Fire both of these teachers. Get them out of here.

He's probably upset because over the past 5 years he has only seen his teaching pay increase by 27% up to $62,842. $62,842 to be a physical education teacher. Does he really have to grade papers after work? Wonder how much extra he gets paid to coach track? Probably another $8,000 to 10,000. Excellent role model for student/athletes.

Great, what a great example the "majority" of these teachers are setting. Sorry I have reached the point to where do what Reagan did to the traffic controllers, fire them all. The good ones can than re-submit their application. Because, there are good ones out there, it appears they are just the "minority"!!!

This is Chris Koval and this story is 100% false. Please check the fact and retract!

Chris Koval
In 2011 made $62,842.00 for 184 days off work............
Which on a average working year (250 days) is $85,382.50.........
With all reduced benefits($100.00 per month) and free 401K (retirement funds)at a great price(Taxpayers).............
WHAT A TOUGH JOB KEEP STRIKING

You people are ignorant tools. Don't slam Koval when you don't know him or anything about him. He happens to be a great mentor to the students and athletes he is associated. I'm can't thank the man enough for being such a great influence during my high school track career

the teachers arrested for their actions need to be arrested for hate crimes ,and terrorisim ther going to hurt or kill some one, we need more police protection ,maybe national guard

Union thuggery on display! Why do unions always take this low road? Fire both teachers and let them stand trial. I have lost respect for the sheep (teachers) and leaders of the SEA!

Oh, to the striker who rapped on my car window and continued to speak through it when I refused to acknowledge her, after telling her I did not want to be involved, as I was TRYING to exit the HS just now: I have no idea what you were trying to say about Medina City Schools but you seemed excited. Maybe they are hiring. Go before you have a black ark on your personal record to go with the one on your soul. Now, this is personal.

Mark

Do any of these teachers live in Strongsville?

Chris - what part isn't true? That you were arrested, or the facts involved? My guidance to you though would be to not put positions of guilt or innocence on-line, as I suspect you will be entering a no-contest plea. Don't worry, you'll get your chance to explain yourself.

2 incidents and you call that a majority. It wasn't when I went to school, ROFLMAO!

Chris Koval Update
Does not pay into Socaial Secuirty my check reflects a $210.00 reduction biweekly..
Chris saves $5460.00 per year and can get when retired $28,152.00 per year....
Chirs retirement fund ( taxpayer funded) $41,475.00 per year.....
Chris lifetime pension liability estimate is $936,936.00.......
Not bad for teaching for 8 years..................

A sign you'll see tomorrow morning in Strongsville: "If you can read this thank a teacher. If you can't thank the union."

Taxpayers from all around let's change how teacher's salaries are negotiated. Let taxpayers be at the bargaining table. More info at: www.4taxpayers.com

Being a graduate of Strongsville High. This is absolutely disgusting to see these teachers acting this way!!! The teachers say there doing this for the students...really? How about you get back into the classrooms and give those kids the education they deserve. This is so sickening, Mr.Koval you and all the other teachers are setting a HORRIBLE example for the students especially the younger generation. Your teaching students if things don't go their way they need to shout and scream and people ex: all the teachers standing infront of the police station yelling at the subs that are coming to take their place so the students can learn! Strongsville is a great city with incredible schools a lot of people move to strongsville so their kids get the right education (as my parents did). This is sickening and I hope it all ends soon but the students will never forget any of this. There is plenty of teachers who are unemployed who would LOVE to take your job!!! This economy and the jobs are horrible now, if you don't want to do your job step down as a teacher and let someone who step up and be an awesome teacher and example for these students!!!!!!!

the teachers are going to lose there jobs ,the board is got to stand firm get more replacement teachers thellbe ok our kids arnt dumb just anxious to learn the educational material dont change just the messanger any messanger will do ,not a over paid greedy self center ego mainack with a infority complex .

insanity by defination is taking the same actions ,and expecting differnt results ,greed eventualy consumes its self ,horray to the brave teachers who are crossing the picket line they jobbs will be saved from the actions the board will eventialy make ...

People get your facts straight, I was there. I went to Kinsner to see if the coward male parent that called my wife a "lazy slut" yesterday was there this morning. I will be happy to make a truthful statement to the police on Chris' behalf as the police should not take the word of Huffmaster. Unlike many of you posters, I do not hide behind fake names. I am Vince Adams and the very proud husband of a wonderful fourth grade teacher at Kinsner. Everyone is quick to point at the teachers behavior, but is it ok to verbally assault a woman???

fire the greedy teachers now the sooner the better .and the strike orginisers con go fly there kites but thell fall to the ground as the strikers lose more money every day time is on the board side ,,go board yippkia union.yuo are obsolite in todays economic times ,a relic of times gone by ,thers less unions less members yopur numbers are small you have no power so just go teach else where.we dont need you god by and good riddens to removing the greedy trash from our schools ,you are self weeding the crap always floats to the top now let remove the scum.

Some people need spell check on here!!!

Dianne
Sorry but most people on here are Strongsville Graduates..............
Blame the 83rd ranked teachers..............

The bad behavior needs to stop on both sides. And, Mr. Adams is speaking the truth. I remember his wife from HS and know she is a very kind and generous person. But, she has the right to strike. I don't support the strike, but I do support treating the teachers with dignity and respect during this time as well as the subs.

Teachers, thanks for the exposure and black eye - racism showing through here and in others' comments, from students to teachers to others - deplorable!!

From the Washington Times yesterday -

‘Rosa Parks would be ashamed!’: Ohio strikers heckle substitute teachers

Dozens of striking teachers gathered Sunday at the police headquarters in Strongsville, Ohio, to protest people showing up to apply as substitute teachers.

In a video shot by Sun News’ Cory Shaffer, people shouted “scab” and “go home” at a dangerously close distance from the applicants being escorted into the building by police.

One man can even be heard screaming, “Rosa Parks would be ashamed” at a black female applicant.

“They kept telling me I was taking their job, and I said ‘I’m sorry, I need a job too. I have student loans to pay off,’” said Megan Paris, of Cleveland, who filled out an application.

The teachers went on strike because the school board is not offering automatic raises based on years worked. A spokesperson for the Strongsville Education Association said the teachers are frustrated, since contract negotiations ended yesterday with no deal.

“We want to be in the classrooms, we want to be with our kids. We don’t want to be on strike,” Chris Canning told the Sun News. “This is Strongsville. We have a reputation of excellence in education, and we’re not feeling that right now.”

Sorry Susan, but I think what you just did is a textbook example of "moral equivalency." The teachers act like goons, screaming at people, surrounding their cars, encouraging students to disrupt classes, doing everything they can to sabotage the education of the children they supposedly care about, and then one person allegedly says something nasty to a striker and all of a sudden it's "both sides need to behave better."
Respect is earned. The teachers have flushed that down the toilet. Now they need to work to get it back. I won't just give it to them because being a teacher makes them special somehow. I'll save my respect for the people who are in there teaching our kids despite working conditions many times worse than those the "real" teachers are whining about.

Watch the video of Sunday outside the police station..... In particular, watch the HUGE goon at the beginning running up behind a woman sub screaming at her. If you can support them after that, you need some serious schooling on being human. These subs are just like any one of us. They need to provide for their families in any way they can. Any parent in their situation would. Shame on you, Strongsville teachers. SHAME!!

These striking thugs, and I will use that word because that is how they have been acting, have the nerve to question if the subs have a police record? Let's see - so far 2 actual arrests, disgusting behavior, blocking entrances to the schoole, setting terrible examples for the students - which ones are really worse? These new ones have undergone your abuse and background checks, yet the only thing the thugs can do is bring up a 7 year old article about this firm. What about the Strongsville teacher doing a boy and making a child?

Sounds like it wouldn't be that bad if these striking teachers were gone!!
Besides, they will only bring a rotten, bitter attitude back with them. Does anyone really think they'll go the extra step for any of your kids now?

Chris Koval = juvenile punk

If we are going to start charging people with hate crimes. I start with the teacher haters posting on this board.

I have this dream... 6 months have passed.... The schools are running normally... Kids are happy.... We are saving 1.5 million a month and the picketlines are something we all laugh at..... Ahhh.

My point was that both sides parents and teachers should act with dignity. I don't see how that can possibly be argued. Calling a teacher a slut or a sub a scab is terrible in my opinion. I don't care who throws the insult, it shouldn't be done on either side. Nothing justifies that behavior from anyone.

Parents, we need to take our places now and fight back. No one will have the best interest of our children then us. Please email the board on our concerns of these teachers actions and expressing how we do not want any of them back in our schools teaching our kids. The board has been informed of the abuse now for years going on in the sports program.Now finally they will have to clean up house.

To all the strongsville taxpayers..........
Please read Mike Scott's (strongsville teachers blog on the post)
on how they are entilted to the extra money...........
WHAT A JOKE

I'm a little confused about the teachers strike.
Are these not the same teachers that tell everyone how much they care about the "CHILDREN"?
If you really cared you would be in the classroom teaching these children how an adult reacts to a situation that is not favorable to them.
You could continue working through the negotiations with retro-active pay when the contract is settled.
I'm sure you will say we tried that, but in a strike EVERYONE lose's
What do you think your teaching these kids when they see you on the picket line chanting and harassing substitute teachers.
Is that not a form of bullying?
Since these schools have a no tolerance rule for bullying all the teachers found to be bullying the subs(Or anyone else) should be fired.

Those comments were borrowed from another blog but it was so well said i wanted to share!

StrongDad, you leave a lot of opinions, why not post under a real name?

I am a Strongsville Graduate and proud to be one. I am tired of seeing everyone rant about how much teachers make and that they only work 180 days. Get over it. If you wanted the same benefits you should have applied to be a teacher. They deserve that pay and those benefits. They go to school daily with kids and teach them, mold them and sometimes even empower them. How quickly we forget the teachers who were there for our children or for us. It is a disgrace to humanity for people to be acting out in anger, verbally or physically. Do not lump all teachers together because a few have been extreme and acted out. Not every teacher is attacking the parents and vice versa, I have read many stories of parents being nasty to teachers. Consider this.... none of these teachers have outright stated they WANT or NEED a raise.... but they would like to know that there is a possibility, personally if I went to work and knew that for the next 3 years there was no hope of me receiving a raise even one for 1% I too would get discouraged no matter how much I loved my job. However there is always more to the story.... stop believing everything the board or even the union states. The proposal from the board infers that they will be cutting subjects from the curriculum like art, music or physical education. This strike is bigger than pay. Do not fall so easily into believing everything you read. Think. Do not assume to know another person's heart or motivation. Why don't you ask them?

robinn2 (Strongsville teacher)
Thanks for your opinion (not)............
Hurry back to the picket line...
Oh sorry its past 3:30p.m. Quitting time..........

@john strong ----

actually I work for a banking institution.... teaching was not in the cards for me... but saying that.... just once again speaks of your ignorance.

once again assuming. very mature. the fact that you actually have no counter arguments other than to say something so generic speaks volumes.

The Teachers DO NOT CARE about the kids. Period. Shame on you! Wait until the first payday comes and goes and nothing is deposited. HA HA! You're all unemployed thugish contractors at this point. I doubt they'll be picketing on the Weekend. Watch, just watch. Simply put, it's a 9-5, M-F battle that they're fighting. Too funny.

Off to work, I have my retirement and a teachers retirement to pay for.........

He was my gym/health teacher back in 8th grade four years ago. Oh well. I guess I'll just add another teacher to the list of those I've had that have lost my respect. I wonder how long it will take before they all end up on there. Probably got close to 20 by now.

I watched my 2-6th grade elementary school (Allen) close, a number of my teachers retire, my Preschool-1st grade school close (Smith in Berea), and now all my teachers certifying themselves as jerks. Isn't it fun to watch all my childhood school memories go up in flames?

You people are sickening! You bash on Koval about being a bad influence for students, but look at yourself. You giys are not setting any better example ,you are just being immature and making yourself look stupid.

Note: This is not the Boards Proposal. What's being offered is on behalf of the Citizens of Strongsville. We refuse the deficit spend. We will not model our city on the example set forth by Liberal Democrats on the National political stage. Put our money into infrastructure and community assets, not salary. The Teachers Union must understand that you can't name your salary, you get what the Citizens of Strongsville can afford based on what your perceived and measured value is. And I have news for you, that measured value has dropped over the last several years and the perceived value is dropping daily.

Tad, actually i was there to protect my wife like any decent man would. I would hope you would do the same if it was your wife. I simply wanted to make sure the male parent did not verbally assullt her again, instead of hiding behind a computer screen nameless like many posters here. I don't agree with name calling on either side and I can assure you that passionate teachers like my wife want this over. I am a volunteer lacrosse coach in Strongsville, and my players want their REAL teachers back. The SEA wants to meet, Mr. Frazee does not.

Anyone notice the number of hours the teachers say they work each week has been rising over the last few weeks?

Someone said besides the 7.5 hours, they work before and after, for a total of 9/day.
Another said something similar, but said with what they do at home - 10/day/.
Most recently, 60 - 80hours/ week.
Now yesterday - 90/week.

It started at 45/week
then - 50 .. 60.. 80 .. 90!!

I was going to say what next, 100? But I remembered someone did say early on upwards of 100/week.

WOW!

Like I said - they need that time management course as their next class.

Saw this on another board- will current subs be able to remain in the SAME class they are currently after 5 days? I can't find any info from board/schools to check this- help! http://www.ssco.org/ocst/sublicense.html

Here's an idea. You want more planning time during the day, work through your hour lunch. Try that.

Like what Vince Adams said the SEA wants to meet, but Mr.Frazee does not. So please stop putting this on the teachers, they are willing to negotiate, but Mr.Frazee won't. I want this to end just as much as the next person. Trust me, I have been to the high school on the first day of this and it was mass chaos, things that won't be told by the administration. It is unfortunate that high schoolers have to go through this the week before OGT testing, but what is worse is that the younger kids in elementary school have to go through this. That is what is bad about this, the fact that little kids have some stranger that is "certified" inside the classroom. We can only hope and pray that they are "certified". A lot of people need jobs these days.

Hey, wait a minute, where is all that Lottery money going?

See, the problem is that all Teachers are Democrats.

That's is your big conclusion to this? They are all Democrats.

I'm driving home from work today down 82 behind a school bus. The bus stops at the street that goes to muraski and the teachers start doing the slow shuffle through the crosswalk so the bus can't go and I can't go around the bus thanks caring and nurturing individuals.

That is teachers being immature.

Hi Everyone, I find it amazing that when we talk about facts, fnancial situations and the behavior of the people striking, that somehow we are "teacher bashing". That must be a catch phrase the union told them all to use. Seriously, they put themselves in this situation. They are compensated very well, have great benefits, 3 months off etc.......Why they would think it is ok to not be held accountable for their actions is ludicrous? I am sick and tired of people claiming that if you don't rollover and support the teachers, that you are "teacher bashing". I would suggest all of you that are blindly following the actions of the teachers, read both proposals. It is very eye opening. Please do not believe what your teacher friends are telling you. Educate yourself. Please.

All the schools are doing the slow shuffle. At Surrarrer they cross over the entrance that is used to get into the schools about every 5 cars. Ridiculous behavior. I just hope they realize how predictable and childish that behavior is. The kids are asking what they doing? Now we have to have a police officer. Nice job teachers! Put away the signs that claim you love our kids. Actions speak louder than words.

Arrested is a bit over the top. I think both these so-called "arrests" are minor misdemeanors, so maybe one step above a traffic ticket. Several news reports did state that the teacher ticketed at Center yesterday was released immediately and returned to the picket line. Doesn't make it right, but not a capital crime.

Vince,
I would like to give you my heartfelt apology for what your wife encountered. I would also like to apologize to each and every child, parent, teacher, administrator, and replacement teacher who has been through the exact same thing or worse. There is no excuse for any of it. Although I was not in any way responsible for these actions, I regret that they happened in the community in which my family resides.
Our community is being torn apart and neighbors are being pitted against one another. I'm not happy about any of it, nor do I know of anyone who is.
I have been reading the different blogs over the past week. To date I have not joined in on "the fun," however I feel it's time to express some of what I'm feeling.
I am sure your wife is a fine person and teacher. However, as the saying goes, it's who/whom (never have been good at that one) you choose to stand beside and with.
I know for a fact that our former teachers instructed their students to misbehave, act in a disrespectful manner to the replacement teachers, not to attend school, join them in their tasteless display on Sunday, as well as suggesting that they leave school and join them on the picket line during school hours. Some children may not believe screaming in someones face, calling them names and pounding on car hoods are okay things to do. From what I've heard from a couple of student sources, they even yelled at students who were trying to attend school.
More......

Koval was driving 15 mph in a school zone... that is what he got ticketed for... yes, ticketed. Such a "thug" right?? Gotta love the media.... more food for the trolls

I guess what I'm feeling is a bit of angst. These children are my children , not theirs. No one has the right to tell my child to do or act in a way that they know is wrong, or that they know their parents would not condone. They are more or less telling them to jeapordize their future.
I do care what people think of my children. My children may need their neighbors and fellow community members at some point in the future and I would like them to have a good opinion of them. Not to mention future employers, universities and so forth. I have confidence in my children that they would behave in the correct manner, however, sometimes that "mob" mentality gives them a false sense of security. They are still children. My children.

Now we have the Strongsville Safety Director lying to the Patch reporter!

Safety Director Charles Goss said Koval, who lives in Brunswick Hills, drove his vehicle in a reckless manner that appeared to be directed at a van carrying substitute teachers to the school.

It's a conspiracy, I tell you!

I am also a Strongsville Graduate but not so proud at thus time. Unbelievable how these teachers are behaving. Seems nothing has changed in over 20 years since I was there and asked out by a teacher on school property, on school time!

Ok, I have not argued yet, and I'm not about to start now. Neither do I wish to buy beach front property in Arizona, nor drink the koolaide being passed around. But thank you for offering.

To The Real Shady

They are children. Impressionable.
It never occurred to me that I would need to instruct my children to "not" listen to their teachers. I have always asked them to listen to them and treat them with respect and courtesy, something I have always shown them by example.

I don't know how hard it is to be a teacher? I don't know how hard it is to be a nurse, lawyer, accountant, police officer or a lot of other things. Never said I did. I'm just saying I know how it is to act in a considerate, acceptable and aggreeable manner.

Where does one turn when you can't trust Strongsville Police?

Ian Steffen, 37, of Medina was warned about blocking the driveway several times over the, police said.

"Mr. Steffen reportedly continued to attempt to impede traffic in the area of Center Middle School after receiving repeated audible direction from a uniformed officer," a statement from Strongsville police said.

He was arrested about 5:35 a.m. and charged with disorderly conduct.

Now I find out the police also told him, "I needed to make an example, and you are who I recognized" & "I will not be showing up to the arraignment"

It's a conspiracy, I tell you!

Good Evening Shady, I see you are back at it. Let's help her out again. Mr. Steffens was cited from blocking the driveway by a police officer. Mr. Koval was arrested for driving recklessly toward a van full of subs. Most working people are out and about at 5 a.m. If there was no one out I know for a fact none of the strikers would be out either. They only appear at drop-off, lunch and pick-up.

All I have to say is that these teachers forget that there is a chance they will be back in the classrooms. How in the world can they face administration after acting like such idiots??? Shame on them. To me, they are nothing but a group of immature bullies. Way to set an example, teachers. It looks to me like this strike totally blew up in your faces!

No kids do not always listen or behave well just like teachers don't always behave well either. I have had kids in Strongsville schools for almost twenty years and the quality of the teachers has changed. Many have retired or moved. My daughter always talks about her school day since she was little. She has had some really good teachers and some really bad ones. I never use to have to call the school so much about getting her help, why do they fly over a lesson and move on when most kids don't understand it. This happens alot. So I spend my extra time teaching her.
She's not unintelligent. Many honors classes but has some struggles. I am just tired of all the patting on the back. I do not believe it is well deserved anymore.

For those of you just joining us for the first time, Shady Lyn has a really difficult time dealing with facts and logic. But she is really fun to post with. You just never know what she is going to make up next. So please hang around. I know that you will be as entertained as the rest of us have been for a few days now.

Just so you all understand....per Shady.... when things are good, it is because of the teachers. When things are bad, it is the parents. If you can not handle what comes with teaching..... then please do not do it.

As for what you're asking for with a new contract I would be 100% behind the teachers if it was deserving. You say "with raises they deserve" but us as parents and/or taxpayers believe that your current contract is deserving in today's economy. It is pretty good for what's going on in the world today, better than a lot of us and you do deserve a good contract which many of us feel you have. It could always be worse. Gratitude is a wonderful thing.

All I have to say, is my daughter attends one of the middle schools and is loving her subs. She said they are fantastic. Keep it classy, Strongsville teachers. You're doing a fantastic job of making yourself look like idiots on a national level. Even more now that the students are talking to each other about how much money their teachers make for such a small amount of days worked. And, they are all looking up where their teachers live and see how crazy expensive their homes are. So sad... so ashamed of you all.

Lyn Shady, What to talk about the step increases? We are finding out the apparently step increases to the teachers are not increases. However, when you look at their salaries, they increase. Interesting fact; in the Union's proposal those very concessions (step increases) that you speak of, the Union is demanding back retroactivley. So the very example that you are using to show how generous the teachers is in fact an issue with the current proposal. The problem lies more in the fact that the previous Board should have never awarded the contract the teachers were given last time. Unsustainable. That was the Board's fault.

It's not the kid's acting up, it's the curriculum planning. It is only in one class. I have raised my kids to be respectful. Both of my other children graduated very high in their class with honors. My son had wonderful letters of recommendations from some of his teachers, but he also told me about the other ones who would not give the kids respect. Sometimes we put the spotlight on someone else so we don't have to look in the mirror.

Life is sometimes messy. The Board is trying to do the right thing for this City. Even if we had a surplus of money (which we don't but I will play along) why should it all go to the teachers? They already get paid very well, have great benefits, get 3 months off, etc. Why should it not go to the policemen, firemen or better yet, why do we need to spend it at all?

I'm so confused. The teacher referenced in this article saw his pay increase over 80% in 7 years. Not bad for no raises.

Year Name District Building Salary Workday Hours Days Worked Pension
2011 Koval, Christopher J. Strongsville City Center Middle School $62,842.00 7.50 184

2010 Koval, Christopher J. Strongsville City Center Middle School $58,908.00 7.50 184

2009 Koval, Christopher J. Strongsville City Center Middle School $56,942.00 7.50 184

2008 Koval, Christopher J. Strongsville City Center Middle School $51,320.00 7.50 184

2007 Koval, Christopher J. Strongsville City Center Middle School $49,484.00 7.50 185

2006 Koval, Christopher J. Strongsville City Center Middle School $47,648.00 7.50 185

2005 Koval, Christopher J. Strongsville City Center Middle School $41,030.00 7.50 185

2004 Koval, Christopher J. Strongsville City Center Middle School $34,649.00 7.50 185

if you want all of this to end, it is very simple... contact your board members that YOU ALL VOTED IN, and ask them to do their job and negotiate.

Yes John, but remember they have not have any pay increases in 4 years. Shady told us that.... must be true.

Ian Steffen, , of Medina
Chris Koval, ,of Brunswick Hills
Tracy Lincsott Independence

now we know why the teachers do not care about the strongsville taxpayers .....THEY DONT LIVE HERE ....since the taxes are so high

I have to cover the lifetime pay feeze thing because this is also being thrown out there by the teachers and the union. I am not expert, but it would seem that if a person is signing, let's say a 2 year contract, the items contained in that contract are only good for 2 years and then we sign a new contract with new articles in it. I say nothing in the Board's proposal that said anything about lifetime pay freezes.

If your definition of step increases was accurate that would mean that the same number of teachers that retire would equal those teachers receiving step increases. That is not factual true. Also, who do you think you are to demand an increase for simple serviving another year. These are not the same Board members that awarded you an unsustainable contract. They are trying to fix the problem. Those people who actually live in this City want the Board to continue to fix the problem. We do not want them to make the same mistake as the previous Board.

Are you talking about the current proposal from the Board or a different one. There is no mention of lifetime pay freezes in the current proposal.

Can you explain Koval 80% salary increase since 2004?

Thankfully...because "lifetime" in the context of a 3 year deal isn't enforceable....but keep telling people the board wanted to freeze pay beyond the year 3,000.

Was that the original board proposal that the public didn't have a chance to review? Are we to just take your word that was true?

SHADY Lyn--
So, you think under a 2 year contract that an average teacher should get 3 step increases amounting to over $9000 - 14.7% jump in pay, and that does not include the STRS conversion.
That sounds about "fair" to you?

It was reworded by the SEA? What?

So exactly how many types of raises do you think you are entitled to? Let's see we want step increases and we want raises not based on merit but tenure and we want bonuses for showing up to work all year and we want less time in the classroom and we don't want to be held accountable for out actions when we are striking, and we dont' want to use merit during teachers' layoffs, etc............

If an 80% pay increase is being termed not a "raise" but a "step increase"
I am going to wok tomorrow and tell my employer to please STEP all over me !!!

greedy union thugs !

I will await your response regarding Koval's 80% salary increase over the last 7 years. That is one hell of a step!

I know what a step increase ISN'T....it isn't a pay freeze because take home pay changes....and it isn't a pay cut. So, step or raise...call it what you want...it's additional money from the taxpayers to you.

Oh let's not forget, extremely inexpensive health care, I don't want to pay anything into my pension/retirement, more classroom "planning", better working conditions, and the list goes on............

SHADY Lyn-
You should quit parroting what your teachers are telling you and read the contracts yourself.
It sounds like there is a lot more that you don't know also - like you thought you paid taxes too for the schools, yet you don't even own a home.

Lyn - in reference to this:

tom-
Too bad they can't support financially the very schools they work in, yet they expect others to do what they are unwilling to do - live here and pay taxes towards Strongsville schools.

are you insinuating that most people, teacher or not, live in the same town they work in? I find that very hard to believe

The real lynn shady ... Good lord are you annoying !!!.. You have meaningless comeback for everything . It is like arguing with my teenage kids.

I guess the ideas of a capitalism, and the ideals that founded this nation do not apply to Unionized educators. These teachers have the luxury of still being employed, unlike other teachers in this state, and across the country who don't. I understand they may not be getting the benefits or the pay increase they had been promised before their latest contract had expired, returning them to a level they had before. But here's the great point of living in a country that a allows one to pursue happiness... If you don't like how you are being treated in your place of work, or how great your benefits and pay are... YOU CAN QUIT AND GO SOMEPLACE ELSE THAT DOES. I wonder how great the healthcare benefits and retirement plans are for the majority of the citizens that provide these teaches with the tax money to pay their salaries? I bet not even close to what they already received before this walk out.

I wonder how great the healthcare benefits and retirement plans are for the majority of the citizens that provide these teaches with the tax money to pay their salaries? I bet not even close to what they already received before this walk out. I understand it was a lot of work to get the degree to become a teacher. But come on... you get three months off, and still make more than the average Joe out there trying to pound out a living and have enough vacation time saved up to take his wife and kids to some water park in the summer, while they play golf a few times a week and then go party on some cruise line for a few weeks, and then go to see jimmy buffet in Can Coon for an other week. Take it from some one who just got back into the work force after buying a home for his wife and kids, and then both of us got laid off the next month. I'm happy to have the job i do.. not the greatest pay in the world, but if i want, i can always look for another job while i have this one. DON'T LIKE YOUR JOB... GO LOOK FOR ANOTHER ONE!!!! This still is technically a free country after all.

I like the idea that has been presented - eliminate the healthcare and pay the $2500(?) penalty per employee. Then the teacher can get their own insurance just like the rest of America who have been put in that position. In 2014 that is.

This non-stop babbling back and forth is very cumbersome. I did see that Lyn Shady mentioned "just like any job, you get a degree and pay bump accordingly."

I'm not really sure that is entirely true. In fact, I know it is not even close to being a valid statement. I know many individuals that have attained degrees in their respective fields in the hope of making themselves more marketable for prospective employment, ultimately, with the HOPE that they would receive more compensation for their higher education degree.

However, there was not, nor should there be in any field, a "guarantee" that a certain level of education propels you automatically in wage compensation. If I have an employer covering the cost of my education and I am an employee of mediocre output, I have the knowledge that I stand to gain X more dollars not for improving my job performance, but for attaining a degree. You may not enjoy what I am about to say, but those who reside in reality outside the insulation of a public teachers union will agree with me: Having a degree does not come with a guarantee of a wage as well, at least I did not remember receiving one for my PhD. Was I more marketable, of course. But did that degree "guarantee" me a certain wage level? Absolutely not. That was determined by the market and what employers were willing to pay for my services. I can say I deserve XYZ, but if they only have X to pay me, I'm not sure what the protest accomplishes?

Well said Bernie. Thank you.

I find that the SEA is not very comfortable moving on much of anything at all. There is a lot of talk, yelling, screaming, etc. re: past deals and concessions, but very little time spent dealing in the present moment and what is currently in front of both the Board and SEA.

I would like to know though, do you disagree with my above statement? Do you feel that an individual is "entitled" to more pay based on the level of their education?

Like i said before, you can always quell your dissatisfaction of your current occupation by obtaining more satisfactory compensation elsewhere.

Many of us are upset (rightfully so) with the behavior of some of the teachers through this strike process. What's very troubling is that this picture depicts the very first Article in the SEA's proposed contract. It's customary to add a blip like this so that there are no repercussions for bad behavior during negotiations. Please let the Board and Administration know that this is unacceptable to you. Don't call- send emails.

Also, teachers CAN be held accountable for their actions.
According to the ODE (Ohio Department of Education):
3319.31 Refusal to issue, suspension, revocation or limitations of license.
(A) As used in this section and sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 and 3319.311 of the Revised Code, “license” means a certificate, license, or permit described in this chapter or in division (B) of section 3301.071 or in section 3301.074 of the Revised Code.
... (B) For any of the following reasons, the state board of education, in accordance with Chapter 119. and section 3319.311 of the Revised Code, may refuse to issue a license to an applicant; may limit a license it issues to an applicant; may suspend, revoke, or limit a license that has been issued to any person; or may revoke a license that has been issued to any person and has expired:
(1) Engaging in an immoral act, incompetence, negligence, or conduct that is unbecoming to the applicant’s or person’s position;

Please do not hesitate to contact the ODE with your concerns. Was your child lied to by a teacher? Was your child bullied by a teacher? Did a teacher scream in your face as you tried to apply for a job? Did your child’s teacher take school owned materials from the class room such as text books or lesson plans? The list goes on. Please, I implore you, contact the ODE and let them know, here’s the link:
http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEPrimary.aspx?Page=2&TopicID=1394&TopicRelationID=520

SHADY Lyn-

You said -
"the SEA has countered their own proposal numerous times already."

The SEA last proposal, March 2, says at the very top of the first page -
"Counter Proposal #2"

That is NOT numerous times.
Again, quit parroting your teachers!

The REAL Lyn Shady? (How unwittingly trite)
As it is, I am quite happy with where i reside. I don't recall mentioning any dissatisfaction regarding my living conditions? Nor did I open it for discussion buy picketing in front of my home claiming that my mortgage lender is treating me unfairly. Or that the air isn't to my standard in the neighborhood, or demand that my neighbors pay me what ever amount of money a wish or ill cut all their trees down. What nonsense...

Shady Lynn, whom ever the union is consulting with did you a disservice, you needed to get parent and community support before pulling this, there is something to be said for power in numbers and at this point you are so out numbered!

Lyn Shady

Is it true that the union paid the strikers first Cobra payments?

The teachers are asking for an extra planning period, I was wondering what they are doing currently in the day that they would give up to get that extra period.

I think the name calling by both sides is inappropriate...rather than "greedy union thugs" and "scabs", I propose the more civilized terms "former teachers" and "new teachers".

Real Lyn, I will let you go to your other comments, as I see you are a wanted woman here...but I do ask you first, do you understand and agree or disagree with my post above re: the employer and marketplace being the final determination of your compensation, not your education level?

Shady Lyn, unlike you I actually live in the community. I have 3 kids in the schools, plus many activities, and I live in a large active development. I have yet to meet or talk with anyone supporting your cause.
My kids are happy with their new teachers (and so am I)! It's wonderful to be moving forward!

Lyn Shady,
Didn't you just get 2 more days of no classes to deal with the state mandates ?

Lyn,

To Bernie's point(s), which by the way, is a very one side discussion right now (not in your favor)...teachers don't determine their worth.

The boards proposal in front of you is what you are worth, according to those pay your salary. Keep negotiating against yourself. That's what amateurs do.
By the way, Bernie has completely dismantled you. Its been fun to watch.

Lyn,

You have been humiliated and shamed by Myron...you are truly a light weight. Wipe the drool off your keyboard.

Lyn Shady - can you provide me with an address as to which I can mail my invoice to you for that ridiculous education session I just put on at your expense? I feel that is the least that I "deserve" for publicly dismantling you and the entire SEA's argument in front of the board.

If you understand compensation, thank a corporate raider....

If you don't....thank a teacher.

Please...to the entire board/posters, keep and distribute the SEA's spokeswoman on this Board (Lyn Shady) conceding the fundamental disagreement over this strike. Print, and give it to teachers.

Myron the Magnificent logically laid out the argument, and Lyn Shady agreed.

Lyn - you poor misguided fool.

Facts are facts. Over $60k average salary for 9 months of work? Benefits that are better than the average worker. 15 sick days? A term life insurance policy for $100k paid for by us tax payers? READ the actual contracts. In the 80's Reagan fired the airc traffic controllers, replaced all of them. No planes went down. If someone does not like their working conditions, guess what.....they get another job. Fire them all

TEACHERS YOU MADE THIS ABOUT THE MONEY (economic strikers) you walked out on your job....unless the union can negotiate your positions back (that have already been filled) also unless the union can negotiate back the jobs of those that were at city hall sunday you are never coming back for strike misconduct,

• Workers who strike over unfair labor labor practices which the union can prove to the NLRB—such as refusal to bargain in good faith—have a right to get their jobs back from replacements when the strike ends. The employer must lay off or fire replacements if necessary to make room for returning strikers.

• Workers who strike for a better contract (economic strikers) must be reinstated only if their jobs were not taken by permanent replacements—for example, if the company hired a strikebreaking firm to supply temporary labor.
An employer does not have to make room for economic strikers by firing permanent replacements, but when openings become available, the company must rehire the strikers unless they have found comparable jobs elsewhere or there is some strong business reason why they can’t be hired.
The employer does not have to rehire any strikers who take part in illegal activity or strike misconduct, such as intimidation and coercion of workers attempting to cross a picket line. The NLRB has even allowed employers to refuse to rehire strikers who made serious verbal threats to other workers

Great post Tom.

Myron took not only SHADY Lyn down, he took down her teacher pal that chimed in to start posting with her.
Notice how all of a sudden she knew things she didn't know before?
Like, first a step increase was one thing , then it was another.
All of a sudden she had more info than before.
Went from a kids tone to a more adult.

Myron = Bernie = Tad - Lyn / James (carry the 2) = ?

Who the hell cares who did it? Nice straw man argument btw.

Let's face it...You were publicly destroyed and dismantled.

Lyn Shady - you my friend, have been officially designated as irrelevant from this point forward. You have 100% agreed and conceded, without coercion, that the entire SEA platform of argumentation, that one should be paid on education level or what one feels they "deserve" is not the determining factor of pay, but instead, it is the checkbook of the employer (taxpayers) and the market in which you are employed.

I will gladly repost the conversation for you again if you need a reminder.

That was one union "concession" that I will happily take! So on behalf of the tax payers, thank you for making our point!

And hopefully the other teachers will be thanking you for proving your oppositions point for them as well! For the embarrassment you endured, you probably would have been better off crossing the picket line.

Any further comments from you literally hold zero argumentative weight. You have conceded in your words that the premise of your argument was invalid and that the taxpayer argument is reality and correct.

but guess what....

WE FORGIVE YOU!

Sincerely,
Dr. Madoff Shibley Taderson Lyn Jr.'s Bank Account

Lyn Shady,

Even in your comment this AM, you contradicted the Union. Compensation should be based on performance? Again, we agree. Let's institute performance reviews for the SEA as part of the comp package.

So you agree sense of entitlement is bad, and that compensation should be based on performance.

I bet Myron could get you to agree the sky is yellow and the grass is blue. You are a piece of puddy in his hands.

In your own words.....

"do I think raises should be earned? Absolutely".

How does one earn a raise withouth someone judging performance.

Seriously....Lyn Shady, man/woman young/old, whoever you are...you are a walking contradiction, and your SEA pals might have to yank you from this board. I've encountered kitchen appliances that are more intelligent than you.

Lyn Shady..with all due respect, no one strikes over anything but money. It is about money..don't be ashamed of that fact and don't lie about it either.

The board isn't stalling..they have given their last and final offer. Period. Take it or leave it. After a period of time, they can start hiring in permanent subs and then I see a lot of teachers trying to cross the picket line to go back to work..at which time it will be too late. The board is prepared to take this to summer. I don't think you are being represented well at all. The union cares about the union..they are scared that no one has caved yet. The union doesn't care about these teachers or the damage they are doing to the city of Strongsville.

SHADY Lyn-
About your above ramblings of -
"...35+35 = 70 = 30 surplus = no additional tax dollars needed."
and
"...no additional tax dollars. A raise on the other hand, is bumping up the steps, which require more revenue (tax dollars)"

I get you are trying to prove a point - but it goes no where.
Apparently you haven't, once again, looked at projections to see that what you are saying is already considered. So, you can't use your argument when it already has been applied.