Absolutely: Post the teacher jobs; allow all applications of qualified teachers. Select those dedicated ones that can accept responsible compensation.

That sounds reasonable, time to start fresh.

I thought the GEA was comprised of folks in the class room. They elected their officials, they can throw them out if they don't like what they are doing.

There are teachers who don't belong to the GEA. I believe it was the Chronicle that published an interview with Coach Wicniewski who also teaches Earth Science and is not a union member. I'm surprised I haven't seen one comment about that on the Patch.

If the GEA does not accept this more-than-fair contract ... the only ones LEFT BEHIND will be the GEA.

Either way, the children will be well taken care of by the taxpayers, because that is what we in Geneva do.

Good teachers will rise above the strangle-hold that the IEA/GEA are attempting to place on the community, and those clear-eyed teachers will prevail, and will be rewarded.

You are on target! Please consider being the next Secretary of Education.

FDR was right: "Particularly, I want to emphasize my conviction that militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of Government employees. Upon employees in the Federal service rests the obligation to serve the whole people, whose interests and welfare require orderliness and continuity in the conduct of Government activities. This obligation is paramount."

Cry me a river... when I started work, after graduating with a double major, I did not rely on tax payers to fund my dreams and ambitions... I accepted a 100% commission position, and earned my pay with no coercion or extortion - just pure work and results. Your whining is wimpy... I worked more than 12-14 hours a day, and it paid off! And I never relied upon extortion for retirement benefits - I never relied on threats to not work - I just worked, raised a family, and got what I deserved... your GEA leader is a kindergarten teacher who scammed the community for a salary of over $100k a year - it is no wonder we fail at math and science against the leading nations of the world - we spend too much paying for seniority that is not necessary nor does it provide any added quality... it is extorted through union demands and threats ... the most equitable solution is to let the strikers be replaced and let the GEA explain to its members that the cause was unjust and indefensible...

.

Aye, and there's the rub.

No-strike will continue the distortions of the system -- but a strike, though bringing some short-term difficulties, will open the way to creation of a 21st C. educational system for D-304.

STAND STRONG, BoE !

Agree with Max. Let the strike happen and bring teachers' work benefits and compensation in line with those in the private sector and into this century: no guaranteed pensions, no guaranteed pay-raises, no guaranteed jobs if you aren't doing well, merit-based pay, significant employee contribution to health insurance... I believe that teachers are generally underpaid for the work they do and unless you've walked in their shoes and done the job you don't know what you're saying when you say "boo hoo." However, to strike in these economic times when the rest of your neighbours are subject to pay freezes and reductions in benefits is pure greed and makes you poor role models for our children.

wow...wondering if they think the posters on here are a minority? Can they really be that out of touch. How many folks are planning to attend tonight's BOE meeting? Perhaps supporters of the BOE's offer to the GEA need to SEE who is backing them up. Being reasonable and respectful how I approach this and see no reason why I should be reluctant to voice my opinion. If a teacher wants to see me as someone other than a caring, informed parent than I implore them to think of the kids. They don't have to like me, I suppose.

I plan on attending the board meeting tonight! GEA has dominated the last couple of board meetings. All of the residents who support the BOE's stance with the GEA must come to the meeting tonight. I realize not everyone can speak or would even want to. I do know some propably fear the effect it may have on their children and I can understand that. However, I do think it is important to have as many as possible not wearing the green or viking blue to show the board how the community feels.

I agree that they would come back...but I'm not so sure I want them back.
And yes, this means I have lost respect for the GEA and any of the teachers who still wear the green shirts.

Oh Jeff, you poor, poor baby.

I enjoy much of what you write and say. I don't like how you frame TaxFacts or Bob McQuillan as the boogeymen, yet I think you are a terrific writer and have the backbone to write what you think and not pander to one audience or the other. I also believe you validate your opinion after careful thought and processing all the ideas. That's what opinionators (?) do. Or am I full of crap?

I have to work tonight to help pay my bills which seem to increase faster than my income. I have written to the BOE supporting their stance, however.

Dear No More,

I wish you'd use your real name, because you're dead on.

Jeff

Julie,

C'mon - you know me by now! I generally refuse to cast aspersions until the deed is done.

I'll be there tonight to see it for myself and make that judgment then!

Jeff

Okay, you'll know who I am when I stand at the podium in a long, crimped blond wig giving my name as "Debbie" Snider. I have to go in disguise so my children aren't wronged in the rest of their days in 304. You know it would happen! I really, really hope we are past the 43 page essays that the GEA/Union/Teachers simply feel they have to read. Like it's going to change our minds at this point. Although, if you were at the meeting where C.Young stood up and acted like an out of control fool and then Grosso firmly told her to sit down, I could go for seeing that again. It was the scene right out of Footloose...it was awesome!

I am sorry I missed the reading of the essays - since they were written by teachers, did any have the title, "What I Did On My Summer Vacation"?

Yea Silence I saw the one that said, I taught summer school for 8 week, participated in curriculum writing, and purchased new things for my class out of my own pocket.

Cody. Thank you for educating me. I must humbly apologize. I was truly not aware that teaching in summer school was a totally altruistic act wherein those teachers accrued no wages or credits of any kind.

We all need to be there with our arms folded equally as disappointed at the GEA behavior!

Respect - that which can be earned, can also be lost.

I respect the profession of teaching and believe that, for me, the contract offered by the BOE is fair and appropriate AND generous, given the current economy. What I don't respect is being accused of being disrespectful to teachers because of my "vote" to support the BOE. Holding myself to the highest standard of decorum and keeping my head free of the "clutter" and name calling that has been going on is how I keep my eye on the ball. Smoke and mirrors is an old tatic...

To Silence: Truer words were never spoken. That's exactly how I feel........I will never have the same respect for Geneva teachers that I once did when my child was still in school. They have shown their true colors, and I will never forget it. I am acquaintances with quite a few in one particular school, and while I can still be personable with them, the respect will be gone. They only have themselves to blame.

Watch Carol Young's speech on You Tube- it is factually incorrect, and it makes false statements that cannot be supported by research from Harvard Business Review, Management publications, studies on Coaching, Training, and Talent Development, or Educational Outcome-based learning. All it supports is greed, and a desire for her to keep a $100k+ job, while having the district pay her to take time off to conduct union activities, which she then turns around and makes threats of strikes while the district pays her- how crazy is that?

No, Pat...just asking a simple question with no threat intended or implied. It's public knowledge who is on the BOE, so I'm just wondering who is doing the negotiations for the GEA. Hope that's okay with you.

It appears that Pat L. may have forgotten this post:
Pat L
9:32 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Julie- Why don't you just go? Get a life. Even Barky posted "This isn't pro teacher or anti board, it is about getting information and asking questions no matter how tough they are. I think it's important to know as much as possible."

"Not when it comes to safety"...REALLY??? Nothing like ramping it up. Seems to me when an argument is losing steam, creating fear is the common next tatic. Whatevs. A teacher's safety is what is being questioned now???? Ridiculous. You have a better chance of getting stabbed, in an apartment in Batavia! (joke...I like humor in tense moments, but value personal safety).

Oh...there is NO safety in silence. (why punctuation is vital)

and also why having your voice heard is vital.

Pat L you are being ridiculous. Nobody is going to harm anyone. Please get a grip. You are just trying to stir the pot again because the majority are not supporting your viewpoint.

(Pat L cannot respond right now, as is busy putting shoe on other foot)

Also from the GEA's website: "Leadership is required by Illinois law to be duly elected in open elections in compliance with all state and federal rules for union elections. GEA leaders are elected for two-year terms."

So the officers are "elected" and the bargaining team is "appointed." Is that correct, Pat L.?

You are correct Silence, because he was trying despritly to pull his foot out of his mouth.

Grace- I agree with you on your point. However, the name calling that I have seen on here towards Mrs. Young is disgusting, and why spread those same words to other teachers in the district?
And yes SUE J, I am in the minority here, but that doesn't mean I am in the public.

"Thus Conscience does make Cowards of us all." Hamlet.

Oh Silence. I will be wearing the red rose tonight. Look for me.

Pat...are you kidding me w/the name calling statement? Let's see if I can remember the names you've used here...on me alone...creeper, loser... Give me a break. I believe out of everyone who has posted on this topic, you're the worst offender! I'll look for your red rose on your green shirt.
Is that what the teachers have decided to use as their excuse for not speaking up? Because they thought they would be physically harmed? Give me yet another break. I hope they can come up w/something better than that.

I'll be wearing the Grouch Marx glasses and hiding behind Rick Nagel.

Though membership in the GEA is voluntary, I remember many moons ago when I was a first-year teacher. It was assumed you would be in the union and when, that first year, we went on strike, it was assumed I agreed, though I did not. So to view all Geneva teachers or even all Geneva teachers in the GEA and making these demands in the same light does not seem right. However, now is the time for those teachers who recognize the current demands as out-of-step with the times to stand apart. Now is the time for the community and the BoE to give those teachers a forum to do this. Certainly when I was a first-year teacher I wouldn't have been aware of other options.

For those who choose to remain resolute, there are many others waiting to fill your shoes. Is it convenient? No. But this bridge has to be crossed. It is, as Grace F says, an out-dated model.

Wait...we have Burton Cummings who posts against the IEA, but also seems to have some sort of grudge against Bob McQuillan.

Hmmm, Burton Cummings....of the "Guess Who", now who could this possibly be?

No sugar tonight in my coffee, No sugar tonight in my tea.

Actually, when you considering what tonight's board meeting might be like, I'm hoping for a little Jack Daniels!

Burton, I pray you are not as short sighted as your post. Had you recognized that much of the opposition to the increases the GEA had requested was due to the impending tax increase, ie the $300+ mil debt we face, you would recognize that Bob is in fact fully justified in his post. The request for a salary freeze is not because the citizens have bonded with Ebenezer Scrooge, rather because of the tremendous debt the citizenz are facing.

Actually Jeff, "A bag full of goodies and a bottle of wine" sounds better. It's the new mother nature taking over. She's getting us all!

Dave,

Considering all this insanity, I should be laughing, but I cry, because this heart could not accept or pretend that I'm head over heels shook up about the way that you fool with me.

I mean, Anybody here see the noise, see the fear and commotion? I think we missed it
Anybody here see the love see the hate, the emotion?

Top that!

Jeff

Jeff - You win!

Bob- just wanted to thank you for your diligence in sharing the info you collected -

I second that!

That is right on the mark Max! The GEA better think about it before striking...or actually, maybe they should go ahead and strike. It's time to make some changes.

Better yet, sit and enjoy the show. It's better than what's on TV and one learns as well. I really think some of the booster groups lost out on fundraising opportunities. Popcorn would have been my preference...

Make that a 13 foot hole...

Just 13 ft? Heck, they are deeper than Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel !

LP, At least the people on the school board use their real names and face the public. Why should anyone believe anything you have to say when you post here using an anonymous while freely casting aspersions.

Regardless, for the sake of the many great Geneva teachers we have experienced throughout our children's school years, I want to believe you when you say that the GEA doesn't want to strike and I hope they prove your words true by not striking. If its truly about "losing trust and respect for the board", then going on strike in the middle of a semester while demanding more money would be an odd way to show it.

If the GEA does strike, I would urge the board to give the GEA no more than a week to reach an agreement and come back to work, and if that doesn't happen in a week I would urge the board to terminate negotiations and begin looking for permanent replacements for the striking teachers. I know too many people in the community who have lost jobs, taken pay cuts, had to sell homes, had foreclosures, etc. to accept a strike in the middle of a semester as an appropriate action in the face of a solid offer that promises continued employment, great benefits, and a promise of no pay cut. In this economy, there are no irreplaceable employees, including the many great teachers we have know throughout the years.

All the whining about who poked who first, is just childish BS.

It comes down to ONE thing. You READ what's on the paper -- and you SIGN on the dotted line. Or you don't sign -- and then you take the consequences.

No more cry-baby.

What we do have is the final offers, and after reading them have determined that the GEA is unreasonable.

LP- As soon as it became public knowledge that there was a demand to spike salaries by 6% in the final years of service, it was clear that this had nothing to do with education. It had nothing to do with attracting quality new teachers. It had nothing to do with fairness. It had nothing to do with the kids. It had to do with padding, in every possible way, the benefits for people who want to have one job, one employer, and one location. However, while we all want that, it is not realistic, and the average worker makes 3-5 career/company changes in their lifetime. Your reality is not one that the tax payers believe to be worthy of special preferential privilege. You are a working professional working in a professional economy... and quite honestly, when you look at all of the income, increases, benefits, healthcare, pension and number of months of vacation time... you actually have it very good right now... if you do not think that you do, I challenge you to find somewhere else to provide you with more - and if you find it, thank you for your teaching service and good luck in your future... if you find a corporate teaching job where you can take three months off, more power to you. Why should the tax payers pay more than a prevailing rate? Especially when it has nothing to do with quality of the kids' education?

LP - my position on this matter is based solely on what I can read for myself of the posted "last offers" on the internet. I don't think either side can spin what I can read for myself in plain language. I remain firmly behind the position of the Board and feel, if anything, they're not being agressive enough to reform the compensation system to strengthen our education system for the long term and align compensation with performance and the resources of the community.

I find it hard to believe Ms. Young would not seize the opportunity to expose the BofE's dishonest practice of making false offers (or however it should be categorized). Pass out flyers with this claim on it, at the Geneva Train Station, etc. I have to agree with Bruce's point.

LP - has your wife been feeding you the Union Kook-Aid?

Of course we are not privy to the behind the seens negotations and we really don't need to be because the proof is in the offers. The BOE's offer is very fair in this economic climate.

I feel the GEA and its members are being disrespectful to the residents of the community it serves by having no regard for the salary cuts, pay freezes and job losses that residents are experiencing.

Please explain to my how you feel salary spiking is fair, why teachers should get an additional 2 days of sick time or why tuition reimbursement should be allowed for masters degrees in administration?

The best thing that happened is when all of this pay and benfit information became public knowledge. The community is aware now and knowledge is power.

LP- I think you were sold a false bill of goods by the union GEA leader more than by the Board! She teaches kindergarten and makes 50% more than the average household makes in this area, and she also makes money from the union.

Once the strike issue became real, many people started looking more closely at the demands being made, and comparing those to the realities faced by the people being asked to foot the bill, and we just do not feel it makes any sense. Don't take it as anything other than that. As tax payers, we are the employers - and we feel we have paid generously with great salaries, terrific vacation time, terrific healthcare, and very competitive pensions for retirement. We have provided quality resources, modern facilities, access to continued education, and ability to gain added education/degrees while employed. We have strong parent support in the community.

In the end, we want quality education, quality educators, and contracts that make economic sense. We want teachers who are appreciative of the salaries, benefits, and vacation that we pay for, and we want to reward the better teachers while not being forced to pay more for inferior teachers who just stick around to get their salary spiked. Quite frankly, if teachers are not satisfied with that, they should leave... that is not an arrogant statement. We are offering great employment opportunities, and for those that do not appreciate it, then we should find ones that would appreciate it.

@ Robert Jr. -EXACTLY!

Robert Jr - "like" (we need a "like" button)

According to an article in the Chicago Tribune on 25th October titled "Illinois teacher pension fund rate of return drops to 0.76 pct" Last month, the pension fund for teachers in all Illinois school districts with the exception of the Chicago Public Schools, lowered its long-term assumed investment rate of return to 8 percent from 8.5 percent. The move will depress TRS' funded ratio to 42.5 percent and increase Illinois' fiscal 2014 payment to the fund to $3.36 billion instead of $3.07 billion under the previous return rate. Faced with a huge $83 billion unfunded pension liability for its five pension funds, including TRS, Illinois is struggling to reduce pension payments that threaten to squeeze out funding for essential services…Governor Pat Quinn is backing legislation that would phase in over 12 years the responsibility of individual school districts to make payments into TRS that are currently made by the state (see http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-10-25/business/sns-rt-illinois-pensionteachersl1e8lpj1i-20121025_1_pension-fund-director-dick-ingram-trs-executive)

James,
TRS has been underfunded for 40 years. Recnet research shows that the problem isn't benefits but underfunding. Most teachers, like me, pay 9.4% out of our paycheck toward TRS. Some districts pay that for the teachers (not Geneva,except for some administrators), and the normal actuarial cost for the benefit is close between 8-9 %. So if you take a social security contribution of 6.4 ( which teachers are locked out of, even if they earned their credits in private sector before teaching) and add a 2% employer 401 k contribution, the taxpayers are paying a similar cost as most employers and less than most teachers for the benefit. In fact, this was why the state chose the pension--to save money from not having to pay social security tax to the Feds. And it did--for awhile. There were no guarantees to fund it, so they didn't. Does this ever happen in the private sector? Do employers get away with not putting their SS tax in for their employees? I blame King Madigan and his 30 year reign, and I am not naive enough to think union contributions had nothing to do with it. But the rank and file employees are not to blame. I think we are finally becoming more aware of games that may have been played with no long-term vision.
I agree that the end of career inflationary of salary should come to an end.

(Sorry for the typos...iPads are not great for composition)
Here is the link to research out of Boston College on the pension mess in IL:
http://capitolfax.com/2012/11/01/hey-bruce-the-unions-didnt-underfund-the-system/

On the step and lane system, I have yet to see a practical way to measure teacher effectiveness that would fairly institute a merit pay system. Some school districts in IL that have tried it have scrapped it. By 2016 teacher evaluations will have to be tied somehow to student performance, but no one from my school on up to the ISBE to the federal dept. of ed knows exactly how this will work. How will art teachers be measured? How will special Ed teachers be compared to AP teachers? Who will volunteer to teach classes in remedial levels or in impoverished areas (or affluent) where teachers might be held accountable for students who don't show up for class?

The same IL law that reformed teacher evils, Senate Bill 7, also effectively eliminated tenure. Seniority is simply a tiebreaker, and teacher evaluation is much more rigorous with only 30% of teachers at my school earning the highest rating thus far.

I consider myself blessed to be able to send my kids to school in Geneva, and no matter what happens, I will thank their teachers for the work they do with them, and I will engage with them if I think they can do better. Let's hope it gets settled and get back to civility soon.

We can see the final offers. They speak for themselves. Who cares about the cost sheet, etc. When can it be fair to the community?

If memory serves, no villagers went out with torches and pitchforks until the old horror movie monster had done something unacceptable.

Mollie do you have the inside track to the "underhandednes?"

You are just assuming there is "underhandedness" by the BOE. Maybe it was on both sides. Once again, the offers speak for themselves!

the contract as it stands is not good for the community as a whole and should be abridged or broken. It's time to start a new method of rewarding performance and not taking classes and passing a test or two, that is not how the majoriity of people who work for a living are compensated.

I would take the assertions more seriously if they weren't being made anonymously and were being made much more specific and came with some kind of evidence. The school board is comprised of people from the community who volunteer their time and do not hide behind anonimity. Until I see more from the currently anonymous posters here casting aspersions, I will put my trust in the statements from both sides that people have had courage to put their name to.

Even if there has been "underhandedness", how is that made better by striking in the middle of a semester while demanding more money???

For those teachers who took on the expense of continued education with the clear understanding that they would be compensated for it, then they should be compensated as expected. A line should be drawn, however, to ensure that in the future there are no such guaranteed expectations. Pay-boosting to boost pensions, however common it might be, is reprehensible and almost deceitful. As for a contract? In my company we don't have one. Illinois is a no-blame state and we can be sacked at any time without cause.

It's called being an employee at will...welcome to the big beautiful world beyond union guarantees.

Cody,

Things are so bad out there for teachers, they would apply in a flash.

Jeff

Yes, you are right. The taxpayers don't want to pay for advanced degrees in administration. This doesn't help in the classroom at all. It was just gaming the system.

Any offer to replacement teachers would have to be sweet -- because there will be minor initial hassles of getting reorganized. But it will be a great opportunity for some experienced and very competent teachers who are returning to the job-market, as well as for new teachers who have been prevented from joining our District because of the strangle-hold the union has had on our procedures.

A strike, though troublesome, would ultimately be a great opportunity to let some fresh air into a stale closed sytem.

Cody, if you substitute “your boss” for “the tax payers” it sounds like the world the rest of us live in. I would word it more like this – “HELP WANTED, Geneva School District is looking for talented, energetic teachers to work in a great community with a motivated and primarily college bound student population. Pay and benefits are above average and commensurate with skills and experience. Advancement and salary increases are based on your performance and not restricted by union formula.

Thanks, Cody, for painting that picture!

So much of what you have is just not true, a starting pay of 41k In this economy is so not bad. Retirement could be contributions to a 401k like most folks out there if their employer offers it. 2 1/2 months off with pay in the summer, I'll take that any day. If someone shoots their mouth off or is a poor worker they get fired just like everywhere else. Increase pay based on taking classes or getting a master’s degree to teach in a classroom is not needed. And there is no correlation to advanced degrees and better teaching skills. The step ladder system should be removed as well as tenure. These are bad ideas accepted by weak school boards in the past. There are laws to protect employees from being fired unfairly. It sounds like you want a guaranteed job for life with high pay and no performance check. Karl Marx had ideas like that too. Russia tried it and it failed, as did most of Europe.

Thanks, Bruce, for painting THAT picture.

I just looked it up and that is the exact wording of the job description for my current position in the private sector. Welcome to my world.

And for each one of those 10,500 there were it least 10,500 interviews with school district admininistrators in the various districts. And they didn't get hired. Why wouldn't a district hire them?

Oh, gosh golly gee The Truth, maybe because there are only so many jobs available...and maybe, just just maybe if the GEA teachers keep following the union on their 'field trip' into the Khyber Pass, they too will be able to experience just how the "real world" works,

More anonymous casting of aspersions. "Mollie", perhaps your kids don't know how to treat others kindly, but mine do.

Obviously depends on the degrees and the job.

There would be no motivation to get those degrees. As that level of education is not needed. Just as two masters dergrees are not needed in a classroom or Library. This is the real world.

"Cody", they make what the market will bare. I read stories all the time about people with even more degrees who can't even find a job. I know people with more degrees who have lost their job and taken pay cuts to get a new job. The Geneva community is filled with such people who have taken pay cuts and pay freezes, people who have lost their jobs, people who can't keep up with house payments and property taxes, and people, including qualified teachers, who are looking for work. If the GEA walks out in the middle of the semester, they may ultimately be able to experience the same real hardships that so many others in this community have, but they may relieve the hardship of some who have been looking for a job and would be more than happy to work in the Geneva schools under the terms offered by the school board. I hope the teachers don't let the GEA or the IEA push them into doing something so harmful to themselves.

For goodness sakes! Listen to what you are saying teachers! All the BOE asked was a pay freeze and a lower raise. It is not as if you we're asked to take a pay cut, lay off staff, increase your work hours, etc. How in the world do teachers stand there and act as if they have been utterly insulted? It is not as if the BOE said you will never see another raise. Please do not for one minute think that the rest of this town hasn't been faced with one or more of those proposals in their profession. As a citizen and a full-time employed professional I would be embarrassed by this behavior. Teachers want to consider themselves professionals, then they certainly should behave as such. In the real professional world individuals earn their positions as well as their raises. This sense of entitlement is destroying your credibility.

yes, it all depends on the degrees & job.I have 2 Master's degrees (science & business) plus 30 years experience, I am still subject to annual performance reviews (read: preformance based, not automatic lane/step increases) and economy based merit increases/freezes. I am "real world".

You didn't give a figure Bruce. Are you afraid we will judge you because you make to much money? For the record I work more than 50 hours a week and make less than $50,000. So I do know what hard times are since it is half what I made a few years ago. All that said, I will support our teachers because they have given my kids a better future than what I have.

I make reference to the comment of Silence above. If you have two masters degrees, live in Geneva and have had your salary cut in half to $50k then I don't understand why you would support a compensation system for the teachers that would result in the Drivers Ed teacher making $124,000 as he recently did and becoming the highest paid educator in the district or a Kindergarten teacher making more than the principal of an elementary school. Since your salary was cut in half but your property taxes went up I would think you'd be demanding a more effective use of the available funds for teacher salaries to get the best teachers we can afford. I also support the teachers - just not the union, the step & lane system of compensation, pension spiking or the unlimited banking of sick days.

Maybe Cody is married to a drivers ed teacher

Cody - there is no figure to give. As people have stated, two masters doesn't mean that it automatically provides additional value. In fact, most companies won't pay for two masters so why bother unless you personally want it.

In regards to your other comment, "you didn't give a value...", there is no value to give, even with one masters a value can't necessarily be put on it unless the employee is providing value that can be assessed. A masters in basket weaving is just a masters just as a masters in social behavior. The free market should determine the salaries, not some automated step and lane procedure. You are fighting something that may ultimately lead to a higher salary for someone who teaches math and science, for which there aren't an excessive amount of teachers.

Cody, following on the mentioned example - since you're now making $50k, if the school board had the flexibility I'd be in favor of offering you $75,000 to teach drivers ed. I would guess you're qualified to do so. Your current salary would go up by 50%. Then I would be in favor of taking the $50k savings and allocate it to increase the pay of the lowest paid teachers. Why would something like that not be better for the community and the teachers as a whole? Talented, outstanding teachers have no way to really be paid what they are worth in the current system.

So what do you make a year Bruce? What are your benefits, perks, etc.

Grace, The Web site you refer to is owned by this lobbyist: Berman & Co., a Washington, DC public affairs firm owned by lobbyist Rick Berman, represents the tobacco industry as well as hotels, beer distributors, taverns, and restaurant chains. Berman & Co. lobbies for companies such as Cracker Barrel, Hooters, International House of Pancakes, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, Steak & Ale, TGI Friday's, Uno's Restaurants, and Wendy's. It also operates a network of several front groups, web sites, and think tanks that work to keep wages low for restaurants and to block legislation on food safety, secondhand cigarette smoke, and drunk driving.

I'm sure it's full of lots of facts!

Love it Grace F. Everyone should see the documentary, "Waiting for Superman". In the mean time this article from CNN reporting a Los Angeles teacher wasn't fired for sexual misconduct on kids is unfathomable. Should we be worried that the GEA will protect a sexual predator teaching our kids?

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/27/us/california-schools-crime-bill/index.html

that would be an excellent hand-out, at the Geneva Train Station ^^^^^^

What a load of BS. Real reason is you just don't have the guts. Teachers picking on your kids? Give me a break. If you really believed that why don't you move, or send your kid to a private school, or home school. No you would just rather lie instead. Pathetic.

I would be all for hearing Ms. Young and her husband address that.

A little birdie told me that Carol Young, in response to a question on whether the 6% annual spikes would be a sticking point for the negotiations, said "the 6% annual spikes will not be a sticking point". Interesting...

In my company this situation would be called a conflict of interest and the person would have to recuse themselves from the project/negotiation. I guess this same concept doesn't apply here?

As the parent of a student that had Mrs. Young for kindergarten, I can assure you that my child started 1st grade with a SEVERE deficit. That after having parent/teacher conferences and report cards that said otherwise. It wasn't until the final report card of the year that Mrs. Young voiced her true opinion. Fast forward to my second child that had a "GASP" new teacher. This student excelled and continues to do so! If it wasn't for a very patient first grade teacher, my first child would still be behind. My opinion is that she should have retired years ago when she lost her passion for teaching ALL children...not just the ones she chooses.

So, if a kid does well in school, it's a result of parent involvement but when they have a problem it's the teacher's fault? I'll let you in on a secret: no two kids are the same and many of them have some sort of problem within their school career.

Geneva Vikings.
I wonder if Jeff Fairchild will take issue with your above post about Mrs. Young?
Jeff Fairchild Qoutes;
"I would take the assertions more seriously if they weren't being made anonymously"
"I will put my trust in the statements from both sides that people have had courage to put their name to. "
"More anonymous casting of aspersions. "Mollie", perhaps your kids don't know how to treat others kindly, but mine do"

Here's a clue Beth. If you have applied and been interviewed and haven't been offered a job? You won't because the district has determined you would be a bad teacher. Time to move on sweetheart.

Again, we have the negative comments when all else fails. Aaron, I'm sorry you don't agree with me, but I actually am the same person I am in our neighborhood. It's just that I can't afford your wife's salary anymore...especially if Geneva will be staring down the barrel at the state pension responsibility.
And I have never interviewed for a teaching position in Geneva....although I appreciate the endearment.

Beth, I don't know you personally - but I believe we are both ex-Harrison parents. Nothing but respect on this end for you.
The 'PatL"'s and "TheTruth" are frightened little people who see their spouse's gravy train slipping away under the reckless guidance of the IEA and their "bedfellows".

Hold the phone...who is Aaron? Is Pat L's wife a teacher? Of course...hope she doesn't tell little white lies like he does. I support you, Beth! And so does most of Geneva!

Beth Ward,
You can't post a "snarky" comment about Carol Young and who she "sleeps with" and then cry foul when someone gives you a little taste back. Negative comments are the norm on the Patch. If your going to dish it out you better be ready to take it.

Thomas, get a grip. The "sleeps with" was a total play because Mr and Mrs Young are married...which mean they most likely sleep with each other. Geez...have a sense of humor.

Ok Julie,
And I suppose accusing someone of telling "little white lies" is an inside joke as well, and not to be misconstrued as a "negative comment when all else fails" as defined by Beth Ward. Gotta love the Patch, a bastion for double standards.

Actually, Thomas, Pat L was caught by not just me telling lies here. First he lied about where he lived and why he even followed this saga. So, you're wrong. I called him out for what he truly did and THAT is the truth. I don't think people who lie are funny at all.

Oh, and there's no negativity in your statement about Mrs. Young? Hypocrite. Wes, frightened? All you who have made this nothing but personal attacks against teachers have shown that you view teachers nothing but second class citizens. How dare a teacher afford to earn a living on a teachers salary. Don't they know their place? I mean after all, they probably haven't had a spouse who got laid off or had their salary frozen or taken a pay cut. And even if they did, so what. They're teachers for crying out loud. If only they had done a poorer job of teaching we wouldn't have had all these people move to the area and raise home values, cause tremendous growth and allow for new businesses to form. I say we demand all realtors and builders selling property within the Geneva township to take down those signs that say "Geneva Schools" I mean, that will just make things worse, right? We would much rather see our property values plumment so at least the taxes would have to fall as well. Just remember, you people took this beyond just about money. If the teachers give in to Grosso's Railyard Bull tactics and and compromise, will you all then say how great and undertanding they were? Don't bother, they have seen your true colors.

Julie,
Your right when Carol Young and her husband read Beth's comment about who she sleeps with they will sit back and laugh and laugh and share their appreciation for Beth's sharp wit and sense of humor.

So now I understand why some poor teacherwho is trying to make a living making $79,400 for less than 9 months of work is struggling to make ends meet. Give me a break. In today's economy, that is a very nice salary for anyone. I hope these teacher's wake up and don't negotiate themselves right out of such nice paying jobs.

Rick Nagel, You should probably remove Pat Lee's...or Arron..or whatever name he is using today...post where he himself identifies not only who he is, but then gives his wife's name as Kim. Make note that NO ONE else did that. Also, he was first to say that he was neighbors with someone posting here. It's all coming together now for Pat L. I cannot believe his wife is a teacher and he results to the name calling on here. Maybe it wasn't even Arron posting..maybe it was Kim? Is this how a high school teacher should act? I write this because I was the one he called a creeper, a loser and that I should get a life. Wow...that really says a lot! Shameful! Karma is a beautiful thing!

*eating popcorn enjoying all this entertainment*

Hey, heh heh heh, this is better than MTV! Get 'em Julie. Let's have a Geneva Smackdown!!!

Dave Larson said

So, if a kid does well in school, it's a result of parent involvement but when they have a problem it's the teacher's fault? I'll let you in on a secret: no two kids are the same and many of them have some sort of problem within their school career.

Dave do you really believe that every teacher in this district is an excellent teacher?
Can't it ever be that the teacher was not good? Just because you are a teacher you are not automatically perfect. Let's be honest. While I don't believe in calling out specific teachers my children have been in the district from Kindergarten and are still in school. My daughter had a first grade teacher that was very inadequate. I had to deal with it. She didn't have any problems subsequently. However, I did make it known to the school that I did not want my son to have this teacher, and my request was honored.

Obviously, people are targeting Ms. Young because she is the union president and a voice of the teachers. I was not previously aware the the taxpayers were paying for a half of each day for Ms. Young to conduct union duties. I am not sure how that would afford someone to be able to solely focus on teaching. I would be concerned as a parent.

Sue J - Nobody ever said that “every teacher in this district is an excellent teacher”. I just don’t believe that it is fair or appropriate for some anonymous person to make a personal attack against any teacher, even if she is the union president!

Well said, Beth!

Beth...So True!

Pat L's comment is really pathetic and I am sorry that I even read it. Unfortunately, it serves to show us all how divided we are on this issue. Also, if this is any representation of how matter w/the GEA will go,moving forward, I still a Teacher's Strike coming.

I just learned of Khanacademy.org from a close friend. It is used at the University level. Great website and children will enjoy it, as well.

Robert Jr. - even I, the Great Cornholio, have read the ammendment wording and it says no such thing. It requires a 3/5 vote to increase pension benefits. There is no wording included here that says they can decrease benefits, which would require the current 75% of votes. I think we should vote NO.

I've read where Mike Madigan supports this amendment. If he thinks its good for the state, then it is a bad thing for the citizens. I'm voting NO. Plus there are too many crooks in the legislature to start changing the Illinois Constitution.

Personally, aside from this whole saga, I don't think it would be wise to allow the Constitution to be touched.

Excellent, Beth! That is the best quote to sum up everything. I'm glad Rick Nagel pulled the comment written by Pat L (really Arron Lee...LP..) who announced that his wife was not only Kim Lee, a teacher at the high school, but that she is on the negotiating team!!! What was he thinking, where has he gone? Again, he is the one who pointed out FIRST that you two lived in the same neighborhood and accused you of not being a true person. You have every right to voice your opinion; we all do. That is one of our greatest rights!

Really not smart...and Pat/Aaron/Lee is doing a major disservice to his wife, the schools and the community. Oh, and it smacks of immaturity.

I have to quote Julie here from a previous forum: "the more the GEA steps in it, the better off we'll be." Julie, you are so right, and Pat L/Aaron/LP has more than stepped in it, in my opinion. Now I know why he got so defensive when I questioned who the GEA negotiators were. It appears that his post intimating that I would be threatening them was removed. Hmmm.....

@ Dave...hey...I went to get some gelato! I sat there enjoying it while the members of the meeting stood in front of the counter talking...and carrying their I love geneva teachers signs. What, am I not allowed to frequent public places now? Oh, and I recommend the lemon...it's awesome!

"you’d have to be a complete idiot" to throw your wife under the bus the way someone did earlier today. Now that was not only stepping in it, it was sliding through it, unable to get up.

Didn't Blood, Sweat and Tears release an LP entitled "The Truth About Mollie?" :)

Thanks for the comic relief...I think Shakespeare would be proud of all of you. Because I think we can all agree that this is a tragedy.

There is not one thing that is tragic here Beth (you got me, yay!). Not one thing on here that I said was reflective of the ongoing negotiations or any members of the GEA or other teachers in 304, but more a husband protecting the hurtful accusations towards his wifes profession. What husband wouldn't knowing what has been said and done to her? Never did I say one thing regarding the negotiations that wasn't said here first. And like Bob McQuillen posted when I questioned him on his identity (which I never heard back on) I will donate $500 to the charity of your choice if I ever posted under LP, the Truth, or Mollie?
Arron

Pat L...Arron (kinda like Enron)..again..a little humor, You lied, many times, anything you write now will not be taken seriously. You make it sound like your wife was tarred and feathered, for goodness sakes. If she gets the stink eye as of today, that is because of you. Be thankful your wife makes the 79k per year along w/whatever your salary is so you can throw 500 bucks away. Why don't you take that money and offer it to the 300 million debt...or maybe to pay for the subs who will cross the picket line to stand-in for the strikers. I don't think calling other people losers and creepers is helping your wife's cause anyway, but sticks and stones...

"...but more a husband protecting the hurtful accusations towards his wifes profession. What husband wouldn't knowing what has been said and done to her?"

How Quaint ! Why, Look Geneva, it's our own 21st century internet based update for 'It's a Wonderful Life" -

George shouts into the phone to Mrs. Welch, Zuzu's school teacher, blaming her for Zuzu's illness, calling her stupid, silly, and careless. Later, at Martini's bar, Mr. Welch punches George in the mouth, and explains how his wife cried for an hour after George screamed at her on the phone.

I guess the next thing that Pat L would do is go down to Old Towne and punch one of us in the face...to protect his wife..just like in the movie. Ick...I hate to associate any of this w/one of the best movies of all time! I wish I heard a bell ringing right now...we could use Clarence to save us from the GEA!

Julie,...who needs Clarence to make bell sounds? We have had a surplus of noise lately from the GEA ding-a-lings!

Mr. Arron Lee (posting as Pat L.) says that "there is not one thing that is tragic here." If tragedy is defined as an event causing suffering, destruction and distress, then I think this event qualifies on all counts.
If you consider just the fracture of relationships between parents and teachers, this is a tragedy. Then consider the loss of trust the teacher's have in the BOE, the tension between support personnel and staff. Finally, and most tragic of all, the anxiety of students who are watching their green-shirted teachers headed full-tilt towards a strike. Yes, Arron Lee, this is tragic.
Parent/teacher conferences are coming up. I would like to let the public know a little known fact...the PTO of each school provides a catered luncheon w/drinks, snacks and homemade desserts to the teachers on conference days. I, like many commenters here, have spend hundreds of volunteer PTO hours helping with this event. This is my first year without children in the district and I sure am glad that I don't have to ask parents to contribute to this luncheon....and even more glad that I don't have to sit at a conference table across from a teacher making 100K, who has shown no gratitude for what they have in Geneva.
One last thing, Arron. Your wife, Kim, is one of the best math teachers my daughter has ever had. I think she would do very well, were she to negotiate her new contract based on merit.

Beth is absolutely right. Many parents who are not involved in the PTO don’t really know all the support that is provided to the teachers. At Geneva Middle School North, where I’m the current treasurer, we also supply monthly Teacher Appreciation Breakfasts, yearly allotments to all teachers, money to all Language Arts teachers to supplement their classroom libraries, money to all Language Arts and Social Studies teachers for classroom subscriptions, and we fulfill teacher wish list items. I’m concerned that this financial support will not be so readily available in years to come. You see, our monetary support depends on the generosity of parents. I’m not involved with the GAF, but I imagine they’re concerned as well.

I also want to be clear that I’m not speaking on behalf on anyone else on the board. This is just my opinion.