore them. In so many posts I keep reading about 10% pay increases for the teachers. This is NOT at all what was stated or expressed at the board meeting on Tuesday. The board stated that if a new contract is not negotiated the last signed contract which expired on 6/30 would roll over until a new one was agreed upon. It is the OLD, EXPIRED contract that will allow SOME teachers to experience a 10% pay raise (I believe the statement was “…some teachers will experience a 5%-10%pay raise but only a few will receive 10%.”
At 10:13am today Joe laid out information
“Most teachers with 15 or more years in the district would not get a raise with this contract. [the new one] I believe that more than 50% of the teachers are at this level. The only raise some will get is if they get to their 25 year longevity pay of $750 which is under 1% of their pay. Amazing what cherry picking your numbers can do. So, most teachers will not get a raise, unless they increased their education. Those teachers, the ones with 15 or more years, have not gotten a raise in the last 2 years. Again, unless they spent enough money and time on increasing their education, which helps to make them better teachers. I think that shows a lot of shared sacrifice over the last 2 years and the coming 3 years.
(continued)

Although only ranging from 2-5% my college-educated, private-sector employed spouse received raises during this same time period. I’m sure many of you have also.

I have posted this twice yet have received to pertinent responses so i will try again.

My family moved to this district from a district whose levies continually failed. A result of the bad economy, partially but the community thought the schools were asking for too much. Two of the immediate results: more homes went up for sale and property values plummeted. As a result bussing was cut not only from HS students but from K-8 students living within a two mile measurable driving distance (shortest not necessarily most direct route) from the school which they attend, art and music classes district wide were cut to minimums, foreign language classes at the HS were cut to minimums, a plethora of elective classes were cut at the HS, AP classes were cut, mandated classes were cut to state minimums, pay-to-play was instituted, the school day (district-wide) was shortened, certified and support staff were drastically cut, and class size, at the HS and MS at least, were increased to 30+ (if I missed anything I apologize). This was not blackmail, this was reality; a result of levy failure after levy failure, a downturn in the economy, and the forcing of a community asset to go without an increase (even a cost of living increase/adjustment) in its budget.

(continued)

The last new money levy in the BBH district was passed in 2004. According to current laws the amount of money generated the first year by this levy is the MAXIMUM amount of money that can be collected until a new increase is passed.
Since I have yet to receive an answer I ask, yet again, those of you opposed to additional funding to answer these questions...
1 .Are you generating more money than you did in 2004?
2. Have you gotten any cost of living adjustments in 7 years?
3. Has your cost of living remained at 2004 levels while others have increased?
4. Has there been NEW residential development in this district since 2004 that can positively impact a new levy?
My family lives on a "budget" and we are able to readjust according to need, but no one is asking us (or many of those in this community) to live on the income they received more than 7 years ago. And I will be upfront and tell you that since 2004 my college educated, private sector working spouse has gotten a pay raise each of these years (as well as an bonus)amount to well over what we are talking about here (at a minimum of 2% annually).
The fact that there was more than a $100,000 surplus in last year's budget (mind you 8 years after passing the last levy) seems to imply that some cost cutting measures are working so why are we asking for our schools to do more and providing them less?

I have read several comments that teachers should pay more (in medical and retirement) because "my costs have gone up"; That they should have their salaries cut because they Great Recession has hit them personally. I definitely understand the gravity of the request the teachers are going to the public and the School Board with. I just don't always understand the motivation... My costs have gone up, too. Like most people now my family is experiencing hardships. My wife works in non-profit and will bring home 20K less this year than last. She has no benefits. We have two kids in daycare. We manage because we do not spend in excess, but I will fight where I can to protect my family's financial future - just like you would.
Several years ago the school entered a health consortium with other districts to keep costs down. We (yes I am a teacher) saved money and were able to keep premiums low by being part of a group. As I understand it now, if we had found a more expensive health plan or gone it alone (incurring higher costs), that would make everything alright.

For those that are interested, check out this short article regarding what the US can learn from Finland's success on the PISA.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/education/16teachers.html

Continued...
4. Hire a treasurer at the same rate as the treasurer who is leaving in about two weeks. The departing treasurer has been here for 11 years and has won every financial award you can earn as a treasurer. The new treasurer is a newly retired double-dipper from Lakewood who hasn't proven himself one bit in our district. Why does he earn so much if the Board is trying to change the trajectory of the budget? This was a perfect opportunity.
5. Pay a consulting fee to Huffmasters, a group widely known for employing unqualified teachers and "security" at the buildings. All of our teachers are certified AND designated as "highly qualified" by the state. That's right, 100% of our teachers. I sure hope the Board decided at their "consultation" meeting with Huffmasters that their services won't be requested!
6. Each Board member earns $100 every time they have a Board meeting. Look at how many they've had this year alone. Are they donating that money back because they're really here "for the kids"?

Face it, folks. Our Board has one agenda. They only care about money when it comes to our hard-working staff. Even worse, the "transparency" they claim they want is only applicable when it suits them. The questions we really want answered about extra-curriculars in case of a strike, how our kids' day will look if teachers' planning time is cut in half, how Section 19 REALLY affects our kids, etc. have gone unanswered or answered untruthfully.
Almost done....

And finally...
Ask yourself, for YOU, is it really about money or are you worried about what our kids' day will look like if the Board gets their way?

I have many, many more things to pose, but I've given you enough to think about for now. Remember, the Board didn't hire our current staff members because they thought the staff was incompetent or here for just a paycheck. PAST Boards knew the value of hiring qualified, caring, and invested people to do the most important job there is...educate our kids. Those staff members are still here. Calling them greedy and selfish is unfair and definitely doesn't send the message that we appreciate all they do for our kids and for us as a community.

Edward
I appreciate the good management of money that lead to a small surplus, however please don’t’ make the mistake of attributing all the credit to this board. The annual budget was determined by the last board. It was stated Tuesday that much of this money came as a lump sum from Giant Eagle in lieu of taxes. I can’t help to think that had the current board wanted to have an even larger surplus, say 250-300k, then maybe firing a law firm they paid ( I believe the figure being thrown around is 40k) for the last contract negotiation would have been a much more fiscally responsible thing to do. ( FYI-- cutting bussing does not save a substantial amount of money as can be seen in neighboring districts; is it a way for the school board to manipulate the public
As I have stated previously, I am a district resident with 2 teenagers active in extra-curriculars so we are one of those families paying out multiple times a year to participate (as well as to properly equip) student athletes—a trend that has become popular in many school districts.

(continued)

In regards to sacrifice, isn’t that, for the most part, what this opposing points on this thread have been about? That the board does not want to negotiate “sacrifices” but impose them!? How do you know the union won’t, as you state, sacrifice? The board hasn’t bothered to educate itself about the ENTIRE BEA proposal, Mr. Dosen made that perfectly clear when he made the flippant remark that,” …we’ve spent about as much time on that [Article 19] that we have on the alcohol issue…none.” According to what has been reported in numerous places, the BOARD declared the IMPASSE shortly after a token attempt at negotiating. What you keep citing as your source for showing what the BEA demands is a first proposal put forth for negotiation. The board’s proposal is also its first. NEGOTIATION is a give and take between 2 or more parties, not a concession by one and a take from the other(s).
Just because the district’s website has a link entitled Negotiation News does not mean it is written in an unbiased manner. Can you honestly say you read everything on that link and not see a bias? Just reading the section entitled “What You Should Know About Negotiations” provides only the slightest of information . And it doesn’t seem to mention that the administration (read superintendent) was removed from the negotiating process.

I am a teacher and I live in the district. My husband and I both graduated from Brecksville, my 3 children graduated from Brecksville, and, so far, I have 2 grandchildren who will attend Brecksville schools. The part that will suprise many of you is that I am a conservative republican. Having said that, I am PROUD to be a member of BEA. At the lowest local levels, I think unions work well, but just like government, the higher you go, the more corrupt it becomes. Someone before, don't remeber who, wanted to know what I would accept in a contract. I am willing to take a pay cut, I am willing to pay more into medical, but what I am not willing to do is accept a COMPLETE resutructuring of the salary scale, Times are bad now, but they will get better and we would be stuck with a scale that will NOT attract good teachers or enable young teachers to work up to a decent college graduate salary.
I can only teach for 2 more years, since my cirtification will expire, so the salary scale that the board wants to impose would not affect me that much. But I want my grandchildren to have the excellent education that Brecksville has been known for. I fear it will depleat, The board needs to REALLY negotiate. As Maria said at the borad meeting, we know we have to give more, but the board won't even negotiate.

that should have been "restructuring" not "resutructuring" sorrry

Frank- look at he frequency of your posts. You are coming unglued. Seek help. Your son deserves a stable parent who can control his temper and maintain his composure.

I'd like to remind readers that personal attacks are not allowed. Debate is welcome, but please respect one another. The terms of use are clear on that: http://brecksville.patch.com/terms

I don't blame Frank for thinking it is a teacher union member, but I think he is wrong. But whoever is threatening his son is a monster...union or not. I do not agree with Frank, but he has the right to his opinion...people have died for him to have that right. As a famous person once said..."I don't agree with him, but I will defend to the death his right to say it." (I suppose I should know who that person is, but I admit I don't.)

If anyone has been following this thread please note that I AM NOT THE OBNOXIOUS person that began posting at 7:21 this evening. I don't think I ramble, insult or threaten like she did. Also, you can click on her name and see her postings to definately see it was not me. Unfortunately she chose to usethe same name.

Lisa C knows who I am as do many of you other teachers and staff and I believe you know I would never speak so disrespectful to anyone.

Frank
Although I do not know you or your son I an concerned. As one parent to another I hope the matter gets resolved.

Should say disrespectfully

What should say "disrepectully" I don't know whose comment you are referring.

Frank-Can you post the letter somewhere?

Rachel-
A comment needs removing, by Robert K.. - 8:56 pm - Friday.
Again, "outing" the last name by another on here when that person did not provide the last name, AND for providing the name of the son!

Frank,
You're a disappointing indiviual.... and let me tell you why. I'm going to continue with the word "claimed" because I cannot prove that your son is gifted, nor do I really care. What concerns me is that you have "claimed", more than one time that your son is a gifted child, and along those lined you have continued to have said that a teacher should resign. Solely based on the fact that they would not accept the boards proposal, and because your son would be better with out them. I have several issues with that. Chief among them being, at the rate you espouse hate, ignorance, and behavior unbecoming of a community member who is genuinely interested in the future of the school district. Not only as relayed by Robert K, but in my humble personal opinion as well not only are you becoming unglued. But you aren't benefiting the discussions intended end game. If you indeed care about your son as much as you proclaim you do.
Which I'm not going to doubt because I would hope that the love you have for your son is greater than that which you hold for just about anything else. You need to examine yourself. Any self respecting parent with a child such as yours doesn't blame young union teachers for the lack of performance of their child. You should be asking your self not "what can teachers do for my childs education, but rather what CAN I do to further my childs education. Even if your childs educator, is fighting you on the issue. At least take one day off to make a case

all of you teachers need to stop being so greedy you are always saying how you love your job so much if you do then you will shut your mouths and take what they give you cause your lucky to have a job and me as a student will be suffering cause you little brats are not getting what you want it burns me to no end. I thought you were people that i could look up to but i guess not so i hope your happy. Your a bunch of brats!

Just a reminder that profanity is not allowed: http://brecksville.patch.com/terms

Donald,
Get a grip bro, I'm not a Teacher, and I've never worked a union job in my entire life. However, I couldn't be more thankful that a group of people like the teachers in the BBHCSD has a union, to fight people like tyrannical Tyron. I had the pleasure of working in union FREE environments precisely because my boss wasn't freakishly out of touch with employees. In addition my boss nor any of his superiors ever, and I repeat EVER campaigned against something that was so clearly beneficial to their employees and by extension our customers. Lastly, If I had an issue that required it, I could under the right circumstances pull my boss aside and have a private conversation whereby both parties received an earful of the others concerns. Needless to say the matter always was resolved. Get a grip

Here is a link to a community that really respects and values their teachers. Maybe some of you who think that BBH's teachers are greedy should read this, though I doubt you will. By the way, when was the last time you went looking for the cheapest, most inexperienced doctor to do your surgery?
http://solon.patch.com/articles/solon-teachers-average-second-highest-salary-in-ohio

I'd be careful what you believe from some of these posters. Yesterday, at church, I heard that the Board may be paying individuals out of their own pockets to monitor various news sites and post inflammatory comments.

There has been way too much name calling, bullying, and rumor mongering going on. Although this is an open forum, it would aid the discussion if everyone avoided making generalizations and unsubstantiated facts. I think most people would like to see a discussion of opposing views in a civilized manner.

Thank you all for your thoughts and comments. I think at times when tempers run hot one must pause and reflect before commentin.Though passionate as a response may be that response may do more harm than good. I find myself with the opposite position than either Lyn or Donald but believe I have been able to discuss my thoughts with them in a rational manner

Regardless of which side you come down on taking a destructive route will create more problems in the end. Respect should be shown to everyone. If you disagree state why and provide your reasoning. Name calling and anger are not a defense. Again, regardless of what side you are on the goal should be to educate not alienate..

We are all adults, let's respect one another.

The assumption that all posters in support of the BEA are teachers is as absurd as the assumption that all posters in the support of the BOE are board members themselves. lyn may be on the wrong side of the kids but she has clearly demonstrated an intlelligence beyond most BOE members.

Oh but Kate does exist and all that is desired is to have kids back in a great school.

Lori stated: "The last new money levy in the BBH district was passed in 2004. According to current laws the amount of money generated the first year by this levy is the MAXIMUM amount of money that can be collected until a new increase is passed. "
This is not completely correct. The district collects additional property tax revenue on that levy on new construction. Only "carryover" property is subject to the effects of HB 920 which freezes the revenue a school levy can generate. The district undoubtedly has received addtional property tax revenue since 2004 unless no new construction occurred since then.

Brad-
If the last new money levy covered the 5 school years from 2003-04 through and including 2007-08, then someone did a real good job managing the funds for the next 4 years since the teachers salaries and benefits continued to increase. (Are these years correct?) I'm assuming cuts had to be made in other areas so that the teachers could continue to receive these increases, which meant the kids paid the price, so maybe its time for the largest expense item the district has, teacher salary and benefits, to be adjusted down at this point in time. Why should the burden be put on the kids and their families?

As a teacher previously employed by this district, I am embarrassed by...wait for it...the UNION. There absolutely is a mob mentality and the union (and those who are fighting the board) have no idea what the real world demands of its workers...and there's no use trying to engage in a reasonable debate about it, trust me. The Board's proposal is still better than most other employers offer their employees. I know what both the public and private sector offer, and if the teachers were really informed, they would stop embarrassing themselves. There is such a thing as supply and demand...how is it that all the private schools in the area are fully staffed by certified professional teachers who are producing excellently performing students and are paid much, much lower than I was when I left teaching. I understand wanting to make as much money as possible, but being frozen at $84,000 a year doesn't sound like the worst thing in the world. A question: If the board kept all the language that involved working conditions the same as the previous contract (planning time, sped language, etc.), but kept the salary and benefits adjustments they proposed, would the union still be fighting and threatening a strike? That would be interesting, and very telling, to see...

To those who commented on my post: I was not expressing an opinion, I was simply pointing out that the district received more money since the 2004 levy due to new construction. The intent of my post was to correct the people who claim the 2004 levy revenue was frozen at those levels. That is true for the properties in place at that time but not for any properties that we built after that. FWIW, I don't have any stake in this fight, I just wanted everyone to understand a small piece of school finance.

How can anyone feel good about killing the renewal levy in the name of punishing teachers? We'll all pay.

Say what you will about the teachers, their union, the school board, the residents and levies. How do we get our kids back to school this fall with the type of education and extracurricular activities that suburbs like Brecksville and Broadview Hts. have traditionally offered and that parents and grandparents should rightfully expect? Our communities are as good as Solon. Aren't they? Who is most responsible for making it happen for our kids? I can't afford a private school! Please don't make things worse by voting down the renewal. I am begging everyone. Don't make our children pay for the sins and the errors of former Bs o E. Teachers probably shouldn't have gotten such a sweat deal but how do we fix this without leaving a mess behind? How do we fix the finances without breaking the union and ruining half of a school year? I am ready to pay more now and believe me I know we still need to find a way to get the escalating salaries and benefits under control but how do we do it without making a different kind of mess? Can anyone here propose a real solution that doesn't involve an ugly war with our kids as casualties? Is there someone here that knows how we can get our kids back to school and still keep are community’s reputations?

I think everyone that lives in Brecksville and Broadview Hts. will pay if the voters send our district into bankruptcy.

It has been rough but our family has been able to make adjustments so that we can make it. I don't want it to get worse. I thought that Mr. Prebles was telling us that the renewal levy was badly needed. Maybe I misunderstood. I saw a story here on the Patch that said that the school board was preparing for big changes if the levy failed. I hope your are right about everything being OK. I'm afraid.

Donald,
You could not be more incorrect about "the levy will pass eventually" and all will be OK. I am certain you do not understand the workings of school funding. Honest question - do you really understand how money is given/taken away from school districts? I teach in a neighboring community where conflicting attitudes on how teachers sould be paid/misconceptions on the what the job entails failed a levy FIVE TIMES. We were on the brink of state takover. This is a district that is excellent with distinction - a district that has teachers that are near the bottom of the pay scale in terms of the entire county. We lost nearly 4 million dollars to tangible property taxes being recalled. We lost over a million in the governor's new budget. We, as teachers, were attacked as being greedy. You have no idea how painful that is. I chose this profession to make a difference in a child's life. I have an undergraduate and a graduate degree (some on here believe teachers can't get advanced degrees - which shows that lack of education on their part) and will be pursuing a doctoral degree when my youngest is in kindergarten. I have given money BACK that I will never see again to my district to help the financial situation. I have taken 3 years without ANY pay increases AND pay more for my insurance. I have 36 kids in a classroom meant for 25. I am taking personal financial hits because of the state of funding here in OH. Teachers are not responsible Donald Blame OH.

Kathryn,
It will NOT be ok if a levy that will not raise your taxes fails. If it does, be prepared to see the BBHHS school system crumble. This is not the teachers faults. These are hard working people that care for your community and the children. All they are asking for is a fair voice in negotiations. Please, do some research on how schools are funded in the state of Ohio. Schools are losing money by no fault of the teachers, and they are the ones being blamed. Here is a link to the 5 year fiscal forecast. Please note the loss of revenue in tangible property taxes and state aid. http://www.bbhcsd.org/documents/File/District/Financial%20Reports/User-Friendly%20Forecast%2005232011.PDF. I do understand that it is frustrating that taxes have to go up. It was found to be unconstitutional several times in the state. Teachers are the machinery that produce well-educated children. If you don't have good machinery, what do you have? I have done a lot of research on school funding, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Donald,
Schools do not produce a product. We produce a well-educated child. If you were to look at all of the machinery inside the Cleveland Clinic, I am sure that most of the money spent there goes to the tools that allow patients to get better. CT scan machines, radiology supplies, surgical supplies, doctor salaries, etc. That is typical for any school system to have that proportion of funding going towards salaries. I am not getting a higher salary or better benefits. At what point will teachers be treated as professionals? At what point will be be treated with the respect we previously earned? Fix school funding, and these issues go away. The more we fight each other, the worse this gets. Why don't we see that?

Want to go the "with respect" route? You are advising people on here to punish the school system. I came here to help people understand school funding and the misconceptions about the workings of how money is moved around. Donald, I am not going to argue with you. Nothing will change your mind. I get it. Let me tell you this. My teachers GAVE BACK to the tune of $4 million over 2 years. Guess what? We STILL need to go back to the voters. I am making LESS, not getting an increase, paying more for insurance - and we still are not out of the woods yet. You never answered my question. Who is fear mongering?

And, Donald, my guess is you would never vote for a levy in my community even after hearing all we gave back. Just my guess.

What can everyone do right now to get our kids back to school, get our teachers back to work and stop the fighting with our friends and neighbors? I am afraid of where this is all headed. Each side seems to be accusing each other of things that don't seem to make sense. I will do whatever it takes. I hate this fighting.

I believe there will be teachers in the classrooms but I remember back when I was a kid what subs were like. It was sort of like a day off. I am afraid that it will take up too much time to get all the new teachers on track. I just don't know how the principals can get so many people in place so fast. Do the Huffmaster people help to smooth this out? This all is making our family very uncomfortable.

I would like to communicate with teachers and the BOE but I am afraid. I saw those documents that they filed against each other today. It has been hard enough just talking to friends and family. I don't know what to do. My family is in the middle.

Kat
take the good with the bad don't worry be happy......I think the kids will do fine with new teachers after all they must be certified to teach. Further there are a lot of teachers from other districts that I am sure have applied... I do not know that with certainty but I would expect that is the case. I know that there were hundreds of teachers from Cleveland that were laid off at least that was in the paper.... so
Don't Worry be happy... if you want to talk to your the teachers email them... and the same for the BOE.

I am sure they would get right back to you

the board is going to honor the current expired contract correct? 43% of the teachers will receive 1-10% increases...the lowest $750 and the highest I believe was said to be $7500. I would like to see the teachers work thru the negotiation process. The board is honoring the contract....I think if the teachers strike., they will be shooting themselves in the foot! Just saying.....

The Board is going to honor the agreement from the last contract as far as the increases. That's a separate issue from the new contract being worked out, so I wish Mr. Tryon would stop tying the old agreement to the negotiation of the new one. Keep in mind that those increases are compensation for a COMBINATION of not just experience, but also the money the teachers spend out of their own pocket to further THEIR education so they can continuously improve OUR CHILDREN'S education. I can understand some resistance by our community for the experience increases in this still-recovering economy, but I cannot begrudge them increases for taking classes with their own money on their own time. I'm glad they do that. Don't we expect them to continue to hone their skills and become greater experts in their craft?
I think Dave Tryon is being purposely misleading, and that makes me doubt some of the other statements by the Board. Based on the many, many conversations I've had with other community members (some with children and some without), they are OK with compensation for classes our teachers take, but they want to see experience freezes for the life of this contract. I realize that my impression represents a small amount of people, but it does represent a cross-section of demographics from both communities.
(Continued below...)

I hope both sides come to an agreement soon, and I hope the mediator helps. Right or wrong, the staff is worried that Mr. Tryon is talking about negotiating through November because they believe the Board will force a contract on them then. We need all the people involved to settle NOW or we will not have our teachers, custodians, secretaries, etc. in school on the first day. Is that how we want our kids to start this school year?

ATTENTION Edward, Ronnie, Dave Crandle, lyn, thegoodlife, Tara, John J. , and Bob: I posted these financial facts about a week ago, but none of you commented. Since your position seems to be finance-based, do you have any sense of outrage about the following??
The staff members are part of the "district". in the last contract, they made nearly a million dollars in concessions. Also, as staff members are cut every year, their work is being absorbed by the other staff members. The job description for staff members gets longer and longer, but they continue to work harder and harder because it really is "for the kids". This Board has money to spend where it chooses, and since Ziegler and Dosen came on board, they've decided to use it to punish the staff for their hard work. The Board has money to:
1. Hire a (very expensive) law firm that has built its reputation on bullying staffs into submission by making every aspect of their job a "management right".
2. Hire a consulting firm (at $80/hour for up to 80 hours and reimbursement for mileage) to interview subs. for a strike the BOARD is initiating by refusing to budge on so much as a comma in their proposal.

Keep reading...

Continued...
3. The ADMINISTRATORS had their FULL 24% STRS pension contribution paid by the Board until just before SB5 was voted on. Fearing it would pass and outlaw the Board's ability to pay the 14% that every other district employee pays themselves, they changed it so the Administration now pays their 14% share. But, here 's the part you don't know. They got that 14% contribution back in salary. So, they still get their whole 24% paid by the Board. Pretty nifty, huh? And, just to put a cherry on top, since it's now salary reported to STRS, their pensions will be more because their salary amount just climbed 14% annually.
4. Hire a treasurer at the same rate as the treasurer who is leaving in about two weeks. The departing treasurer has been here for 11 years and has won every financial award you can earn as a treasurer. The new treasurer is a newly retired double-dipper from Lakewood who hasn't proven himself one bit in our district. Why does he earn so much if the Board is trying to change the trajectory of the budget? This was a perfect opportunity.
5. Pay a consulting fee to Huffmasters, a group widely known for employing unqualified teachers and "security" at the buildings. All of our teachers are certified AND designated as "highly qualified" by the state. That's right, 100% of our teachers. I sure hope the Board decided at their "consultation" meeting with Huffmasters that their services won't be requested!

Keep reading...

Continued...

6. Each Board member earns $100 every time they have a Board meeting. Look at how many they've had this year alone. Are they donating that money back because they're really here "for the kids"?

Face it, folks. Our Board has one agenda. They only care about money when it comes to our hard-working staff. Even worse, the "transparency" they claim they want is only applicable when it suits them. The questions we really want answered about extra-curriculars in case of a strike, how our kids' day will look if teachers' planning time is cut in half, how Section 19 REALLY affects our kids, etc. have gone unanswered or answered untruthfully.

Ask yourself, for YOU, is it really about money or are you worried about what our kids' day will look like if the Board gets their way?

I have many, many more things to pose, but I've given you enough to think about for now. Remember, the Board didn't hire our current staff members because they thought the staff was incompetent or here for just a paycheck. PAST Boards knew the value of hiring qualified, caring, and invested people to do the most important job there is...educate our kids. Those staff members are still here. Calling them greedy and selfish is unfair and definitely doesn't send the message that we appreciate all they do for our kids and for us as a community.

The board is honoring the current contract because by law they have to since a new one was not agreed upon by June 30th. It is very misleading when they make statements such as this (honoring the pay increases) because at the same time they have declared final impasse. What people don't understand is that declaring final impasse basically says they cannot come to an agreement with the teachers union. Final impasse is the first step in imposing a contract on the teachers, which in their proposal does not include this increase. I'm not saying I agree one way or another with the increase but I feel everyone must understand that what is being said is VERY misleading. They have made is sound like they (the BOE) has offered the teachers this increase (1-10%) as the previous poster stated and the union is still threatening to strike. That is NOT the case. They are honoring it "on paper" because by law they have to. Is this making sense to anyone. If they want to impose their proposal on the teachers and we've read their proposal which DOES NOT include this increase than they really have no intention of the increase. It doesn't matter if you agree with the increase or not. What is important is for everyone to understand is that the message being sent is misleading. Both sides need to work through this process.

Janice: With regard to your 10:32 post. Thank you for backing me up. My immediate fear is the fate of the renewal levy. Former Board Member Dave Dosen campaigned against the last few new money levies with the assistance of his brother, current Board Member Mark Dosen. In fact, Mark Dosen wrote a Letter to the Editor before one of the failed new money levies and told the public that the failure of levies gives the Board "leverage during Negotiations". Lo and behold, Mark is now elected and the Dosen plan is in full swing. They stirred up this community with hate-mongering about our teachers so levies would fail and the Board could present a dismal financial forecast going into Negotiations. What they didn't plan for was the potential failure of this renewal levy.
Mark and Dave Dosen are like puppeteers. They are smugly admiring their anti-education campaign because some members of the public drank their Kool-Aid. They are under the impression that since THEY are endorsing the renewal levy, it will pass. I fear that they have done such a good job of creating a teacher-hating climate that it will torpedo the renewal levy. The Dosen egos have no place in our school district. They have little "skin in the game" because their kids are nearly graduated.They are ruining it for our kids and our grandkids.

Bravo! You managed to post without addressing one single revelation about what is really going on. The ability to be unaffected by the misspending and malpractice of the Board indicates your issue isn't really with spending, it's with spending on "teachers".
I have heard that there are people in this district who will never vote for a levy, no matter what! You are either in that category...or a Board member...because nothing I wrote above warranted any outrage or surprise from you.

Ah...another non-responder to the new revelations surfaces.
You can't read through my posts? Then why are you in the debate?

Robert,
Yesterday I posted some good info on school funding and tried to explain how districts are losing money from tangible property tax phase-out and other state-aid losses. I shared what happened in my school district - we seem to be about 2 years ahead of most schools that had a surpluss from levy passages (we failed 5 times in a row). Someone made a general comment that teachers need to stop the "fear mongering". I asked directly who was fear mongering, since that comment came after my post. I am not sure how the truth about school funding is "fear mongering", since numbers are numbers. I never got an answer - I asked twice. Most on here that are in support of the board are not on here to gain information.

Donnie boy! I am a troll too. Your antics are more amusing than any I can muster. Troll on funny old dude! You make this fun. You're hilarious. I don't know if RK is right or a teacher or what but he does put together some complete thoughts. Have you been exposed to chemical vapors? Running a meth lab DOES NOT make you a "chemist". It makes you a funny internet troll. It also does not pay benefits. No wonder you pay such high healthcare costs. You went to US as well? I'm intrigued. I bet they would rather you not advertise it. Check with Jan Sen.

Donny,

I don't teach in N. Royalton, though I don't know if I'm the Joe you are talking about. I also do find you incredibly funny, thank you for being here. When you state "I have a degree in chemistry and a minor in physics. Went to OSU went to high school at U.S. (not bragging of course) .........lol " I have to laugh a also!! If you were real, and you had such wonderful degrees and background, and couldn't get a job that pays you more than $200 a day, then I would have to ask WHY? Or, if you are lazy enough to want to sit and watch kids do nothing for 7 hours a day and get paid, then that would be sad :- ( As I said, we need more humor like yours to lighten the debate, because I'm sure no one takes you the least bit seriously.

Mrs. Mack hasn't been campaigning against levy's or saying teachers make too much money. Seems simple to me. And, I haven't called any of the BOE members names. I haven't mentioned that people used to talk about the first Dosen only being on the board so his kids could get new soccer and football fields to play on (and once it happened he quit.) Nor do I care, since that money came from other sources, though it does bother me that he never worked for a levy. I guess once your kids are done, it doesn't matter what happens……

School Board says vote yes on the levy becuase it will not increase your taxes. Do you care about your friends and neighbors and the kids? They have said that this will not increase taxes. Why do you want to hurt your city?