The school board is 100% responsible for this fiasco. Every board member should resign. Kids roaming the schools and the streets. Way to support your teachers. Nice community. Watch your property values go down. At least you have the clock tower.

Hey Joey
What is your problem with the clock tower?
Schools didn't pay for it.
City didn't pay for it.
In other words - taxpayers money DID NOT pay for it.

The Strongsville City Club funded it and donated it to the city. In fact, per their website - "The City Club still maintains the functionality of the clocks and funds the landscaping around it."

Dear Debbie P.,
If you and your staff were at the teacher's rally on Friday afternoon, you should have picked up one of those bright blue or yellow information flyers. These flyers were filled with the true facts of the strike. You should be publishing what was written on these. Instead your Patch has shown bias on many issues including the teacher strike. Reporters are "taught" to report on the facts, not opinions heard from around town. I have seen pro teacher comments and other pro support comments erased in the past from your comments! I am dropping your publication as of today.

Dana-
Not sure which side of this dispute you are on -
But if you want to get a message out, take an ad out in the PD.
A reporter is not responsible for delivering a groups message - that is up to the group itself.

You should have no problem if you are on the teachers side as Debbie has provided a whole article directing people to the teachers website and FB page. She also let stay many comments that other Patch editors would immediately delete.
So, I can only assume you must support the BOE. If there is an issue in the future to report, like a rally or other, I would hope she would cover that as well. Just as she has given extensive coverage to the teachers claims and cause.
You are attacking an editor who has always remained more neutral than most Patch editors - and at times I feel she should have deleted some over the line comments.

how stupid do these boe supporters look! keep kids out work together as parents to support these teachers and our community!! all these haters looks like the Bush Campaign came back to town!!

Just listen to the students. We're not getting any sort of education. It's been a week, and the only "class" I've been able to take at the high school is English, and most of our subs aren't fit to teach a rock to play dead. If they are in the same or any similar situation to mine at SHS, your kids won't "continue to learn" by any means. Our teachers have earned what they're asking for. They deserve a little respect and a higher place in everyone's esteem. They're not bullying anyone, they're only choosing to stand up for themselves when no one else in this community would.

Glad it's all so black and white to you Dawn. So, because you don't agree with the teachers, they don't care about the kids? You don't know the same teachers I do. These teachers care more than you could possibly know. They don't have to cave and do what you want to prove that to me.

You're right Fiend, whatever the teachers ask for, they've earned. You will make a fine little union robot some day.
If you want so much to help them out, write them a check. I know you don't pay property taxes while you comfortably tell other taxpayers to keep ponying up the dough, so it's the least you can do.

As a former graduate of Strongsville High School and a person that's proud of the community I grew up in, I'm disgusted that people are taking it out on the teachers and allowing a lawyer and his cronies to dictate to the board policies. I want each of you to ask the board for the bill this guy has given to your board of education-I bet it's over a million dollars of your taxpayers money, money that could have been better spent on the kids and the teachers that educate your children. It has divided the community to the point that this lawyer will be laughing all the way to bank, while the community takes years to mend the fences he destroyed. Teachers have paid more in benefits (STRS 15 % goes towards retirement whereas the private sectors pays way less in Social Security and they've picked up way more in health care coverage expenses) and taken pay freezes or not even enough for cost of living expenses. Wake up people and encourage your board to get this done-next week is OGT week and you'll have inexperienced teachers giving a test that's important for graduation and you have to go through training to administer it.

Donald-
Strongsville teachers have NOT paid into their own retirement for over 20 years.

Strongsville, like only about 29 of 619 Ohio districts (3 in all of Cleveland area), pays the teachers share for them. This was done in lieu of salary. So, once again, when you see a salary listed for Strongsville teachers, you MUST add about 10% to that number to see the true effective salary that they receive.

Well said!

"Go teachers" is right. You didn't say were. Maybe back to the classrooms?

Do you really not have a better comeback than that? I haven't learned a thing from those scabs in the classroom.

This could be due to the fact that at 4PM we 'parents were working to earn the money to pay the taxes that pay the teachers' salaries.

Well if you're unwilling and unwanting to pay for teachers you clearly don't care for your kids to be educated well.

Lisa - Let me guess, you voted for Mitt Romney, right? People who are for the teachers don't work. People who are against the teachers work.

Student,
You have to understand that most parents are working so they can feed their families and pay their taxes. Unfortunately, most parents don't have the luxury to take off the afternoon to walk around and argue with these ridiculous teachers. That is why we elect a board of education.

I would have loved to have shown up to support the Board Of Education, however, I too, was at work. 4pm on a Friday is still business hours. Strickland was right when he told the teachers that they're being disrespected. But he didnt tell them that it's the behavior if the SEA members has earned that disrespect.

Go home-bye bye teachers

An adult yelling at another adult can be construed as bullying. It is not limited to kids.

Actually that can be considered assault. Yelling, screaming does not get a person what they want. The teachers have aligned themselves with individuals bent on gaining power through the "useful idiot" approach. When the larger union concerns get what they want they move to the next group to help them out and leave the others in the dust. Remember you can't buy class and through 'hard times' people show their integrity or lack thereof. Remember this is based on economics and nothing else and is due to a salary structure that is so out of whack the only way to bring it under control is to roll back increases etc. The huge wins of the teachers 10-15 years ago and even more recently are coming home to roost

How exactly are some of the things said here NOT bullying? This is the saddest, most hypocritical group I've ever seen.

"Actually that can be considered assault."

That's quite a stretch. As is "bullying." People using these words are only showing how ignorant they are.

Nolan - Check your defnition of assault under common law "an intentional act by one person that creates an apprehension in another of an imminent harmful or offensive contact". So basically screaming in someone's face is acceptable? I am confident this type of behavior is not tolerated at any workplace or school. But as we have seen that is all some of these teachers have - try a civil conversation to persuade.

Your right they are UNION THUGS not bullies

Learned by example from the teachers

the teachers weren't flipping people off and swearing it was parents driving by in their cars. Maybe I should follow their example and swear at people I disagree with

Watch last Sunday's video, and you tell me what you think of the teacher's behavior.

Well the parents should have behaved better than the teachers then if they think the teachers behaved so bad. And I didn't see teachers swearing at and giving the finger to students and children. That was all parents and adults. And I know it wasn't to the teachers because they looked me and other students right in the eye while they were doing it.

Kind of circular logic there, Student. Um, the parents aren't the ones stomping all over town while not doing their jobs and demanding that more people pay more of their money to them. So now the parents have to behave "better" than the teachers, who are supposedly the most important people on planet Earth?
Sorry for the middle fingers you've been getting. Perhaps you should stop being a law-breaking hooligan and get back to school where you are legally required to be. Have fun repeating next year, since it sounds like your teacher buddies aren't going back any time soon. Seems like from that YouTube video the AP kids have figured out how to make a go of it while more subs filter in. Perhaps you are not of that caliber.
Please let me know when you see a parent get in a teacher's face and scream that they are a c*nt, a b*tch, or a sl*t (all witnessed first hand). Please post when you see a bunch of parents surrounding a teacher's car and screaming at them. Please let me know when the parents stop blocking the driveway so the teachers can't get in and out of their little strike centers. Please enlighten us when a parent gets arrested cutting off a teacher's car and then slamming on the brakes. I'll keep my eyes peeled for any of this breaking news. Until then, stop using the pathetic "moral equivalency" trick of comparing routinely awful behavior with occasional (and totally harmless) bad behavior.

You are not a student, your a Union troll

how is teaching not a real job as you put it? I am very interested in your insight.... you sound well educated

Teachers have way harder jobs than you think. Have you ever had to deal with a building full of unruly kids? If it is such a nice easy job why aren't you a teacher? You should go be a scab and try it out. You'd be out of there in an hour. probably less at the high school. Tell me why you think it is just so easy.

Certainly teaching is a real job. A difficult job that I would not want to do.

Sam - What do you do for living? I've asked this of several teacher-bashers here. I've yet to get an answer.

Sam
. Unions are needed more today than ever before. Gains in health care and pensions for all Americans have been destroyed over corporate greed. Bank execs taking billions out of the system as the average American pays the price and are told they are getting more than they deserve. We live in a society today that has programmed us to believe we have to give up all the things we have worked so hard to gain, including teachers. The Strongsville school problem is a system problem and until we elect people willing to fix all the problems, the residents will continue to live with the threats by the administration. The real bullies in this city sit on the school board and have been for many years.

Carl the problem in this case is that the residents are the administration or the "company" and right now the "company is" operating under a loss because the engine that funds it has stalled (property taxes,) home values are down and foreclosures are up, and right now teachers pay accounts for 85 cents on every dollar brought in.and to ask the residents who are earning less then 5 years ago for a new levy to fund teacher raises is unrealistic (residents just passed a levy and a bond issue ) plus enrollment is down 20% calling for a reduction in workforce
so carl if ever there was a case where the teachers needed to make concessions
and the BOE proposal reads 38 pages while the SEA sits at 108 pages which leaves a unanswered question ---- is the board cutting or the sea adding demands.

this is not a union issue this city just finished new contracts with the police, firefighters,and city workers, all with the taxpayers praise and support
member UAW 1250 (former 507 klein news)

So, Carl Pecoraro-

If its about money - where will it come from?
The kids already don't have the books they need. By the teachers own admission they have had to buy books and supplies for the students themselves. So, we are not only going to give to the teachers, but take from the students? Or maybe cut some noncore classes so there will be more money to spread around - but that means cutting the newer teachers and again hurts the students.

If its about the students then this scenario: cut class size - need more teachers -but no money to pay more teachers - so cut noncore classes - cut teachers - students again lose as do the newer teachers.

Any way I see it, since there is no money, and the teachers have no figures to prove otherwise and just saying projected figures are inaccurate doesn't make it so (why not have them reviewed by an independent CPA firm?) -
The teachers proposal causes 2 things to happen-
1 - kids lose
2- newer teachers are let go

Too bad the teachers don't care about either their students or even their own. Most of the teachers are willing to cast aside the newer teachers just so they get what they want.

I wonder if any of these teachers realize what Tracy has planned for them.

Comments from a typical, jealous and uneducated loser.

Whiners like Sam Caspio can't respond because they got busted using the wifi in the BK dining room while they were on the clock.

Lyn, well said! We as parent/taxpayers need to figure out how to get the board to change the spending ratio in our school system. 85% of every dollar being put towards salaries and benefits is obviously way out of wack! So the union proposal is also out of wack, as I read it they're asking for more money, and not willing to concede on picking up a greater share of their benefits and retirement contributions. We have to get this 85% reduced so that this money can be redirected toward the student. New books, computers, etc... In time and hopfully within a couple of weeks the Board will have enough substitudes in the buildings to get back to a regular schedule. We need to be a bit patient and let the Board get their strike plan in place. In time and again hopfully a short period of time the substitudes will get into the swing of things and their job perfromance will improve as well. Parents/Taxpayers need to stay united and plan for a protracted strike, because I believe the Board when they say this is our best and final offer. Additionally, I wholeheartedly agree with the Board, I do not want them to give into any of the unions demands. Stand firm!!!

Well said Sam!

bye bye teachers, cannot wait to take your job and instill Conservative values in the kids!

All my teachers would step in to help someone being bullied because they care about US not because of the money. And my teachers aren't bullies they're standing up for what they think is right. The board memebers are the bullies and so are most of the people one here. Most of you on here wouldn't say most of the things you said to teachers' faces. You're all too afraid so you're just going to sit and hide behind your computer screens.

Just wondering if you have experienced teachers ignoring bullying and only stepping in to protect their job. I work in another district and can honestly say I have never witnessed a teacher ignoring bullying. We even go as far as monitoring bullying on social media. We have a no tolerance policy. Any teacher knows that if bullying is ignored they are setting themselves up for disaster. The climate of the school would be out of control...rumors spread...and then all hell breaks loose. I would love for you to share an example of when bullying has only been addressed to protect the pension and jobs of a teacher. If this is the case...very sad, but I am not convinced.

This bullying label for all Strongsville teachers has taken on a life of its own. It's amazing. Actually, it's straight out of the Tea Party playbook. If you say it enough, it'll be accepted as truth. Have there been instances of emotional outbursts leading up to and during the strike? Yes. I don't agree with everything and I can't support everything that's been said and done. However, to label all teachers as bullies is a bully tactic in and of itself. And yes, most teachers choose their profession not to become rich, but to lift up subsequent generations.

Jennifer - So well documented that you have no way to credit your source. Please spare us this drive-by of innacuracy.

Jennifer, I am sorry that you let these "below average" people deter you from your goal of being a teacher. I did not have the same experience as you did. I met many great and wonderful future teachers in college. I also currently teach with a lot of very intelligent people.

Perhaps it is for the best that you did not become a teacher since you do not like to be around "dumb" people. I spend much of my day helping students that struggle with learning disabilities and I would hate for them to have a teacher that labeled them as "dumb" and didn't want to be around them.

Yep an easy major that gets you a lifetime of leisure.

Oh my Jennifer...you may have been a star student in Calculus, but I think you missed or were enrolled in the lower level English and College Writing classes. So, what you are implying is that anyone who chooses teaching as a career are, as you state, the "dumb people". So, you are implying that all of your teachers that taught you from kindergarten to college are classified as "dumb people". I will have to say this was the most absurd post I have read yet, and I have read a lot. Those that do support your stand against the teachers have to be cringing reading your posts.. Rein it in a little bit.

Jennifer,
Okay, that's a little below the belt. Actually, nasty. I am very much on the side of BOE, however, you just labeled my daughter dumb. All she has wanted since she was in 3rd grade was to become a teacher. She graduated from OSU, then proceeded to Capital University to get her teaching certificate. She has always worked very hard in school and never had anything handed to her. I'm so happy that you are so much over and above the rest of us in intelligence, but right now....stuff it. My daughter hasn't had a chance yet to be in the classroom yet as a full time teacher, but she is looking forward to the opportunity soon. With attitudes like yours, actually, I'm not quite sure what to think about you as a person. Bit of a bully in school yourself maybe?

Jennifer - I think I just became dumber by reading this post. By the way, why were you not smart enough to figure out you were in the wrong class? Didn't the drooling, slack-jawed education majors you were stuck with give you a clue?

By the way, it's "dumbed-down" not "dumped-down" -- genius.

This might be her less tactful way of elaborately stating what the well known phrase says:

"He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches."

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/he-who-can-does-he-who-cannot-teaches-1#ixzz2N2wGoTYL

Well said!!

Ken - So, you've never before had an interaction with a teacher? It's as if this is the first week any of you have ever heard a teacher speak. So, the actions of a few in five days dismantles all the good these same teachers have done for our children in the past? I'm not going there.

Fire them all and start over!

lets repeat that

Larry
9:14 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
The dirty little secret the older union members aren't telling you is how many of the younger teachers will need to be laid off so the others can get their raise

How many Larry??? Please share.

Disband the union for all public employees

No more levies! Deal with it.

This is a good idea. I agree with it

Just fire them all!

Wow! Brilliant analysis. So, getting rid of all the teachers is good. But getting rid of some of the teachers is bad. Hmmm. Damn, I wish I was smarter.

The schools will go bankrupt??
LOL Good one, drama mama/

Well said! No more money!

By the way, NolanJoeHomeownerderpspotterJamesThomasJackKelly,
Have you taken down the Psuedo James Thomas Page you Created?

Bingo Patch.
When is Nolan/Jack Kelly going to be held to the standards of Patch?

What exactly have you done to stay strong?

Candid Resident - I have been working out hard, eating healthy and meditating. Sound good? And by the way, Stay Classy Strongsville!

Hang tough BOE and taxpayers!

Unless parent/teacher conferences are held on Patch message boards, I don't think the teachers will have to worry about these slugs.

No, they won't Candid. They also won't need that clause in their contract about getting more money for larger class sizes, since everyone will be yanking their kids out of Strongsville public for years to come.
Just remember, everyone, whatever the teachers ask for, they deserve! Don't question, don't resist, just pay up! They promise it's worth it!

JW - It won't be the people leaving the system that will be the problem. The problem will be with those that take their place. As the quality of education goes down, so will the type of people this city can and will attract.

and how sad for the parents....and the kids who have seen some deplorable behavior by the teachers.

Well that's one you

No one probably told teachers your son was being bullied. Maybe he should have told someone.

Student change your name as you are a liar. Union thug may work for you

Kim - It beats the five people on the other side of the road who still think they're fighting for independence from British rule. I think I saw someone with a musket.

I have to agree that was the smallest union rally I have ever seen
These teachers were too lazy to even all show up for their own rally
the teachers just lost the respect of any of the other unions with that dismal example of teacher unity

But hey, Ted Strickland was there! He counts as almost half a person.

Svill Senior - The teachers did not show up en masse because any time they do anything extra they are paid for that activity. 'Other duties assigned" is something we all do at our jobs with no additional pay.

Fire them all!

Lets see, the MOST that were there on the teachers side, say 350-400. Pretty good turn out. Except, lets see there are 385 teachers, some teacher's families, and some teachers from Brunswick . Can't remember where the news said the other group was from that joined them. Then there were students and parents. Guess all of the teachers didn't show.
You are correct, on the other side of the street there were at most 20-25 of us.
Pretty quiet group. I wanted to attended in order to show my support for the students and the hope for a resolution to the strike. I didn't want to bully anyone, scream, or yell. I also wanted to get a feel for the atmosphere everyone was mentioning online. All went pretty well. Until.... well, some teachers needed to walk on the "parent" side to get to the crosswalk to get to the "teacher" side. There was a man, with three adorable younger childen following behind him. Once he gets by us, he turns around, points to us and says to his children "see those people...they are bad people. They are really bad people." To say the least, I was amazed. Number 1) that he would speak that way in front of his own children, as well as the children in "our group." Number 2) that he would speak to complete strangers in that manner, when he's never spoken to them and had no idea who they were. Granted, I had read and seen a lot of things on and in the news, but I was still amazed at the venom he spoke with.

Now many people did you think would show up? This was put together and announced sometime late Friday morning. Many teachers have families that they need to get home to, so I doubt all the teachers were there. It's 4 p.m. on a Friday. Not exactly prime time to hold a rally. But, I know -- it just shows that no one cares and they are not supported by other unions in the area. It was 400 enthusiastic people, some even from the dark side. That's all that matters.

Ya you sound like 'Student" how dumb do you think we are?

Most people I talked to had to work. The teacher rally had other unions present so the numbers could look bigger. Ask the reporter from the Strongsville Patch. I did. I also was walking up to the teacher rally and some of the people next to me wore Cleveland School teacher buttons. They were from Cleveland Schools. I asked.

As long as it doesn't get in the way of what YOU believe, right?
Like the teachers standing by their right to protest.

OH ya- bye bye

By the way, NolanJoeHomeownerderpspotterJamesThomasJackKelly,
Have you taken down the Psuedo James Thomas Page you Created?

Well I guess you didn't see all the students and parents at the vigil Thursday night. They far out numbered the anti-teacher parent rally

Keep saying and it must be true. Frazee says he has 100% support of the city on this. He's as arrogant as you.

Nope, probably just about 92%
Keep believing that the 20 people a day who honk their horns at you sign-carrying, chanting clowns means the people of this city have your back. The only reason you don't get more middle fingers is because the people who are fighting to take the schools back from you show remarkable restraint. If our cars could make a second sound, you'd go half deaf from the people who hold you beneath contempt.

Real classy, jw93.
Why don't you pack up your crap and move to a district that you can afford, instead of being a freeloader and living in a city that has an excellent school district.

Freeloaders get free pensions from the public and contribute almost nothing to their health care while screaming for more. Freeloaders expect raises and benefit improvements without ever getting evaluated on their merits. I pay taxes and work for a living. I put my own money into a 401k and don't ask anyone to guarantee me a return. I pay 20% of my health care premium, with no guaranteed cap. I get evaluated every year on my performance. Apparently, if I feel my tax dollars are being abused, I should just shut up and keep paying more or else I'm a freeloader. You are quite the academic.
I'll stay right here, but thanks for the concern. The teachers are free to go get a job that pays them $75,000 to work 9 months a year and get fully funded, guaranteed pensions. I wish them luck finding one.

JW - Why would people be honking at me? I'm not a teacher, just someone who understands how important a quality school system is to the community. It has to ast least be as important as the $260,000 highway sign businesses in this town asked mayor Perciak to build. So, you say 92%, Frazee says 100% -- let's just make up any number. That's the Tea Party way.

candid-
...the sign...the sign...the sign - this topic is about school spending.
Most people are upset about that sign, and have said so over and over - but what does a city expenditure have to do with the schools?
Should we also talk about the wasteful federal government spending?

Then what is needed is to give the teachers what they want, I completely agree. However there will be 25 less of you. Figure it out, you have a choice make it and then choose the 25 that will no longer be employed by the SEA. Oopps did I write that? Actually it should be the Strongsville City Schools.

Thanks for the correction. Heaven forbid should someone do something to try and bring this community together.

Well, let's wrap it up folks. Obviously the teachers have won. They got high school kids to chant 3 words at the same time. Let's just show them the money and brace for this again in two years.

jw93 with more stupidity. Stop surfing the web at Dollar Tree and get back to work

Oh, Nolan I apologize, I forgot you were there. You may go now.

When you come back, you might want to stop trying to fight a gunfight with a butter knife.

OMG you troll

By the way, NolanJoeHomeownerderpspotterJamesThomasJackKelly,
Have you taken down the Psuedo James Thomas Page you Created?

My mistake again! Please accept my apology.

Whatever the point is is that you are NOT a "student" !

I doubt it.

Or a Unionist thug

Sorry golf, I disagree with you. I don't care if the coffers at Strongsville city hall are overflowing with cash. If they are, give me a refund on my property taxes. The teachers are ridiculously compensated for 9 months of work at a job in which their merit is never questioned. I have an idea, let's just take the average pay and benefits of all the private school teachers in the area and offer that to Strongsville public. Since the private school teachers are all certified and thus "real" teachers in the eyes of the union, that shouldn't be a problem, right?

More waah-waah-waahing from jw93. If you got paid to be this ignorant, you'd be pretty rich. Move to Maple Hts, whiner.

I'm rubber and you're glue . . . okay, your turn.

Seriously, how old are you? Are you a 5th grader whose mom is a teacher? An earnest request - can someone from the teacher-lover side with an ounce of intelligence please fill in for Nolan? I have trouble focusing when debating a tree.

JW - They work eight (8) months a year, please get that right. Two (2) weeks at Christmas, one (1) week at Easter (excuse me for citing Christian Holidays in this day and age) and numerous Federal holidays. My favorite is NEOTA day or as I like to call it "No Reason To Have Off Day".

No Student is from the OEA. Had to call the big boys in (with the great idea of posting scab lists and racial slurs) didn't we? Move over SEA your union brothers/sisters are here to suck more money from a hard working community.

By the way, NolanJoeHomeownerderpspotterJamesThomasJackKelly,
Have you taken down the Psuedo James Thomas Page you Created?

Lyn - Since I haven't asked you...what do you do for a living? You seem so qualified. You call out others and their qualifications. I'd like your background and credentials. Please be specific.

She never says.... but I can tell you one thing... we all saw her yesterday at the little gathering they called an anti-teacher rally (joke), when someone told me she was a full figured woman... they weren't kidding! Put down the ice cream lyn!!!!

Clever, Shady. Is there a "yo momma" joke in our near future? You must represent the elite of the union leadership.

jw93 -- you're really in no position to be criticizing or making any critical remarks about someone's education.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Chemical Engineering degree - do I have your permission to comment now?

And I didn't say anything about her education, you obtuse piece of flotsam. You can have PhD and come off like a moron when making fat jokes to prove the superiority of your position.

lyn,
I see you are still commenting on the Patch. Continuously.

I know you will find this difficult to believe, lyn, but my history as a CPA has absolutely nothing to do with the Strongsville Teachers Strike. So, when you ask how long I have been certified, I will most respectfully tell you that it's none of your business.

And yes, being a CPA, I do understand quite a bit about finances. And having been a teacher at one time, I also understand what that is like, also. And I know this strike goes way beyond monetary issues. Walking out of their classrooms and striking is a last resort that no teacher wants to do. I TRUST the teachers and support them because I understand that they wouldn't be striking unless they had important reasons to do so. Those teachers are fighting for your children's future learning conditions. But no one wants to hear THAT, because then you there would be nothing to argue about.

I hope those of you who have your hate-on for the teachers do enjoy the worthless subs as much as you say. With huge class sizes, kids standing on their heads in class, kids playing cards, having fun and getting very little education, those subs promise to make your kids just as smart as you are! (I think I just figured out why you love those subs so much!)

Stand strong Strongsville teachers! The educated public understands the difficult work you do and TRUSTS you to do what is RIGHT FOR KIDS and FAIR TO YOU!

By the way, NolanJoeHomeownerderpspotterJamesThomasJackKelly,
Have you taken down the Psuedo James Thomas Page you Created?

Unions are needed more than ever because the Union protects the bad and unethical employees. In addition, they defend the teachers that decide to pray on the underage children.

Voter
Thanks for your post. You forgot to finsih my profile. Parent of two children that have graduated from Strongsville schools, resident and taxpayer. The interesting part of my post everyone knows to be true. The board theatens to cut programs to force levies down our throats, not teachers. The board threatened students to come to school knowing the students would not get the education the taxpayers are paying for, not teachers. The board threatens to take away athletics and extra curriculars, not teachers. It is time for the residents to get what they pay for and not continued rhetoric from this board the same as past boards. We need to fix the problems for now and the future.

Exactly, Carl. So how again is giving unmerited pay increases, longevity bonuses, perfect attendance bonuses (does that come with a smiley face and a sticker), class size bonuses, and extra planning periods fixing the problem? Do you really not understand that everything that ever gets cut - busing, athletics, extracurriculars - when a levy fails is because the money is all tied up in salaries and benefits? Do the teachers ever offer to take a pay cut or freeze or renegotiate their contract when these things are on the chopping block?
These paragons of virtue were perfectly happy to let all the aides and cafeteria help that aren't part of their little club go without pay while they stomped and shouted for more money. It's only because of the wonderful subs doing the jobs the former teachers won't that those people got paid last week.

Because that is how we define a hypocrite, StrongDad.

Hold the line BOE, we are with You!

Can we see your pic, chubby?

Can we see your high school transcripts, Nolan? Or those that you earned when getting your Masters Degree? You seem to know a lot about a lot. I would like to know the level of genius I'm dealing with here.

By the way, NolanJoeHomeownerderpspotterJamesThomasJackKelly,
Have you taken down the Psuedo James Thomas Page you Created?

lies

Forgot one thing. Teachers do not have 100% support of the city and the community.
You know you don't.

stay out of Strongsville business

You're right LS, Frazee should have just caved in to that pathetic little threat. He should really be worried about a union / strike supporter running against him? You're so cute when you're utterly delusional. I love how lawyers are so sleazy now - I thought you Democrats all loved those guys. Your party sure loves them.

YES real lyn SHADY!!! The STrongsville Parents/Taxpayers/Community Support the Boards actions, and condone the striking union members actions including two arrests. We Will Not Back Down!!! 85% of every dollar towards salaries and benefits is ridiculous!!! Please worry about Maple Hts., and we'll take care of Strongsville. Thank you for your concern, now Goodbye!!!

stay strong BOE

Who said "How about asking for $1000 for pay to play?

Of course you would say that.... I don;t expect anything less from you. I also expected you not to adress ANY of what Mr. Frazee's email response said. You speak of "blindly following" you, my dear plump lady, are doing the exact same thing.

Go back and answer my last 3 questions to you and THEN I might answer yours to me.
And maybe once you change your tune and decide to discuss instead of insult. I have managed to had some worthwhile discussions on here with people that clearly don't agree with me, but they don't behave as you - but then again, they probably don't behave in the thuggish manner you have - so you just can't help yourself.
Until then, I will comment as I please - not as you want me to.

so the last 3 days of your cronies on here throwing out insults to teachers AND kids doesn't count? Only if a teacher support does... OK, got it.

As I said... BLIND!

You are talking to me asking to talk to me, no one else, no so called other "cronies".

So, are you now going to answer all of those questions I have asked you - where you didn't make sense and I asked you to clarify?

well said

well said- NO MORE $$$

Strickland had four (4) years to fix the budget mess - he didn't.

Clearly there's a reason Ted was only elected to one term.

I see you are again sinking to your teenager level. Its now the kids turn?
Would you like me to start insulting some of those people's physical appearances I have been seeing on TV? At least I have seen some of them - you have never seen me.

Lyn - Your "comrades" like to ridicule the physical appearance of the teachers. Birds of a feather. I don't think we'll see you in public because you hide behind your keyboard. Do you have your food delivered and use a bed pan so you don't have to leave the computer?

You both must be running desperate since you now have not only ignored my facts and figures that I have repeatedly presented, even based on the teachers proposal - but now you are acting like 5 year olds.

I guess those teachers who have remained silent against the strike are becoming a worry for you.
Their eyes are opening to the path Tracy has them on, and they can see it is not a good one for them.

That was not called for .... stick to the facts.

"Comrades" is a commie term, Candid. There is nothing more communist in this country than a public teachers union. Proof? Let's look at the embarrassing and increasingly unhinged Lyn Shady's previous explanation of how step increases are not in fact raises. I'll paraphrase. "Well, teacher A gets an extra $4000 from one year to the next, but because of teacher retirements and blah, blah, blah, the district actually saves money, so it's not a raise." Priceless. Again, teachers are not people. They are Borg (look it up if you don't know what that means). Per the SEA, and Lyn, and Candid, they don't think independently. They don't perform independently. They are indistinguishable in every way except for that most critical of all performance factors, the almighty EXPERIENCE. Therefore, it is irrelevant if one teacher gets a pay increase because the teachers are only a collective. They form TEACHER. And if TEACHER did not get a raise, then a step increase isn't a raise.
Is it even conceivable to you little public teacher folks that giving a raise to an INDIVIDUAL just for showing up the next year at a job where it's almost impossible to get fired might lead them to become complacent in their jobs? Can you not comprehend that handing someone (yes, a single teacher, they exist) more money regardless of performance might lead good teachers to slack off and bad teachers to stick around?

Or maybe we should just try this simple question for you zombies: Do you even acknowledge that there are good teachers AND bad teachers? If so, how do you justify compensating them equally? If not, how do you explain that literally every other profession in the known world has good employees and bad employees?

JW - In response to your comment about teachers acknowledging that there are bad teachers - they do. I know many that teach in other school districts who have admitted they are working with some horrible teachers, but at the end of the day they stick by them. So your comment about the Borg is correct - they have all been assimilated.

JW - Hey, it's not me who likes to use the word "comrade." That's your hero, Frazee. By the way, I know what it means. Thanks.

ha - awesome I am sick to death of the Union trolls working from their mom's basement on this board.

This is a really fund show to watch.

I hope they are making good use of this time and doing extensive interviewing of qualified applicants seeking teaching positions. The sooner we get permanent replacements, the sooner the students will be able to begin having a regular routine with their new regular teachers. There is no reason for the district to wait for these teachers who have walked out to come back if others just as qualified can be hired to replace them.

lyn- the union paid propagandist

I see you just signed on and this is your first post -are you from Brecksville or Strongsville? Or is that one of SHADY LADY's sign ons?

Lemmings? No grasp of reality? Reveling in chaos? Smells like Tea Party to me.

Brecksville is in the clear for another few decades at least, right? Or two years, until the next contract is up. Just like Medina. Just like Brunswick. Just like any other suburban school district. Anyone who thinks this starts and ends with Strongsville is a fool, or really, really bad at math.
Thanks to the board for doing what our federal government is too self-interested and feeble to do, which is to acknowledge the growing financial problem and face it head on now, rather than kicking the can down the road again (which is just what they did in the past).

Ah yes, keep bashing the Tea Party, Candid. Because nothing says independent thought like a group of so-called professionals fighting to keep getting paid the exact same amount as everyone else in their group, going where they're told and when by their leader, carrying signs, walking in unison, and chanting together.

Jw93 -- speaking of fools, look in the mirror. How are you doing?
Until Ohio fixes the way it funds public education (which it has not done), districts will continue going to the voters every couple of years.

Just fine, Nolan, thanks. I go to bad every night knowing I did an honest day's work and I didn't leach off of anyone to make my living. I assume from your tone that you are a student (I sure hope so) and therefore your whole life to this point has been about leaching off of others, so I can understand how that would confuse you. And Kasich is fixing how the state funds schools, so rest easy. Soon it will be impossible for localities to promise way more than the taxpayers can afford just to get re-elected, and then slink off to the governor asking for money to cover the shortfall. It's actually already happening with the cuts he made two years ago, hence Teachers Union Armageddon.

JW - I'm just surprised one of you hasn't said "One if by land, two if by sea" yet. You all are really delusional and ignorant. I'll keep bashing as long as you exist. You're only purpose is to bash...blacks, liberals and now teachers...bash, bash, bash...hate is part of you. Admit. it.

Enywun.. When any new poster joins the conversation lyn gets very upset. I commented in an earlier post about how much lyn loves the conflict cycle. I see you agree. She also loves to ride the coat tail of posters who are much more intelligent than she. She attempts to sound intelligent by researching others blogs and "borrowing" material. I am not suprised she felt the need to stick her nose in Brecksville's business. I have close friends that work in Brecksville.. The contract the board had proposed to the teachers was absurd..and it was not all about the money. I know this first hand. Bottom line this mess needs to be resolved soon. It is a lose/lose irregardless.

Hey Linda T...for someone that so easily "pegs" other people per their posts...I guess I will peg you as an idiot. THERE IS NO SUCH WORD IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS "IRREGARDLESS." I have seen you so called "teachers" use it repetitively throughout these message boards. Hopefully you are not an English teacher. Good luck in your lower middle class endeavors.

Linda T. - i do not know where you posted your last message so I am just replying here. No, I have never been a teacher. I am not even from Ohio, but just have owned properties here for some time. I do appreciate you both reading my blog, and despite making some jokes here and there, I think it is obvious I am very aware of what I am speaking about. My points are valid, thought out and well-developed. I was able to de-program Shady Lyn's brainwashing through a few dozen keyboard strokes and get her to admit to something we have all been arguing the entire time. So please, continue to read my posts and admire my work. It is greatly appreciated. Because you have admitted to reading my blog, I will retract my last lower-middle income comment and bump you up to middle class. Enjoy your weekend.

By the way, NolanJoeHomeownerderpspotterJamesThomasJackKelly,
Have you taken down the Psuedo James Thomas Page you Created?

Brecksville is not still suffering.

The scenario in Brecksville IS NOT perfect. It IS functioning though. The BBH BOE is still managing the process. School is open with an outstanding staff and curriculum while efforts for cost cutting continue. The BBH BOE had often spoken of shared responsibility and in the end they proved to be more than just words. I will trade 3-4 years of uninterrupted school days to the mess that Strongsville is enduring now. The process will be managed intelligently and over time with precision rather than with the radical enough is enough throw the baby out with the bath water approach that lyn-a-likes propose. Your children are the scarecrows smoldering in the fields of your board’s scorched earth policy. It’s an unattractive scene that makes Strongsville much less desirable than it once-upon-a-time was.

Hate to be selling a house in Strongsville about now. Brecksville and Broadview Hts. not only look better they are better as they have a proven record of a BOE that ultimately kept the community, it’s spirit and it’s property values in the best place. That is a hard fact that a realtor in BBH can offer and a realtor in Strongsville can not. The Strongsville BOE is a failure. Its constituency needs to start looking in the right direction if the downward spiral to mediocrity is to be stopped.

Who I am, where I live and when I signed on changes none of this.

Tell that to the Brecksville teacher that posted that in here recently - and said it eill take a long time. That people who were once friends are no longer.

Enywun Butlyn,
just to set the record straight, we have been reading and following the deplorable teacher behavior; in process of buying a house and moving from solon to strongs; trying to get out of contract because we don't want our kids taught by these strikers; you have ruined the citys and schools image
teachers there are a pariah

By the way, NolanJoeHomeownerderpspotterJamesThomasJackKelly,
Have you taken down the Psuedo James Thomas Page you Created?

And now they have enlisted Strickland to help further their cause.
I'm not talking about the little SEA.
I AM talking about that the OEA & Tracy have aspirations to use Strongsville as an example and as the first of many districts in the soon to be fight over the next bill to replace SB5.This bill that WILL pass because it will correct all those things that WERE wrong in it - but this one WILL directly impact teachers and they know it and they are getting ready now by using our city, our school, our students and our teachers in their fight. WE are the ones who will suffer because we are being sacrificed in their cause.

They are loving the tremendous amount of negative attention that is being showered down upon our city. But it will only cause a decline to our city and schools. It will not be a benefit to us.

And it is just starting.

The OEA & Tracy see it as a sacrifice for the better.
I for one DO NOT.
I cannot believe the teachers are letting themselves be used as pawns in this political game.

Lyn, the OEA knows that Strongsville is the dam. If it breaks, all surrounding communities suffering under the same union domination that is destroying public education and wiping out the tax base will follow. That's why they're down here, that's why our worthless ex-governor came here, that's why their tactics are more and more desperate.

jw-
Too bad Kasich couldn't come to Strongsville when he speaks about changes that are needed, being made and in the process of being proposed.
However, the situation is way too volatile here and I would fear for people's safety based on the conduct of some I have witnessed. We all know what mob mentality can lead to.

So, maybe he can use Strongsville as an example when he speaks. I hope he knows, he must be aware, of what is happening here.

Kasich will be re-elected, and then he can deal with this. Hopefully they put SB5 back up, with the fire and police taken out so that they can't be used as pawns to dupe dumb people into buying all the emotional nonsense. Then public worker strikes will be illegal (which they already are for police and fire).
FDR said that public unions shouldn't exist because people who are employed to "serve the public" should never be in a position to act in their own self interest at the expense of the public they serve (even if it's "for the children"). That's right, the architect of the New Deal who was as liberal as they come would have opposed this strike. The problem is that these arrogant teachers no longer believe they serve the public. They think we exist to support their lifestyle.

Lyn... You have probably done the research and know all the questions regarding charter schools. You obviously know how public school districts feel about charter schools. Coflict cycle continued...Hope you received your fill for the day.

"...willing to answer truthfully-" Translation - you better darn well give her the answer she wants or she'll keep responding to her own posts.

So . . . no answer then, Candid? Do you know what "candid" means?

I'm quite certain the teachers have a lunch period. Any other professionals on the board ever work through lunch? I know that I have dozens of times.

Candid-
No.
This is the translation - I don't trust what comes out of Tracy's mouth. And will any of her followers do something other than parrot her?

what do the teachers do when the kids are at recess, lunch, gym, etc? Plan, post on FB, post on Twitter, Play Words with Friends?

Another whiny "they make enough" fool jealous that you don't make enough. And too stupid to know the meaning of the word "average."

We certainly know the meaning of the word average....for example Nolan, your weight is above average, your looks are below average, your bank account is well below average, your IQ is below average, your blood pressure is above average. Did that help?

Let me take a crack at the word "average", Nolan. Half of the teachers in the Strongsville Public School District are below average. That's not an opinion, it's a fact. There is the average teacher, then half that are above, and half that are below. Okay, techically that's "median", but since the median pay of Strongsville public teachers is actually higher than the average pay, it works just fine.
Of course, under the current system, below average teachers often make more, sometimes way more, than above average teachers. And this is the system you are defending by calling people names. I guess defending it with logic wouldn't work too well, since I just eviscerated any chance at that.

By the way, NolanJoeHomeownerderpspotterJamesThomasJackKelly,
Have you taken down the Psuedo James Thomas Page you Created?

Holly, I'm surprised at you. Your statement above about chilling out regarding personal insults....side tracking conversation. Then your statements below? I've grown accustomed to a more level head from you. So what's with the nasty streak below? I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with you, but I know I can't judge without firsthand knowledge.
"...Yes, I believe the white vans transport the babysitters that were hired to and from their temporary living quarters. My parents live near one of the schools and I have seen these people they bring in. If they have teaching degrees, I have a private jet."

Karen, I guess I don't quite see how the comment of mine you refer to is an insult. I have nothing against babysitters, I just don't think they should be passed off as teachers. Doubting that they are certified is not an insult either, just my opinion.

If these kids were really learning and being taught this past week, then why didn't Frazee send his kids to school?

From what I remember reading in patch reporting: His children were being harassed and threatened the week prior to the strike. Being children of administrators, they aren't being treated just as students, they're being treated as extensions of their parents. Certainly not fair, but with people behaving the way they are, he's looking out for their safety.

Yes, I believe the white vans transport the babysitters that were hired to and from their temporary living quarters. My parents live near one of the schools and I have seen these people they bring in. If they have teaching degrees, I have a private jet.

Hear---Hear!!

Good luck finding people to take over all those jobs in March. Most teachers that were decent enough to get hired will be under contract elsewhere. They will have to hire anyone that has a pulse and give them emergency certification.

Holly, I am not sure much luck will be needed. There have been over 1000 applications submitted before for a full time position in the city of Strongsville. I am not saying if i am for or against, but the lack of qualified teachers is a poor one.

Sure, some positions will be easy to fill because there are a lot of people certified in that area - elementary teachers in particular. You hire that many new teachers at once and a year from now you will be hiring more to replace the ones that decide it's not for them. Teacher attrition rate is very high. What are you left with? A majority of your teachers inexperienced and coming into the profession at a time when the pressures of standardized testing, state report cards, and unfair teacher evaluation programs are at an all time high.

They only picket the hours they work - 7.5 hours/day , Monday-Friday.

I was thinking the same thing!

SB5

Memo to James R - You don't speak for me. You sound like your buddy Frazee. Keep believing that 100% of the community is behind the BOE.

James, people like you are the reason that we (reasonable Republicans) lost the election.

Now that's GOT to be the funniest comment on this board. WOW!

Terry, the Strongsville BOE needs to immediately hire you to solve all the educational problems in the district. Your brilliance is unmatched; you will be able to solve the problems in no time.

Agreed, feel bad for the kids.

I totally agree!

How much wood could a wood-chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?

Tad, first of all, I would prefer not to be called "thug trash". I do not condone that behavior, nor did I have any part in it. I was at work, teaching, all week. I was not yelling at vans. You know the saying "two wrongs don't make a right"? All I am saying is that this board is really heading downhill fast with all the nastiness.

Holly, you will have to just accept that behavior from Tad... insults and negativity is all he knows

Keep it classy you thug trash? No relevance. I just laughed out loud because you are asking Holly to keep it classy and in the same sentence calling her "thug trash."

It is no longer called "tenure". It is a continuing contract, and all it means is that if someone else has the same or less seniority, you will be offerred a contract before they will. It in no way promises you a job for life.

The contract outlines the due process that must be followed to fire a teacher. Basically, documentation and opportunity for intervention are required (depending on the severity of the infraction). It is up to the administration to go through this process, but firing teachers is possible and I have seen it happen. Do not blame teachers if the administration does not want to follow the necessary steps to get rid of teachers who aren't performing.

cool

These teachers are in a tough position. I have seen the teachers striking outside my parents house every day when I go to pick up my son. There are a few loud mouths yelling at the vans, but by and large I have heard far more noise coming from them as they yell "we miss you" and wave to the kids on the buses. Let's not generalize that ALL teachers are "trashy thugs" because a few are acting less than professional in this stressful time.

So stress is an excuse for the behavior? Everyone is stressed. I'm stressed...so does that mean Lyn Shady should cool off getting mad when I humiliate her in an argument?

It's not a few loudmouths...watch the video from last Sunday when the gauntlet of teachers showed up to scream at the Subs. I'll estimate 75 (probably more). That's 25% of union, right? Sorry...women I know would not want to teach/associate with that fat slob male teacher who was screaming "mf'ing b**ch" at female subs.

I'm done with people's fake outrage when someone snaps back or comes hard at them. You dish it out, expect it back. Period.

I don't think all teachers are "trashy thugs" either...but I also don't see much effort to curb the behavior that is being displayed. As Benjamin Franklin said: He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.

Linscott would never go for that. She knows the truth and so do the teachers. The support comes from Teachers from other districts and relatives, that's essentially where they derive their support structure. Other districts are watching this closely because they'll expect the support when they stage their own walkout. We cannot allow the Teachers Union to get their way, will must stand firm. Where is GOV Kasich, we need him to grab this one.

your idea is a perfect way to see where the public actually stands on this issue, I am sure the school board would jump at that offer ,but would the teachers???

I am sure she did..

"The greatest subjects and teachings come from home...]"

Mike, you are so right. Sadly, the children of Strongsville-teacher-haters are doomed. :(

I am sure they have found some worthwhile individuals to teach some of the core classes (English, Math, Science, etc.), but there is more to teaching than just knowing the content. You have to know how to manage a classroom so that learning can take place, develop lessons that hold student interest, follow a prescribed curriculum, break down concepts so that someone inexperienced in that topic can understand, make accommodations for IEP students, etc. It takes a lot of different skills to be a good teacher, not saying these people can't do it, but they can't replace the years of experience the regular teachers have doing this.

Let's be honest though, a lot of them are just babysitters. The reason they don't want to teach all those special area classes this past week? They can't find people to do it! Who is watching the kids while they should be in those classes? Babysitters!

Also, it's easy to commit to a teaching job for a week or two - no long term responsibility for what the kids do/don't learn. No long term accountability to the parents whose children you are educating. No need to establish routines or behavior expectations for the students. You just get to walk out when it's all over.

CPA again I am more afraid of the teachers on strike then the newly hired teachers, after watching those wild animals attack those substitute teachers sunday I do not want them anywhere near my children again, but I did notice how professional those newly hired teachers acted even with the angry mob screaming in their faces

CPA Again,

What about some of the FORMER teachers ins Strongsville who passed the background check and came to work at the high school ?

Thank God the certification and license of these 2 FORMER high school teachers wasn't good enough to keep them from being dismissed . One was found guilty of surfing porn sites and selling "date rape drugs" on the internet. (where are you teaching today Mr Atkinson ?).........and the other teacher who 5(?) yrs ago was found guilty of having an affair with a senior football player . Cant recall her name.

Those 2 teachers sure were good role models for our kids !

TSW

CPA "people like me" are the taxpayers who have been talking to the superintendent to not let these animals back into our schools (yes animals as shown by their behavior sunday) and it is the parents and students who are responsible for the state rating of EXCELLENT WITH DISTINCTION

Yes Kim.... the teachers had zero to do with a SCHOOL rating of Excellent with distinction.... It was all the kids and their parents... However, if the rating was bad, or the kids don;t do well in school.... then we can blame the teachers and put the sole responsibility on them. Strongsville has the most entitled parents I have ever seen.... take all of the credit, and zero of the blame

perhaps you can't tell the sarcasm in that.... nor did you copy the rest of the post. Typical Strongsville teacher hater... twist things the way you want to see them.

Bernie A.K.A. Myron..we're you once a professor at Lorain Community College. I was showing my niece the "Tabloid Patch" I mean the Strongsville Patch and I let her read your blog because I felt it made quite a bit of sense, without all the degrading nonsense. She said she had a Myron Shibley for a class. I told I wouldn't be suprised only because I am sure not too many people in Ohio have the same name and are from this area. Just wondering.

Fact.

bum I am sorry I do not speak stupid, would you mind rewording your last comment so we might understand what you are talking about