By ilkdljr

October 22, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Lakota teachers are the lowest paid in the area, especially after several years of service. Our veteran teacher are not valued by the board. However, our administrators receive pay the is 18% over the state average. In addition, 6% of their retirement is paid, whereas a teacher pays 10%. It is hard to look at the data and realize that we are the lowest on the payscale when we have earned the label of “Excellent with Distinction” fromt he State of Ohio. I ask you, who is more responsible for that rating than Lakota teachers. Parents, if you appreciate all that the teachers are Lakota are doing for your student, please call central office and let them know!

By Scot

October 22, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

They are getting paid over $50,000 a year now for working 9 months a year. Plus get 3 weeks paid time off each year and every holiday known. At some point we need to stop lamenting the poor teachers. They have it way better than the majority of people out there working every week. Heck, most people pay for their insurance too! What paid retirement does a non teacher get…zip. How about we make it a year round schooling and keep them at the same pay rate.

By VietVet

October 22, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Normally I don’t defend the teachers union. Too much clout.However,you can’t give the admin. positions raises that are totally out of line with what you want to offer the teachers. Probably wouldn’t get this flak from the teachers union if you offered the admin AND the teachers a 3 percenter each year.Why does the admin get a larger raise than the teachers? As to benefits- public or private-doesn’t matter-most employers require the worker to make a contribution.Just the way it is nowadays.

By Mary

October 23, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

For those of you that think a teacher only works 9 months a year, please get your own teaching license and step into a classroom. It amazes me that people who have no idea what it is like to be a teacher, feel as if they are an expert on what exactly goes on in the classroom and the requirements needed to continue teaching. No matter what your job is, you expect to see an increase for a job well done, whether you are a plumber , a dentist or a teacher. Lakota teachers are not asking for the moon, but a fair contract. You are judging without knowing all the facts. If insurance cost is up 2%, then let me pay the 2% increase, not more. If cost of living is up 4.9%, is it unreasonable to want something comparable? If teachers doing the same job in comparable districts are making THOUSANDS of dollars more, don’t I have the right to be paid a comparable rate? In teaching, you must renew your license and to do that you must continue your education. This is mandatory in the State of Ohio. To renew a license this year, it went from $40 to $200.( Not paid by the district.) Yes, I make 50,000 a year but I have a Master’s degree (paid for by me) and have an additional 30 college credits (paid for by me). It would be a great research project to see what the pay rate is for “non-teachers” with my educational experience. So before you offer your opinion, get the facts to make an informed credible statement.

By disgusted parent

October 23, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

oh please mary gimme a break. there a social workers with masters degrees that have far more difficult jobs and are lucky to make 40 thousand. quit patting yourself on the back. whining about having to pay 200 dollars to renew your license when people are struggling to make ends meet makes you sound rediculous. i hope my kid never had you as a teacher.

By disgusted parent

October 23, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

they should let people with masters degrees in their chosen fields be teachers. why not let a person with a masters in english teach? it’s silly. I’d be willing to use my masters degree to work part time and make 50 grand. Heck, i’d even be willing to pay 20% of my health care costs. and mary, in the real world, not everyone is paid the same. there’s no “right” to be paid equally as the same people in the same profession. you’re delusional

By Overpaid

October 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of teachers who claim they have it so rough in the work place. It took me nearly 20 years to reach the $50K level and I had to pay for my own advanced degree and keep up the necessary certifications at my own cost while I work 12 months a year. I don’t have summers off to take classes or earn certifications and I do take home work every night. I have to work until I am 62 to claim a retirement and I won’t be making 80% of my salary in retirement nor have a lucrative medical policy in retirement like a teacher. A family medical policy obtained from my employer still costs me over $400 month out of my pay. So teachers, continue to whine and act like you have it so rough but we in the 12 month working environment know your total compensation package is the best deal around.

By Kerri

October 23, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

I am sorry you are disgusted parent. I am a parent and a teacher and I am trying to make my ends meet. If you read carefully, no where does it ask for pity but understanding that they are trying to make ends meet also. I do not see any whining.

By Mary

October 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Disgusted parent, get your teaching license and work part time. You might like it. Isn’t it wonderful we work in this great country that you have that option. I do not usually respond to these posts and will not continue because people get mean. Have a great day.

By interested party

October 23, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

This commentary is becoming very shallow lets step back and think about what shapes our future…the children. Who is shaping the future 6.5 hours a day 9 months a year…teachers. Who study to improve themselves so they can better shape the future…teachers. Who are impacting the lives of our future on a daily basis…teacher. Go teachers!

By Lakota Parent

October 23, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Any labor dispute that disrupts the education process, and quality provided is totally unacceptable. However, with that said, as a Lakota parent and business exec, I believe it’s time contracts changed to better meet the needs of Lakota’s customers – its students and community. With any hope, changes pursued would include: performance based pay; pay scales that better reward math/science/technical areas versus same for all; additional class time, if anything to shrink class size; arming administrators – who work all year, with resources to reward those who excel and more power to remove those who don’t; outsourcing roles/tasks as needed to get desired skills/lower costs; raising retirement eligibility; allowing/requiring those with desired skills to teach as needed in “retirement”; eliminating tenure for placement of less-skilled teachers over those with more; tightening absenteeism and teacher’s in-class usage of cell phones; reprimanding/dismissing those pushing political agendas; and, increasing teacher’s portion of their retirement and health care costs. If the board lets teachers go on strike for nothing more than to save a few bucks in salaries and benefits, then that’s a waste. However, if it results from the board wanting to make real, positive changes to the educational process and its costs, then that’s supportable especially since that would likely be a good education for those within the system who truly have no clue about the economic realities being faced by those who pay it. I for one would be willing to ultimately pay more if contracts improved toward the favor of this district’s customers. And, my guess is that I’m not alone.

By Samantha

October 23, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Disgusted parent and Overpaid, Are you reading the same comments as I am? Does it look like they want a pat on the back and asking for pity or is it they just want to treated fairly? My kids have received a great education at Lakota and I am sorry that the teachers have to worry about a strike. Teachers of Lakota, I support you and my family supports you. Oh, if you can read this… Thank a teacher.

By Samantha

October 23, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Disgusted parent and Overpaid, Are you reading the same comments as I am? Does it look like they want a pat on the back and asking for pity or is it they just want to treated fairly? My kids have received a great education at Lakota and I am sorry that the teachers have to worry about a strike. Teachers of Lakota, I support you and my family supports you. Oh, if you can read this… Thank a teacher.

By Samantha

October 23, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Disgusted parent and Overpaid, Are you reading the same comments as I am? Does it look like they want a pat on the back and asking for pity or is it they just want to treated fairly? My kids have received a great education at Lakota and I am sorry that the teachers have to worry about a strike. Teachers of Lakota, I support you and my family supports you. Oh, if you can read this… Thank a teacher.

By Tammy

October 23, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

For those of you who devalue the work that teachers actually do, why don’t you step into the classroom for a few days as a substitute or volunteer? Then, you will have the personal experience necessary to make an educated and factual comment. It takes someone special to be a teacher. Ask any civilian who has opted teach after having a professional career. I will guarentee that their response will not support the idea that teaching is “easy”. Many leave the profession because it is challenging and demanding. Have you ever tried to keep 25 junior high, high school, and kindergarten students actively engaged?

By Overpaid

October 24, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

I never said the teachers job was easy. I am sure most work very hard and take their positions seriously just like most working men and women. The point of my previous comment was that for the time they do work (9 months), they get compensated very well. How much do they pay for a family health care policy? Is it $400 or more per month out of their paychcek? Who else gets 80% of their pay in retirement after working only 30 years? Who else gets summers off to pursue college courses, certifications, travel? When you look at the numbers, it is the best compensation package around for only 180 days of work. When we hear you “cry” because they want you to pay a little more for your health care, your “tears” have no merit with those of us who have dealt with this on a daily basis for many many years. When they want to reduce your retirement and health care benefits to 60% and you have to pay $400 or more for health care coverage, then come talk to me and I will provide you a tissue to dry your eyes.

By Samantha

October 24, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Overpaid, Take away the numbers(money paid) and look at it as your employer is asking you to pay more than what the increase is in health care. What if your employer wanted to raise your health care but the numbers didn’t support the increase.If you are use to paying one thing wouldn’t an above the actual increase cost, make you question the amount they are asking you to pay. Wouldn’t you want to see if that could be changed to a more reasonable percentage? So instead of offering a tissue,my eyes are dry, thank you, look at it as a employer raising health care without the justification of an increase. And I did reread your post and it was not supportive of the job teachers do, it was a judgement of how little the do and how well they get compensated. Your title portrays your feelings well. I wonder if you have to negotiate and work under a contract. Pull up the powerpoint the editor posted. The numbers do not lie.

By Overpaid

October 24, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Your employer has absorbed double-digit cost increases and you are concerned about a 2% increase in your health care contribution? Answer the question: What do you pay for a family policy each month? You state you only want a reasonable percentage but your out-of-pocket cost share is so out of line with what most (if not all) non-teaching employers require your statement is laughable if not outright ridiculous. My you have a very slanted view of my previous posts. How you can a take a legitimate argument about compensation and try to say I am not supportive of teachers or making a judgement is unbelieveable. Read my posts again and point out the areas where I made judgement about “how little they do” or “not supportive”. Just because one questions your golden compensation you assume that to be an attack upon your institution? If you read that in my previous posts, you might want to switch careers and consider politics.

By Tammy

October 24, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

I would just like to clarify a few points which were previously made. The assumption that teachers are paid an entire year for only 9 months work is inaccurate. Teachers are paid at a daily rate and this rate is spread over a 12 month period. So, in all acutality, during the summer months, teachers are recieving the pay that they have all ready earned. As for administrative pay, their contracts are negotiated individually. They recieve as much time off as teachers. They are alloted so many days and they are allowed to take time off at their own discretion. They may not choose to take off over Christmas Break or Spring Break. They have an option. And…have you ever noticed that most schools are closed during the month of July…administrators aren’t there everyday. And speaking of retirement, teachers DO NOT get 85% of their salary after 30 years…you may want to do a little better research to get the facts straight!! As for higher compenstion for those teachers in more professional fields and pay based on student performance, how would you compensate a teacher who works with students having special needs? Their test scores certainly couldn’t be used as a criteria; they will probably never reach the success academically of many of their peers. Are their teachers any less worthy? As a matter of fact, their teachers have the toughest job. It is much easier to teach a child with average to above average intelligence that is self motivated and capable. When a child has academic challenges, it is much more difficult to discover what “works” for them. Try teaching a child with no math reasoning skills to count money or double a recipe. Aren’ these students worthy of great educators? If teacher pay becomes based on student performance, who will be willing to make a difference in these deserving childrens’ lives? As I have stated above, come visit a school; earn your teaching certificate; make a differnce in childrens’ lives. Not everyone has what it takes to be a teacher; just as not everyone has what it takes to be an engineer. My dad was a fabulous engineer, earned a famulous salary; and retired at an early age; but when it came to teaching me higher level math (something that he could do very well and was very knowedgeable about), he was not very successful. You see, he had the brains, but not the gift to teach!!! Go teachers!

By Samantha

October 24, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Overpaid, At least I put my name to my posts and not a negative heading. We are not going to see each other sides because I do not live your life and you do not live mine. There really is no way to compare them. Maybe our new president will be able to solve the health care problem. The “golden compensation” didn’t get me into my career and the “golden Compensation” doesn’t make me stay. I still read your posts and feel as if you are looking at the numbers and not the principles behind what the school board is doing. But hey, that is your right as an citizen. Good day Overpaid! Try to keep dry!

By Overtaxed

October 24, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

You are right, the name Overpaid was not in sync with my posts. Overtaxed should be a more appropriate name. I find it interesting that when anyone attempts to have a legitimate discussion about teacher’s compensation or the cost of an upcoming levy, we (taxpayers) get blasted by the teachers as being against the kids and/or schools. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is our patriotic right to demand and expect that we get a “fair” value on our money. The teachers pay and benefit plan is so out of line from mainstream workers. Don’t get me wrong, teachers do not have a monopoly on the outrage. The school board who decides to continue paying the previous superintendent when he resigns along with the current super is but one more example. The bottom line is this: We the taxpayers are funding teachers and the superintendant’s golden compensation yet the vast majority of us don’t receive anything close to those packages. There was outrage when the heads of major CEOs (like AIG) receive such wonderful packages so why should we not have similar feelings when your package does not mirror working class people. Maybe a certain individual will redistribute your package to the have-nots like me. Remember the Democrats said that we are Patriotic for being dissenters? So how much do you pay a month for family health care?

By Lakota Parent

October 24, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

I understand Samantha’s health care argument, but using it to justify their actions obviously ignores the macro issue facing Lakota, its overall rising expenditures. Frankly, the benefits afford through these contracts have been more than generous for far too long. It should have been dealt with long ago, especially since these costs have taken away from the district’s ability to provide even better services to its customers. If it’s not rectified now, then when as it will only become more and more difficult to do so? Again, I understand the argument, but those who use it seem be saying: they don’t/won’t recognize the broader problem; they don’t/won’t recognize this is as part of it; or worst, that they really don’t care about the associated costs and negative affects elsewhere as long as it doesn’t affect them. I don’t think the later is the case, but authorizing a strike because of it suggests differently.

By Strike?

October 24, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Overtaxed has made a very important point that seems to be overlooked by the press and the community. When someone questions the teachers pay or the cost of a levy, we are against the kids. Where is the same outrage as the teachers are now talking strike? I thought it was for the kids? Teachers, is it for the kids?

By Tammy

October 24, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

I am also a taxpayer in this district. My children have benefited from the wonderful talents of many wonderful teachers. For those of you questioning why teachers may strike, take a look at the slides presented. It is the Board of Education that is not looking into the best interest of students. On Monday night, there will be a budget presentation by the Board. When you review the information, you will learn that teachers are not demanding more than the district can afford. I too pay taxes. I too want the best education possible for my dollar. Again, I will reiterate, go into the schools and see what is going on. You will see that your children are recieving the best education possible. Then, go visit Fairfield, Mason, Kings, Sycamore, Princeton, and explain why their teachers are paid so much more than Lakota. Their benefits are better. They work the same number of days. I will guarantee that you will not see any better teaching than you do in Lakota. Teachers are for children, but they also must provide for their own families. They are not greedy; they are only asking to be fairly compensated. The district can afford the request from teachers and it will not impact your taxes. The money is all ready there. Please do the research. Go to websites set up by the state and compare Lakota to other districts in the state. You will see that they are not being unreasonable. Don’t look at the percentages of cost and say that teachers should pay more because health benefits are going up. When you compare the cost of insurance that tachers will have to pay and the increase in salary that they are offerring, most employees will be taking a pay CUT! Would you be willing to do that? You get what you pay for…that’s why there are so many young teachers in the district…they move on once they have gained experience, to higher paying districts…Would you want a new surgeon working on you in the operating room or would you prefer experience…

By Truth

October 24, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Tammy, if you work as a teacher for 30 years in the State of Ohio, your retirement will be 80%. Don’t try to say otherwise. A close business associate of mine just retired from the Wyoming (OH) district and receives 80% of his pay. Several years ago, he wanted to retire after 25 years but was enticed by the district to remain. He did stay and by doing so, states that he receives 80% of his pay in retirement.

By Tammy

October 24, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Truth, You are sadly mistaken. The rate is 66% after 30 years service and 85% after 35 years service. This goes for teachers and administrators. Your associate worked for a district which paid much higher than Lakota. He remained teaching because benefits are reduced for service under 30 years. The current percentages are those I have reported.

By Tammy

October 24, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

To all who post, Please make sure your information is accurate; whichever side you support. The worst thing we could possibly do is present inaccurate information to people who are trying to get the facts. Any retirement information can be found on the Ohio Department of Education website. My mom retired from teaching in Northern Ohio, so I am aware of the retirement benefits.

By Tammy

October 24, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Another tid bit about teacher retiremnet…because my mom was a teacher and my dad was an engineer, upon my dad’s death, my mom will not recieve his social security benefits…you heard me right! Even though my dad put 32 years into social security, my mom will recieve NONE of it. That is how the retirement system for teachers works…so, even if you think teachers retirement is ABOVE average, you need to understand that in the event of the death of a spouse, they recieve NO social security; unlike people working in the private sector…

By Overtaxed

October 24, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

According to Tammy’s logic, the CEOs of companies who have lucrative packages and golden parachutes are off limits if they were to be cut. No matter how out-of-line the benefits are, it is off limits if they have to be cut. The fact that the teachers benefit package is far and away better than 98% of common workers makes it off limits because they are asking you to contribute a little more? Welcome to the real world! The teacher’s package is currently not fair (on a comparative basis) to the vast majority of workers and especially to those who pay your salaries (taxpayers). If you are being so unfairly treated and disgruntled, go to Princeton and the others you cite. That is called marketplace economics and what we common workers have and do all the time. If I don’t like the deal I have with my employer, I can leave. For every position that is open, there are probably 5 or 10 applications waiting in the system. As you and others have cited, there are other reasons (beyond golden compensation) that brings prospective teachers to Lakota. Some of those might actually mean when they say, “It is for the kids?” Is it?

By Overtaxed

October 24, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

You can’t be serious? Teachers don’t receive Social Security because THEY DON’T PAY INTO THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM! Talk about speaking the truth? You conveniently only tell half the story. Are you saying that teachers SHOULD receive Social Security even though they don’t pay a dime into the system? Talk about redistributing wealth! No wonder the teachers union wants Obama as their president. They want something and do not have to pay for it.

By Lakota Parent

October 24, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Tammy - Using surrounding school districts as a basis for why Lakota’s compensation packages should be further enriched incorrectly assumes that all would agree that those agreements are acceptable. They’re not, and like Lakota’s, they’re clearly not fiscally sustainable for the long-haul. And, sorry, saying teachers are not demanding more than the district can afford, and saying that everyone’s taxes won’t be affected if the district succumbs to the LEA, is frankly, ludicrous. Regardless of which side anyone is on, all will most likely reasonably agree that our schools need more resources, whether it be for staff, equipment, maintenance/repairs, operations, whatever. Those things cost money, yet you and other supporters of LEA’s demands argue that the district can afford to give in. Please, at what price? Asking teachers to pay more of their “fair share” is well, more than fair. It’s also fiscally responsible, especially since it would help to better deliver the quality education that our children demand, and more importantly, deserve.

By Tammy

October 24, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Just to clarify about social security-I am not saying that teachers should recieve social security that they do not put in - I am saying that when a spouse contributes- the teacher should recieve their spousal benefit - non-working and stay at home mom’s recieve the benefits of their husband’s contributions. They even recieve 50% of their spouses social security when the souse is still alive - on top of 100% of their spouses benefit- talk about never contributing! I am a stay at home mom. I am not a teacher, but my mom was. I know the long hours and time she put into her students. I am proud of the job she did and the difference she made in the lives of many. She deserves every dime she recieves in her golden years of retirement. I am done responding to these issues because it just is not worth the argument. I am proud of the education my children have recieved in Lakota and I will continue to support the teachers in every way.

By Teacher

October 24, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

To all the people who complain that they have to work 12 months, the ones who know everything about teaching, the ones that just know how easy it is, etc. etc.: You had the option in college(if you went, if you didn’t then that’s your choice) to be a teacher. If the job seemed to you as easy with tons of time off then why didn’t you sign up? I am assuming you were pretty smart in the first place in order to go to college. It seems to me you could have figured it out and took the “easy” way out with all the benefits(as were compared by someone to CEO’s in banks) Hey, it’s not too late to sign up. There is a need for Math and Science teachers. It takes about 2 years to get your certification once you have a bachelors. Come join us? Unless you have walked in my shoes, don’t act like you know the job. That’s the problem with education in the first place. Politicians and people that have never been in a classroom, or have been in for a few years(most principals) do not have a clue but somehow are the experts in the field. I have a great idea. I will walk into a doctor’s office and start making decisions for patients based on what I have heard. Anybody want to sign up to be my first patient?? I do not feel bad that I chose this profession. I am proud of it. I am sorry you feel that way about the profession. To all the experts out there, I hope to see you soon…..

By Teacher

October 24, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Lakota Parent, The problem though is the central office will not spend more money in the classrooms. They will just create more jobs in the central office and then find ways to spend money on programs that stick around for 3-5 years. Believe me…I know. I wish they were going to use these savings to put textbooks in the class. I haven’t had a new textbook since I began teaching. (a long time) And the district will be coming for a levy again regardless of this contract. The LEA is not asking for the bank here. It’s very reasonable. Again, the district loves to promote itself with its “Excellent” rating, however does not treat the staff of an Excellent district the same or no where near the same. Even if the contract goes through with what the LEA is asking, they will still be behind comparable districts.

By Greg

October 24, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

The teachers and teacher supporters have given me much to think about next time the district asks me to support a levy. I see where their misguided priorities lie; it is with their pay and benefits package and not the youth attending the schools. I don’t know the percentages but I do know that the majority of the district’s finances are consumed by the employee salaries. Now I know why there is not more money for books, computers, etc. It is because the property owners of the two townships are paying ever increasing money to fund the benefit packages of the district’s teachers and staff. The earlier comment by Strike? has me thinking he/she may be right. We are told time after time that our school levies are “for the kids” but now I realize this is just a ploy and we are funding some wonderful benefit packages.

By Lakota Parent

October 24, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Teacher – If that’s truly the case, then the LEA should add books (I agree with you) and other direct classroom investments as part of its demand, else they really do come of as its all about them (you) and little, if anything for Lakota’s students. And, even more so given that LEA members contribute only 10% toward the district’s medical costs (nothing for married Lakota employees) and nothing for dental. Plus, LEA members receive 15 sick days and three personal days during the school year (can bank significant days) and other benefits well above and beyond the private sector, including a generous, defined retirement plan which will increasingly cost this district more and more. And, during the current economic times, these costs, and particularly the latter, is of growing concern to more than just residents of the Lakota district.

By Teacher

October 24, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

Lakota Parent, I have seen some of the benefits of the private sector, free lunches, golf, travel, dinners, (all “tax” write-offs) I have also seen in many cases where employers pay for people to transfer. They will even buy their homes for market value. I have seen people with Masters degrees earn far more. Yes, they work 12 months and deserve that. There is always an excuse to not raise teacher pay. Now, it’s the economy, in 2 years it will be funding, 5 years it will be something else. By the way, I am sorry that the economic times are tough. You can blame the bankers for that one and the people that took out the bad loans they couldn’t afford.I did the right things, earned my degree, got more education, and live a honest, decent, life. I don’t understand. If the job has so many perks and benefits then why are we losing teachers nationwide. Why is there a shortage in many southern states? Well, let me tell you why- teacher pay stinks there. People have to make a living. The law says that teachers must earn a bachelor degree. If you are going to require that out of people and MUCH more then you must pay them. They call us “professionals” yet no one wants to pay the professional. Yet, they will fork out thousands of dollars a year to see sports stars and not say a thing about it. We have our priorities messed up in this country. Policeman, fireman, teachers, all have somewhat of the same benefits and pay. Teachers are the only ones that have to get a bachelors. Why is it that we get blasted for wanting more pay and these others don’t? They deserve it and so do we. You want an excellent district with higher property values..it costs.

By Teacher

October 24, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Hey Greg! We have families, houses, cars. We buy gas, food(yes, we eat), clothing. We have medical bills, utility bills, etc. I know you may think that we all live in the boiler room in the basement of the school but we actually have lives. Yes, we need money too. Yes, we want nice things too. Yes, we want to have a nice retirement. Does that shock you or blow your mind? Do you think we should do this job out of the goodness of our hearts? Do you get up every morning and go to your employer out of the goodness of your heart? If teachers were greedy we wouldn’t have gotten into this profession in the 1st place. Only in southwest ohio(Bush country) would someone imply that a teacher is greedy.

By Teacher

October 24, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Greg! We have families, houses, cars. We buy gas, food(yes, we eat), clothing. We have medical bills, utility bills, etc. I know you may think that we all live in the boiler room in the basement of the school but we actually have lives. Yes, we need money too. Yes, we want nice things too. Yes, we want to have a nice retirement. Does that shock you or blow your mind? Do you think we should do this job out of the goodness of our hearts? Do you get up every morning and go to your employer out of the goodness of your heart? If teachers were greedy we wouldn’t have gotten into this profession in the 1st place. Only in southwest ohio(Bush country) would someone imply that a teacher is greedy.

By Teacher

October 24, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Greg! We have families, houses, cars. We buy gas, food(yes, we eat), clothing. We have medical bills, utility bills, etc. I know you may think that we all live in the boiler room in the basement of the school but we actually have lives. Yes, we need money too. Yes, we want nice things too. Yes, we want to have a nice retirement. Does that shock you or blow your mind? Do you think we should do this job out of the goodness of our hearts? Do you get up every morning and go to your employer out of the goodness of your heart? If teachers were greedy we wouldn’t have gotten into this profession in the 1st place. Only in southwest ohio(Bush country) would someone imply that a teacher is greedy.

By amazed

October 25, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

hey teacher! wow, you really went on and on about having a bachelors degree like it’s some huge accomplishment and you should be rewarded so much. big deal. you got a BA. so did the rest of us. congrats. your not special because of it. as far as you wanting nice things, may teachers should do like the rest of us do and buckle down and sacrifice once in a while. as far as there always being an excuse not to give teachers more money…that just shows how selfish you are…if you don’t call the biggest financial crises since the depression a valid excuse not to give you more money, i don’t know what would be. you teachers truly disgust me with how selfish you are. I saw that add on craigslist for scab teachers too. I’m going to do it. SOMEBODY has to care about the kids!

By Teacher

October 25, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

I never knew that everyone had a bachelors and it was no big deal. That’s interesting….Never said I was “special” Did you read that somewhere? Maybe your bachelor degree wasn’t a big deal…you obviously dont’ read that well and must have gotten it from a diploma factory. Finally, some loud mouth “expert” is going to sign up to walk in our shoes. Love it!! Awesome!! I can’t wait for you to experience it. You are all action(yeah right). Without training, you will last 1 day let alone 180. As for this financial crisis…yell at a banker, politician, or a wall street exec. I have nothing to do with that. By the way, You got us all right…we don’t really care. You are so bright to shed light on that. We all spent thousands of dollars to go into a profession to listen to jerks like you and we really could care less. Man, your bachelor degree was really good……

By Disappointed

October 25, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hi, I am a new parent of students who attend Lakota this year. Prior to this year, my kids have attended private school. We had to make cuts in our household budget and decided to try this excellent school district. We have lived here for several years and Lakota loves to shout out how excellent they are. We have not seen the excellence. We are very disappointed. When I see how little funds private schools can operate on, it is pathetic how much public schools want. Most of the teachers my children have this year are nice and hard working people. However, I have one child with a horrible teacher. She literally just shows up. That is it. She refuses to answer questions.This gives public school teachers everywhere a bad name. I have spoken to no parent who is happy. The principal’s hands are tied because of her union protection. With this sort of protection it seems that a teacher has to molest a student or sell them drugs before they can be terminated. I no longer want anything to do with the public school system. Competition is not present between school systems. I want my kids to go to any school we choose. In the past I have always voted in support of any school levy. I do not feel that way any longer. Enough is Enough. Stop overspending. Pay the teachers well, but make them accountable. If they can’t teach, fire them. If they are performing well, then pay them well. Currently it seems the teacher’s are paid based on time in and level of education. Those are important to the picture, but not the complete picture. We have never utilized public school system and after this school year will not again.

By I'm Sorry

October 25, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Disappointed, I am truly sorry that your experience has been poor this year. However, you should NEVER allow an administrator to tell you that their is nothing she can do to correct the problem. You should ask to have a meeting with the teacher (admin. present)or if things are too awful, ask to have your child placed in another classroom. For an administrator to place blame on the union is ridiculous! They are responsible for the job that a teacher in their buiding does. If it is not adequate, the principal has steps they can take to make changes. If this administrator is saying otherwise, then maybe we need a change in the administation of that building! As for private schools, you must remember that they are able to pick and choose the students whom enter their buildings. In most cases, the students come for homes in which they are afforded many opportunites. In a public situation, teachers are responsible fo educating every child whom walks through their doors. Private schools do not even have to offer special education services; which is mandated by the federal government. Private schools also do not have to administer state/federal testing to ensure learning. So, in reality, you are comparing apples to oranges. I am saddened that your experience has been less than pleasing this year, but to categorize the entire district on the actions of one employee and the lack of follow through by one administrator is not a fair indication of what goes on in classrooms across the district. If you are not happy with the education that your child is recieving, then maybe you need to head to Central Office and ask what to do about an administrator who tells you that their hands are tied. There are steps that can be taken to hold a teacher accountable for their actions. Anyone who told you otherwise, just doesn’t want to be hassled with all the work involoved. I am disappointed that you feel your children have not benefited from all that is good in Lakota, because mine have. If you are not getting the service you demand, go to those who can assist you in your expectations.

By amazed

October 25, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

hey teacher, typical ignorant response from you. “i had nothing to do with it” it doesn’t affect me, so i still deserve more money. you paid thousands of dollars huh? so what? so did everybody else with a BA…get off your high horse about that. i don’t need training to go into a classroom for 6 hours a day. my kid has had horrible teachers…just collecting a paycheck and waiting to retire. complain? yeah right! haha. Teachers can almost beat a kid and STILL not get fired. you’re just a selfish jerk who thinks you’re special.Lets see you get a job in the real world. YOU wouldn’t last a day and you CAN’T make it out there without your precious union. lets see you work 12 months a year and make it!! yeah right lol. you’re the jerk and you probably symbolize how most of the other teachers think. go on strike, loser..the kids will be better off without you

By amazed

October 25, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

BTW teachers, instead of you keep repeating the same argument over and over again: “you think it’s so easy, you get a teaching degree and do it, this is america, you have that choice, blah, blah, blah…” How about the same argument for you: “you think they get paid so much better in Mason and other districts, why don’t you go get a job there? this is america, you have that right?” of course you won’t do that…that would take effort, something teachers know nothing about! crazy!! all companies don’t pay the same for all positions. engineers don’t all make the same, laywers dont all make the same, managers don’t all make the same. In the “real world” if you don’t like what you’re making, you go someplace where they’ll pay you more. i guess you would lose you’re precious tenure if you left, and might actually have to do your job for awhile, huh?

By Laughing out loud

October 25, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Reading the post, several thing come to mind. The conversation has gotten away from the facts. The first fact is that the district had an excess of money from the previous year. They have new tax money coming in from GE and the Liberty Children’s hospital. They budgeted 10% increase in health insurance when it actually only increased around 2%. So they had an excess of 8% difference between the budget and the acutal so that left a postive net gain. AS for teachers not making it in the “real” world. Most teachers that I know work secnd jobs in the summer on top of continuing their education. They also had to work in the”real” world. IF you think that you can come and teach in the classroom, why don’t you volunteer your time through junior achievement and see how that goes. Why don’t you ask a teacher how much of the items in their classroom the school bought and what they bought. It might surprise you. or you might just say that we know that we had to buy school supplies and basic items for our students when we took this job. ASk to see what the school board feels that they need to buy to ensure that the students learn and ask a teacher what they bought to “supplement” the curriculum. Let’s stay to the facts and stop all the harsh language. Because regardless of what happens the only losers here are the students. The teachers care about the students and to say they don’t based on a few bad apples is like saying that all police officers eat at dunkin donuts every hour of the day. Or to say that all firefighters cheat on their wives. Let’s face it in any profession you will have the ones that abuse the system, you will have some that will shine out and the majority will be doing thier best and looking to improve thei job performance because it is the right thing to do.

By Teacher

October 25, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Amazed, You have no clue do you. After so many years in a district YOU CANNOT LEAVE. Nobody wants to take on your salary. Unlike other professions where the more experience you have/better you are/more you get paid. They want to hire entry level teachers to keep costs down. It doesn’t work that way!!!! Again, we have so many experts in the field that can point fingers and know it all. You really have no clue.YOu have NO CLUE, your response shows that. Ask any teacher, they will agree with what I have just said. Quit piping off about something you know nothing about. Your perceptions are wrong. I really hope you do get involved(but it’s probably just you piping off). You will see that it’s not what you think. I ask you to spend 1 hour, you won’t, you’re all talk. Idiot! plain and simple. Don’t bother responding. I will not waste my time on someone so ignorant to the facts. Later amazed, you will be wasting your time responding…

By Lakota

October 25, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

In the history of Lakota Schools there has never been a strike. How will Mike Taylor and Joan Powell feel about being the school administration that allowed this to happen for the first time ever??? Can we get Kathy Klink and Sandy Wheatley back in the fold. They were outstanding leaders who actually supported and appreciated Lakota’s teachers!

By astounded

October 25, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Laughing out loud, do you see GE yet? How can there be tax money when there isn’t even a building? Do you even know if Childrens pays taxes or did the county give them one of those abatements? I don’t believe anything I read here. I am sure that Lakota has money, does that mean that they should just spend all of it? Whatever they spend now on teachers, the taxpayers will just have to make up later. None of the teachers seem to care about the taxpayers. Not all school districts get the same money and I heard the state is talking about cutting back even more. Sure teachers deserve a raise but be reasonable. My brother is a teacher and I know that whatever “raise” is being talked about is not all that the teachers will get. Two percent is not an insult when it is in addition to the automatic increases teachers already get. And my family pays over $300 each month for family health coverage. Come out of your ivory tower and see what happens in the real world. People lose their jobs, pay for insurance, get pay cuts not pay raises, have no kind of guaranteed pension and are HAPPY to have a job these days. WELCOME to the real world.