Parker teachers protest

well said caddyshack243... The JEA are working hard and deserve support not the opposite because they sent information out that wasn't to your liking.

justsome1here: OK, you win. The JEA purchased the address labels from the JSD. I must presume you feel equally insulted when the JSD uses this same address label to mail to you your child's mid-term notices, report cards, school newsletters, and other JSD correspondence, and all of these are also sent to the shredder.

"Parent or guardian of" is not my name.

There are other unions in our county that are having contract disputes right now. One particular union has just stettled their 2006 contract and has yet to begin work on the 2007 and 2008 contracts. It is not cool when you have to work in 2007 at the 2005 rate. I support the teachers in their effort and hope that the other union will do what they can to settle two years worth of contracts. HORAY for education!!

Does anyone know who the third party is for the mediation?

luvujvl: The postcard is the big red box at the bottom of this web page.
http://www.supportjea.com/

justsome1here: The postcard was addressed to: "Parent/Guardian of". That means "you".

FYI - my kids go to a parochial school, and I did not receive the postcard in today's mail. I wish I would have - eventually they will join the public system in HS and I would have been interested to see what the mailing said.

Sorry Mom, but my point is, MY child's name should not be on the "postcard" MINE should be. I am hoping that ALL taxpayers received this and not just one's that have children in the school district.

justsome1here: It is my understanding that the JEA purchased the mailing list fair and square just like any other business or individual. If you do not wish to receive these types of mailings, REQUEST to remove your child's name from the list (thanks to NCLB from the fed govt).

As President of a Local Union in town here...I must throw my support to the teachers!! To be a Educator you also gotta be a friend, parent, disciplarian, and many other hats to wear. Anybody who does not support these fine people should have their heads examined. So, in closing, teachers take the school board and that so-called superintendent to the cleaners. FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS!!!!

The green propaganda card that I just received in the mail went through the shredder because it had my students name on it. Shame on the JEA for using the mailing labels from the district as is. At least have the decency to remove the students name and use "current resident" (and yes this applies if I received materials from the school board about this matter as well). Once again the methods of the JEA has tainted my usually high regard for the teaching profession.

I am a student at Craig and I don’t think what the teachers are asking for is unreasonable. I think that anyone against the teachers should have to spend a day in their shoes, it’s not easy being a teacher but they do it anyway. I support my teachers!!

foofoogrl - You are not mistaken. These same issues have been raised in the district before and I have heard these same issues raised by teachers in other school districts for many years. This is not a new situation and it is not unique to the Janesville area.

The thing about giving up some of your benefits in a contract is that every negotiation afterwards they will try to take more away.

Look what's happening to the county employees now that they have caved in a couple of times. The insurance they are being offered requires them and their spouse have to go out and do certain excercise programs or they have to pay a higher deductible.

I don't know about you but I sure wouldn't want to have to go tell my wife she has to go exercise a couple of times a week so we don't have to pay more for our insurance.

But then again she will think I am making it up and not talk to me for a couple of weeks because I apparently I just said she was fat.

foofoogrl - You are mistaken.

I agree that Teachers should be paid a respectable wage, as well as receive benefits, but if I am not mistaken, these conditions have been know to the general public for decades, and when people choose to become a teacher, I can only assume that they are doing it because of a desire in their heart, not to get rich. Although unions and such are useful in some instances, I don't think that teachers need to constantly do an "in your face" about how underpaid they are. People do know this is a fact, and maybe people should really think long and hard before pursueing a career in the field, and if there was a shortage of educators, then I am certian there would be some changes made in a jiffy.

I understand what you're saying but they still have to be considered for cost comparisons of a total package.

They are part of the overall package. To me, as far as contract negotiations go, they are a non-issue as far as significant gains/concessions are concerned. The issues at hand, as they have been for the last 15+ years are COLA and healthcare. I just don't think it's in either sides' interest to add more issues to negotians that are less than productive.

My last question was for spunky because of this comment: "Personal and sick days are not really even issues brought up in the contract. If they are brought up for the simple act of "seeing how good/bad teachers really have it" what does this have to do with protests or contract negotiations?
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They have a lot do with contract negotiations if they are part of the package.

caddyshack, If they are doing this numbers thing as described 600 raise and then 750 expense, the public needs more of those details to help raise the awareness of the game playing they are doing. I tend to not read the emotional stuff and seak out the details like you just described...thanks

I guess the reason I brought up the sick / personal days issue was from an earlier discussion I saw related to the teachers total benefits cost and how the excess reserve money came from that total benefits package and therefore belonged to the teachers.
If that is true, then the number of days working / off per year is an issue as it a fair comparison to annulize all employment for comaprison.

ben: Thanks. No point there, I was just curious. Please try to remember that the JEA is fighting to maintain the benefits we have, not to gain extra benefits. I know this is the same argument as previously posted, sorry. We just want to keep what we have. The JSD originally offered us, me, a raise of $600, and wanted to charge me $750 for my insurance, resulting in a net loss for the year. I think you, and “everybody else” would fight that one also.

Are you saying personal and sick days aren't part of the total compensation package?

This thread has gotten way too far off course. Do I make a decent hourly wage? It is livable. Am I hated for it? By some. Is it a compensation package worth fighting for? You bet! Did teachers have it a lot better 15 years ago? Certainly. I can sit here and bicker with everybody that I don't make enough or the doctor or lawyer makes too much. An interview question I had was "do you consider teaching the most valuable profession?" My answer was all professions have their merit and it is not productive to determine which is more valuable than the other. Think about it: teaching opens the doors to all professions, but when the lights go out at the hospital, the electrician becomes more valuable than the brain surgeon. We are fighting to keep what we have, maybe you should too. By the way, when we work a 4 day week because of a federal holiday, we still have another 186 days to go. The day off doesn't count towards the 190. Personal and sick days are not really even issues brought up in the contract. If they are brought up for the simple act of "seeing how good/bad teachers really have it" what does this have to do with protests or contract negotiations?

There is the federal family leave act and there is the state family leave act. Both state that the employer must give a specified number of days off if certain requirements are met but it does not mandate that they be paid.
They do allow however, that if the employee has paid sick time, vacation, personal days, etc.. they must be allowed to use those days if they so desire.

I realize we have to look forward on healthcare but the past must be taken into consideration. I suspect the JEA would listen if the insurance fund was dry--but the JEA has saved the SDJ nearly $8 million dollars in healthcare costs in the last 4 years. The JEA also released $1.2 million dollars 5 years ago when the fund fell short. Why then should teachers pay in more to an already overfunded insurance program that they have responsibly funded in the past?
I realize that www.supportjea.com is JEA propaganda, but at least it has some specific positions and stats that can be discussed logically.
Sadly, we hear nothing from the SDJ-except an occasional blog from rocksolid Sodemann.

Sluggo, thanks for some information. I guess I am going to surf around and try to get some more to try to figure this one out for me. The media seems to have a way to slant stories and it always better to get the details from those involved...

maybe, but I haven't seen any contracted employees donate time up close and personal. I think really it comes down to making more concessions when there is no proof that premiums have gone up. Fair is fair - many districts across the nation are enacting a living wage for teachers - with a starting salary of 40,000 - that's almost 11,000 more than Janesville's starting salary.

The details, like only 2 personal days per year and no vacation time helps. Better details help make better decisions.
Teachers have the details that the public does not have. I always assumed there was vacation time.

See, I am on the fence on this issue. I hear both sides and am looking for a better comparison, like the study you mention. I hear the "well they got summers off" stuff. AND I also know that teachers definitely DO NOT just punch a time clock and donate much time. Many people in many careers donate time...

Isn't it federal law to have paid sick/family leave available if there is more than 100 employees?

Besides, regardless of comparing apples to oranges - if you compare district to district that's when it shows the differences. Out of over 400 districts in WI, Janesville is somewhere in the 60's for fringe benefits. Also, top ten for size.

So the contract is 190 days minus 2 personal days. Any sick time that is paid???

I know benthinkin. I just remember an informal study from about 10 years ago where factory workers actually worked less days than teachers if they took all their days.

probably conferences, meetings, Family Leave Act, Sick days

Sluggo, I was not trying to compare who's got it better. I am trying to get to the root details of this for a realistic comparison.
That is why my question was stated the way it was, I want to get it to a fair comparison to see the issue.

If there are only 2 personal days per 190, where does all the part-time subs need come from???

don't forget federal holidays - you probably get those off too. - not built in to the 190 day contract

I know that there is some use of substitute teachers. Do teachers get any vacation time during the 190 day contract???

oh - teachers do not get any paid vacation. 2 days per year for personal use

don't forget paid sick leave too.

After 20 years you are topped out at 4-weeks. I did not bring up the vacation thing as I am not familiar with what teachers get if any...

ben: A serious, honest question for you just out of curiosity: In your profession, how many weeks of vacation would you earn after 24 years of employment?

An earlier post refers to a 190 day contract. If this accurate, then 190/260 = .73. So a contracted year is about 73% of the typically known 52 week, 5 day a week work year.
So if you annualize the salary / benefits package is the pay really that low???
I understand the extra work put in by teachers in hundreds of different ways, but strictly speaking the annual salary is based on a 190 day year and if factored into an annual basis would be more.
This is like someone saying that a person who works 190 days is under payed when comparing to a person that works 260 days.

CC88: Another ridiculous comment, You are not paying 100% for our health insurance. Are you paying my 80/20 deductibles and co-pays. Did you take a wage freeze to maintain my health insurance. If you want to I will be more than willing to give you my address so you can send me my check!

CC88: is that another point in the column of "what's good enough for you is good enough for me" (despite surplusses and no evidence that premiums are needed besides blog and soundoff complaints)?

I grew up worshipping teachers, including my father, and wanting to be a teacher. Rarely have I ever uttered a bad word about anyone in this thankless profession. However the talks this time are leaving me feeling YUCKY about the JEA. The rest of us have been paying more and more for healthcare anyways, even in good jobs. So we have a hard time paying 100% for your insurance. Sorry, but we're almost in a recession!! And I have to admit that the JEA team gets nasty awfully quick - some publicity campaign that is. Sam Loizzo gave me hope, but it seems we're back to square one now. I just wish it'd be over already. High school students are definitely feeling it. Between this and the snow days I don't know what this school year will be worth in the end. It's sad.

wisconsinheat: I totally agree, it's never going to happen!

I've come to the conclusion that trying to get each side to understand the others' position in this is like trying to get a blind man to understand what the color blue looks like.

I hope that the contract talks are not being discussed in a classroom unless it is within the scope of the history of unions in this country. Hopefully it is being discussed in an objective manner, with both sides of the disagreement presented. Otherwise, it has no place in the classroom.

So just to anyone out there who has a problem with teachers lately, what exactly is your stance on this issue? Do you have some underlying vendetta with teachers? Is giving back to the teachers, not even close to what we owe them mind you, going to destroy life as you know it? People argue that the talk of contracts has taken away from your child's education. Well, if your child applies him/herself on a daily basis, there is no problem, although I doubt that any talk of contracts during school has severely impacted your child's learning. I think some people here are just fighting to fight, seeing as they have nothing at stake of personal gain. So even if the teachers don't get a contract, you nay-sayers can just sit back and go, "Yeah, I helped prevent teachers from getting fair pay." If some of you could just get back at me, that would be helpful. (By the way, if I came off as a little cynical, which is very possible; I apologize)

I am a teacher and I feel the need to educate the general public about a few facts:
--I get paid for my contracted 190 days. I do NOT get paid for winter break, summer break, etc.
-- I did NOT go into teaching to get rich or because I “get my summers off”. My summer is spent teaching summer school and taking classes, which leads me to my next fact.
--I am required to take 6 credits every 5 years at my own expense in order to keep my license. I worked hard to get to the top cell of the salary schedule which is a Master’s Degree plus an additional 30 credits, but for every 6 credits I have to earn beyond that, I get NO compensation. For those of you who haven’t checked lately, 6 college credits can cost $1000 or more.
--I spend approximately $500 of my own money each school year for supplies, teaching materials, books, gifts for my students.
--At least twice a month I go to school on a Saturday or Sunday to do work. This is not because I am inefficient at my job, but because all that is required of me in my job (including mounds of paperwork) can’t possibly be accomplished in my contracted day (7:45-3:45). That is in addition to the work I take home on most workdays.
--As a special education teacher I am involved in after school IEP meetings that by law require me to be there, even if it runs past 3:45. Compensation for time past 3:45 comes in the form of a 15 minute coupon that I can cash in for comp time, however most days are taken up by meetings so by the end of the year I have hours worth of coupons that I haven’t been able to use.
-- Are there mediocre teachers out there that should maybe find a new profession? Of course there are, just like there are weak doctors, lawyers, administrators, etc. However don’t blame the rest of us for that! There are procedures in place for administrators to get rid of weak teachers but they rarely take the time to follow through on that.
--Teachers are the only professionals paid by the taxpayers that are under the QEO. You do not see this applied to police, firefighters, or even ADMINISTRATORS for that fact. The public doesn’t blink an eye when they get raises or fair health care contracts.
--To those who say “If you don’t like it, get a different job”, why should I have to do that? I have given 15 years to this district with a total of 25 years in education. If I were to go to a different district I would probably be given 7 years of experience, putting me at a place on the salary schedule that would mean the loss of thousands of dollars. No one in their right mind would do that! I have a family too, kids in college, a mortgage to pay, taxes, etc.
I want our school board to show us respect. What we are asking for is not unreasonable, given the fact that we have saved the district millions of dollars with our health insurance. When they can show me they are losing money, then I will agree to pay a premium.

Just as there are community members out there who are not teacher haters, there are teachers that are happy with their jobs.

caddyshack243: I believe we are beating a dead horse here. No matter what we as teachers say, the public feels we already have to much.

I know it is hard to trust anyone these days, but I wish the citizens of Janesville would understand that the JSD attempts to take something away from JEA in every contract negotiation. The JEA is fighting to MAINTAIN benefits, NOT gain benefits. The JEA is struggling to keep what we have, and gain a COLA salary increase.

Maybe the Janesville communtiy is not ashamed of teachers, just ashamed of how the JEA and the school board approach negotiations.

bkrkim: Teachers did not ask students to picket with them! They did this because they wanted to. When I was growing up I remember looking up to my teachers. It was a respectable profession. However living in Janesville has made me keep my profession quiet. The Janesville Community almost makes you feel ashamed to be a teacher.

I'm appaled that the teachers would stoop so low as to have students protest with them. They have many benifits average people don't have. The teachers union is one of the most thoughtless unions in America. And yes I can thank a teacher for helping me type this comment out. But it took twelve years to learn it.

Actually, taxpayers pay 100% of the costs. Just because it comes from the state does not mean anything. The state money also comes from taxpayyers...

ok I'm going to hear it - local tax dollars. I understand all this money originated as somebody's tax bill somewhere - I can't figure out how much of the money is teacher salaries and how much is operating.

Caddy makes a good point. I wonder why the whining taxpayers aren't more interested in where their money is actually going. Teachers don't balance the books, they just want what's right, or at least comprable to other districts. I guess it's easier to cry about salaries and benefits. From what I see at the site below (and I definately could be wrong here and won't be offended if I am) taxpayers only pay about 25% of the revenue for the district. It's like looking for that lost quarter and not worrying about the other 75 cents. Try this site to find out where your tax dollars are going - it's open to the public.
https://www2.dpi.state.wi.us/safr/ann_da...

caddy: I don't disagree with what you are saying. I think what may be the hard part for people to understand is "quid pro quo" and what the "monetary value" of the insurance benefit (not the fund) would be for comparison purposes in order to place a value on the total package as it stands now and how it would change.
Kind of like "a la carte" pricing. This is where an actuary would be extremely helpful. I know it helped us immensely in our negotiations.
Anyway, I think that seems to be a major sticking point with the people, being unable to put a specific number on all things insurance as you can with a premium.

wisconsinheat: I completely understand that we, as taxpayers, really are not volunteering to donate more taxes. We taxpayers believe we have paid enough to run our federal, state, and local governments, and especially our schools. I fully agree with you. But let’s try to approach this insurance issue from another angle. The JSD pays the JEA on the basis of “Total Package.” And again, Total Package is salary plus benefits. And it does amount to something like a whopping $80 Million or so. The JSD skims the insurance fund off the top, and leaves the rest for salaries. Again, the JSD skims an extra $2 Million or so annually, and this helps to represent the growth of the Fund 10. Two million dollars already collected from taxpayers, and not spent on the JEA. Now, bear with me. The JSD would NOT have to collect EXTRA tax dollars from the taxpayers in order to settle this contract disagreement. The money is already there! In the Fund 10. The JSD would only have to spend tax dollars ALREADY COLLECTED but NOT SPENT on the “Total Package.” The JSD would not have to collect MORE taxes next year, but rather, spend the dollars collected in past years that were designated for “Total Package” salary and benefits.

As for your other suggestions, the JEA has done all of your suggestions. Over the past several contracts the JEA HAS held off premiums by accepting lower wage increases, higher co-pays and deductibles, gone only to physicians in the “network”, much like “everybody else”. You can see the JEA has accepted these money saving practices because the Fund 10 continues to grow. The JSD, however, continues to counter with “JSD has no money”, “We need 3 month’s working capital”, "There could be an emergency" and “Everybody else is paying.” C’mon. No offense, but we have issues when our school board members say they base their decisions on Sound Off comments. We have issues when our school board members say they trust the JSD accounting practices. I’m sorry, but the school board should be there to check and balance and oversee the accounting principles of the JSD, not to just say “OK, we trust you.” OK, I am a little biased, but even as a private citizen with kids in school here, I wonder why the JSD is making cuts and yet they have the largest Fund 10 in the entire state. Further witness the million dollar tax rebate next year, yet Dr. Evert is on record that the JSD must cut another $2 Million next year. Just how the heck do you give a tax rebate when you are facing a budget deficit?

In many cases, especially when signed contractually, teachers are fulfilling commitments already started until the end of the school year. At that point, depending on contract status, many teachers may choose to not volunteer again. Many made that decision at the start of the current school year, so damage to the students should have been minimal.
It was not implied or suggested that teachers are the only ones trying to make ends meet. I would not even suggest teachers are the only ones trying to keep what we have. However, if it is GM or teachers trying to keep what they have, they are the bad ones to too many in this community. Maybe more of us should do our best to respectfully question authority when we see things taken away from us.
Maybe the problem is that there is so little respect for our administration at the SDJ. That's a whole new can of worms but the lack of confidence in our leadership hurts our district. That has been a long-term problem that cannot be fixed overnight. It's up for debate whether that is the fault of hundreds of teachers or dozens of administrators.

caddyshack;.The "straight answer " comment I made was in reference to the many flippant answers to serious questions and viewpoints. I realize many of the questions and comments themselves are sarcastic (I'll plead the 5th here) but nonetheless serious answers also enlighten the readers that do not post.
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Also I would often hear answers such as "because there's a surplus" and "because we didn't use that money for medical claims it's ours." As we know, this is only partially correct. The taxpayers have a bigger role in it than it seems many are willing to acknowledge. That is one of the things I was referring to when I commented about telling the whole story. That and things like telling exactly how much in wages and other benefits you feel would justly compensate for paying part of the premiums. Apparently at some point JEA did offer to do just that but SDJ thought that the offsetting wage request was out of line?
Anyhow, that's the gist of what I was trying to get across.
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As far as your explanation about the "fund" , kudos for a well written understandable synopsis. That's what I'm talking about.
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In my experience, we also managed to stave off premium payments by going with higher out of pocket maximums, co-pays and deductables. Our reasoning was; if you didn't use it you didn't have to pay it. Just like your arguments. Have you considered going with higher limits in that area?
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It does appear that some teachers are just as closed minded as some of the non-teachers, which leads to frustration on both sides.
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And believe it or not, I really do support you. Good luck

He´s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest, for he´s with you clear to the end. And you´ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test if the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years, and get pats on the back as you pass. But your final reward will be heartache and tears if you´ve cheated the man in the glass.

"Some people might think you a straight shooting chum and call you a wonderful guy. But the man in the glass says you're only a bum if you can't look him straight in the eye."

Times are bad. To suggest that only teachers are trying to make ends meet is naive and simplistic and not willing to acknowledge what taxpayers have already shouldered for the school district is insulting.
Everybody deals with the love it or leave it situation in a career at some point and yes it is a difficult decision to make, but again, it is your decision to make.
Job actions do hurt students. If a committment was made, honor that committment. If teachers feel that it is a waste of their time to do so, simply do not volunteer in the first place. Again, the choice is yours.
Always question authority. You may not respect the person in authority, but you should always respect the position. However, lowering yourself to the lowest common demonitor shows little respect for yourself. Whatever problems you have with your employer, it should NEVER spill over and interfere with the people you are serving (in this case the students).

justsome1here: For it isn't your brother, or mother, or wife whose judgement upon you must pass. The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life is the Man looking back from the glass.

wisconsinheat: Since you have been involved in contract negotiations involving self-funded insurance plans, you may understand the JEA position better than anyone. The JEA position, once again, is that the JSD has over-budgeted the insurance fund 8 of the last 10 years. That insurance money comes out of the JEA "total package". If the JSD would have budgeted the exact amount of insurance dollars, then the JEA would have approximately $1.5 to $2 Million annually to add to salaries. That would be roughly $2000 annually per member. The JSD has never offered to share the surplus with JEA, but the year that the insurance fund was over-spent the JEA did agree to a wage freeze in order to help rebuild the fund. I know, old news. Just remember that we are talking “total package.” If we spent 0% on insurance, then we would have 100% for salary. The JSD has made a profit from the JEA total package by over charging the JEA for insurance. The fund continues to grow, it is the largest in the state, and yet the JSD wants the JEA to “over-contribute” even more by paying premiums, just because “everyone else is doing it”. I know Allstate and State Farm insurance companies operate for profit, but why should the JSD be allowed to operate the insurance fund for profit?

What questions would you like answered? I’ll try my best.

Sorry if the bonehead remark threw everybody off topic and incriminated myself. One of my main reasons for the frustration is some general attitudes:
1. Times are bad, so the teachers need to realize and deal with it… sometimes you can make an attempt to make times better for yourself and family.
2. It's your profession, love it or leave it… easier said than done in many cases. I'm not about quitting or going through 3 career changes before my midlife crisis. I’m willing to fight to KEEP my career choice what it has been for quite some time: livable pay and good benefits.
3. Job actions are hurting students: going to work by my contract time, working as my contract states, and going home at the end of my contract time is called going to work and going home. If you feel otherwise, maybe our contract should be altered and we should be compensated accordingly. You can organize the next dance if you have so much time on your hands. Two sickouts created a negative view by many, but some may argue there are few alternatives that have any bite. And trust me, students and busses did not have to "break through" the picket line on Mineral Point.
4. Respect authority by not questioning authority… Sounds like the American way to me. Does that mean you've never questioned your bosses judgment or lack thereof?
5. What's good enough for me is good enough for you: Sorry, but if you live by that rule, you are a bonehead.

Sluggo - If I did not value education, I wouldn't be worried about JEA using students as a "bargaining chip".

PS a counter demonstration would really show where your values are - not valuing education or your children's future.

justsomeone... what is with the barganing chip thing again. It's played out. Why don't you go volunteer your free time to advise a club? The bottom line is all this is for a better place for the kids where we can focus on education. Or do you want them growing up learning how to lay down and take it? That's great - then when they are the leaders we can truly be walked on as a country. Good lesson.

I find it sad that the these posts have sunk to the level of calling people "ignorant", "boneheads", and the personal attacks on character, etc. It has showcased to me that the lack of respect has permeated through every level of the educational system in this district. The lack of respect to the students in the district are the ones that concern me the most. They did not ask to have their club advisors not honor their committments, they did not ask for their teachers to pretend to be sick, and they did not ask to have to walk through picket lines to go to school. These contract talks were not even on my radar screen until the JEA decided to take action on the students and use them as a "bargaining chip" to force taxpayers to see it their way. Final thought - "When you get what you want in your stuggle for self and the world makes you king for a day, just go to the mirror and look at yourself and see what that man has to say."

Kenbjammen: I would love to see your counter demonstration! This would at least show your son that you don't just talk big behind a computer screen!

In response - "You say your son has oppinions, yet where has he spoken up?" I teach my son to respect authority. Evey day teachers are bringing up the contract dispute to him. He is trying to respect authority by not. This might be a good lesson for others.

"You say the teachers made a choice to have a career with a salary that they know, did you ever consider the fact that they might love their career?" - If the teachers loved their career then why would they picket their job and have a sick out. Sickouts are illegal for police, and health care workers, they should be illegal for teachers too. By staging a sick out they show where their heart is.

"You say your son had a full day of study hall, then why was he watching movies, students are not allowed to watch movies in study hall." - That's a good point, maybe some of the subs could answer that question. Maybe some of the teacher could explain why the lesson plans for that day were not available.

"How are the teachers not acting mature about the issue if they are trying to get a new contract?" It's immature to stage a sick out and to protest the students. That's my view of everything. Some of my sons friends parents are SERIOUSLY thinking of counter demonstrating when the teachers picket, we are afraid of the repercussions though, teachers can be pretty tough on those who oppose their opinion.

That's a good question Seabee.
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It seems to me that the intent of all the "protests", although I prefer to refer to them as informational picketing, is to "enlighten and educate" those of us in the "ignorant minority" so as to influence(?) the school board to submit to their collective bargaining demands..
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I am not sure if this is in fact the intent / goal of JEA because it has been nearly impossible to get a straight answer from anyone in these blogs.
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But, I unequivocally support them in their endeavor to secure the most beneficial contract terms to mutually benefit all JEA members as well as taxpayers of the school district of Janesville.
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But by insinuating that those questioning the demands of the JEA in these blogs are part of the "ignorant minority", I find it puzzling that they would be wasting valuable time and resources trying to refute our "opinions" stated in these blogs.
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It would seem that the silent majority will without a doubt prevail.
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So to that I say: It's been a spirited, entertaining dialogue, of which I hope no hard feelings have transpired.
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Teachers; best of luck in your contract battle. Although I may have seemed antagonostic in many of my posts,I was trying to draw the logical explanations out, rather than the emotional explanations. Some of you passed. Some failed.
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Just a bit of constructive criticism. When presenting your "arguments" tell the whole story, not just the part that you think puts you in a good light. It's easy to see through it.
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Good luck.

Seabee - see the post by Feb 6, 2008 at 9:06 a.m., by caddtshack243

Why are they protesting after agreeing to mediation???? That makes no sense.

"Majority"? Missed that.

Don't consider what is stated in these blogs as the majority, wisconsinheat.

"don't give in to the ignorant minority."
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Giving creedence to a lot of what has been stated.

It is nice to see future teachers speak with such intelligence. I just hope that when prizefighter enters teaching he/she will not be met with "you chose your profession, deal with it or leave it" and "what's good enough for me is good enough for you" mentality next time he/she sees a contract year. More power to you and don't give in to the ignorant minority.

I admire your vision prizefighterinferno, as well as your dedication to the profession. It sounds like you'll make a great teacher.
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However, and don't take this as a negative, only constructive criticism. Always keep an open mind and the ability to acknowledge and accept both sides of an argument. Judging from some of your past posts,this seems to be a speed bump along the way.
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Good luck to you.

I don't know how this whole thing will end, nor do I pretend to, but I do know that I am 95% sure what I want to do with my life. I want to be a teacher. And despite all this happening right now, I wouldn't mind teaching in Janesville. If someone asked me why, I could tell you because right now I could list at least 20 teachers, whom through my 17 years who have been like parents to me. I have always admired, nay, envied the connection the teachers and students have. Everyone can sit here and sling insults or "opinions". But mind you, if your opinion is filled with frustration or anger, it is an insult. Call your thoughts what you may, but I do not believe any unkind words are appreciated here. I look upon this page and see comments riddled with derisive language. Calling teachers immature, saying their contracts are "petty squabbles", even saying they should pick up and leave. Apparently you Janesvillians (hm...) have no idea what an impact the teachers have on your youth. Teachers are amazing people, and I aspire to be one. Any one of you is entitled to your opinion, but if you choose to open your mouth without opening your mind, your thoughts are not politely or wisely portrayed.

It matters not what my parents make, nor does it matter what kind of car they drive. It seems to me that you just want to bash on what people think, Kenbjammen. You say your son has oppinions, yet where has he spoken up? If he was as strongly oppinionated as you say, then he would choose to speak up. You say the teachers made a choice to have a career with a salary that they know, did you ever consider the fact that they might love their career? If they didn't, WHY WOULD THEY KEEP THEIR CURRENT JOB? You say your son had a full day of study hall, then why was he watching movies, students are not allowed to watch movies in study hall. How are the teachers not acting mature about the issue if they are trying to get a new contract? please, explain your side to this issue because I do not see it.

JEA Public Rally
Tuesday, Feb. 12th, 6:30 PM
527 S. Franklin St.

Janesville parents, students, union workers, and others are invited to join the JEA in marching before the Janesville school board meeting in support of Janesville teachers.

www.supportjea.com

justsome1here,
Not that I agree with the Sick Out that some teachers partipated in, but if you don't think watching movies or educational videos during the school day are good for your child, maybe that is exactly the point the teachers that did particpate were trying to get across. They are not indispensable and should be valued by the JSD and the community.

Why_Teach - As far as classic (or contempary) literature goes, I would rather they read the books first, and then make comparisions to the movies. I am not intentionally trying to dodge your question, I am intentionally not taking the "bait".

justsome1here,
So Schindlers List, To Kill A Mockingbird, Westside Story, Grapes of Wrath, Forrest Gump, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Odyssey,Myth Busters, Modern Marvels, and Bill Nye the Science Guy (typical movies shown during sub days) aren't educational? You never did answer my question. How many hours a night do you let your kids watch T.V. or play video games when you could have them reading a book? The education of your child shouldn't soley rest on the shoulders of the teachers that you don't support.

I feel that I have been pretty well educated and hope for the same opportunities for my children. My wife and I have always believed in supporting our kids’ teachers and whenever possible we let them know how much we appreciate them. We will do whatever it takes to get the school board to be more reasonable.

We own our own business and pay over $1100 per month for property taxes on that building. Then we pay another $400 taxes per month for our home. That’s a lot of money, to be sure, but in an effort to assure a good education for our children and yours, I am willing to pay this amount and more if need be. I do not want good teachers to leave Janesville. There are already some mediocre teachers where our kids attend and I don’t want that number to increase