well tomorrow the mayor is going to be flooded with angry taxpayers telling him to mind his own business

Teachers are in the classroom. Many residents won't want some of those outside the school protesting back in the classrooms.

As an FYI, there is a phishing url on the "Social Side" article.

the mayor also said....................

"he doesn't agree with the teachers' decision to leave the bargaining table and walk onto the picket line."

Mayor Perciak's demand that both sides start talking in 24 or 48 hours is a shallow gesture. It seems the Mayor just realized that a prolonged strike by the highest paid employees of the City's largest employer just might be bad for business and would reduce the City's income tax receipts. Where was this interest to "help" over the past 9 months? Maybe he could negotiate a deal like he did with the firefighters--a raise every year, step increases and health care for $20/month? The teachers should be wary of Tricky Tom who is much like the grizzled old bank owner Mr. Potter in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life." Much like Mr. Potter, former bank president and "control freak" Perciak just wants to control the one institution in this city that he does not control--the Strongsville Schools.

The Board has the right priorities, they kept the schools open. The teachers failed to show up to do their job. And no we will not approve another levy so stand firm BOE

But, Mr. Mayor, if you have been listening at all to your constituents at large, the vast majority overwhelmingly support the BOE and do not support the teachers, nor want them back in the classroom.

I don't typically give out investing advice (for free)...but here's a tip...KFC is owned by Yum Brands...publically traded....you all saw the videos and pictures of the teachers and know that KFC is welcoming them with open arms. There are some husky folks out there. Connect the dots. This stock has serious potential.

Proverbs 12:11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. These teachers lack judgment and are chasing a fantasy.

Sadly I must inform the teachers of Peal.....KFC workers have decided to go on strike today. No I will not make anymore biscuits!! There will be no more Extra Crispy! No more popcorn Chicken! Until I get a bonus and sick days and summers off and personal days and oh yeah some freakin chicken for me!!! I prefer baked unlike that large orange abominable snowman that shook me down this morning. I am sorry folk we are out of toilet paper as well. The Sh*&er is full!

Can I say the one thing no one has dared to say here? Two points that I often hear are 1) Teachers deserve to get paid more because they have the most important job of anyone and 2) Teachers are the smartest, the best and brightest amongst us so therefore they deserve to get paid more.

I went to an Ohio college that is known for producing many teachers...and I've got to say that that the phrase "those who can't do, teach" rings very true. I have a Finance degree and my wife has a doctorate in a field of medicine. It was a joke to see the kind of work our teacher friends had to complete to get their degrees. Im sorry, but I don't think teachers are necessarily our "best and brightest". I don't think most could have hacked it going after a business degree or degree in any sort of science. So we need to put that argument to bed.

Second, teachers serve a role in guiding our children. They are educators for sure. But, parents are the biggest influence on their children, and I would argue, a child's most important educator. Lets not all act like teachers are the only ones who shape a child's life. To me, that's what Strongsville teachers seem to be promoting. You can teach my child math, history, science, whatever...but I teach them love, respect, manners, social skills...and reinforce the school subjects which you teach them.

I respect teachers and their work. But let's not go overboard here. Most didn't make some noble sacrifice and give up a shot if being a doctor in order to be a teacher...they became teachers because they thought it would be an easy job. I can say that, because most of my teacher friends said that while they were pursuing their degree.

Hello Mr Mayor!!!!! If you want re-elected you need to shut the F up and stay out of the BOE's way. The teachers are nothing more than spoiled greedy children who have always gotten their way. Now that they are not they've decided to take their ball and go home like babies. There is no more money for now and there's even less for the future. My property taxes are already high enough too. I will not give one more dollar to one more teacher

I have always been a fan of Mayor Perciak but a little too late where were you the past few months.
Now that the Strongsville image is being shown all over the news he speaks.
Use your power and fire them all and hire new younger, hungrier, dedicated, lower paid teachers with less benefits.
Wow sounds like the real working community.
Man up and get involved and use your previous experience on how to run a real company.
Do not try and just steal some free press.
Take action.

Dear concerned citizen you live in a fantasy land if you think teachers teach our children. My kids went through the gifted program and are older now. Every night they come home confused and unable to do some or all of their homework. Every night they come home with more homework that somehow there wasn't enough time to do at school. Personally I think homework should be disallowed. We as parents are doing the teachers job for them!!!

Another thing I hear teachers complain about is the lack of discipline in our children. I believe this is 100% accurate and a poor reflection on us as parents. I heard there were kids defacing high school lockers yesterday. I NEVER hear about any kids getting detention or suspended or expelled. Maybe if teachers/administrators doled out some sharper punishment the lack of discipline would greatly improve

I fail to understand how calling the teachers fat and ugly is at all helpful. Please don't add more hatred and vitriol to an already awful situation.

Strongsville schools treasurer recommends 3.5 mill levy for November ballot

http://www.cleveland.com/strongsville/index.ssf/2013/03/strongsville_schools_treasurer.html#incart_river_default

Old resident. You are talking out your rectum. The firefighters pay ten times that in healthcare. The mayor also runs an efficient program.

Here's a solution.

The teachers get what they want in their contract.

Since there is no money available, and there will be no way the voters will ever approve any future operating levies because of this contract, this is where the funds come from:
- Cut art and music classes and all other noncore classes that are not required - however, this also means cutting many teachers because they are no longer need. But this will now save a significant amount of money for other teachers to take home.
- Busing - just like "pay-to-play", its now "pay-to-ride"
- If new books are needed, "pay-to-read"
- If any new computers or other technological equipment is need, "pay-to replace" or "pay-to acquire"
- And, if money is still short, then divide that up among all students, and each is charged a "pay-to-learn" premium.

Problem solved!
Teachers get what they want.
Even the teachers know and don't care that it has to come at the expense of the student.
But, problem solved.
And since the students and their parents are the vast majority of the ones supporting the teachers getting what they want - they can pay for it.

A NEW TAXE LEVY IS NOT GOING TO PASS. TAXES ARE ALREADY THE HIGHEST AROUND. TEACHERS NEED TO JOIN THE REAL WORLD HERE. MOST OF US HAVE NOT HAD PAY RAISES IN 5 YEARS AND ARE PAYING ALOT MORE FOR HEALTH CARE THAN $200 A MONTH. I WISH WE ALL COULD WORK 180 DAYS A YEAR AND GET PAID $30,000 - $80,000.

Sorry Mayor Tom, to hear you were bombarded with phone calls from your constituents. You should have gotten involved early. Now you just want the problem to go away!?

Poor Tom.. His PR nightmare just got worse.. "Anonymous" got involved, and is sending out tweets and emails about Strongsville to millions of their followers, according to Cleveland.com.. Strongnet.org is no longer available either.

and strongnet.org is back up

I heard from my neighbor who just went to the post office and she said those thugs are blocking the sidewalk with their chairs and they have a table up.
I thought they had to stay on the sidewalk ONLY and couldn't obstruct it. Its not right that people have to walk through the construction area across the street because they can't get through.

So, just what are the rules?

If they are going to strike, IMO they shouldn't have stuff strewn all over - it should just be the person walking or standing.

in the levy article they indicate that if 20 teachers retire and we only hire 10 to replace them the levy is not necessary. Don't we have around 380 we can get rid of now and hire 370 back and then put programs back in for the kids like student council, field trips no more pay to play

Mr. Mayor, What about the barracade the teachers built on Walnut yesterday morning blocking my son's Center Middle bus for 10 minutes? Isn't that considered unfair practices? Are you sure all of Strongsville wants THESE teachers back in the classroom? I wouldn't speak for ALL of Strongsville.

Dear Mrs. _________,
I am a former student and I wanted to let you know that I support you. In high school, my parents were verbally abusive and I believed that I was truly worthless. You made me feel worthy of an education and a bright future. You told me that I could be anything I wanted. You told me that if I didn't do my homework or come to school, you would track me down and demand that I reach my full potential. That was 5 years ago. I am now a teacher because of you. Your words encouraged me to take charge of my education and reach for the stars. Teachers of Strongesville, thank you for all that you do!
<3 a former student

This sad state of affairs is most definitely the mayor's business. Anyone who knows labor law understands that what needs to happen next is the people asked to represent both sides ( 5 for the board, 5 for the SEA) must be compelled to return to the table and bring this to a close. Mr. Arbitrator do your job.

I have no children but continue to pass the levy taxes for our schools..... we r one of the highest taxed cities in cuyahoga county and I am sick of it..... fire all of the spoiled bullies!!!! and hire the cheaper scabs who want a Job!!!

And then try to sell your house. Strong schools = Strong city.