Update on the nonsense in our school district

[proud2BlibKansan]

Still no contract.

This week our union president got a letter from administration saying they were reducing our planning time by 10 minutes a day and our lunch by 5 minutes. And professional development is to be scheduled at the discretion of building principals. No mention of extra pay outside of school hours. So yes, we expect PD on Saturday and Sunday and evenings with no pay.

The district is also reducing the number of negotiation sessions.

This really sucks.

[ixion]

1. It is so sad to watch our Educational System go down the tubes...

and I'm sorry to hear of your troubles there.

Going into this century uneducated is a first class ticket to misery. :(

[glowing]

2. Unfortunately, the school districts rely on property tax... and when revenue is

down the pain does cut deep.. I'm sorry. Its not fair what is happening to this country and it isn't fair that people are so easily snowed.. so, teach well and let them grow with a better clue.

[dsc]

3. sounds familiar

We have mandatory developement on Aug 5 and 6 we at least are getting comp time but it still sucks. I wish you well, at least you do have a union.

[livvy]

4. You know, school districts can be so stupid.

Happy teachers mean happy kids. Happy kids mean happy parents. Happy parents mean happy administrators and school boards.

It's not intentional in most cases, but when teachers are stressed and feel unappreciated, or in cases like yours, abused, it comes out in the way they interact with the kids, their administrators, and each other. It's human nature.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. We will be negotiating a new contract at the end of this year, and are expecting a rough go of it, too, although not to this extent. Our board likes to hit us economically, although they are fond of making sure they get their money's worth with time spent "on task" with kids, meetings, in-services, etc.

Stay strong and tough. (Like you wouldn't (LOL)...don't know you well, but I know enough to know you've got the grit to give these bullies a fight.)

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Thanks Livvy

At this point I am just hoping I can hang on till I retire.

[livvy]

6. I hear ya'.

Retirement is going to be a way off for me. The mind is ready, but the age and finances aren't.

We don't go back until the end of August, and I've already started having school nightmares...reports late, late for work, principal bugging me...jeesh. It's not like I don't like my job, I do, and I love the kids. It's the other stuff that stresses me out.

Take care and good luck with the contract. Keep us posted.

edit for spelling...and she's a teacher...OMG!

[LWolf]

7. I'm keeping you in my thoughts,

as I am my own contract. We got an email telling us that negotiations have been concluded, but we don't find out the details until we go back.

I'm wary, but I don't expect it to be as bad as what you are facing. :(

[ulysses]

8. not to worry - I'm sure they have great things in store

for those 15 minutes they're taking away from you.

(do I need the tag? :hug:)