Well, we are in a New Year and we need to close up our 2008 SAUSD corruption thread before it becomes overwhelmed with comments. Consider this to be our new 2009 SAUSD corruption thread.
Click here to read our 2008 thread. And here are links to all our previous SAUSD corruption threads:
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2008 Comments
- SAUSD-Temporary Thread (Migration 5/16/2008) Comments
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2007 Comments
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2006 Comments
The results of last year’s SAUSD School Board elections were disappointing. The incumbents were re-elected. Shame on the teacher’s union for supporting them! And the one new Trustee, Roman Reyna, is not likely to make a difference.
The SAUSD budget is a mess and our Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, appears primed to make it worse. So this is going to be a very tough year. As always, this forum will be here to allow you to vent about what is going on at the SAUSD!
Al Mijares is long gone, but the corruption at the SAUSD continues unabated…
Jill, Your pages are great. Nice effort to support the teaching troops!
I am so sorry to hear that you will lose your job, if I am understanding this right. I thought those federal funds were supposed to be used to stop layoffs and for education etc… Plus, the special election is coming up.
But the focus of SAUSD seems to be to eliminate as many of the worker bee positions as possible so that the bloated administration remains in tact. It is absolutely obscene that this district operates in this fashion.
I have taken complaints directly to the Vice President, Joe Biden, who is in charge of the task force to build the middleclass. Here is the link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/strongmiddleclass/
I suggest you do the same. This slash/burn approach by the district, abetted by the union, is a direct attack on your attempts to live in the middle class. I suggest you tell your story/ies (others, please do the same!) to that task force. Now is the time for action against those who want to continue to do wrong, just because they can and just because their own jobs are secure.
Fight on!
#445: I apologize for missing the L.A. Times article you must have been referring to you yesterday, which does in fact refer to $3.1 billion dollars that the federal government gave to California on Friday for education purposes. Though I still wonder if California will ever give any of that money to our district and if our district would use the money to avoid the layoffs.
Being an eternal pessimist when it comes to school boards and politicians, I too wonder who will suck up that stimulus money before it is all gone. According to that Times report something in the order of $537 million will be available to the college systems. That same report also says that the Cal college system ALONE needs $600 million to meet it’s operational budget for the upcoming year.
Since the remaining money is slated to be available to K-12 districts, (who apply for it) will it really change anything at SAUSD? I hope so. Russo and the gang are pretty quick to put their hand out for free money, grants and donations even when they come from some rather questionable people. So one can hope they quickly dove into the fight for their bite at the apple. As # 445 rightly points out, voting for the current teacher’s contract without knowing how much of this money might land at SAUSD would be a mistake.
Everyone was so overjoyed at Russo getting the Bronx-cheer during President Obama’s appearance at Costa Mesa, I thought they missed a couple of “tells” the president made. He quickly turned the topic to college support while simultaneously turning his back to the SAUSD teacher that asked the original question. Anyone can read what they want into that coupled with the body language. My read was the President was doing exactly what Arnold is doing now.
One quote/comment in that Times report was:
But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who addressed the gathering at Long Beach’s Cabrillo High School, said he was HOPEFUL that the funding will help prevent layoffs and protect reform efforts.
To me both the President and Governor were saying the same thing. It won’t be enough. They know it won’t be enough but by the time you figure it out it will be too late.
Thanks Red Vixen. I have already written to Joe Biden many times and the other lawmakers. I don’t know what more I can do. I received my final layoff letter yesterday that states that the board is voting on cutting us so I am 99.9 percent certain that we are losing our jobs. If they are going to keep us only if the props pass then we really are leaving he building. The props won’t pass (just my opinion) and to be honest with you…I am not even voting for the props to pass. I don’t think it is fair that they use people to get them promoted and passed. Although I am sad that I am throwing nearly 20 years of teaching down the tube in California….on the other hand I am glad to be getting out of this lash up. I am entitled to my opinion and I using my real name because I have NOTHING to hide. I am tired of this year after year. I will move on to a district that knows how to balance a budget. Vote NO on the Props. I am. I also voted NO on the Union contract.
I was going to join Jill’s new blog, but the pessimism is turning me a way. Way to instill confidence in younger teachers.
I’m more optimistic. Everyone just seems to look at the long list of names on the RIF list but really, if you break it down by credential and subject, I’m sure most people will retain their position (particularly those who hold single subject credentials). So far, in the seven years I’ve been in this district, I always see a new teacher on campus and a long list of job opportunities on the website.
Well, that’s ok. I may be for some, but I may not be for others. I have never received the 2nd letter like I did this year. I am not trying to be pessimistic, but realistic. You have a much better chance of keeping your job if you are at the middle and high school level. The multiple subject people have to contend with the reading coaches and BRT’s going back into the classroom as well (not their fault) it is just fact. 🙂 I am trying to be realistic only because I think things are different this year because the rules changed for 20:1 and they will say they are going 24:1 but they can go as high as 30 in each room without losing the money (retaining 70% of the funds). Now, why would they need all of us if they plan to have 30 in the room? I am being realistic here…not pessimistic. I received my 2nd letter yesterday. I hope everyone retains their jobs of course. Yes, the stimulus money is supposed to go towards preventing layoffs, but we will be in the same boat of RIFs next year. My number was 124 (it may have changed) who knows???? I am trying to not get my hopes up thinking things will be ok only to be let down is all. I really appreciate your honesty though and I don’t want to bring people down…but I don’t want anyone to think that things shall pass like they have in the past…it’s totally different this year. Like I said…the rules changed on the class size money.
Regarding the voting for the Union contract…who counts those votes? lol I am sure they will tell us that it passed. I don’t know 1 person who voted for it.
I think it is important for any teacher on the rif list and anybody who supports education in general to vote FOR the propositions. They certainly are not ideal, but education will be better off if they pass than if they don’t. It makes no sense to me to vote against the propositions because of bitterness about the layoffs.
Jill, the fact that you received the judge’s decision and probably will receive the actual layoff notice around May 15 doesn’t make your situation any more or less bleak. If the district is going to rescind rifs, it almost certainly will do so only after the outcome of the vote on the propositions and receiving word on the May revise of the budget from Sacramento, now postponed to June. The only reason you did not receive the paperwork you are now receiving last year is because the administrative law judge postponed the hearing and the notice deadlines. That didn’t happen this year but it is not meaningful as to whether or not your rif will be rescinded. The district can rescind rifs no matter what paperwork it has sent out. What will be relevant to any rescinding of rifs is the propositions, stimulus money if it is actually received, and most importantly the revised state budget to be announced in June. Based on those things, I would guess that the district will have time to rescind some or all rifs shortly before the end of the school year, pretty much just as it did last year. Try to hang in there and stay positive. We all need to.
Right…we are pawns in a game of Propositions. I am not voting for the tax increase for other reasons. I understand that my job could be lost if they don’t pass. I am not voting for them and it has nothing to do with bitterness. I just don’t think we need more taxes right now period.
Also, I was encouraged to go into Special Ed and Math. I talked to a few people about that and they couldn’t get jobs after doing that so I am not going to pursue that avenue. The option is there, but so many are doing that now and many haven’t been hired. If I lose this job…it’s ok…I will get out of education and I am okay with it 🙂 not bitter at all. I just don’t care for going through this year after year. Next year will be WORSE without the stimulus money. I will be ok either way…I will have a job out of state.
I added the Joe Biden Link that Red Vixen suggested. If anyone has others…simply let me know. We can still write to them and keep trying…it doesn’t hurt anything. I will write a blog about the stimulus money (the purpose of) and put it on here soon.
Jill,
Have you thought about writing grants to access funds for teaching-related programs that you might see as having a need?
I really think everyone should hold the union’s and the district’s feet to the fire if these rif’s go through. You’ll hear the union whining about how they all just volunteer their time and can’t be held accountable. Please don’t bother expecting them to do anything. After all, they are just volunteers!. However, if you pay attention to the upcoming elections, several of them want to hold MULTIPLE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS. Really. Just what ARE the hidden perks of “volunteering”, doing a half-assed job of representing the membership and selling out on big things like contract negotiations because it is the “best they can do”? It’s looking like an insiders’ club. The rest of the membership be damned.
With declining enrollment, how many new administrators were hired this year and last year? Lopez in HR got a huge raise. Russo and cronies have not offered any kind of salary reductions of their own. Just how many “consultants” are on the dole? That’s another big fat insider club that has shifted the cost of highly-paid do-nothings onto the back of the students. Go take a look at what happens in the district offices. Lots of lunchings and milling around under the pretense of meetings and big decisions.
Between these two broken down organizations’ pathetic management of problems, it is sheer luck that any teachers with over 10 years are even left standing in SAUSD.
Glady’s star burned out years ago.
http://orangejuiceblog.com/2009/04/educ-2/
A new blog about the Education Stimulus Money
Jill, you should perhaps google “enlightened self-interest” before declaring your vote. I would also recommend some reading in economic and labor history and I urge you to visit a university library. Discretely donating your library of Ayn Rand to any charity that will dispose of it will come later. Mickey is weeping as we speak.
Thanks for the advice, but I will pass. I am voting No.
Horse’s Mouth,
Self interests? Like getting riffed was her idea?
The rest of your logic in your post is just strange.
Jill, give me an email sometime. I’d love to share some stories/info.
rvixen@gmail.com
Thank God their is a few people in the county left with sense (good for you Jill).
1. Santa Ana teachers,admin, should all be fired.
weed out the good teacher’s with lots of test, student evaluation, parent evaluation, quality of teaching ect….
2. NO MORE MONEY!! over paid and under preforming is a bad combo. Its like giving drunks a drink to get better!!
3. Prop 227 intense english leaning, check by out side source to evaluate kids for reclassifation. No more letting districts decide. ESL make SASD alot of cash.
No more unions. A bunch of scum bags stealing from the teachers for politcal agenda. ie 1.2million to NO on prop 8 (whether you beleive in gay marriage what the heck is a teachers union giving money for gay marriage?)
I think the intense engleesh leaning is a wonderful idea. i will lean more that way. Mickey- stop your sobbing!
For full story, please click the link or view on OJ’s SAUSD NEWS thread/capture. Submission number 46.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cameras-district-high-2368725-schools-school
Security cameras going up at Santa Ana schools
The district joins others in O.C. that use surveillance systems to improve campus safety.
Snip~~~~
SANTA ANA – Orange County’s largest school district is getting ready to install security cameras at several campuses in an effort to improve students’ safety and security and prevent vandalism and thefts.
Santa Ana Unified will begin placing cameras in hallways, stairwells, parking lots, entrances and other areas at most high schools throughout the district beginning this fall.
“This will help us better monitor what’s happening in our schools,” said school board member Audrey Yamagata-Noji. “It’s a good practice to use more surveillance if it’s available to us. It will help us protect our students, staff and property.”
Officials in the 54,000-student district say they are installing cameras as a proactive measure and say crime or misconduct at schools is not increasing. The school board last week approved regulations for where cameras can be installed.
Cameras will not be placed inside classrooms or in areas where students, staff and visitors have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including restrooms, locker rooms and offices, officials said.
“We are going to target areas that are not always supervised and can be problematic,” said district spokeswoman Angela Burrell.
The number of cameras will depend on how much funding the district will be able to secure from state and federal grants.
………….
Santa Ana’s system will be operated via closed-circuit television. The district already has some cameras at Godinez Fundamental High and Griset Academy, two schools that opened within the past three years. Cameras were integrated into the construction of those schools, Burrell said.
At Santa Ana High last week, some students said they worried the cameras will violate their privacy, while others said they won’t be bothered by added surveillance.
Senior Marie Villa said surveillance cameras have already become common at many public places.
“There are cameras on streets, in stores, in movie theaters and everywhere else. I don’t see why schools shouldn’t use them also,” she said.
I found some of the comments at the above OCRegister story of interest. Here are a few of them:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cameras-district-high-2368725-schools-school
Santa Ana schools are basically a large over priced day care facility. A friend of mine teaches at Santa Ana High. When people ask him what he does for a living, he replies ” I teach 16 year olds, second grade level work”. Our tax dollars at work.
Last year, “students” at Santa Ana High School, totally trashed the school. They poured motor oil in the pool, glued doors shut, and generally vandalized the school to the tune of about $200,000. These were “students” that were graduating the next week. Guess what? The faculty were ORDERED not to tell the media. Go ahead, waste some more money.
If these cameras are as worthless as the ones at my school, save the money. These things are horrible. Can’t see faces, only clothing colors, there are too many places for things to happen that can’t be covered by the cameras. And ours haven’t been working for over 4 months because there is no money in the budget to have someone come out and fix the server. Too bad, too because the punk a$$ idiots that come and use the campus as a skate park on holidays and weekends probably do more damage than it would cost to fix the cams.
Can we start naming our schools for what they really are;
Valley High Correctional Facility.
Full story and link capture at OJ’s SAUSD News thread, comment #47.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/help-society-maria-2365027-shriver-web
State’s first lady opens self-help center in Santa Ana
WE Connect Neighborhood Center brings people, programs together via Internet.
2009 Allocations to Large Local Educational Agencies of Volume Cap for Qualified School Construction Bonds
http://www.nsba.org/MainMenu/Advocacy/FederalLaws/FederalFunding/Stimulus/School-Bonds/LargeSDAllocations.aspx
Jill, who counts the votes? You, if you want to (unless you’re a “fee payer” aka non-member). Call the SAEA office at 714-542-6758 and find when ballots will be counted. It takes a lot of people, no one special other than SAEA members, which is about 95% of teachers.
Here’s something of interest from the Galveston (Texas) Daily News … whadeya think? (I personally wouldn’t complain … if you dish it out, you gotta be able to take it.)
“The Santa Fe High School principal, apparently upset about students’ scores on a practice standardized test, forced the school’s science teachers to take the exam to prove they understand the material.
“All kids need to know and understand this information. Do you?” he asks in the e-mail, pointing to drops in scores among students in some biology, chemistry and “Integrated Physics and Chemistry” classes.”
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=a3631c5c3d4bde47
SAHS teacher, I’d be glad to sit down and take the exams with my students! When getting my credential and taking the CSET (the new subject matter test that replaced the PRAXIS and SSAT) I often wondered how the teachers currently teaching would score. It would be an interesting experiment 🙂
I’m concerned that only a few people have mentioned the new tentative agreement & the fact that a large number of teachers will be not eligible for SAUSD provided retiree health and welfare benefits once they retire due to the ratification date. How convenient that the ratification date will cut out the large influx of teachers that were hired in 1999 when SAUSD hired teachers for 20 to 1. Those hired in 99, like me- were most likely hired in July 1999, so according to the ratification date I do not qualify because by ratification date approx, May 2009 – I would have completed 9 years … even though I’m am teaching my 10 year now. I do believe this was done on purpose because of the number of people that were hired that year. At my school alone we had nine new teachers hired that year alone … Has anyone heard more about this? I am really disappointed that more people are not outraged by this- Now I know some will say but most jobs don’t have this – but I have invested 10 years in this district, I am not a new hire. When I was hired and till the last agreement I had coverage till age 70, now once I’m eligible for Medicare- I’m out of luck. For those who feel it is not important I wish they could give me their coverage because medication is expensive…
Dear 99
There is a lot of outrage Once people understand the contract.. The problem is the info is not given out. We have one more info session , Thursday, then the ballots are due by the next day. Teachers do not know the details. Even the Reps don’t know that well and a lot are for a yes vote since they are before 1999 This is bordering on the biggest case of collusion I have ever heard of tell your other teachers vote NO hope it goes down… ask the union to delay the vote or at least get the CORRECT info out there.
99,
Our classified coverage prior to this year seems to be similar to what you ‘had’. No one has come forward to inform our members about negotiations that I know of, but I would bet the new language in our contract will follow what your contract is being voted on.
BTW did anyone make it to the last CSEA meeting, despite it’s last minute relocation? If so please put up some info since we can’t seem to get it any other way.
#476.
I am amazed at the people on this blog who write that SAEA has not given out information on this tentative agreement. They sent out copies of the tentative agreement to all the sites and it has been posted on their web page for quite some time. They posted it as soon as the reps voted to send it to the members for a vote. They have also set up 3 informational meetings. There is one more meeting tomorrow (April 23).
It is also the the reps job to get the information out to the teachers at their sites. Some reps do a good job of getting information out while others simply do not. This is why it’s so important that teachers vote for responsible, dedicated people to be a union rep for their school site. Most union reps are responsible and do an excellent job.
Teachers can also call SAEA and ask questions about the tentative agreement if they are upset or unclear about any specific articles.
As for Jill who asks who counts the votes. SAEA has an election committee that works hard to get out all the materials to the members and then count the votes. They can always use members to help count the votes and teachers are also allowed to observe the counting. Perhaps Jill would like to volunteer her time to help count the votes or even be an observer? She would then see how hard those people work. The elections process is the same for when we vote for a contract as it is for when we vote for SAEA officers. The election’s committee is completely separate from SAEA’s governing body. SAEA officers are not involved in the elections process.
As for #466 who wrote that all Santa Ana teachers and administrators should all be fired. His letter is so mean spirited and ignorant it doesn’t deserve a response.
Here it goes, One The information got out but NOT in a timely matter. The tentative agreement was given out Before Spring Break– Two It was so difficult to understand it took two English teachers to decipher the part about the 1440 people not getting their well deserved health benefits past 65. Three the information meetings are held right before the votes are due. The logistics are terrible. Run on the 23 after school after Open house for many find your rep who hopefully hasn’t sent the votes in yet and then make sure the voting packet arrives by the deadline. This was all done purposefully. Many reps did not get the language OR more importantly were highly suggesting a Yes vote .. I wish someone who know anyone a CTA would get them down here . This is a disgrace . The teachers in this district work hard to help the students and this is how our own union treats us. I have no respect for the way this election was set up. Jill you should go volunteer to help count but remember the disinformation already got out there.
Yes, the union did this just to hurt a lot of teachers. Oh my goodness. How can anyone actually believe that? How did those English teachers get a college degree if they can’t understand this contract? It’s not that difficult! We had plenty of time to go over the tentative agreement, attend the info meetings, and ask questions.
Medicare kicks in at age 65. It’s very rare for anyone to continue to get benefits after age 65 anymore. I do feel that since the District really can’t afford to pay benefits until age 70 anymore that we should have probably agreed to changed this for newly hired teachers instead of making the cutoff date at 10 years. So I do understand why a lot of people would be upset about this. If teachers are unhappy with this tentative agreement, then they can vote no. No disinformation is out there. It’s all very clear.
Thanks, Anon for forwarding the following communication regarding ballot counting etc…
Please feel free to forward any items that are important, and I will do my best to repost. rvixen@gmail.com
Monday, April 20, 2009
Dear Election Committee Member:
First of all, thank you for volunteering to be on the SAEA Elections Committee. I wanted to let you know the dates of assembling papers for the elections and counting ballots.
Friday, April 24 4:00-Completion Contract Ratification counting (I’ll be there early, Jefferson has a modified day due to Open House, so come when you can.)
Wednesday, April 29 3:00-5:00 Preparing materials for SAEA Chapter Elections
Thursday, April 30 3:00-5:00 Preparing materials for SAEA Chapter Elections
If Necessary
Friday, May 1 3:00-5:00 Preparing materials for SAEA Chapter Elections
Thursday, May 21 3:30-Completion Counting of SAEA Chapter Elections ballots
Monday, June 1 Preparing Run-off election material (IF Necessary)
Please write those dates on your calendar and make sure you are at the SAEA office promptly.
Thank you for all your help.
Maureen Dougherty
SAEA Elections Chair
714-743-4999
Jefferson Elementary
43855
modough@socal.rr.com
It is interesting that during Open House Week we are suppose to run to an information meeting and/or hope our Rep. knows what is in the contract, then vote all before Friday at 4;00 even though the ballots- if mailed were supposed to be put in by Tuesday a.m. Well, I read the tentative agreement and understood it completely especially the part where April 1999 contracted teachers and before get to keep their “RARE” benefits. I voted NO–I made the point about the tired teachers last night, Open house , because we were all tired those” who have 10 plus and under ten years in the district were all tired. This is not the way” Vested” works. If you have to rewrite a contract going back 10 years something is wrong in the state of Denmark.
Today we got the news that Blue Shield will take over as the PPO. Why wasn’t that in the info? It was not in the tentative agreeement. As the saying goes ” OH well.” Maybe if the union worked as hard as getting this info out as they will on the SAEA chapter elections, we would have had a Fair vote. No, this wasn’t fair by a long shot, but as I always start out my school year with my students, LIFE is not Fair. so I will just have to get over it or I just have to get over it or work until 70!!! The one point I can agree with for Alon is that this should have only included incoming teachers if SAUSD cannot afford the benefits. Let’s see what they do with their new influx of 7 million a year. Wheee. I can hear the new office furniture already arriving. This new influx will lead to a new high water mark of mismanagement of funds. 7 million is what they may be saving a year roughly 1440 teachers losing about 5000 a year toward their benefits. WOW $$$
Thank you for answering my post – I’m glad to know there are more people that had the same gut feeling I did. I felt so alone- I wish there was some way we could get the word out …it turns my stomach to know that past generations of teachers and SAEA negotiators fought so hard to get our benefits for us as they were. Now it has been signed away by our Union. I agree Anonplus, that the informational meetings were poorly timed … most were held after the votes were collected and many teachers were not aware of them. Isn’t it the Union’s responsibility to supervise their site representatives and the distribution of information? They also held a meeting on Open House… most teachers work to the last minute to prepare their room. As for the wording of the contract there were no two people that could agree on their interpretation of the content of the bargaining agreement. In other words, English majors or not – it was very difficult to decipher. Thus the informational meetings were crucial. Please get the word out… I’m talking to people at my site, it is not to late I have changed a few minds already.Also, I agree with Another Newbie that the vote should be delayed . There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Deep down in my heart I know that when I stand up for others , I stand up for myself.I know that teachers want to do the right thing. Please …don’t give up —by you answering and continuing the blog you have given me hope.
I really don’t understand the “I guess I have to work until I’m 70” comment. At the age of 65 you become Medicare eligible and the district’s insurance that would have covered you from 65-70 is only a secondary insurance at that point. The district was paying the full cost of the insurance even though it was only secondary. This is a cost that very few districts pay anymore. While I can understand the frustration in losing these 5 years of extra insurance, I sincerely doubt that anyone will HAVE to work until they are 70 while they are covered by Medicare.
As far as Blue Shield replacing Blue Cross, this is not a negotiable item. The district chooses the insurance carrier and the union has no say in that. All I would say about this is that those of us with the Blue Cross PPO need to be very vigilant about saving receipts and records because the deductible we paid from Jan.-July should be credited to us and not charged again when the switch occurs in July. The district is switching for the school year, but the deductibles were paid by regular calendar year. Also be very careful during open enrollment, don’t miss it and make sure you know what you are signing up for.
It is also important to remember that if the Medicare eligibility age goes up, as many think it eventually will, you will be covered until you are Medicare eligible.
I’m not sure these “NO” maniacs really understand the illogical response they are giving. SAUSD wanted to freeze all wages, cut all extra service stipends and increase monthly insurance contributions. So lets go for it! Lets have retiree benefits til age 70 and pay up to $500 a month now for insurance until we retire. That could be 20 plus years of inflated monthly premiums. You pay for it now or later. I salute SAEA for holding SAUSD accountable! If you have questions, why not contact SAEA for a school site visit? Too lazy to pick up the phone because your imagination and misinformation has taken over your thought process!
Everyone also needs to understand that if the contract is not approved, the union goes back to the table and every item is reopened. The chances that we would end up with a worse contract and the district would start all over again with their requests for pay cuts, step/column freezes and 20% of the insurance costs to be paid by members is very high. As everyone knows, the budget picture from the state becomes more bleak by the day and the chances of the Props passing seem to be weak. This would give the district every opportunity and reason to try to cut more. I believe the union negotiated a better contract than could be expected for the times. Other districts are going to see far worse cuts to salaries and costs passed to the employees.
A friend of mine needs help from our teacher community. She is almost done with her Master’s in Education but needs to complete her classroom observation time. Here is her info:
Teacher in waiting
If anyone could help me or knows someone that could help or know someone that knows some teacher or person that works in education. Please pass this email on.
So I begin my search for STUDENT TEACHING PLACEMENT.
I have my Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration: Marketing with an emphasis in International Business. I completed all the course work at University of Phoenix for my Masters in Education, Multiple Subjects (Elementary). I need to pass Subset II and III of the CSET this May and finish my 50 hours of field observation. Then everything would be completed for me to start student teaching. I will have the results of my CSET by June 8th and I am going to pass there is no getting around it. Then I can begin to Student Teach in a year around school starting in July. Time is of the essence.
I know the traditional school year is starting to finish up really soon and I need to finish my 50 hours of classroom observations too, so if you know any teacher that would let me observe their classroom (K-12) I would so appreciate it. I am available for classroom observation from 7am to 3pm Monday – Friday.
It’s funny I always wanted to become an elementary school teacher and I think God has a new plan for me and my family with getting laid off and timing of the CSET I just pray everyday that this is going to happen and it will.
Thank you so much for helping out on this. My email address is janelle.griffiths@yahoo.com and my cell phone number is 562-400- 2545. I live in Aliso Viejo but, willing to travel for STUDENT TEACHING and Classroom Observations.
Future Teacher,
Janelle Carreon Griffiths
I understand that when people have a difference of opinion, that frustration builds. I for one have gone to information meetings spoken with Reps. and educated myself about Medicare. The district did NOT pay the full amount of the retirees benefits. “tmare” is not correct on that. Retirees also paid a decent monthly amount. Talk to retirees educate yourself, don’t be lazy and just vote Yes. Medicare is very basic. The secondary insurance that the future retirees will pay will be costly, start saving now. The prospect of having to give up the extra insurance for everyone maybe that would have been the solution instead of only those who have 10 years not 11 years…but there would have been an avalanche of NO NO not me. I did not vote for the pay cut that our union pushed 5 years ago due to the Mismanagement of funds by the district, etc. At least that was what our Reps. told us. Also they said that if we did not vote Yes the state could come in and cut our salaries by 10%. Scare tactics. If I choose to vote No why am I a maniac? Yet, those who vote Yes are thoughtful and reasonable. I believe self interests motivated the 10 year retroactive stipulation. I believe we are aware that every item is reopened. The scare tactics just don’t work anymore. I doubt that the contract will not get approved. Partially due to lack of information and the lack of time for people to go to the meeting esp. this evening when some schools had open house. I guess Lazy is an easy word to throw around if one’s medical is covered until 70 but 1400 others get the boot.. How about a 5% cut across the board and perhaps the brand new teachers would knowing come into a district w/o the “rare” benefits. I have heard teachers say that’s why they work here for those exact benefits, and then vote Yes to cut the benefits for others. Hypocrisy has a new face: The ones who voted Yes to keep their own but deny the others to have those same benefits. Well maybe the district will go after those with the benefits in 2 years and maybe everyone will be out their retirement year benefits.’ Divide and conquer’ is the new mantra from the D.O. with the union shouting Vote Yes.
Just for everyone’s info . The stimulus money from D.C. just rescinded all of the RIFs in Pomona. Let’s watch and see what our district does with their funds. I bet it won’t be to give back the future retirees their benefits.
Janelle Carreon Griffiths,
Welcome and good luck in finishing up your studies! Thanks for looking to OJ for your networking solutions – your case is exactly what Art has hoped to accomplish with this thread. Out the bad, promote the positive.
–Rv
This is how one district is handling the Stabilization Fund sent by the Feds. Let’s see how SAUSD treats its workforce. I have included the entire article as an example of what the issues are for those now-recinded employees. This is a very good day for Pomona teachers. I have written a notice of thanks to the Biden site:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/strongmiddleclass/
Pomona district rescinds all teacher layoff notices
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12213375
Pomona district rescinds all teacher layoff notices
Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/23/2009 06:54:03 PM PDT
Updated: 04/23/2009 09:11:35 PM PDT
POMONA – Kate Porter was singing with her kindergarten class at Cortez Elementary School on Thursday when a fellow teacher ran in.
“You have to read this,” the teacher said pointing to an e-mail on her laptop.
Porter, who received a layoff notice in February with 645 other Pomona Unified School District teachers, could not believe her eyes – their jobs were safe, according to the e-mail.
“We were so happy,” Porter said. “That never happens. We never interrupt each other.”
After making sure that $10.3 million in federal stimulus funds is coming its way, the Pomona Unified school board on Thursday morning voted 5-0 to rescind all layoff notices that had been distributed to certificated employees, such as those who have teaching credentials.
“It’s exciting and wonderful news,” Superintendent Dr. Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana said. “There were never any guarantees.”
On May 11, Pomona Unified is set to receive $4 million from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund and $6.3 million from federal Title 1 funds.
The Stabilization Fund is designed to avert cuts and retain teachers and professors. It also supports the modernization and repair of school and college facilities.
Title I funds support the educational needs of low-achieving students attending high-poverty schools, those with limited English proficiency as well as young children in need of reading assistance.
Pomona Unified on April 17 got a green light from the U.S. Department of Education to receive the stimulus funds.
The estimated amounts were revealed on Monday and the district on Tuesday sent in its application to the state.
To comply with the requirements attached to receive the stimulus money, the school district will focus on reform efforts.
Pomona Unified is assigning certificated staff to work on teacher development, hold reading workshops, develop strategies for English learners and offer support to teachers as well as students, Meléndez said.
The move will open up about 70 positions to be filled by teachers who were otherwise going to be laid off.
The good news arrived just three days before the Reduction In Force hearings – conducted to determine if the district had followed the education code procedure properly and accurately notified employees – were set to commence.
“One part of me feels ecstatic, I want to scream for joy,” said Morgan Brown, president of the Associated Pomona Teachers. “But the other part is very angry and upset. How could you put our dedicated teachers through this needlessly?”
Pomona Unified had sent out layoff notices more than a month ahead of a March 13 deadline required by law. In March and early April, the district was able to rescind 238 of the notices.
“They jumped the gun big time,” Porter said. “The state budget was not approved, they didn’t know what kind of money they were looking at. None of other school districts were doing it. They terrified everybody.”
To make things worse, many mistakes were done by personnel department, Brown said. Some teachers were told to go to the office to pick up their notices, just to find out it was a mistake.
He also said that the district does not have an adequate seniority list and that many of the layoff notices were sent to teachers who should have never received them, such as those with 30 years experience.
“It was just pure incompetence,” Brown said. “Had things been done thoughtfully and carefully, no people above five years (of seniority) should have received the notices.”
Ultimately, the real losers are the kids, he said.
“When you receive a layoff notice, you are distracted, you are not sure if you’ll be able to pay for your house,” Brown said. “Teachers should be focused on their students.”
Meléndez responded by saying that the school district is addressing the concerns that have been brought to them.
“We are working on making sure that we are accurate as much as possible,” she said.
Meléndez also said it’s always easy to look backwards.
“We didn’t know what is going to happen,” she said. “We plan for the worse and hope for the best.”
The district will still have to make cuts, including 14 administrative positions as well as some classified positions.
In addition, district administrators will continue to make 3.2 percent less in the 2009-10 school year.
For Meléndez, the pay cut amounts to 5 percent.
“This (stimulus money) is only a one-year event,” she said. “We have to be cautious about it.”
mediha.dimartino@inlandnewspapers.com
(909)483-9329
The district DID pay for the exact same benefits that current employees receive. The problem is that they pay the full cost but due to the Medicare rules, the insurance company doesn’t have to pay the full benefits, this has been a rip off for both the district and the employee for a long time.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/members-lowrider-school-2375427-shows-santa
Slideshow: Lowrider show raises money for school
Participants, patrons unite for benefit event.
By THERESA CISNEROS
The Orange County Register
Comments 2| Recommend 0
SANTA ANA – A lowrider car show benefiting Roosevelt Elementary School was held Friday night on the school’s field.
About 3,000 spectators and exhibitors flocked to the campus last year. And although attendance figures were not immediately available, organizers estimated that even more would show up this year, said Erik Rossman, the teacher who organized the event.
Drivers paid a $5 entrance donation, and food was sold to help raise money for Roosevelt, which like many schools is experiencing financial hardships.
Participants ranged from those flipping the switches on classic Impalas, to those putting a last-minute shine on chrome bikes. The contest, which included an award ceremony, ran from about 4 to 8 p.m.
Many said they were compelled to enter the show as a way to give back to the community, while at the same time challenging the public perception that many lowrider owners are gang members and trouble makers.
Juan Resendiz, 37, belongs to a car club called Swift, which encompasses more than 100 members in cities ranging from San Diego to Salinas. He said in addition to showcasing their cars in lowrider shows, members often participate in school fundraisers, charity events and blood drives.
The Mercado family of Santa Ana decided to participate to show off the fruits of their labor and to illustrate that sprucing up bikes can be a good way to keep kids from getting swept up in gang and street life.
They belong to a lowrider bike club called Sick Side that’s based in Santa Ana. Along with other club members, the Mercados often fix up salvaged bicycles and enter them in lowrider bike shows. Ten club members are children, who are required to keep their grades up in order to participate.
“It shows the kids to respect the value of a dollar in that they find ways to earn money to buy parts for the bike,” said Cindy Mercado, 35.
“It also shows them that it’s easy to start and finish a project,” added her husband, Chris “Tiny” Mercado, 37.
Those who attended the show said they were there to support the school in this time of financial difficulty.
“Anywhere that we can support our kids, we’re there,” said Santa Ana Unified School District parent Vivian Martinez.
Well Red if you are going to start posting articles here again, post this one too. Looks like the teachers caved and ratified. Not exactly a shock.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/santa-teachers-employees-2375552-unified-benefits
Thanks for the heads up, Anonplus. I didn’t see that important story, even though I have google alerts set for the school district. Per your link:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/santa-teachers-employees-2375552-unified-benefits
Contract cuts back younger teacher retirement benefits
Educators with less than 10 years with Santa Ana Unified will lose five years of health benefits.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Contract cuts back younger teacher retirement benefits
Educators with less than 10 years with Santa Ana Unified will lose five years of health benefits.
By SCOTT MARTINDALE
The Orange County Register
Comments 3| Recommend 2
SANTA ANA – Younger teachers are always hit hard when public schools cut their budgets – they’re the first to get pink-slipped and the last to be rehired under seniority-based layoff systems.
In the Santa Ana Unified School District, where nearly 500 teachers face layoffs in June, those fortunate enough to keep their jobs this year will still face some setbacks.
The school district’s 2,700-member teachers union ratified a contract today that strips five years’ worth of retirement health insurance coverage from teachers with less than 10 years of Santa Ana Unified employment. It is expected to be approved Tuesday by the school board.
The new contract will end retirees’ full medical, dental and vision coverage at age 65; that coverage currently runs to age 70. An estimated 800 to 850 employees – all those hired after May 12, 1999 – will be affected, according to the teachers union.
“In this economic climate, it’s all about reducing our costs,” said Juan Lopez, Santa Ana Unified’s associate superintendent of human resources. “We have a very generous medical plan, and we needed to bring it back to something that’s reasonable.”
Affected employees won’t be left high and dry at age 65, however. The teachers, like all retirees nationwide, will qualify for federal Medicare insurance beginning at age 65. Santa Ana Unified expects to be able to offer them affordable supplemental insurance plans as well, Lopez said.
Union leaders said they agreed to the plan to ensure the district would be able to continue to provide some retirement benefits for all employees.
“The retiree plan is very expensive, and we need to have long-term stability with our benefits,” said Ron Shepherd, first vice president of the Santa Ana Educators Association union. “There’s no change to the benefits – the only difference is how long you get them until.”
Santa Ana Unified union leaders said they agreed to set the cut-off date at 10 years because that is when employees become “vested” in the district. Employees must work for Santa Ana Unified for 10 years before they can get full district benefits upon retirement.
“Bargaining teams often have to make tough choices,” said Frank Wells, spokesman for the California Teachers Association. “Some chapters agree to changes that affect one age group more than another because the impact might be much harder on someone who’s already been vested in the system for a long time and who may not be as mobile as a younger member.”
School districts run the gamut in terms of retirement benefits they’re able to offer employees, with the most generous plans offering lifetime coverage, he added.
Contact the writer: 949-454-7394 or smartindale@ocregister.com
I just returned to this blog. No thanks…I will never go near the Union again. I don’t really care what they do at this point honestly. I am so done with it all 🙂
Oh as for the school board who makes “the decisions”….not one of them has ever taught a day or knows the first thing about it and they make decisions that affect our lives. I would love to see one of them teach a class of 40 for a week…they would bail so quickly their heads would spin. Well, I am bidding adieu to the Union and the benefits…I voted NO. By the way Robert Chavez is running for Union President…if I stay…I am voting for him.
And you are voting for Robert, why? Have you ever attended a union meeting? Do you realize that you are voting for a person that has absolutely no ability to affect any change whatsoever, let alone get anyone to listen to him? He has consistently proven that he is really only a grandstander and most people have completely lost patience with his speeches.
Global flu epidemic fear grows, more U.S. cases
As far away as Hong Kong and Japan, health officials stepped up checks of travelers with …. Mexico extends school closures in flu outbreak · 3 dead, …
news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090426/ts_nm/us_flu – 1 hour ago – Similar pages
Best practices to stop pandemic flu: 1) avoid crowded conditions; 2) frequent washing of surfaces people touch; 3) frequent washing of hands.
At SAUSD schools: 1) many high school, middle school classes with 40 students in rooms designed for max 32; 2) school desks scheduled to be washed once a year (during summer) (ask a custodian when an administrator isn’t present for confirmation); 3) no paper towels in student washroom, only one electric hand dryer in each washroom, and serious disciplinary consequences if a student is tardy to class. This has negligence in regard to student and family health written all over it.