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Post by WantaghConcernedCitizens on Feb 17, 2011 13:27:41 GMT -5
To Quote Tom Vereline, "I'm Angry"! Note, that was his opening remark when addressing the BOE in regard to getting the teacher contract renewed, which includes additional pay increases (cost of living), above the current steps most of our teachers are currently receiving (yes, without the contract renewed the vast majority received increases). What I angry about is the loss of our young teachers, while the "Fat Cats" that represent the teachers union continue to lobby for raises. Shame on you, your members are losing their jobs because of increases to salaries and benefits costs, yet you still haven't approached the BOE with concessions. It is those concession that could help your members remain employed, while keeping services unchanged for the our community, but again your (meaning the president the WUT board) not worried because of tenure and your seniority. The Younger WUT need to wake up, it is time for you to speak out and be heard. BTW, this is no different when we failed the budget and had to fundraise 650k, yet the teachers still received their contractual Cost of Living and Step adjustment and didn't give 1 cent back to aid our community during hard times. So ask yourself, are the teachers in this for the children or for other self interests. I think both, but obviously the later takes precedence. Once again, I like to thank the BOE for holding the line and protecting our children.
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Post by lilly on Feb 17, 2011 15:04:34 GMT -5
Ouch. Rather strong language.
But there is something wrong with an organization that is structured to all their young to be eaten.
Yes, I did hear that at least one of the young teachers let go at Beech was one of our very good ones. (Don't know of the other's reputation which may be equally good. And yes, that is a shame.
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ducky
Junior Member
Posts: 34
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Post by ducky on Feb 17, 2011 15:32:37 GMT -5
It's all about GREED. It is clear that the WUT cares little about the students and far less about the community. They are only interested in personal enrichment ie stealing more from us. We'll be firing young energetic teachers to keep these slugs!
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Post by seriousconcern on Feb 17, 2011 18:05:11 GMT -5
This web site came to my attention only recently and for quite a few weeks I would sign on and read some of these things casually, after taking the time to speak to a few I could sit quietly no more. You people who bash and bash disgust me. My husband and I moved here due to a great academic reputation and strong extra's. My mother and my cousin teach; one upstate & the other in CT. And it seems your opinion is just that teacher's are selfish, greedy people in it ALLLLL for themselves. Really? DO you know a great number of millionaire teachers...or even incredibly well off teachers? Do you know any other job where extra time there isn't over time? I myself work in a office and when I stay late...I get paid. Do your teachers? These individuals spend more time with peoples children then most parents, they spend hours trying and trying again to help youngsters understand material, to shape their character, to lead by example. I think many of you should consider home schooling your children if you are so willing to throw these people under the bus. Like any institution there are loopholes. Teachers are just an easy target, because they are accessible. To be fair my children are 2 years out from school age, and with the class sizes being increased I am sure famlies like mine won't be willing to stick around here much longer, especially if the community is so willing to jump on this teacher bash bandwagon, its not good for the kids to feel that tension. So when you mention the word selfish....take a look inside because it seems many of you are the most selfish of all.
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Post by wantagh4life on Feb 17, 2011 19:52:34 GMT -5
Wantagh CC-
Your disgust would be understandable if what you are saying is true. Your post as well as those written by many of the "regulars" on this site, however, are steeped in misinformation and lies designed to be inflammatory, nothing more.
Let's recap, shall we?
The teachers are refusing to give students extra help... Wrong.
The teachers are gathering en masse at Town Bagel for hours at a time during the school day... Wrong.
The teachers have somehow managed to create their own schedules, ones that allow them to string together their lunch, prep, and professional periods... Wrong.
The teachers have developed a coordinated effort to sign in in such a way that they are arriving late to their classrooms... Wrong.
And now on to your post...
The teachers have not approached the BOE with any concessions... Wrong; the union has gone public about the concessions that they have offered, whether we think they are enough or not is a separate issue.
The teachers did not give 1 cent back while the community was fundraising to save the sports program... Wrong; it was widely publicized that the union contributed over $10,000 by not taking funds that they were entitled to. Further, the coaches each donated money. Further still, many teachers assisted in the fundraising efforts.
Keeping it honest, W4L
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Post by WantaghConcernedCitizens on Feb 17, 2011 20:16:08 GMT -5
Your kidding right? Lets get a few things straight.
1- I'm sure you and your husband moved to Wantagh for a few other reasons besides the academic reputation. If that was the case you would be living in Jericho, Syosset, Manhasset, Plainview, Garden City, or even Rockville Centre (to name a few), but I'm sure it was a balance between affordability and certain other characteristics, which include the school system. 2- Every teacher in Long Island is a millionaire, if you take into consideration the cost of the pension and lifetime medical benefits for them and their spouse. This might be a bit much for you to comprehend, but the present value of our teacher entering retirement is valued over a million dollars. Call you financial advisor and ask how much will you need to save in order to draw down 70k per year for 30 years, assuming a 5% return of investment, it around 1.1million. 3- Most people in the private sector do not get paid OT, ask any young accountant that works 70 hours per week. BTW, our teacher are paid the same starting salary, but the accountant doesn't get the same benefit package, end of story. 4- Do not compare Connecticut and Upstate NY employees to LI, our staff is compensated at a much different level. 5- The teachers do spend time and care, but lets get something straight if you think they spend endless hours, you are sadly mistaken. In fact, many actually offer their services at a contractual rate, so why would they do it for free. (tutoring) 6- Do you really think the vast majority of the community will leave because of teacher bashing, I think its because of "HIGH TAXES" which are a result of the the school employees (70%+ of the budget is salary and benefits). 7- Is it selfish that we parents are asked to pay annual tax increases of 5-6%, while services decline to pay unaffordable salaries. Yes we as a community just can not afford to pay our contractual rate, but that is on the shoulder of the people that signed the last contract (BOE Trustees in 2005).
BTW, your response shows so much passion, its the kind of response I would have expected from a WUT member.
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Post by WantaghConcernedCitizens on Feb 17, 2011 20:24:21 GMT -5
Wantagh4life,
If the WUT offered concession, we wouldn't be firing teachers......
Most of the other items you mention weren't stated by me(with exception of the sign in effort, which was not contested by WUT), I keep it honest and to the numbers. In fact, most of your past posts avoided my comments (IMO, because their was nothing to contest), instead you attacked other posters.
If the WUT donated 10k after getting over 1 million in salary increases, that is even worst, because its insulting.
BTW, readers, look back at this poster and see a tread. It has distinct UNION smell all over it.
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Post by WantaghConcernedCitizens on Feb 17, 2011 21:59:48 GMT -5
Wantagh4life,
BTW, during Vereline speech to the BOE, it was apparent that any concession were the idea of taking smaller COLA raises, not giving back but just taking a small amount. Meanwhile, Jean Quinn already stated that layoff were being considered, what would have happen if they agreed to a "small" increase. Yes, we would be losing more young talented teachers.
My heart hurts for these young people, one of which is expecting her first child.
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Post by WantaghConcernedCitizens on Feb 17, 2011 22:03:00 GMT -5
It's all about GREED. It is clear that the WUT cares little about the students and far less about the community. They are only interested in personal enrichment ie stealing more from us. We'll be firing young energetic teachers to keep these slugs! I don't agree with most of this post. IMO, most of the teachers care for our children and are positive contributors to the community.
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Post by seriousconcern on Feb 18, 2011 8:08:22 GMT -5
To briefly reply...you and I could have both gone to school to teach. if you have spent all these hours being so bitter about what teachers get etc. etc I am sure the thought may have crossed your mind, "hey why not teach" But likely just like me, you probably have very little patience for other peoples kids, couldn't imagine yourself dealing with school all over again....or whatever your reasons are I am sure they are valid to you. Whatever it is it seems like your reasons are so passionate to you. I am sure my husband and won't retire on what some teacher out there gets....but I went to school for buisness and I knew what I was getting myself into when I accepted my job. To let myself stress out about what other people are going to get seems like a waste of time and energy when I can just be thankful for what I have. Thanks for the school district recommendations RVC is starting to look better.
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Post by WantaghConcernedCitizens on Feb 18, 2011 8:52:45 GMT -5
To briefly reply...you and I could have both gone to school to teach. if you have spent all these hours being so bitter about what teachers get etc. etc I am sure the thought may have crossed your mind, "hey why not teach" But likely just like me, you probably have very little patience for other peoples kids, couldn't imagine yourself dealing with school all over again....or whatever your reasons are I am sure they are valid to you. Whatever it is it seems like your reasons are so passionate to you. I am sure my husband and won't retire on what some teacher out there gets....but I went to school for buisness and I knew what I was getting myself into when I accepted my job. To let myself stress out about what other people are going to get seems like a waste of time and energy when I can just be thankful for what I have. Thanks for the school district recommendations RVC is starting to look better. I'm sorry, you must be confusing me with a different poster, because my posts are more about what is being taking away from my children and our community, than worrying about what others are making. Although, I'm able to comprehend and articulate to others the inner workings surrounding and effecting the Wantagh School District. IMO, I don't care what they make, just stop reducing services (class size increase, teacher layoffs) while asking the residents to pay 5-6% levy increases annually. Lastly, your post seem to try to distract the readers from the overall message being sent, which is obviously your intent. FYI, the pain I feel isn't any better today! Please note: Layoffs are a result of over 2million in non-salary related benefits costs, while Wantagh School district is expected to receive aid cuts of around 2million. That is a 4 million swing, or 8% tax levy increase, before the teacher receive the step increases, so who is being selfish.
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Post by lilly on Feb 18, 2011 12:06:02 GMT -5
Not sure which is more enjoyable this morning, the jaw drilling at the dentist, the unbelievable itching I have from the novocain or attempting to put together a cohesive contribution to the the (heated) discussion here.
w4life, you are making leaps in your statements which detract from the very real issue at hand. I politely suggest go back and read with comprehension. If comprehension isn't the problem, stop trolling and starting bickerfests.
I don't see anyone bashing teachers here. I see a community member very upset at the needless loss of a valued, popular, young teacher.
As far as what town to live in, pick & choose, this stuff is going on all over LI, the state and the nation. Freeport had lay-offs this week and I suspect that is going on about this time in every district on LI. Sachem looks like a dandy place to live & work right now (NOT). And btw, with school districts being one of the top employers on LI, chances are we *all* have teachers and administrators in our "real life" families.
I'm going to re-visit the ugly contingency year for a moment. The key lesson learned was the community was po'd at "being priced out of their homes" while enduring cuts to the kids. Guess what, this is that same situation but on steroids.
For the attackers here, what are your *solutions* for this predicament? Seriously.... I hear a whole lot of bickering but no solutions. Our teachers are part of the Wantagh "family". Well, the "family" is in big trouble so how are you going to help?
WCC I give you credit for taking it on the chin here. Your facts are correct to my knowledge. The only correction I would have is pension and benefits is $1.5m and aid reduction $2.0m. That's $3.5m we have to come up with out of thin air. We've already been balancing the budget on the backs of our kids and taxpayers. Who steps up next?
In the private sector, that +$1.5m would be taken right off the top, considered part of employee compensation and positioned as "raises". I don't know what the WUT is thinking but I sense that they may think of it as a "contractual item" or entitlement? Fine, but please come up with a viable suggestion as to WHO IS PAYING FOR IT, bc the kids and taxpayers are broke. And that's not teacher bashing, it's the unfortunate reality we are facing.
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Post by seriousconcern on Feb 18, 2011 22:25:42 GMT -5
I am not trying to go around and around with you, nor am I trying to "distract" anyone from the vast amount of numbers you seem to have in your cache... I am quite certain you are accurate on all your numerical knowledge as any half wit, with a calculator and the time, is able to figure these numbers....however have you ever crunched your sister schools numbers? Or for that matter all those districts you recommended for me and my family to look into? How do the Wantagh teachers stack up? I am curious, as I myself am not quite sure. I do know, however, I live close by 2 teachers, that live in our district...both are facing the same financial difficuluties I, we, and you are. Why do you...and others feel its our right to say what these individuals should and should not do/make, be entitled to? I am not thrilled that I have to wait years to be partner, and I am not thrilled that my husbands next promotion may not come for years...if @ all....but I am thrilled that not you, not anyone else has a say in if I get that partnership or not, that not you or anyone else but my husband's boss can say if he gets a promo or not. No one I know has access to my/my husband's job the way we all have access to teachers...I am admit I am biased I was raised by a teacher and I have an inner understanding of what goes on. Maybe that is what this blog needs....in all reality HARD TIMES...they are everywhere, DEAL!!! Stop finding scapegoats and YOU find a solution, no one comes into your home and critiques your earnings....what right do we have?
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Post by WantaghConcernedCitizens on Feb 19, 2011 2:24:49 GMT -5
Here we go again, I wish you were a bit more factual and less emotional, because than we could engage in true debate.
1-You made a claim that any person on LI would be able to identify as inaccurate; remember the reason why you came to Wantagh (Academic reputation). So I pointed out a few nationally ranked schools (btw, the Newsweek list is about 1000+ schools long, and Wantagh was not mentioned), I didn't tell you to leave Wantagh.
2- I don't care what any other community are doing or in fact what they are paying their teachers (BTW, Union pitch to BOE), this is about our community and our children.
3- Hard times are when people have a reduction in income (being fired, pay cuts) or have to pay a higher amount for benefits, your so called neighbors do not know the meaning of either, I haven't heard about any reductions in salaries on LI. Look under see thru NY and you will see pay increase from 2009 thru 2010, BTW, I'm only commenting because you brought it up to distract the readers.
4- Stop making this about your career, its again a distraction from the thread. BTW, I'm sure anyone that is on track to make partner, having accomplished a management role (prerequisite) gets paid OT.... NOT.... (clue that this person might indeed be a teacher, who really doesn't understand how the private sector works)
5- What I really find interesting is your claim (parent was a teacher), IMO, you are either a member of this Union (not just a teacher living in the district) or a seriously uninformed resident, which either way is bad.
6- I will repeat myself, once again, this post is more about the effect salaries and benefits will have on my child's education and the community. If your unable to comprehend, call mom and ask her to proof read this blog.
7- I would love to know who is reading blogs about a school district, years before their children enters and actually have the audacity to attack people that are currently effected by staffing reductions and involved daily.
In closing, regardless if you are a teacher or not, you might be doing more damage to the WUT than you can imagine. Thanks
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Post by seriousconcern on Feb 19, 2011 12:15:16 GMT -5
What is see thru NY? I am passionate and realize that however, I told you I have seen what my family has gone through...I am also not even close to knowing all these ins and outs and that is why I asked. I suppose I am more likely to take the emptional side of things as I have been in a house and at family dinners with my "teachers". Like I said I am greatful for what I have and appreciate the hard work teachers do. I appreciate your numbers and clearly you have m ore facts then I do. FYI my children are not YEARS before school age. Guess that is the only number you don't have available to you.
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