EDUC Teachers proactive action in Texas

[dstraito]

I wonder if this is happening now in every state. Has anyone else gotten calls like this?

I just got a phone call that was a recorded message from a phone dialer probably at 512-236-0201.

The message stated that Texas teachers were in danger because of looming budget cuts. To support the teachers go to http://www.protecttheclassroom.com/

I checked the site out and Unions are not specifically named but I wonder if they are behind this. I don't have enough information to evaluate this site or their information. I tend to be simpathetic toward teachers and I tend to think plans like Robin Hood are bogus.

What I also think is bogus is a Union that would hide behind the teachers skirts so they can keep or gain power.


Here is a blurb from the site:

Texas classrooms are under assault… from school administrators. Facing wise and necessary budget cuts, administrators are threatening to fire teachers, claiming the legislature is making them do it – when administrative bloat is the real problem. In fact, there is plenty of money flowing into Texas schools… it’s just that too much is spent outside the classroom.

Teachers are being told their jobs will be lost if the legislature makes cuts in education. Never mind that school administrators make many times more what classroom teachers do. Likewise, there are many positions outside the classroom that should be cut first. Currently, there is a 1:1 ratio between teachers and non-teachers on the education payroll.

While California has 1.6 million more public school students than Texas, they have 52,000 fewer public school employees!

The Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute finds that in the 1970s there were five teachers for every two non-teachers. Today, Texas is at a 1:1 ratio! Just taking Texas to a 3:2 ratio would save $3.25 billion!

Lavish pay packages, perks and bonus are standard for central administrators. The Austin Independent School District — currently threatening to fire hundreds of teachers — recently gave it’s superintendent ($275,000 salary) up to $25,000 in bonuses. Meanwhile, teachers make less than $50,000.

When making difficult, yet necessary cuts to education spending, it’s irresponsible and insulting to teachers and taxpayers for administrators to suggest that in-classroom spending be the first to go.

Cuts need to be made in public education… but not in the classroom!

A project of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility P.O. Box 200248 Austin, TX 78720

 

[johnnymac]

I wonder if this is happening now in every state. Has anyone else gotten calls like this?

I just got a phone call that was a recorded message from a phone dialer probably at 512-236-0201.

The message stated that Texas teachers were in danger because of looming budget cuts. To support the teachers go to http://www.protecttheclassroom.com/

I checked the site out and Unions are not specifically named but I wonder if they are behind this. I don't have enough information to evaluate this site or their information. I tend to be simpathetic toward teachers and I tend to think plans like Robin Hood are bogus.

What I also think is bogus is a Union that would hide behind the teachers skirts so they can keep or gain power.


Here is a blurb from the site:

Texas classrooms are under assault… from school administrators. Facing wise and necessary budget cuts, administrators are threatening to fire teachers, claiming the legislature is making them do it – when administrative bloat is the real problem. In fact, there is plenty of money flowing into Texas schools… it’s just that too much is spent outside the classroom.

Teachers are being told their jobs will be lost if the legislature makes cuts in education. Never mind that school administrators make many times more what classroom teachers do. Likewise, there are many positions outside the classroom that should be cut first. Currently, there is a 1:1 ratio between teachers and non-teachers on the education payroll.

While California has 1.6 million more public school students than Texas, they have 52,000 fewer public school employees!

The Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute finds that in the 1970s there were five teachers for every two non-teachers. Today, Texas is at a 1:1 ratio! Just taking Texas to a 3:2 ratio would save $3.25 billion!

Lavish pay packages, perks and bonus are standard for central administrators. The Austin Independent School District — currently threatening to fire hundreds of teachers — recently gave it’s superintendent ($275,000 salary) up to $25,000 in bonuses. Meanwhile, teachers make less than $50,000.

When making difficult, yet necessary cuts to education spending, it’s irresponsible and insulting to teachers and taxpayers for administrators to suggest that in-classroom spending be the first to go.

Cuts need to be made in public education… but not in the classroom!

A project of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility P.O. Box 200248 Austin, TX 78720

First, many union members consider "administrators" to be management (actually management is the taxpayer) so it the messages sounds union oriented.

However, I will praise whoever wrote this for identifying the real culprits - non teaching school staff - and for calling for their culling. That's ballsy for any teaching group and commendable.

If you recall, when BO pushed his $26B NEA/TSA "teacher" bailout last year, he and the Randi Weingarten, etc claimed it was to "keep teachers in the classroom". In actuallity, much of the money went to save the jobs of bus drivers, counselors, librarians, IT workers and others we usually don't regard as "classroom teachers".

There are a glut of non-teachers on the rolls and no, they are not "educators" as some I personally know like to regard themselves. If it can save Texas over $3B, lets get busy cutting the waste. But we can't cut money and turn around and hand it to the teachers. We have a deficit to deal with first.

 

[Usually Curious]

It sounds like whomever wrote this has their finger on the pulse.

 

[ioujc]

Do you realize.....
Teachers work approximately 1120 hours per year.
That is saying 7 hours per day, for 20 days per month Xs 8 months.

On the other hand, the average American worker works.....
Approximatley 1920 hours per year.
That is....8 hours per day, 20 days per month, Xs 12 months.
In private industry the average number of holidays per year is 6 - 10.

In Education, there are a minumim of 2 & 1/2 months off for summer, a week for Thanksgiving. 2-3 weeks for Christmas and New Years, every national holiday, and a week off for Spring Break.
On average, teachers, would by, this formula, earn approximatley $44 dollars per hour, compared to the average American, who earns anywhwer from $7.50 an hour to $30 per hour.
So, tell me, who is getting the raw deal??

 

[johnnymac]

Do you realize.....
Teachers work approximately 1120 hours per year.
That is saying 7 hours per day, for 20 days per month Xs 8 months.

On the other hand, the average American worker works.....
Approximatley 1920 hours per year.
That is....8 hours per day, 20 days per month, Xs 12 months.
In private industry the average number of holidays per year is 6 - 10.

In Education, there are a minumim of 2 & 1/2 months off for summer, a week for Thanksgiving. 2-3 weeks for Christmas and New Years, every national holiday, and a week off for Spring Break.
On average, teachers, would by, this formula, earn approximatley $44 dollars per hour, compared to the average American, who earns anywhwer from &7.50 an hour to $30 per hour.
So, tell me, who is getting the raw deal??

My sister is a non-union, non-public school teacher. The hours of school operation (7:45-3:00) is about seven hours, but she then spends an hour and a half in the classroom after school picking up and preparing for the next day's lesson. Then she goes home and marks papers for 1-2 hours minimum putting her at closer to ten hours a day. Oh, then there are regular parent.teacher conferences, staff meetings, meetings with the principal, disciplinary, etc.

The public educators hours may vary, I only know hers, but I am sure they are similar and more than 7 a day.

 

[Usually Curious]

No teacher I know works only 7 hours per day.

 

[ioujc]

Well UC, you must know some interesting teachers...all the ones I used to work with in the school system worked about 5 hours a day. The actual school day is only 6 hours....not counting recess, lunch, etc. And most teachers get a "planning period" of one hour a day....which they spend drinking coffe in the teacher's lounge. Sorry, I've seen 'em up close and personal and NONE of them are worth much!!
Myself and another Social Worker actually managed to get two of the worst fired. They were cursing at the kids and telling them they were stupid, worthless trash, etc. We managed to get a tape recording of this and took it to the principle and superintendent and told them if they weren't fired it would go to the newspapers. So, I guess maybe I just have a jaded or maybe more realistic outlook than most.

 

[FarmerJohn]

Republican ruled fiscally-conservative Texas now has a budged problem that makes Wisconsin's self-imposed budget problem look mild by comparison?

I don't blame the teachers of Texas for being paranoid.

 

[Hallmars]

Well UC, you must know some interesting teachers...all the ones I used to work with in the school system worked about 5 hours a day. The actual school day is only 6 hours....not counting recess, lunch, etc. And most teacher get a "planning period" of one hour a day....which they spend drinking coffe in the teacher's lounge. Sorry, I've seen 'em up close and personal and NONE of them are worth much!!
Myself and another Social Worker actually managed to get two of the worst fired. They wer cursing at the kids and telling them they were stupid, worthless trash, etc. We managed to get a tape recording of this and took it to the principle and superintendent and told them if they weren't fired it would go to the newspapers. So, I guess maybe I just have a jaded or maybe more realistic outlook than most.

No, he probably knows the good ones, or at least the ones that are starting off. The ones you worked with either got complacent or didn't give a shit.

Pardon the language, but it's true.

The one's that I've known, and mind you, this was a bit over 10 years ago, didn't stop working after they left the classroom. They had papers to grade, class to plan, etc. Some of them went the private school route, which actually paid substantially less, but gave them a bit more leeway in managing their classroom, and the others either changed professions or started their own business.

So yeah, in some cases, some teachers are terribly underpaid. In others, they are horribly overpaid. The problem is how incredibly hard it is to get rid of the bad ones.

My Jesuit high school had the best method for dealing with new teachers: succeed in keeping 900(ish) overachieving little bastards busy and intellectually stimulated, and you get to stay. Don't and you won't even make it a semester

 

[ioujc]

Sorry, the old excuse of "they take work home" just doesn't cut it either....Most professionals DO take work home. But that is an "expected" not some reason they always quote to try for increased pay.
As a MSW, Nationally licensed Social Worker, I typically worked 60 hour weeks while being paid for 40. That's just how it works....unless you're a TEACHER.

 

[Burt Gummer]

Texas school systems are divided up into regions which cover many counties. I live in the town where the "Region X" office is located. Outside their very nice building is a multi color, digital, marque sign. It looks like something you'd see in Vegas. It tells time, temp and basic school info, if it's a holiday, blah, blah.... Rumor is that it costs over $30,000.
.
There is much waste that could be cut.

 

[Green Co.]

Republican ruled fiscally-conservative Texas now has a budged problem that makes Wisconsin's self-imposed budget problem look mild by comparison?

I don't blame the teachers of Texas for being paranoid.

Texas had a balanced budget last session, it will have a balanced budget this session. We have to, by our constitution. The proposed budget now is too rich for the tax $ projected to come in. The rancor is where to make the cuts. I believe teachers here know they're pretty safe. However, the administration staffing, which BTW runs almost one to one with teachers, must be cut.

Texas school systems are divided up into regions which cover many counties. I live in the town where the "Region X" office is located. Outside their very nice building is a multi color, digital, marque sign. It looks like something you'd see in Vegas. It tells time, temp and basic school info, if it's a holiday, blah, blah.... Rumor is that it costs over $30,000.
.
There is much waste that could be cut.

Burt, that has been a bitch of mine for the last 10 years. Why do we need schools that look like TajMahals? Block works as well as brick, at much less $, a few more windows that open, far less stained glass. Grass mowing is a given, but landscaped grounds don't help learning.

And something must be done about the alien population. In my county, we are building a new elementary school every year, just for ESL students.

 

[savurselvs]

My sister is a non-union, non-public school teacher. The hours of school operation (7:45-3:00) is about seven hours, but she then spends an hour and a half in the classroom after school picking up and preparing for the next day's lesson. Then she goes home and marks papers for 1-2 hours minimum putting her at closer to ten hours a day. Oh, then there are regular parent.teacher conferences, staff meetings, meetings with the principal, disciplinary, etc.

The public educators hours may vary, I only know hers, but I am sure they are similar and more than 7 a day.

this is accurate to the teachers i know BUTTTTTTTT
now days they have assistant band directors and assistant principles ect, ect ect in 85 we had 80+ kids in band with no assistant. locally 2010 we had 60 and had an assistant too.?????????????????????

 

[Hallmars]

Sorry, the old excuse of "they take work home" just doesn't cut it either....Most professionals DO take work home. But that is an "expected" not some reason they always quote to try for increased pay.
As a MSW, Nationally licensed Social Worker, I typically worked 60 hour weeks while being paid for 40. That's just how it works....unless you're a TEACHER.

So it's acceptable for you to take work home, but not for a teacher.

Gotcha.

It's clear you don't have a bias or anything.

 

[FarmerJohn]

Texas Budget Woes (Column from 2010, it's worse now)

Editorial: Texas needs three answers to budget problem

Published 13 September 2010

Here's the truth that Texans still haven't heard from Gov. Rick Perry or Democrat Bill White:

The state's budget hole is so deep that there's no chance spending cuts alone or tax increases alone can get us out of it. And there's not enough money in the Rainy Day Fund to bail us out, either.

Simply, the number is too big: $21 billion is the latest floating around Austin. That's the deficit in a two-year budget in which the state supplies about $87 billion. The other $94 billion or so comes largely from federal money.

Perry mostly has played the macho game, saying he's helped the state out of budget jams before and he'll do it again. White hasn't been much better, tepidly suggesting legislators look at small-bore items like spending to promote tourism.

White does offer up one good point, though. If elected governor, he wants monthly reports about Texas' economic climate, not the periodic assessments we get today. Still, that won't balance the budget.

What will is a sense of shared responsibility.

By that we mean legislators need a combination of spending cuts, tax adjustments and tapping the Rainy Day Fund to put this thing back in order. A third-third-third strategy is the most equitable approach. It would require legislators to draw equally from each source.

Even then, balancing the budget won't be easy. Democrats may suggest we can do this without deep spending cuts, and they would be wrong. Spending reductions will be painful, which we emphasized this summer when we presented spending reductions for the Legislature to pursue. Few will be enacted without some kind of dislocation.

Republicans may suggest we can do this with only spending cuts, and they would be wrong. Legislators can't simply cut about 25 percent from the state's $87 billion share of the budget. That kind of meat-ax approach would gut schools, universities and hospitals. Plenty of exemptions to the sales tax need closing, and various fees will have to rise.

And the $9 billion in the Rainy Day Fund can't be off limits. We shouldn't use it all, but it needs to be in play.

We've said that we hope the candidates leave their sound bites at home. On the budget, they haven't, so let us repeat our third-third-third idea. It's realism, and sharing responsibility is the only realistic answer to the coming budget crisis.

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20100913-Editorial-Texas-needs-three-answers-7387.ece

 

[Green Co.]

FJ, that article is an election time opinion editorial. We are into the mechanics of the problem now. But, as you can see, the MSM still must attempt to relegate us to "broke" status.

The last paragraph, bolded, is the majority opinion in my area. I suspect in the metropolis' & South Texas, it may be different. I know I, as most all Texans, have had to change our budget due to inflation. I expect our government to do likewise.

Even budget deficits are bigger in Texas

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Texas lawmakers unveiled a Spartan budget late Tuesday night that slashes $31 billion in spending to close the state's massive budget deficit. Education, Medicaid and corrections would be hit particularly hard.

House legislators were forced to rely on spending cuts to close the shortfall -- estimated at between $15 billion and $27 billion -- because Republican leaders pledged not to raise taxes. They also did not touch the state's projected $9.4 billion rainy day fund, one of the most flush in the nation.

The spending plan calls for a 13% hit to public education and a 7.6% drop in higher education support. Among the cuts, funding for pre-K Early Start programs would be slashed, and four community colleges would be closed.

Such a drastic decline in public education support could be problematic because it would drop the education budget below a level mandated by the state, and force the legislature to change the law.

Health and human services would see funding plummet by nearly a quarter, while government services would fall by almost the same percentage.

Nearly 9,300 government jobs would be eliminated and Medicaid providers would see a 10% rate reduction. Fewer residents would receive meal deliveries and services to keep them in their homes. Some 60,000 students would lose financial aid for college.

Funding for defending the poor in court would drop by 15%. And the department that supervises and supports parolees would by cut by nearly 21%.

One reason for the harsh cuts is the end of federal stimulus funds for the states. Texas had included $6.4 billion in stimulus money during its most recent 2010-11 budget. The new spending plan does not replace these funds with state money.

Until now, Texas had weathered the Great Recession fairly well, buffered by its vast oil and gas industries. It avoided the housing industry meltdown and its unemployment rate is below the national level. It also benefited from having a two-year budget cycle so officials have not had to craft a spending plan since 2009.

But it is now facing the same revenue declines that have plagued most states in the union. The comptroller last week estimated Texas would only have $72 billion in general revenue available for this fiscal 2012-13 budget, down from $87 billion two years ago.

What's more, Texas would have to spend an additional $12 billion over the next two years just to maintain services at their current levels.

The budget crafted by the state's Legislative Budget Board is the first step in a long process to determining a spending plan. Lawmakers will weigh in, as will Gov. Rick Perry.

The harsh budget proposal was slammed from many sides soon after it was circulated to lawmakers late Tuesday night. Democratic lawmakers and community advocates pressed legislators to tap into rainy day funds or raise revenues instead of relying only on spending cuts.

"We already know that the cuts-only approach taken in the proposed bill would hurt Texas families, cost us jobs, and undermine our economy recovery," said F. Scott McCown, executive director of the Center for Public Policy Priorities, which focuses on low- and moderate-income Texans. "With a revenue shortfall this large, as the proposed budget shows, the Legislature cannot balance the budget through cuts alone without doing terrible damage."

In a question-and-answer session with Rep. Jim Pitts, who is introducing the House budget bill, lawmakers pressed him to consider tapping the rainy day fund instead of taking away vital services from residents. Pitts said that could be an option if enough legislators vote to do so.

Democratic lawmakers blasted the budget at a press conference Wednesday afternoon, saying that it would have a devastating impact on Texas families. Schools would be forced to close and a college education would fall out of reach for many people.

Also, the Democrats said, the spending plan assumes no growth in demand, even though the governor is trying to lure more businesses and people to the Lone Star State.

"Today's budget is not good for the state of Texas," said Rep. Sylvester Turner.

But others say that the state must limit its spending considering the drop in revenues.

While the budget contains significant cuts, it is manageable, said Talmadge Heflin, director of the Center for Fiscal Policy at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Schools, for instance, have largely been spared in the past, and they can look to cut personnel outside of the classroom. And colleges have other sources of revenue, such as tuition and fees.

"Texas families have had to set priorities and make difficult decisions in order to live within their means," he said. "The introduced budget is a positive sign that the Texas Legislature is committed to doing likewise."

http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/19/news/economy/texas_budget_deficit/index.htm

 

[lectrickitty]

In our local school, many of the teachers are also bus drivers. They leave the class rooms early so they can go to their buses.

Administration is also MIA early. We can call the school offices right before the end of the school day and there is no answer. Go into the office and they are empty with the doors locked several minutes before the end of school.

Personally, I resent paying these people who are not available for students or parents during all school hours. I've never had a job where I could leave and lock the doors before the end of the working day.

I'm not saying all schools are run this way, but our local school is.

 

[johnnymac]

FJ, that article is an election time opinion editorial. We are into the mechanics of the problem now. But, as you can see, the MSM still must attempt to relegate us to "broke" status.

The last paragraph, bolded, is the majority opinion in my area. I suspect in the metropolis' & South Texas, it may be different. I know I, as most all Texans, have had to change our budget due to inflation. I expect our government to do likewise.

I read the article and am trying to find what is wrong with the cuts and the actions they are taking. They had to cut spending and they did it. That's their job and I wish DC would get the memo.

Those who depend upon government aid and publicly financed charity are at the mercy of their fellow taxpayers and the reality of tax revenues.

 

[ivantherussian03]

Well UC, you must know some interesting teachers...all the ones I used to work with in the school system worked about 5 hours a day. The actual school day is only 6 hours....not counting recess, lunch, etc. And most teachers get a "planning period" of one hour a day....which they spend drinking coffe in the teacher's lounge. Sorry, I've seen 'em up close and personal and NONE of them are worth much!!
Myself and another Social Worker actually managed to get two of the worst fired. They were cursing at the kids and telling them they were stupid, worthless trash, etc. We managed to get a tape recording of this and took it to the principle and superintendent and told them if they weren't fired it would go to the newspapers. So, I guess maybe I just have a jaded or maybe more realistic outlook than most.

have you ever been in a school and followed a teacher around?

You talk like you have done the job or you have an axe to grind. I think your facts are highly suspect.

 

[ivantherussian03]

Texas does not have Unions for teachers; they have to take what is offered...no discussions.

Texas's economy is in great shape, was not ruined like other areas of the nation. This thread could be Internet rumor.

 

[dstraito]

Texas does not have Unions for teachers; they have to take what is offered...no discussions.

Texas's economy is in great shape, was not ruined like other areas of the nation. This thread could be Internet rumor.

Texas does have unions and they are mandatory.

as far as this thread being a rumor, I started it and it is not a rumor. I received this phone call and I started the thread for discussion.

The Texas Teachers Union - http://www.tsta.org/

 

[ioujc]

Originally posted by ivantherussian03:

have you ever been in a school and followed a teacher around?

You talk like you have done the job or you have an axe to grind. I think your facts are highly suspect.

Personally Ivan, I could give a rip if you think my facts are "suspect," but yes, I have done substitute teaching for several years when between Social Work positions. And I have had the opportunity to observe and listen to many conversations between teachers. If you have more questions go back and read my original post. I believe I explained myself and why I have the opinions I have very clearly. I have been privy to discussions when teachers were unaware I was listening and have heard the way they talk about their jobs when they are "at ease" and believe they have nothing to hide. If you read my original post, you also know that I was part of getting two teachers fired who were verbally and emotionally abusing children. I have also taught as a professor at the local college, if that eases your mind any. I have a Masters + 20 in Social Work. And no, for all of you who are paranoid, I was not working for Child Protection, DFS or Family Services when I helped get rid of the teachers. It is an ethical responsibility to report such abuse....ESPECIALLY when it is an authority figure, who holds power over the kids in a setting outside the home. And for your further reassurance, yes, I believe in spankings, but not beatings.
GOT IT??

 

[dstraito]

Texas does not have Unions for teachers; they have to take what is offered...no discussions.

Texas's economy is in great shape, was not ruined like other areas of the nation. This thread could be Internet rumor.

You seem to be running a little short on facts yourself.

Are you just trolling?

or are you using the standard liberal leftist method of just trying to discredit the messenger when you can't refute the facts?

 

[ainitfunny]

Fort Worth elementary teacher accused of assaulting elderly couple in Arlington mall

Here's a fine example of a Texas Elementary teacher, Beating on a 73 year old woman,(and her husband too) IN PUBLIC, AT A MALL, IN FRONT OF HER WHOLE CLASS OF PUPILS.

Fine example that. Just what we need as a role model for our children. It's apparently NOT the first time she attacked someone physically either. Who hires these gutter slime?
MS. STAFFORD:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/0...lementary-teacher.html#storylink=omni_popular

[EXCERPT]

By Deanna Boyd

dboyd@star-telegram.com

A Fort Worth elementary school teacher faces a felony charge of injury to the elderly over allegations that she assaulted a couple in their 70s at an Arlington mall Saturday during a school field trip.

Brenda Jones Stafford, a fifth-grade teacher at A.M. Pate Elementary School, is accused of choking and pushing a 71-year-old woman in an argument over a chair in The Parks mall's food court, then shoving, hitting and choking the woman's 73-year-old husband when he tried to intervene.

Stafford, 47, was arrested in another area of the mall about 4 p.m. shortly after the altercation. She was booked into the Arlington Jail on suspicion of injury to the elderly, a state jail felony, and offensive/provocative contact, a Class C misdemeanor, and released that same day after posting bond.

Barbara Griffith, a Fort Worth school district spokeswoman, confirmed Wednesday that the incident occurred while the teacher was accompanying A.M. Pate students on a field trip. She said Stafford was placed on administrative leave Monday pending the outcome of the investigation.

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/0...her.html#storylink=omni_popular#ixzz1F23fF2rI

[EXCERPT].

..Tarrant County court records show that in 1995 Stafford was previously charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault with bodily injury, stemming from allegations that she threatened injury to a woman while using or exhibiting a firearm. Prosecutors later dismissed both charges.

Court records indicated that she had passed a polygraph in the case.

Deanna Boyd, 817-390-7655

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/0...her.html#storylink=omni_popular#ixzz1F23yNRok