Lyn, I'm sorry, but I really don't believe your neighbor, a teacher, supports your views. I'd like to know what you do, or did, for a living. And would you sign a contract stating you would NEVER again get a raise? That's ludicrous, and anybody saying they would is lying to themselves and others. My daughter is a 1st grade teacher and she works extremely hard and cares deeply for her students, and strives to create a safe and nurturing classroom. Her day doesn't end when the bell rings. She takes work home and works late into the night, grading papers and preparing for the next day. She obtains her continuing education on her own time with her own money. Parents send their children to school, trusting that they will receive respect, gain pride in their accomplishments, learn to their greatest potential and be treated as the individuals they are. Teachers are given this difficult task, and they have trained, and continue to train, so that they can provide these kids with the tools and education they need to succeed in life. Teachers are the students' caregivers, mentors and role models for 8 hours out of every day, Just like their parents, they want and best for them and work hard to accomplish that goal.

and what a role model they were at the board meeting arriving late and leaving early, and wont they be great role models walking away from the kids when they dont get their way
as to your even larger bogus (propaganda) comment
"And would you sign a contract stating you would NEVER again get a raise?"
its a contract how do your write NEVER in a contract ?? in 2 years its over with never is gone poof new contract
and I am sorry but if your daughter is a first grade teacher she cannot be very bright since she needs to
"She takes work home and works late into the night, grading papers and preparing for the next day"
they are 1st graders what are they writing 15 page reports (but it is great to hear from yet another PARENT of a teacher)

Hibs-
You can't believe a Parma teacher making $14,000 less, who has been teaching for over 30 years, feels like I do? Tell me, which teacher has a more difficult job - that Parma teacher or one here? And, if she has to pay her own pension contribution, as almost every district in the state does, that is a total monetary difference of $22,000. She has a very low opinion of these teachers expectations.

The posters I don't believe on here who want outrageous pay and benefits for teachers, are-
-those saying they are teachers in poor districts, who are making less, have much worse working conditions and have more difficult problems with what their students bring to the classroom
-all these new, first time posters sounding like teachers, but saying they are not teachers
-those few who keep coming back on here under a different name

Where is it said they would NEVER in their lifetime get a raise? Quit spreading rumors like that unless you care to back it up. That's a low union and teacher tactic when terms are not known.
If a teacher is making $40,000 - you think they are expected to make that for the next 30+ years of their work life? Do you really believe that? In a 2 or 3 or 4 year contract that only can cover THAT period of time?
If that were true, I would agree that is unfair.

Maybe my neighbor should think about going after a teaching position here if they go on strike. She would be grateful to work her last few years closer to home, and make more money doing that. Plus, as she has received much recognition over the years, I would welcome her as an outstanding teacher to our district.

from what I have heard enrollment is down almost 1000 kids in the last 5 years and down 600 in the last 2 years (since the last contract) right now there are some class sizes under 20 kids per class
1/2013 enrolled 6187
http://www.strongnet.org/cms/lib6/OH01000884/Centricity/Domain/39/Enrollment%2012-13%20as%20of%201-2-13.pdf
1/2010 enrolled 6919
http://www.strongnet.org/cms/lib6/OH01000884/centricity/domain/39/Enrollment_1-1-10.pdf
1/2008 enrolled 7190
http://www.strongnet.org/cms/lib6/OH01000884/centricity/domain/39/Enrollment_1-3-08.pdf

(yes I re-posted this)

Please explain what you mean by "issues"

Tracy-
Thank you. Didn't they close 1 of the elementary schools about that same time? I think its more a function of that for the 1st and and 2nd grade, but with enrollment declining rapidly that should correct itself. But maybe I'm wrong on that closing.
What is a good class size? Actually, when I started reading about people being concerned with class sizes exceeding 27, I didn't realize that number was so high. But, that is just my opinion and what I thought I remembered our class sizes were "way back when" - and my memory only goes back to about 7th grade and later! Maybe tomorrow it will come back to me more. ha-ha

Accommodations documented via 504 plan and or an IEP, have met with them (teachers) three times and they are not complying . This is consistent throughout the whole grade with several parents raising the issue. Up until now we have had great teachers this year the teachers are just plowing through. I do know they have at least 1 free period each day for handling various tasks I would think that would normally be enough time for a K-6 teacher, assuming it peaks at certain times of the year. Most people don't get coffee breaks, while they get an hour for lunch the teachers do as well I know I am at the school a lot.

Tracy-
I think it becomes part of the negotiating TACTICS when it is to their benefit - it is one thing they think will make the taxpayers back them on. We all know its about the teachers wallet, but if they can convince the public that it is for the kids, they'll use anything they can to gain support, especially if it means saying the kids won't get a good education by having large class sizes.

But, as tom has said and the numbers show - enrollment is down. However, there may be a FEW exceptions to the case that class sizes are smaller - and if its due to school closings, what effect does that have on teacher pay and benefits?

They did close a school and that may be a small factor, some of it is just where you live, there may be some 1st and 2nd grade classes out there with just 20 kids. The state says you must have 1 teacher per 25 students but with aides and kids who are in the special needs room they tweak it a little higher. I would think between 20-25 is a good number but I would defer to an educator for their expertise. I am sure that the actual subject and grade level play into size but would assume for estimating there is a general number that can be used.

yes it does happen the schools try to readjust borders to match spikes.... sometimes a class con get 30 kids ....but the funny part is when a class is under 20 nobody ever complains or brings it up ... when allen closed it was a school in the middle surrounded by schools it was much easier to adjust class sizes between schools ...I would imagine they need to readjust the numbers again ...........1st grade at whitney is about 19 per class while chapman has 28 per class ....it happens

Tracy-
I agree.
I don't know what the best class size would be either and experts are a better judge - and I don't mean whiny teachers at contract time.
Also, I would think that those in high school would have large classes - not as much need for 1 on 1 and some "lecture" type classes don't warrant smaller sizes. Of course, exceptions - type of class and need for more 1 on 1.

tom and Tracy-
But then if they again "readjust borders", that might mean some students are relocated to different schools to equalize the class size. And, I wonder if some parents might settle for a larger class size, rather than have their student be put in another school. Tough call.

Tracy-
Just wait until you get to the high school level. They HATE IEPs and your child will get treated different if he or she has one from most of the teachers. I would say the majority.

Lyn -
That could be an issue also if that child has a sibling you may not want them split up between two schools.

my daughter brought a bad grade on a test last week that we both studied for. As I reviewed the test with her all but 1 were correct, the next day I went to the school and asked her teacher to explain, after looking at the test for a minute confused she went into her planner and pulled out her answer sheet "oops this was for a different test" so Jan I agree that there has been a change in the educational environment, the teachers heads have swelled to the point of bursting that they and they alone are responsible for raising our kids. I hope they enjoy carrying the picket signs (I am sure they will be witty)

Kim I bet that teacher can grade all those tests in 2-3 minutes poor overworked teacher
And Jan what does this mean ? "meet with colleagues,"

Lyn ~

Teachers ARE vocal throughout the school year. Many teachers have been attending and speaking at board meetings, trying to bring awareness of class size, etc. to the community. The only time it makes news is during negotiations. Get active on committees, go to school board meetings, be more involved and you will see what really goes on in our schools today.

Yes the enrollment is down but so is the number of teachers and therefore the average class size continues to grow.

A quality education is the backbone of our society and we all have to work together to provide the best education for our children. The community must come together to make this happen. We have to be tolerant and respectful of each other. These posts seem to promote a great amount of negativity but in reality it's just a handful of people who "post" comments and I don't feel this represents to community as a whole. If we support each other only good things can happen.

If this was such an issue with them, why is there no mention in any media coverage of their regular Board meetings?
Where is the outrage they have now, when it effects them?
Where is a comment over the last 2 years on the FB page - maybe I missed it.
Come on, its a known tactic to gain teacher sympathy for their cause.

Its too bad, but I know we will never agree - you being a former Strongsville teacher and me being a taxpayer who has had enough. I'd be willing to consider some points IF there weren't so many inconsistencies in them and if teachers didn't single themselves out as the only ones that have to deal with the same things the rest of us deal with every day.

Jan
I agree that we must unite as a community, but in so doing we need to realize that sacrifices need to be made. Many of the individuals in the area have not seen a pay increase or have actually possibly taken a pay cut to keep working. While we all are making adjustments we still continue to support the schools the best way we can through various fund raising activities, volunteerism and just helping one another out. So when I hear slogans like "we're worth it" it truly seems to allude to money and benefits and if a teacher is part of our community they would realize we are pinching pennies and that most of us have lost property value and its really hard to truly believe its about the kids and not their pocketbooks.

Amen Michelle.

Try being in the medical field. Nurses have 30 Residents per nurse. The documentation has gotten out of control and there isn't enough time in the day to spend with the Residents. So who suffers? Just like the students are suffering. We passed your stupid levy and we still have to pay to play, pay over $100 a year just to attend "free public school" and have increased class sizes. Sounds like you should of saved some $$ from building 2 middle schools in 1, rebuilt center and spent some of this $ on the kids.
~Also teachers please stop complaining to the kids. You shouldn't be talking about how much $ you don't have and how hard your job is to our children.

Nicely said!
There are lots of those 58 year old type people out there.

Good for you sherri o - I too am a 58 yr old unemployed female who has been looking for a job for 2 years and have worked temp jobs, part time jobs, and everything in between and still have no perm job. You know what I say to these oh poor me teachers, let them all strike and replace every last one of them. Do they know how lucky they are - they should be ashamed of themselves - did you see the video where they were driving around in their Lexus and Escalade cars and they are crying - why don't you put yourselves in my shoes and not even be able to afford a gallon of milk - I am so sick and tired of all of you overpaid teachers I hope you all get fired and replaced the very first day of your strike - again, start looking at how lucky you are - how would you like it if you could not afford to feed yourself, and cry and go look for a job every day and get passed over because of your age - I SAY FIRE THEM ALL THE MINUTE THEY STRIKE

I do not think the teachers are "overpaid" I think they are worth every penny , I just think they need to be contributing more towards their benefits (like the rest of us have all had to) !!! which includes the elimination of pension pickup pickups

Teachers DO NOT get paid holidays or paid vacations. They are ONLY paid for the days that are in the school year. PLEASE post only accurate information. Misinformation is never productive.

How would you like me to phrase it-
Is this OK:
Teachers only work ABOUT 9 months out of 12 for the year. During those 9 months, they also get off:
Labor Day
Election Day
Thanksgiving - 3 days
Christmas/New year break - 8 days
Martin Luther King Day
Presidents Day
Spring Break - 6 days
Memorial Day

And, maybe 3 days they'll close the school for bad weather.
And, how many sick days? 15 per year? And, whatever that number is, they can carry them over year to year and accumulate them. Nice little perk. Try the real world where some people don't get sick days or if they do, they only get them and use them if they are sick.

PLEASE correct me where I've made an error above. I've been curious just how many sick days these teachers get and if they really do get all these days off. And, did I miss any?

If you are not working and it is during the school year, how can you not think of it as a paid day off?

YES JAN we know 150 of the 380 teachers are paid 79,000.00 to complete 184 days of work which they are also given on top of their salary pension pickups worth about 6000.00 and in return as enrollment drops their class sizes are decreasing making their workload lighter POOR THEM
(jan before you bring it up 150 of the teachers are in the 79-80k bracket some more some less that is why I put 150 of 384)

Jan can you clarify that please, if there is 3 of the 5 snow days used for weather are the teachers paid for those days?? or do they have to give money back

I did, Lyn! In fact, I didn't have a choice - I had to take the day off. I'm sorry, but again, what is your profession, and didn't you pick your profession? Just like you, teachers chose to work in a field where they thought their talents and skills would be best put to use, educating our young! Should they be penalized for pursuing a career in something they believe in?

I am pretty sure the Patch will report the happenings correctly .... day after day the patch separates itself from the plain dealer by proving that they can report the news not interpret the news for us

you do know that is all tax deductible like all other occupations as un-reimbursed job expenses

and your 290.00 number is off is off for a daycare provider I believe they make 9.00 an hour to watch ALL the kids

Dear Sunny,you sound like a wonderful dedicated teacher. When you chose teaching as your career you had to know that what you just described was how it would be. You are to be commended,but it is your CHOICE to put all that time & money in. Alot of people spend alot of time at their jobs and don't get close to 2 months off plus holidays,snow days,etc. They don't get premium insurance or retirement benefits either.Most these days are just happy to have a job given the economic stress of the last several years. But,not many Strongsville teachers-all they seem to do is complain about what they don't get. I can tell them how they can get rich quickly:count their blessings. Everyone has a tale to tell-could you walk in a nurses shes? or a postal worker, in constant fear of losing their job and pension? I think the main point to be made of all of this is that we all give/work hard,but when a great majority of the citizens of a city can barely afford to pay their bills,something has to give.We've all given with constant levies over the last several years. We have no more to give-our property values are down,our food ,gas,ultility & health insurance costs have skyrocketed,yet we make little more than we did a few years ago. We simply cannot go on& it's more irritating to see people who just don't get this. Please teachers,be grateful for what you have & if you can't find that gratitude,then please find another job & see if the grass really is greener-I can assure you it isn't.

Amen!

well sarah thank you for keeping us safe and with 12 years seniority I am sure you will be called back soon

who's MOMMY is a teacher

Very good Lyn Sarah failed to mention that her mom is a teacher

sarah
3:25 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I would just like to say that my mom teaches at one of Strongsville's middle schools and the MAJORITY of the "riff raff" reside in Chestnut Lake's Section 8 housing. This is a verified fact. Just sayin. It makes me sick to drive down that part of our beautiful city. It needs to be fixed up. So so so so glad that Sheetz and O'Charleys is approved!!!!