excuse me, however this is absolutely incorrect. THE REAL TEACHERS are needed in order to have a proper school and a proper education, Get back to the table and NEGOTIATE!

More like the BOE will have to make concessions to justify the railroading Linscott has done to the rank and file. Yesterday was a blow to the morale.

Most of them are NOT certified teachers and therefore could not be hired as replacements. When the BOE refers to them as certified, it means they hold a short term sub certificate, not a teaching certificate. I am sure there are a few in the bunch that do, but if you are looking to permanently replace another teacher, it needs to be with someone actually certified to teach.

He missed his mommy.

mommy is probably on the strike line

I would follow up on that if you think his story is accurate. Sounds like something isn't right.

My son left his online game up and running. Funny, a teacher with kids int eh district is letting her own kids sit at home and play online. The difference is that kids going to school are learning a bit about self reliance and will likely now appreciate things when the permanent replacements take over and things go back to a structured normal. I'm actually proud of many of the students for how they are behaving and making an effort during this strike. The AP kids are really going at it in self study mode (like they will in college), and many of the spring athletic programs are running their own conditioning sessions. And a child will lead them.....

the striking ex teachers will just claim that they "home schooled their kids and pass them to the next grade

The story is accurate as my daughter just came home and had no teachers in 2 classes. Occasionally other teachers stopped by to make sure no one was misbehaving . She told me some of the boys got to catch up on their march madness brackets while watching tv.. Need to settle this and get back to real education.. If you want to know what is really going on, go make a surprise inspection..
Both sides need to come to some sort of agreement.

My child is also a student at the high school and still has 2 classes without teachers though one of those is combined with another class. Says its not horrible but the general atmosphere is not as under control as with the regular teachers. They are doing some work but it is nowhere near a normal school day. Was told today that they may not get grades for the third quarter.

M Klein..You are correct. Far from business as usuall despite what the superintendent is reporting. My 6th grader has had 4 subs in his classroom since Monday..I am not kiddling. Does not sound like business as usual. My 9th grader also sitting in study hall for the half the day. More like bullcrap as usual!!!!

M Klein, Are you and your wife both math teachers at the high school? My child had you a couple years ago. I am pretty sure if it is you that you do not have children old enough to be in high school where they offer electives. If it is not you, I apologize, But with all due respect, if anyone thought change was going to happen over night they were delusional. We are, however, willing to be patient and give the BOE enough time to get things back to normal. We have to remind ourselves that these teachers came into class with no materials and no lesson planning. Each day at the high school is improving. Th elementary level classes are doing great! Remember change can be painful but makes us stronger in the process.

Julie this was posted on another thread earlier

"Norma Rae" Linscott chose to run an economic strike (we're worth it signs) instead of a strike over working conditions ...........and under the rules of a economic strike, the owners of the company (superintendent) can hire all new permanent replacement teachers....... the strikers are not fired, and they retain all seniority rights, but would have to wait until a opening occurs before they can come back to fill any empty position

A unionized employees right to reinstatement after a strike ends varies based on the type of strike and the underlying reason for the strike.

Economic strikers who are striking as a result of the employers failure to reach an agreement over wages or other working conditions may be permanently replaced but cannot be terminated. Strikers who are striking as a result of an unfair labor practice cannot be permanently replaced or terminated.

At the end of a strike, unfair labor practice strikers are entitled to be reinstated to their former positions (even if that means the employer has to terminate replacement workers) as long as they have not participated in any misconduct. Economic strikers who offer to return to work after the employer has hired permanent replacement workers are not entitled to reinstatement. However, if they can't find equivalent employment elsewhere, they are entitled to be recalled as job openings become available.

A few parents went to both the mayor and the board office last week and say its not on the table yet but some have said because this is about economics and not a strike due to unsafe or unfair practices, they can go that route at any time. All depends which lawyer you believe. I for one am more than willing to sit on a parental interview panel to vet candidates for replacement. Some SEA teachers will make that cut... but it would be nice to cull the heard of the weak and shiftless!

like a hot chocolate concession stand

They are so arrogant!

I heard that too about foreign language......wonder how that will work out credit wise. My kids texted and had all electives but that one too today. Said many shop classes were in little theater for lecture format today and something else was in there too. Bet it's hard to find teachers with shop skills. Wasn't trying to be offensive....just hoping you had rapport so problems can get solutions.

M Klein,

Dont let some of these idiots on here keep you from posting. You are correct things are not "Buisness As usual" ecspecially at the HS which I have 2 kids. The sad part is it will take a few years to get back to the proper # and in most cases (and I said most, not all Kim & Strrong Dad) quality of teaching that was going on before this strike if we just hired all the subs. I too think the BOE has made a good offer that the teachers should accept, however if they dont and we move ahead and hire subs, it will take a few years of weeding out to get back to where we were and unfortunatly HS only lasts 4 years.

M.Klein...I agree...Strong Dad is a major "Richard Cranium" . Prepare yourself for the wack jobs on this site. Don't set yourself up with high expectations in regards of having any intelligent conversations with too many. Most prefer attacking anyone attempting to provide nuetral comments. Comments are immediately assumed pro-teacher and then the claws come out. Like I said earlier, my kids have reported the same situation with classes and subs..so it is not business as usual and unfortunately will not be business as usual for a long time.

Teacher, I respect the tough spot you are in. But if you somehow could get 10-12 teachers to break ranks, I am sure the rest would follow quickly. It's going to take a few very brave and strong one to get it rolling. But the community would be behind you 100%

Steve, it's all about the cash and everyone knows that.

I understand your in a difficult situation, however, the kids really need you. Don't be afraid to cross the line. Those people that treat you like a dog for doing it, never were your friends to begin with. There are other people in the schools that will actually appreciate you taking that step. There are some in our school and they are the true brave ones, looking out for the best interest of the kids.

but no matter what happens Pepple is rolling in the dough!

Teacher, I too respect your honesty and can understand the difficult position you are in. I could be wrong, but as a business owner I am getting a gut feeling, that you are right, OEA can care less about you teachers and probably has a compensation package for this Tracy person as long as she goes by their instructions. As I cannot see her coming back teaching in our system. News Flash for Ms. Tracy and the OEA, you have picked the wrong community to try and bring your B.S. in along with your thugs. Believe it or not, I bet you the OEA are the ones who vandalized your own building over the weekend to try and divert attention from your agenda. I really do not like where there this whole strike is going. I think it is going to get rough and it won't be over what the teachers are looking for!!!

Everyone I talk to at work, church or anywhere is pissed off at these teachers and the teacher unions in general.

jabace, i don't know why they can't see it, Their facebook page is a joke as they talk about having the parents all behind them. From what I know talking to people, and reading on here and cleveland.com, the community is well over 90% behind the BOE.

Steve I hear ya. I have a good friend that is a Sville teacher and she acts like she is entitled to anything she wants. They are so delusional. Be thankful for the darn good job you have in this economy.

jabace... I honestly cannot believe you attend church. Let your pastor/priest read all the nasty comments you post daily on this site...I am sure he/she will be very proud of you. You seem like such a nice person..NOT!!!

Agreed, but the prior strategy of having a compliant BOE agree to the union demands and then keep putting up a levy until an exhausted oublic gives in is no longer happening. The SEA is being destroyed as each week passes. The situation in the schools is not perfect, for 380 people can't be replaced immediately, but they will be replaced eventually.

What's the difference if the AP teacher was out for 12 weeks on maternity leave---wouldn't the same substitutes be teaching the children right now? The subs aren't called scabs when a teacher doesn't show up to work on a routine basis because they are "entitlted" to sick leave.

I would hope that when a teacher leaves for maternity leave, an intense interview occurs. I would hope that the department chair, administrators, and the teacher themsef, sits in on the interview. I also would hope that the sub spends a day or two together before the teacher actually leaves. In this strike situation, I am not positive, but I doubt they had much time to find the best teachers they could find (Maybe now that they have 250 subs) with any training to teach those high level classes. I could be wrong, but the last tweet I read said that many AP classes still do not have teachers. The students are working in groups with other AP students.

I was just out on maternity leave and only someone with a long term sub certificate could cover for me while I was gone. In order to get this license the individual must have a BA and evidence of at least 20 credit hours of work in the subject they are subbing for. So, considering these subs are mostly on short term certificates, they would not be the people called to cover maternity leaves. Furthermore, teaching an AP class requires special training and approval from the AP people...

Holly ??? what is the OEA penalty for a Strongsville teacher crossing the line
Is it a full days pay + 1 dollar per day

James, I honestly have no idea. In Berea we are not part of the OEA. I would not think that either the OEA or the OFT would have any right to garnish anyone's wages. We might be members of a union, but we are not employees of the union - we are employees of the school district. Always something to keep in mind.

Ironic that you're upset with a sub for walking out on your child but not with the "real" teachers that have done that as well. Maybe the sub was tired of being threatened and intimidated. Maybe she got her windshield smashed on the highway. Maybe your anger should be directed at the "real" teachers who left your student with the supposedly "unqualified subs." Maybe you should write letters to them, and send me one of those "carbon copies" that you speak of. I'll send you a telegram with my address.

Student learning is not happening on a daily basis with the real teachers either. Most of them teach to the test, meaning teach the students how to answer multiple choice items so their scores are inflated. The pressure of adding value to the test scores each year is heavy from both administration and state officials. The teachers have caved in to that pressure. If you are worried about GPA or learning, you should send your opinions to the board about the "real teachers" too! This test prep society of educators is not preparing our youth to be college or career ready.

Beth, I understand your frustration. I have 1 at Center and it is evident there are kids that are pushing their boundaries, causing chaos for all in the classroom. The subs are not permitted to discipline. Mrs. Pelko and Mr. James are like ping pongs all day!
I have to agree with others though your frustration should be directed toward the old teachers not the new teachers. The old teachers took their lesson plans. How do you expect a new teacher to come in and pick right up where they left off, that is fantasyland! The best we can do is encourage our kids to go to class, respect the teacher they are presented with, and get whatever they can from it. We as parents have to continue to teach, support, and lead our children. They are definitely the losers in this and it is up to us as parents not to allow the old teachers to rob them of their education! As far as grades are concerned we have no choice but to sit and wait for the administration to make a decision. But again, not the new teachers fault!

BETH YOU ARE A TEACHER play your games elsewhere

Beth
4:06 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012

I've tried in past years to have Halloween changed to the last Saturday night of the month. 'Never will happen!' I was told by my councilman. Today when trick-or-treating is actually changed, I see that it's not to Saturday or even Monday night (no school Tuesday) but Sunday!! As a parent and teacher, I'm dumbfounded by this decision-making process.

Hey Beth -
My daughter is in that class and said there were many kids complaining to her about poor quiz scores they receieved back today. She said that a majority of kids were just plain disrepectful!!! So first off, that ends the ridiculous rumors that nothing is being taught. Secondly, my daughter said that most of the kids were put up to this by the previous teachers and some have even admitted that their parents are trying to get there kids to behave in this pathetic manner. I hope your kid wasn't obstructing my kid's education today!!!!!

Kim very good catch, I guess beth should learn to delete her old posts

If I was that sub at Albion, I would have left also. But, she was sick. The behavior of the students has been disrespectful, loud, rude, mean, and overall embarrassing to this community. It was fine at first, then the newness of it all wore off. The 8th grade is the worst. Parents of middle school students, get off this blog and talk to your kids. This is not the fault of the subs, these students have been behaving badly all year. I am embarrassed and ashamed of their behavior. No human being should be treated the way the kids treat many of their teachers and most of their subs. So please don't say you are proud of the way the students are behaving, you couldn't possibly be proud of this.

When it comes to Public Relations, these teachers are clueless.

Too bad the teachers don't work this hard on getting a levy passed.

which board member do you live by?

somebody havin' a barbeque?

freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly.

??

should read.. What keeps them from lying to the taxpayers (typo)

That is nonsense. It's been part of the Levy debate and the last contract discussion. You can't hid what is plainly called out in the budget and financial reports issued annually for anyone caring enough to read them and not just pass on random figures. Not picking on you Emmett, just passing along the word. REad the minutes from the meetings from the pre-levy complaint sessions. More than one have talked about it publically. Been there, heard it, ready for the next SEA lie.

The Linscott "skills for success strategy" is such a face. Stop trying to make the board look bad to get public opinion on your side. Can't happen. This is one of the first BOE's to actually listen to the voters on an issue and every lie just puts your membership further into the abyss.

Doesn't changed the fact that limited learning is going on. Say what you want, but the administration and BOE also failed the kids by being horribly unprepared. Krupinski should lose his job based on how poorly this has been handled in the schools and classroom.

This isn't about being for the board or the teachers. Neither side is negotiating with any integrity. As a strongsville resident who went through the Parma school district, be careful of what you wish for. My children and the children of Strongsville are suffering. Do not just blame it on the teachers. Blame it on a failed government system. Funding schools through property taxes is the first mistake.
As far as lies and misinformation, these type of sites are full of them. Cleveland.com is another one. These sites are for people to vent(in my opinion). He said,she said.
Why not channel energies into positive actions. Negatively and slandering individuals is counterproductive.

Great answer Community Advocate. You should change your username to Community Ass. Every teacher walks out at once, the BOE has 10 days to prepare and your calling for the board members to be terminated? You are a moron. Let's hear your plan on how you would have prepared everyone ahead of time and had a seamless transition. Let me guess what your response will be: "I would have paid the teachers double what they wanted, they are worth it and deserve everything no matter what the fiscal situation is. I can read because of a teacher."

You continue to use your moronic arguments because you literally have no legs to stand on here.

But please, don't let me stop you from repeatedly setting yourself up to be hit around here like a piñata.

Felix, Thank you for your comments and sound advice. I needed that today.

dear community advoacate---support our teachers who are also our neighbors and friends, These teachers are professionals who care deeply about the proper education of our children, Everyone has had a mediorcre teacher, There are also many,MANY folks who have had teachers who have inspired them, challenged then and even SAVED THEIR LIVES. There is no reward for these teachers--just the reward for connecting with another human being and inspiring then to reach their potential.

Seriously? it was widely known this was the likely outcome as far back as parent-teacher conferences. It's called a contingency plan. Binders with lesson plans, etc. come on. Stop making excuses.

so the superintendent should have wasted our tax dollars making up Binders with lesson plans knowing that the teachers would be asking for a 108 page binder full of perks

What? Makes no sense. The fact is the district was not prepared. You cannot argue that and if you do you haven't been in a school or seen first hand what is going on in most classes.

Alternate reality: Krupinski implements a plan months ago that involves hiring subs and developing lesson plans, just in case there is a strike. And Tracy Linscott screams bloody murder that the district is forcing a strike and has no intentions to negotiate, as evidenced by the fact that the district is already hiring subs when there hasn't even been a strike notice given. And she would have . . . this is killing me . . . had a point!

Community, do you even know if it would have been legal for them to hire subs during a negotiation with no strike notification given? How much should the district have paid those subs to develop lesson plans for subjects to be determined while negotiations with the SEA were ongoing?

What a surprise, your opinion is not welcome and you can't leave any comments on the "world socialist" website. Haha. I can't even read that garbage for a laugh it's so nauseating.

See my earlier reply on lack of preparation. You truly have not thought that through. Regarding the terms you think we should challenge the teachers to accept, they sound less generous than the board's current offer. If the teachers are stomping around and holding their breath because of the board's offer, what makes you think they'll accept terms that are "average" for the state? Excellence because of them, remember.
As for class size, why stop at 20? If less is better, how about a limit of 10? That would be even better for the kids. Or maybe one teacher per student? That would be the best, I think. And anyone who isn't for that is just a money-hogging jerk who hates children.
As for the quality of education in the schools right now, stop generalizing. Being on the PTA doesn't mean you have a camera in every class. Some classes are probably better than others. Gee, I could make that statement using the "real" teachers. I'm pretty sure the kids' behavior has a lot to do with what kind of learning is going on, also. Again, pretty sure the kids who were disruptive and not interested in learning before are the same problem children now.

Jack and Felix, you both represent what is wrong on here and in our community. Jack you obviously have never worked in a job or been in any branch of the military where you always needed contingency planning regardless of time frame. Felix, yes max of 20 per classroom is clearly been researched as the optimal classroom size regardless of district, socio-economics, etc. yes it would cost us to have enough teachers to cover that but the enrollment is shrinking and retirements coming. Regardless, if you are for the kids it would be worth providing them the best education possible.

Finally, I am for finding a fair way to evaluate all employees. So you see I agree on many of the "platform" items you speak of the difference is I'm for improving the education of our students you're not.

I don't understand "compensation flattening" either. You say over the length of the contract - the SEA only signs 2-year deals, so that's not a very long time to flatten.

Community advocate thinks the board should have done "contingency planning". While that is a critical component for private businesses and the military, it's not such a good idea in labor negotiations. It would be like saying, "my spouse and I are heading for a future divorce, so I should start dating other women now just in case I need a new wife in the future". Probably wouldn't do much to avert a divorce (strike) would it? BTW, just making an illustration Dear:-)

Gas station father, a contingency plan would have involved educational planning by curriculum experts not teachers. No grounds. Get your information correct. You don't know the law, don't pretend to.

Oh, good one. Yes, they should have been prepared with full lesson plans within 10 days of a strike call. And yes, it is a labor rule to not actively replace worker under contract BEFORE they walk from their jobs. They were working under a previous contact and it was being honored by the board up until the strike took effect. That would have allowed the union to file unfair labor practices. My sense is your just another shill for the teachers. No skin in the game, just another sympathy mule. Call me names all you want. Owning a gas station is honest work and I do own them both. If they fold it's on my back and a I fail to provide for my 12 employees who depend on me running an effective business, including not trying to pass dented cans and stale food like its new and shiny. My business runs by listening to the needs of the customer. And I can tell you, the employee costs of this district, compared to surrounding districts are not sustainable and we the customers are talking. Keep advocating for the short trip to disaster.

Comm Adv, stop getting spanked around by marathon Dad and everyone else here. He's making you look like a b#tch, something which you did not need any additional assistance with.

So why are you against educating the students? I have two kids in the elementary schools, you? No...you don't pay most of your employees a fair wage or benefits and your family are convicted tax evaders. Congratulations.

Marathon dad is correct pre-hiring teachers would nullify any NRLA economic strike ruling

"Norma Rae" Linscott chose to run an economic strike (we're worth it signs) instead of a strike over working conditions ...........and under the rules of a economic strike, the owners of the company (superintendent) can hire all new permanent replacement teachers....... the strikers are not fired, and they retain all seniority rights, but would have to wait until a opening occurs before they can come back to fill any empty position

A unionized employees right to reinstatement after a strike ends varies based on the type of strike and the underlying reason for the strike.

Economic strikers who are striking as a result of the employers failure to reach an agreement over wages or other working conditions may be permanently replaced but cannot be terminated. Strikers who are striking as a result of an unfair labor practice cannot be permanently replaced or terminated.

At the end of a strike, unfair labor practice strikers are entitled to be reinstated to their former positions (even if that means the employer has to terminate replacement workers) as long as they have not participated in any misconduct. Economic strikers who offer to return to work after the employer has hired permanent replacement workers are not entitled to reinstatement. However, if they can't find equivalent employment elsewhere, they are entitled to be recalled as job openings become available.

I think Community Advocate is a moron and loser... that being said "gas station father" made me laugh a little...

Wow, that's some pretty convincing debating there, CA. "I'm right and you're wrong! So there!" Too bad the crux of your argument is 1) The district should have violated labor laws and given the SEA a good reason to scream, 2) the district should just lower their offer and the teachers will jump at the opportunity to take it, and 3) if you think more than 20 kids in a classroom will result in anything but full-blown Armageddon, you are a child-hating monster.

I don't like to debate by saying "I'm right and you're wrong! So there" either. I'd rather go with "Youre a moron and a loser." It's much more civilized. In fact, I think I'll tell the mediator to say that to the SEA president the next time we're in different rooms.

Yippee Yippee Yippee there's the 3 cheers you requested C. 3 cheers for the teachers for STEALING the lesson plans too. When you call the ODE and USDoE let them know that SEA should all lose their licenses for committing a crime.

C, exactly how have you gained this insight into what is happening in every class every day? Are you actually some kind of artificial intelligence developed by a joint venture of the SEA and the Dept of Homeland Security?
Of course it isn't "business as usual". I don't recall Krupinksi or the board ever using those words. Perhaps if the strikers hadn't gone out of the way to sabotage people who actually want to work, the subs could have hit the ground running instead of coming in blind. We've had a whopping 11 days so far with subs - amazing that everything's not right back up to speed. The subs don't have previous years' lesson plans to just copy over to the following year like many of the strikers did. And StrongDad is right, taking those lesson plans home was theft. You don't own something that you develop within the context of your job - that's the intellectual property of the employer.

Actually jw93, I did say that. I know we're all big on links here, so...

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/education/strongsville-city-school-district-fewer-substitute-teachers-at-high-school-than-expected-for-strike

The lesson plans created while on taxpayers $$$$ are whose? I guess they are allowed taking cases of paper, print cartridges, markers, workbooks, etc. too because they are ENTITLED to them? It's a crime to steal.

They are the intellectual property of their employer, which is the Strongsville City School District (which in turn, is us, the taxpayers). Just because you write something down on a piece of paper doesn't make it yours. Everything I produce for my employer is my employer's intellectual property - I don't get to take it home when I leave to take another job.

You ever hear of intellectual property? Anything I do that is related to my job can be considered intellectual property. If they are making lesson plans, they belong to the school. Doesn't matter when they made them.

Intellectual property is a reality for those in the real world. My wife had to sign a statement saying that any ideas or job related policies that she comes up with belong to, you guessed it, her employer. Even if she thinks of it at home, anything job related belongs to the company. Period.

What could you possibly mean by "their own time"? I wasn't aware that teachers were hourly employees who punched a clock. They don't get paid for their time, they get paid to do a job, just like any other salaried employee. Anything they do for the business of education is the property of their employer.

They purchased the students' art projects? Funny how parents have to buy markers, scissors, glue, etc, you know, all the things that go into making an art project.

This would be a very special week for the old teachers if they were still there. The teachers lounge would be "abuzz" all day with the teachers focussing on one of their biggest Spring priorities - filling out their NCAA brackets and getting their gambling pools together. My son always told me what an exciting time this was for the teachers; almost as if they had an actual reason to care about being at school! My son's PE teacher encouraged his students to visit his gambling/gaming web site - how awesome!

Nailed it, Bernie. Once they develop the lesson plans in year one, they can simply carry them forward from year to year.
Also, does anyone know what kind of perks the textbook publishers offer? Printed transparencies, homework assignments, labs and activities, reviews, quizzes, and tests are all available now. I'm not sure how many schools actually use these services but if they pay for them the teachers have very little that they have to do in terms of preparation.

school was from a Bond issue
we just passed a school levy
we just gave raises to the police
we just gave raises to the firefighters
we just gave raises to the city workers
we offered 9.3% raises to the teachers, so they could start paying their (shhhh hidden perk)
we have a very active PTA who raise piles of money for the classrooms (some of the donated items left the schools with the teachers)
where is it written that everyone needs to take pay cuts except strongsville teachers

we all attended meetings and wrote letters and told the school board if we passed their last levy and they dont start watching how its spent they would never see another one passed (I think they heard us)

The board never put out that information. That was an unsubstantiated rumor. It makes no sense to predict a levy when the strike is ongoing and the final contract hasn't been accepted.

Great post, Gail, and kudos to you to instilling the proper attitude in your daughter regarding this situation - which is, don't be a victim. And yes, some subs have been failures. Interesting that when subs are performing poorly, we can simply get rid of them and replace them with someone better. When the striking teachers perform poorly, under the current system they pretty much have employment for life.

Good parents will make sure their kids learn (how about something called "studying"). My kids told me many of the "old" teachers just stood up in class and read from the textbook (again, some, not all) - the students can do this on their own if the care about their learning. Unfortunately, many kids are lazy and see this as an opportunity to goof off and "stir the pot" for their own amusement. I guarantee that any HS kid with the intention of going to college and making something of themselves is doing just fine right now on their own.

I am not a teacher but I am observing this first hand.

It's over. This is a boulder rolling downhill, nothing will stop it now.

lawsuit = more money for attorneys. Good thinking teachers!

It's all about the kids. Where was she at the beginning on this. She is after all, one of the teachers supposedly focused on specialized attention programs.

It's becoming obvious that she was completely unprepared to be on strike for anything more than a day. And now, she's only galvanized a community that rallied to deal with bussing cuts during Levy-gate and finally put support behind a bricks-n-mortar effort to fix the awful Middle School building mess. She's spent every bit of what little goodwill the district has earned and guaranteed the next levies go down in flames. Teachers are looking at a decade of pressure. May want to take the BAFO and offer to make it a 20 year deal. It might take that long to recover from their own inept selection of a ridiculously inept leadership.

John K turned out to be the right man at the right time.

I think IEPs are BS anyway. It's all just made up issues that parents have so they can get more free stuff. Guess what? The Free Stuff Tree has died. Maybe you should just raise smarter kids.

I've actually authorized a new caning policy, which will go into effect tomorrow. This should alleviate some of your concerns. I was caned as a small child in Singapore and look how I turned out.

Though we appreciate your kind words to our hard-working substitutes, your daugher's math teacher will be teaching english next week. It's all part of the BOE plan to "Educate By Confusion." If you've ever worked out, you've heard of muscle confusion. Well, it's the same principle. Kind of like "Musical Chairs" for teachers, but in this case there are many more chairs than people.

I know that satire is your game, Frazee's Brain, but I hope you're not implying that the BOE is moving teachers around by choice. These are the ridiculous hoops that have been put in place for them to jump through by the state. Just getting comfortable teaching 7th grade English? Your students warming up to you? Great, now go teach 8th grade Algebra.

Yes jw93 (if that is your real name), those standards are down-right ridiculous. Things like actually having licensed teachers in the classroom. The state is absurd. I can't believe the parents are falling for it. Hehehehe!

I just can't keep up with your genius, FB. You ridicule the board for forcing subs to change subjects after one week. I point out that you are wrong, that the board isn't doing that, it is a state requirement. Then you support the state in making the requirements you ridiculed in the first place. Truly dizzying logic.
Your humor reminds me of going to a comedy club when a stand-up comedian is bombing. The audience is almost as uncomfortable as the comedian because they feel bad for him, to the point that they chuckle at things that are clearly not funny just so there's some kind of noise. Sadly, as bad as you are at comedy, your attempts at logic are worse.

Thank you for your commentary Terri. I too am disheartened that the extracurriculars have either been eliminated or now cost parents hard-earned dollars. That's why I'm proposing that all of the administrations only receive the bonuses and increases that they currently receive and nothing more.

jabace - Well said!!

Maybe it is the City of Strongsville that has had it "really good" for far too long? Perhaps it is the community that should be selling off the BMWs to pay their taxes? I don;t see many teacher's driving them around... and if they are, more times than not is due to their spouses salary, not their own.

So . . . if some people in Strongsville drive nice cars, and that number exceeds the number of teachers who drive nice cars . . . by Shady's logic, we owe the teachers whatever they want whenever they want. Got it.
Are you joining in on the nonsense chorus claiming the salary data is false? Because I think we could all afford pretty nice cars on $69,000 a year with $150 a month for a family health plan, free dental, free vision, and a free pension.

It's a whole new philosphy at Strongsville City Schools. The new teachers have shown us that homework is unecessary. We're hoping that this extra free time will show results on the football field this fall. Go Mustangs!

Do you have a link??

I'll speak to her about this at the next BOE meeting.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=522831214433606&set=a.512225918827469.127447.168863573163707&type=1&theater

What a great ploy to keep zombies from standing in front of your house.

the sign looks like a total plant. Not actually in the front yard, turned perfectly to have the house in the background, a total setup. I'm guessing if I drive by it won't be there.

Her daughter is a S'ville teacher; her husband works as a custodian.

Actually, the video was my idea. Everyone thinks I'm a stick in the mud. I'm the Board President, not the Bored President. Fo-shizzle.

Sorry, video removed by user. I guess we'll just all have to take your word for it. If it's a video of kids misbehaving, then I'd say we've achieved business as usual at the middle school.

jw -

they were both videos of kids doing the "Harlem Shake" in two different classes... and once again, your ignorance and attitude is disgusting.

I said there's no video on the link and that middle school kids misbehave. Those are both facts, so I guess stating facts makes someone ignorant and disgusting. You're a trip. I'm sure those kids lost valuable seconds of education doing a stupid dance. Sort of like when a teacher puts Forest Gump on as part of history class. Or swears at a sub while hopping like a baboon. Or blocks people from taking their kids to school. Or steals the district's lesson plans and encourages students to disrupt classes or cut school altogether. Or stands out on someone's tree lawn until they get their way. That behavior is not disgusting, though, right Shady?

you're right, the kids did not love valuable education - because there is no real education going on.

God forbid a teacher would have let the students make a video like that, they would never here the end of it from all of you who pick and choose what to accept and what to begrudge.

And get over the "teachers stole lesson plans" - if you create it, it is yours... no one else's. And if this subs are so qualified, why can;t they come up with their own lesson plans?

Shady, as much as your "If you create it, it is yours" statement makes me tempted to call you an ignorant fool who has never held a job that didn't involve a government monopoly, I will refrain. I would say that sentence shows a childlike simplicity, except for the fact that I know I could explain the concept of intellectual property to my child and they'd get it better than you. Irony is calling someone else ignorant and then displaying your lack of understanding of pretty much everything.
As for the subs, they didn't have the benefit of just moving lesson plans originally developed by your heroes in 1998 forward yet another year. And those who are doing a poor job are getting replaced, which is not a claim that anyone can make about the "real" teachers.

If you are at all concerned, your voice can be heard at the upcoming BOE meeting.

So until today your son was in school every day, dutifully listening, taking notes, behaving, and doing his homework? Again, I guess we'll just have to take your word for it.

The BOE never said everything was "business as usual". If you can find an example of them saying that, please go ahead and post it.

I saw this video before it was taken down. Very well done, very funny, organized, and choreograhed with much thought. It actually took about 1 minute of 70 minute class period. All honors students. Great kids. Let's don't blow these things out of proportion.

This is just for jw93. Looks like I did say it afterall. Ooopsie.

"It's kind of business as usual, we're not changing any policies," Frazee said. "If we told the students they didn't need to come in, why would we hire a bunch of substitute teachers to come in and teach?"

http://www.cleveland.com/strongsville/index.ssf/2013/03/whats_going_on_today_with_t.html

Pretty sure I read "kind of" in there. So "it's business as usual" is taken out of context and is not a direct quote. Kind of like if I said, "Frazee's Brain is kind of incredibly lacking in comic talent and rational thought," and someone posted that I said "Frazee's Brain is lacking in comic talent and rational thought."

Steve, you're making my head spin. I've been told to say that I don't even know what the teacher's are striking about. So, I'll keep it at that. By the way, you do kind of sound like a teacher.

So the median teacher pay isn't, in fact, around $69,000 for about 8 months of work? Does median no longer mean that half of SEA teachers actually make more than that amount? The SEA hasn't been getting a free pension? You mean they have been contributing more than 10% to their health insurance premiums (and more than 2.5% until 2 years ago)?
Not picking on you, but I'm growing tired of hearing about how "inflated" the salary numbers are. Those are the real numbers. Outrageous, but true. Are they inflated above what they ought to be? Unless you're talking about a truly good teacher, the answer is yes, by a lot. And anyone who values hard work and being compensated for your contribution to your job should find the whole concept of "step increases" offensive.
As for what we could have done to prevent this, I suppose we are guilty of allowing previous boards to continue giving cushy contracts to the teachers over the last 20 years and then foolishly passing the inevitable levies that followed. I am not moved by the fact that the teachers made concessions in the last contract - they simply went from an Aston Martin contract to a Cadillac Escalade contract. It doesn't mean that the board or the taxpayers now owe them something back.

Steve, your post yesterday was anything but unbiased, as is this one. What could have been done to prevent this? Teachers could have not walked off their jobs. You are not invited to my next barbecue.

your friend seems very reliable.... considering that the BOE can not, by law, permanently replace teachers on strike due to a labor dispute

Ohio Revised Code ORC 4117.14(D)(2)

(D) If the parties are unable to reach agreement within seven days after the publication of findings and recommendations from the fact-finding panel or the collective bargaining agreement, if one exists, has expired, then the:

(2) Public employees other than those listed in division (D)(1) of this section have the right to strike under Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code provided that the employee organization representing the employees has given a ten-day prior written notice of an intent to strike to the public employer and to the board, and further provided that the strike is for full, consecutive work days and the beginning date of the strike is at least ten work days after the ending date of the most recent prior strike involving the same bargaining unit; however, the board, at its discretion, may attempt mediation at any time.

There is nothing in your post, and I've read the legalese 3 times, that says that the teachers can't be replaced. It says they have the right to strike - it doesn't say that striking makes the board helpless. You seem to be asserting that the union could strike for 4 years straight and the district would just have to make do with subs until they stopped. My understanding is that the teachers cannot be fired, but can be replaced and that the striking teachers who want back in get priority but not until there's an opening. If you find something in the ORC that actually proves your point, please let us know.

lyn here is the correct NLRA this was posted on another thread earlier

"Norma Rae" Linscott chose to run an economic strike (we're worth it signs) instead of a strike over working conditions ...........and under the rules of a economic strike, the owners of the company (superintendent) can hire all new permanent replacement teachers....... the strikers are not fired, and they retain all seniority rights, but would have to wait until a opening occurs before they can come back to fill any empty position

A unionized employees right to reinstatement after a strike ends varies based on the type of strike and the underlying reason for the strike.

Economic strikers who are striking as a result of the employers failure to reach an agreement over wages or other working conditions may be permanently replaced but cannot be terminated. Strikers who are striking as a result of an unfair labor practice cannot be permanently replaced or terminated.

At the end of a strike, unfair labor practice strikers are entitled to be reinstated to their former positions (even if that means the employer has to terminate replacement workers) as long as they have not participated in any misconduct. Economic strikers who offer to return to work after the employer has hired permanent replacement workers are not entitled to reinstatement. However, if they can't find equivalent employment elsewhere, they are entitled to be recalled as job openings become available.

They are fearful for their lives... these teachers are just a rowdy group of thugs... who knows what damage they could do!

Give me a break...

They cancelled because they do not want to have to publicly answer questions from the community.... because the answers would either be lies, or they would plead the 5th.

No REAL Lyn, you are wrong. I have the support of 100% of the community. I canceled the meeting because it happens to be on the same night as my dart league with Mr. Pepple. We're the Purple Pepple Eaters and we're undeafeated, just like the BOE.

Brain, don't take this personally, but you are not funny and pretty much a buffoon. On second thought, definitely take that personally.

I am not here to make anyone laugh, especially you, Steve's neighbor. But, if you'd like to settle this like men, I suggest you have the mediator call a meeting where we can both duke it out in seperate rooms.

Seriously, we're going to fight now? You've got to be kidding me. Well come on over, I live a couple houses away from Steve,

You are aware, Steve's neighbor, that I cannot do anything without the personal request of the mediator.

And win we will. People keep saying this is about the kids. Hogwash. This is about winning at all costs. If I can successfully drive this school district into the ground and save taxpayers a few bucks in the process, there's no way I'm not winning re-election. I don't need a levy to pass to keep doing what I do.

Because there comes a point where there is nothing more to give. That's what Last and Best offer means. They have stood up and told us that repeatedly. Teachers are hard of hearing.
I would also think a teacher would know the difference between their and they're. Hmmmm

Do you understand just how boring it is to be a school board president? Ever spent any time with Ruth Brickley? This is the most excitement I've had in a long time. Plus, Pepple always picks up the tab.

Could be because the last few meetings before the strike the teachers screamed and chanted so that no one could be heard, rendering the meetings worthless? Just speculating, of course. I'm sure that wouldn't happen again, right?

oh yes, jw - the teachers were so loud and rowdy and no one could hear anything at all... it was pretty much anarchy....

exaggerate much?

Just posting what I heard on multiple news reports and from talking with people who were there, Shady. Perhaps I should read the SEA website to get a truer perspective.
Why give another forum to the SEA to stand around chanting like cult members? And wouldn't that leave all the board members' tree lawns unoccupied? How will you get your way without a bunch of sheep standing around in front of someone's house?

First off "Steve's neighbor" I am not a teacher so back off. And I'm sorry, one grammatical mistake excuse me. As I am sure you are pure perfection. Start being a role model and not pointing out people's flaws. It was a simple question I had about the meeting. I wondered why kids in strongsville were a little stuck up and I always said it must have been the education, now I am realizing it's snotty, rude and obnoxious parents. You don't know what side I stand on in regards to the strike. I suggest you get to know a person before judging, you never know we might have been on the same side and had common views.
And this goes for everyone on this site, enough with the rude comments. We want our children to be respectful to everyone and not judge each other, lets take some of our own advice. Most are saying they are disgusted by the acts of certain teachers, your words on here are even worse.

It should be "in regard to" instead of "in regards to," and "let's" should have an apostrophe.

Jane, the BOE has sent numerous letters via email to the parents explaining the state of the negotiations and they very simply say the SEA proposal is $2M over budget per year and that there is no money to fund it.

"Steve's neighbor" enough.... Your absolutely ridiculous. I am at work on my pone and do not have time to sit in front of a computer like you do. I am just assuming by your ability to sit in front of a computer all day that I have more education under my belt than you. Focus on the real issue here, not the grammatical ones.
Tracy, I was just wondering. I was just surprised that they wouldn't have a meeting just to reassure parents and tax payers that's all. I see both sides on holding it and canceling it, I was just wondering if there was another reason.

Maybe due to the fact that the SEA has taken to protesting a board members company in Beachwood they don't feel comfortable with the potential chaos. Lots of anger on all sides

Jane-

It should be "you're" not "your" absolutely ridiculous

Good Moring Jane,

After reading your comment I was lost on what a “pone” was. Due to my ignorance and lack of grammar I had to look it up… See below

Pone
n. Chiefly Southern U.S.

Regional Note: A staple of the early American colonies from New England southward to Virginia was pone, a bread made by Native Americans from flat cakes of cornmeal dough baked in ashes. Pone is one of several Virginia Algonquian words (including hominy and tomahawk) borrowed into the English of the Atlantic seaboard. The word pone, usually in the compound cornpone, is now used mainly in the South, where it means cakes of cornbread baked on a griddle or in hot ashes as the Native Americans originally cooked it.

If you could elaborate on how you could be “on your pone” I would appreciate it…. I can’t believe that you would really have a job that entails sitting on “a bread made from flat cakes”… that would just be silly

Thank you William. I don't understand why people think being on the school board is such a lucrative position. They make virtually nothing for doing it.

The schools are already better Mr. Hendershot. And for the record, I always ask for my $125 in singles, so I can donate it to my favorite worthy cause on the west bank of The Flats.

or, perhaps he is smart enough to realize what Mr. Peeble is trying to do and that, there is infact room for the BOE to negotiate, and the so called "last best offer" is completely bogus and nothing more than a stalling tactic

Why doesn't anyone understand the meaning of last best offer? I'm going nuts here people. Dont make me put the "previous kind of good" offer back on the table. And I'll do it. Trust me.

tell the truth lyn the last best offer does not have the strike misconduct clause in it

Hey lightrn up, he's doing the besat he can. He only has a M.ed.

I don't know what you are tallking about. All the board members think I'm hilarious. But come on, you're name is Zach Reed Is Thirsty for God's sake. Therefore, I will go forward with my own delusions of grandeur. Everyone knows I am more powerful than the mayor anyway, so amusing you is the least of my concerns. Peasant.

You honestly are the least funny person I've ever seen on any type of social media outlet. And the sad thing is, you literally are trying so hard to be witty and clever with these comments, which has failed each and every time...and then of course you have to go to the "i don't care if anyone is laughing anyway" excuse when multiple people call you out on your horrible material. Now go fetch my latte.

Joe- That is not true. Most of us want most of the tachers back. Just not the ones who have been behaving poorly.

IMHO that must be a bargaining chip anyone that has worked in IP knows that request will be rejected. Lessons plans typically involve the schools curriculum and material thereby completely nullify their ability to claim their Lesson Plans as property. Secondly if they are a salaried employee that also weakens their ability to claim those lesson plans

There are two SEA members that I do not want as my children's primary teacher. And on a related note, does anyone know if there's a list somewhere with the names of the teachers present at the square? I would like to know which SEA members are apt to behave abusively in stressful situations, i.e., a school day.

You can try the site, but I doubt you'll get me or any of the other board members to respond. Many have tried.

Anthony's comment actually made me laugh, but that's because I wasn't the target. Please ease up on Jane. She's suffered more for a few grammatical mistakes than more egregious offenders have. There's plenty of ridicule-worthy content from others on this board.

Stop typing from your phone. Wait until you get home from work to post your points. Then may the d.b. will leave you alone...just saying.