President’s Blog
October 27, 2009
The air is getting that familiar chill, the leaves have turned and the holidays are just around the corner. This means the annual PEIA Public Hearings are upon us. This past Thursday (October 22) the Finance Board met to adopt the plan to present at the public hearings. Once again, we were the only organization to speak at the Finance Board meeting. As I voiced my concerns about the plan, I assured the Finance Board we would be a loud voice at the Public Hearings.
As we all know, the cost of health care continues to skyrocket no matter where you are employed, but to expect the employees to bear the blunt of the cost when there have been no pay increases in two years is just plain wrong. The Governor likes to say we need to look at what is happening in the private sector and I can assure you, no business in the private sector is getting by with a 4% increase in health care.
Adding a West Virginia only plan is also punitive to those school employees in border counties, especially the Eastern Panhandle. Their choices in health care are limited, and to expect a higher premium is wrong. Last year, the Finance Board proposed a 70/30 plan which would have paid out of state providers only 70% of the cost leaving the employee paying 30%. Through our efforts, we were able to defeat that proposal. This is just another version of the same song. We must speak loudly.
Finally, the proposal to examine a “fat tax” is highly discriminatory and just plain wrong. I voiced my concern at the Finance Board meeting and again to the Governor. The Governor has backed off this saying it is “off the table.” However, unless the Finance Board meets again to take it off the Public Hearing agenda, we must be prepared to speak out. I understand it is better to identify health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. early, but to take this to the extreme suggested is a highly punitive measure. We should be encouraging wellness programs, not to penalize a few. We should come to the hearings prepared to offer recommendations on promoting healthy life styles.
As I continue to say, we must stand strong and united. This is just another attack. Together, we can be successful.
Tired of the Lies!
In the past two weeks, I have been in 5 different counties visiting schools. I am always amazed at the great things going on in our classrooms. We have a dedicated group of teachers and service professionals who work very hard each and every day to ensure all their students receive a quality education. We truly make a difference in kids’ lives.
While I love to travel around the state and see firsthand the quality education our students receive, I am appalled at the lies being spread by a rival organization. First, they will tell teachers the WVEA accepts administrators and will represent an administrator over a classroom teacher. WHAT A LIE! In the WVEA’s 147 year history, we have never represented an administrator over a teacher. Never have, never will! While we have administrators in the WVEA, they comprise a mere 1.6% of our membership. We have no administrators as officers, no administrators on our Executive Committee, and no administrators as chair of our committees. At our Delegate Assembly, there are only 2 administrators out of more than 250 delegates. Clearly, we are not driven by administrators. As a matter of fact, I can recite numerous examples of where the WVEA represented teachers against administrators resulting in the removal of administrators who were members. I urge you, the next time the competing organization spouts this jargon, tell them it is a lie! Stand up for our organization!
The next lie to address is their claim to be the largest teachers union in West Virginia. The WVEA is and has always been the largest teacher organization in West Virginia. Pre K-12 classroom teachers comprise the vast majority of our 15,000 plus members. We have an organized local in all 55 counties in West Virginia. The membership of our competitor is comprised of a claim of 9,000 service professionals, which would be more than 60% of their membership. Again, the WVEA is clearly the largest teachers organization in the state.
When the flyers hit your county and your school, I ask you to stand up for our organization. Demand the lies stop! Together, we can move education to new heights in West Virginia.
While I love to travel around the state and see firsthand the quality education our students receive, I am appalled at the lies being spread by a rival organization. First, they will tell teachers the WVEA accepts administrators and will represent an administrator over a classroom teacher. WHAT A LIE! In the WVEA’s 147 year history, we have never represented an administrator over a teacher. Never have, never will! While we have administrators in the WVEA, they comprise a mere 1.6% of our membership. We have no administrators as officers, no administrators on our Executive Committee, and no administrators as chair of our committees. At our Delegate Assembly, there are only 2 administrators out of more than 250 delegates. Clearly, we are not driven by administrators. As a matter of fact, I can recite numerous examples of where the WVEA represented teachers against administrators resulting in the removal of administrators who were members. I urge you, the next time the competing organization spouts this jargon, tell them it is a lie! Stand up for our organization!
The next lie to address is their claim to be the largest teachers union in West Virginia. The WVEA is and has always been the largest teacher organization in West Virginia. Pre K-12 classroom teachers comprise the vast majority of our 15,000 plus members. We have an organized local in all 55 counties in West Virginia. The membership of our competitor is comprised of a claim of 9,000 service professionals, which would be more than 60% of their membership. Again, the WVEA is clearly the largest teachers organization in the state.
When the flyers hit your county and your school, I ask you to stand up for our organization. Demand the lies stop! Together, we can move education to new heights in West Virginia.
Great things and Frustrating Things
President’s Blog
September 16, 2009
I know you are back into the swing of things and another school year is well underway. It is hard to believe the first grading period is upon us (for those of you on the 4 ½ week schedule). As I travel around the state, I see great things going on in our classrooms. We have talented teachers in our state and your dedication to your students amazes me.
Unfortunately, I am also seeing things that cause concern. Class size for middle schools and high schools troubles me. When I see 38 students in an inclusion Algebra class and 41 students in an AP Chemistry class, I have to speak out. We must adjust the school aide formula and pass class size legislation for secondary and middle schools. We have to place size limits on inclusion classes.
Equally as important is planning time. When I visit elementary schools, many of our teachers have only 30 minutes of planning. By the time they walk their students to their next destination, go to the restroom, and call a few parents, their planning time is over. Our elementary teachers deserve better. They must have time to plan and to collaborate with colleagues. Once again, adjusting the school aide formula will bring much needed relief to our elementary teachers.
Finally, I went back to Huff Consolidated, Gilbert Elementary, and Gilbert High School for the first time since the May floods. Things are getting back to normal in those communities and the public schools are assisting in the healing process. I want to thank the Princeton Senior High School Key Club and their sponsor, Judy Foster-Holland, for conducting a toy drive for Huff. Their concern for these students is a touching example of reaching out to help others in times of need. I also want to thank the teachers in Lewis County for the supplies they donated to Gilbert Elementary School. I am sure these items were much needed and truly appreciated. The schools look great and the students are continuing to receive a top-notch education.
September 16, 2009
I know you are back into the swing of things and another school year is well underway. It is hard to believe the first grading period is upon us (for those of you on the 4 ½ week schedule). As I travel around the state, I see great things going on in our classrooms. We have talented teachers in our state and your dedication to your students amazes me.
Unfortunately, I am also seeing things that cause concern. Class size for middle schools and high schools troubles me. When I see 38 students in an inclusion Algebra class and 41 students in an AP Chemistry class, I have to speak out. We must adjust the school aide formula and pass class size legislation for secondary and middle schools. We have to place size limits on inclusion classes.
Equally as important is planning time. When I visit elementary schools, many of our teachers have only 30 minutes of planning. By the time they walk their students to their next destination, go to the restroom, and call a few parents, their planning time is over. Our elementary teachers deserve better. They must have time to plan and to collaborate with colleagues. Once again, adjusting the school aide formula will bring much needed relief to our elementary teachers.
Finally, I went back to Huff Consolidated, Gilbert Elementary, and Gilbert High School for the first time since the May floods. Things are getting back to normal in those communities and the public schools are assisting in the healing process. I want to thank the Princeton Senior High School Key Club and their sponsor, Judy Foster-Holland, for conducting a toy drive for Huff. Their concern for these students is a touching example of reaching out to help others in times of need. I also want to thank the teachers in Lewis County for the supplies they donated to Gilbert Elementary School. I am sure these items were much needed and truly appreciated. The schools look great and the students are continuing to receive a top-notch education.
The New School Year is here!
President’s Blog
August 28, 2009
The students are back in the classroom and the excitement of a new school year fills the air. The staff development days are complete and I know probably no one had enough time to prepare your classroom. As you begin the new school year, I ask you to remember why you became a teacher…to change lives. You do this each and every day with little to no appreciation, constant scrutiny, and, in many cases, overwhelming challenges. But when that light finally comes on for a student, when they finally get the concept you have been teaching, or learn how to read, or learn how to express themselves, or finally find their niche, it makes every trying moment worth it. Let me say thank you again for all you do for the children of West Virginia. You are heroes in my eyes!
I was able to visit several counties the past 2 weeks. I am excited about the great things happening in Raleigh County where they signed up more than 20 new members at their opening of school workshop. I also visited several schools there and know the students in Raleigh County are in great hands. I was honored to speak to the teachers and service professionals in Tucker County at their opening day. They have a family atmosphere there that shows their concern not only for their students, but for each other. It was exciting to speak to about 25 college students at West Virginia State University. After speaking to these young men and women, let me assure you our profession is in good hands. They have the spark that will enable them to be successful in the classroom. I had a great evening with our members in Taylor County at their annual picnic. Not only was the food outstanding, but to listen as they talk about beginning the new year invigorates me, and makes me miss the classroom even more.
Finally, I can’t tell you how honored I was to speak to the teachers in Wyoming County at their Staff Development Training. Having grown up at Ikes Fork and spending 8 years at Huff Consolidated and 4 years at Baileysville High School, I know how important my teachers were in my life. It was a privilege to publically thank my wonderful parents and teachers. The best part was knowing the teachers there now, many of whom I grew up with, are shaping and challenging the next generation to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, business owners, and perhaps even a future Association president.
Thank all of you once again. Keep up the great work!
August 28, 2009
The students are back in the classroom and the excitement of a new school year fills the air. The staff development days are complete and I know probably no one had enough time to prepare your classroom. As you begin the new school year, I ask you to remember why you became a teacher…to change lives. You do this each and every day with little to no appreciation, constant scrutiny, and, in many cases, overwhelming challenges. But when that light finally comes on for a student, when they finally get the concept you have been teaching, or learn how to read, or learn how to express themselves, or finally find their niche, it makes every trying moment worth it. Let me say thank you again for all you do for the children of West Virginia. You are heroes in my eyes!
I was able to visit several counties the past 2 weeks. I am excited about the great things happening in Raleigh County where they signed up more than 20 new members at their opening of school workshop. I also visited several schools there and know the students in Raleigh County are in great hands. I was honored to speak to the teachers and service professionals in Tucker County at their opening day. They have a family atmosphere there that shows their concern not only for their students, but for each other. It was exciting to speak to about 25 college students at West Virginia State University. After speaking to these young men and women, let me assure you our profession is in good hands. They have the spark that will enable them to be successful in the classroom. I had a great evening with our members in Taylor County at their annual picnic. Not only was the food outstanding, but to listen as they talk about beginning the new year invigorates me, and makes me miss the classroom even more.
Finally, I can’t tell you how honored I was to speak to the teachers in Wyoming County at their Staff Development Training. Having grown up at Ikes Fork and spending 8 years at Huff Consolidated and 4 years at Baileysville High School, I know how important my teachers were in my life. It was a privilege to publically thank my wonderful parents and teachers. The best part was knowing the teachers there now, many of whom I grew up with, are shaping and challenging the next generation to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, business owners, and perhaps even a future Association president.
Thank all of you once again. Keep up the great work!
Frustration and Disappointment
Thursday, August 13, 2009
This week’s Legislative interims and called Special Session certainly brought both frustration and disappointment. The week began with Governor Manchin calling to say he was going to propose a $500 bonus for state employees in January because of the $57 million increase in video lottery money and $8 million revenue surplus (which later turned out to be $11 million). Giving state employees a one time $500 bonus would spend about $35 million of this surplus amount. We stressed the need to continue to build the base for teachers and service professionals to be competitive. However, if a bonus was the only available option in these economic times, the bonus should be given now, not in January. We then worked with the Governor and Legislative leaders to put the bonus on the Special Session call to be distributed as soon as possible.
However, because of politics, the bill died. The House wanted to include those teachers and service professionals over the funding formula, higher education and retirees. Ultimately, the Governor and the Senate didn’t think these people should be included and the Senate adjourned without even attempting to work this out in conference. We certainly believed these were fairly simple issues to resolve and could be worked out if our Legislator and Governor were truly trying to help our educators. We will try to work out the problems and get the matter resolved during the September interims.
I also addressed the Joint Education Committees Tuesday concerning my visit to City Charter School in Pittsburgh, PA at the invitation of Senator Wells. I began my remarks by saying I believe in the public schools in West Virginia and we are here to educate all of the children, not a select few. I pointed out the fact City High maintained a 26:1 student teacher ratio and closed admission when these numbers were reached. I asked what should our high schools do; hold a lottery like City High when our numbers rose above 26:1? Certainly not, we educate everyone. I also pointed out the pay differences with to top two levels of teachers at City High making $63,000 and $77,000 annually. A teacher in West Virginia with a Doctorate degree and 35 years experience would make less than $60,000 per year. Give our high schools these same conditions and you will see amazing things happen. I also stressed the importance of allowing the Innovations Zones bill just passed an opportunity to work. As I have consistently stated, when you allow the teachers, the true experts of education, to initiate change, great things will happen.
This week’s Legislative interims and called Special Session certainly brought both frustration and disappointment. The week began with Governor Manchin calling to say he was going to propose a $500 bonus for state employees in January because of the $57 million increase in video lottery money and $8 million revenue surplus (which later turned out to be $11 million). Giving state employees a one time $500 bonus would spend about $35 million of this surplus amount. We stressed the need to continue to build the base for teachers and service professionals to be competitive. However, if a bonus was the only available option in these economic times, the bonus should be given now, not in January. We then worked with the Governor and Legislative leaders to put the bonus on the Special Session call to be distributed as soon as possible.
However, because of politics, the bill died. The House wanted to include those teachers and service professionals over the funding formula, higher education and retirees. Ultimately, the Governor and the Senate didn’t think these people should be included and the Senate adjourned without even attempting to work this out in conference. We certainly believed these were fairly simple issues to resolve and could be worked out if our Legislator and Governor were truly trying to help our educators. We will try to work out the problems and get the matter resolved during the September interims.
I also addressed the Joint Education Committees Tuesday concerning my visit to City Charter School in Pittsburgh, PA at the invitation of Senator Wells. I began my remarks by saying I believe in the public schools in West Virginia and we are here to educate all of the children, not a select few. I pointed out the fact City High maintained a 26:1 student teacher ratio and closed admission when these numbers were reached. I asked what should our high schools do; hold a lottery like City High when our numbers rose above 26:1? Certainly not, we educate everyone. I also pointed out the pay differences with to top two levels of teachers at City High making $63,000 and $77,000 annually. A teacher in West Virginia with a Doctorate degree and 35 years experience would make less than $60,000 per year. Give our high schools these same conditions and you will see amazing things happen. I also stressed the importance of allowing the Innovations Zones bill just passed an opportunity to work. As I have consistently stated, when you allow the teachers, the true experts of education, to initiate change, great things will happen.
August is here
August 7, 2009
The past week has brought new challenges for public education. The PEIA Finance Board announced July 30 they would end the retiree subsidy for all new hires after July 1, 2010. We (the WVEA) had representatives speaking at every public hearing, but the Finance Board chose to ignore the voice of the plan participants. While other organizations talk a big game, on Monday August 3td the WVEA took action and sent the required 30 day notice to the state that we would precede with a lawsuit against their action. This is just another example of how the WVEA works for public education and the children of West Virginia.
The Governor also announced that the video lottery revenues came in $57 million above projections. Combined with an $8 million general revenue surplus, the state ended the fiscal year with a $65 million surplus. By statute half of the surplus must go into the rainy day account. With that amount of surplus the Governor announced his intension to ask the legislature in January 2010 to provide a $500 bonus to teachers, service personnel and state employees.
The WVEA’s position is that every effort should be made to build the base with an increase in the salary schedules. Our continued low salary ranking combined with the loss of future retiree health benefits for those hired after July 1, 2010 will exacerbate our ability to attract and retain young, highly qualified teachers. With that being said, if a bonus is all that is available for the current year, the bonus should be given immediately. We will work with the Legislature and the Governor to get the bonus in the hands of school employees as quickly as possible. We will ask this be added to the special session next week.
The past week has brought new challenges for public education. The PEIA Finance Board announced July 30 they would end the retiree subsidy for all new hires after July 1, 2010. We (the WVEA) had representatives speaking at every public hearing, but the Finance Board chose to ignore the voice of the plan participants. While other organizations talk a big game, on Monday August 3td the WVEA took action and sent the required 30 day notice to the state that we would precede with a lawsuit against their action. This is just another example of how the WVEA works for public education and the children of West Virginia.
The Governor also announced that the video lottery revenues came in $57 million above projections. Combined with an $8 million general revenue surplus, the state ended the fiscal year with a $65 million surplus. By statute half of the surplus must go into the rainy day account. With that amount of surplus the Governor announced his intension to ask the legislature in January 2010 to provide a $500 bonus to teachers, service personnel and state employees.
The WVEA’s position is that every effort should be made to build the base with an increase in the salary schedules. Our continued low salary ranking combined with the loss of future retiree health benefits for those hired after July 1, 2010 will exacerbate our ability to attract and retain young, highly qualified teachers. With that being said, if a bonus is all that is available for the current year, the bonus should be given immediately. We will work with the Legislature and the Governor to get the bonus in the hands of school employees as quickly as possible. We will ask this be added to the special session next week.
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