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6/15/2010
This makes me sick. And angry
MPS teachers and who knows who else are protesting the layoff of 482 educators – more than 12% of MPS’ full-time teachers. Lo and behold, the $48 million is there to save those jobs.
And that’s not the last of it. Are those 482 teachers being released the lesser accomplished? Not on your life.
"The reality is we cannot sustain the current system without major structural change," [Board of Education President] Bonds said. "We could literally save hundreds of jobs with the stroke of a pen if teachers switched to the lower-cost health-care plan."
The teachers union has countered that the board is bargaining in public by offering jobs in exchange for health-care concessions.
Union leaders have said the district has not brought up the option of switching health-care plans during formal negotiations. Bonds said it's come up in multiple meetings since last year.
MPS offers two health-care plans, both thought to be generous. The plans are covered in full by the district, meaning teachers have no financial incentive to switch from the high-cost Aetna plan to a lower-cost option offered through United Health Care.
Bonds said if all teachers switched to the lower-cost plan, about $48 million could be saved, enough to pay for 480 educators.
"I'm not aware of any place in the nation that pays 100% of teachers' health-care benefits and doesn't require a contribution from those who choose to take a more expensive plan," Bonds said.
Pat O'Mahar, the interim executive director for the MTEA, said it was unfortunate the district believed the solution to budget pressures was to lay off hundreds of educators.
"The problem must be addressed with a national solution - a federal stimulus package that will restore educator positions and allow MPS children to keep their teachers," O'Mahar said in a statement.
"Long term, we must reform the way Wisconsin funds public schools," he added. "We call on the School Board and the administration to join us as we fight for federal legislation that will save educator jobs."
At Bradley Tech, Sampson, 24, is one of nine layoffs. She said the union never solicited views from her about switching plans.
"Given the opportunity, of course I would switch to a different plan to save my job, or the jobs of 10 other teachers," Sampson said.
Sampson and her laid-off colleagues, all who have less than three years of teaching experience, also expressed frustration that their jobs would be filled by more veteran, but not necessarily better, educators.
Read the whole thing. See if you get angry – or just plain sick. Isn’t it all about the kids? Damn.
Jo Egelhoff, FoxPolitics.net
COMMENTS
The kids are no more than props to the union thugs. I'm not happy about it either - yes, it makes me sick too.
Jeff (Tue Jun 15 08:03:34 2010)
It is part of the negotiation process. You cannot adjust settlements. Sorry I have to disagree with you Jo. And I do not see the remaining teachers "chipping" in to save their colleagues.
12% layoff is tragic. We are soon going to see the "look" of education change before our eyes.
I wonder what the staff/student ratios are in Milwaukee. Any ideas Jo?
David (Tue Jun 15 08:09:28 2010)
What are you disagreeing about David? What settlement is it that can't be adjusted? And why can't settlements be adjusted? If the contract is indeed negotiated and done with, we've seen several contracts that have been reopened in the past two years. From 2009 WisTax SchoolFacts, ratio of pupils to total employees in MPS is 8.1, pupils to teachers, 16.5. In the rest of the state (minus MPS), ratio of pupils to total employees is 8.3, pupils to teachers, 14.3. Comparative expenditures per student? $11,632 Milwaukee, $9,856 rest of the state. Total expenditures per student? $13,739 MPS, $11,734 rest of the state.
Jo (Tue Jun 15 08:34:34 2010)
Jo,
Yes the contract can be reopened. You have me there. I just do not see it happening. I suspect the teachers Union will stick together. Doesn't over $13,000 per student seem way over the line?
David (Tue Jun 15 08:51:33 2010)
Hubbie's school district has been "self-funded" (as a private employer would do) for the whole time he's worked there, and they save a bundle!
The US should have a system like Belgium's, where the money follows the student instead of being attached to a locality. Like a giant voucher system. Then there wouldn't be any bad schools, as they'd all have to COMPETE for students.
But of course, the vultures that make up the NEA, would never stand for that. Watch "Stupid in America" for the rest of the story...
emily matthews (Tue Jun 15 08:52:52 2010)
Jo,
There are a number of things making me, and many friends angry these days.
One is in an article you posted today. Today you had an article
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/jun/10061408.html
that referred to a UW Dr. as: Abortionist Caryn Dutton.
We have many titles today-blacksmith, farmer, teacher etc. I find the title of Abortionist to be an affront to all that is good in the world.
Did you know that the NEA is Pro-Choice? It just does not make sense that the NEA--dedicated to children, would support their termination.
David (Tue Jun 15 09:20:47 2010)
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