Your Wrong !! the teachers do care ! the board is paying over $ 450,000 for a lawyer with the Tax Payers money, the Residents need to support the teachers because they are paying for them, SUPPORT THE TEACHERS ! don't be jealous of them

We have supported the teachers ask them who paid for the smart boards in the classrooms not the district the parents. It is total crap they are doing this. The $450K has this been documented, secondly since this is the firm they used last time where they contractually obligated to use them this time and third do you really think the $450K is enough money to solve the problem Send a note to the SEA and ask them if their is enough money in the budget and budgeted for the term of the contract to support what they are asking for. In conclusion who are the victims the kids, the teachers were not "forced" to strike, it was a ploy to force a hand. We are 60% into the year and this is when they decide to strike, the timing has the potential to do the most damage to the school year.

Couldn't agree with you more Tracy. Finish the school year and fight it out over the Summer. Oh wait, don't want to interfere with Summer vacation!?! Yes, it's the kids that suffer, and the kids have no say. From all accounts, the teachers seem to be doing pretty well, compared to other districts. Average salaries are pretty interesting, and at the top of the pay scale. I appreciate the teachers my children have had/have. At the same time, I do not agree with the work stoppage.

Tracy the board is doing this not the teachers, WAKE UP !! board makes money and keeps money, when teachers are on strike, fights and drug use go up 700 % , you will see, it will be a disaster, due to the boards not willing to take care of the teachers that work 60 - 100 hours per week,

I am currently attending Strongsville high school. I have full confidence in the superintendent's decisions in accepting temporary substitute educators. These substitutes have all been checked thoroughly. In complete honesty, i expect Monday morning to be no different than any other day. I will be taught. I will be safe. And your attempts to strike down these substitute teachers is childish and undermining. My opinion will be heard.

Bob S. You have lost all credibility teachers working 100 hours a week. Again I ask you can the board afford SEA's proposal, Stop with give the teachers what they want. I want a Maserati, and I can afford it, if I don't put money in my savings, don't buy my kids healthy food, don't do routine maintenance on my house or cars and just ignore my other long term bills. The BOE is not perfect but this" teachers walk on water" is complete crap. The SEA Union leaders need to be dismissed and new leaders need to brought to the negotiation table.

Well said, Mustafa. Good for you!

they are going to Kitco, the company that sells knives door to door looking for teachers, you will see, I fear for the kids and the families,

StrongsvilleJoe and Bob S., you guys are obviously teachers. I thought all of you "undervalued" teachers were "weighing your options" and going to find employment where you were truly paid what you are worth. Now is your chance, you just gave up great pay and benefits and now EVERYONE IN STRONGSVILLE dares you to GO FIND A BETTER DEAL. IT ISN"T OUT THERE!!!! When the OGT and OAA results come back later this year reality will smack you both in the face when you see the KIDS EARNED their own scores and you are only a piece of the puzzle, not the main cog! Quality teachers are important, however they are VERY REPLACEABLE!

Mr. Stein, for you to say they're going to Cutco, that's inappropriate. I realize you support the teachers, enjoy you're retirement.

The substitute teachers used during the school year are certified teachers and in many cases are certified in the subject they substitute.

Not all substitutes used during the school year are "certified" teachers. That is not true. But the subs being brought in for the strike will be...state law mandates that. This argument is a double edged sword because if all subs are bad...all subs are bad. So should we parents also keep our kids home when the teacher is sick?

Well said, Tad!

So, with not much in the way of learning going on at the schools anyway, why exactly am I being forced to send my kids. I have the wherewithal to keep them home, so I should have that choice. I'd rather babysit them than have strangers do the same.

It's not rumor- it's true- many teachers are flat out LYING to our students; and we're supposed to be worried about subs? I'm worried about these teachers who lie coming back!
Strongsville School District parents- I encourage you to send an email to Mr. Krupinski, Mr. Ryba, Mr. Frazee with a cc to the rest of the board with any untruths (the subs will be criminals, there will be no lesson plans, absences and misbehavior won't count against you) or inappropriate behavior (packing up the class rooms, not teaching) in the classrooms this week. While in negotiations, all emails must be turned over to the attorneys- so this means all of this garbage will be on record. Do not be afraid to name names & give quotes.
What's happening is a tragedy- I get there's a contentious contract dispute going on but you DO NOT bring the students in on it; it's a form of bullying and unacceptable.
Here's a link to the district's negotiation news page with all the facts and you can also find all of the contact info there.
http://schools.strongnet.org/negotiationnews

Sad Citzen you are a sad person period.
Take a side and man up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Sad Citizen, I am not at all happy about what is going on. In fact I initially said the teachers had to do what they had to do....as is their right! However, I have a senior and 2 middle school children who are very upset by what their teachers have said to them since this has all started. They wear their Strike pins to school. They emptied their classrooms in 2 days but did it last week? Then the teachers went to people's private homes. My anger comes from their behavior and now, questionable integrity. More then one of my children have spent this week watching multiple movies!!!!! not from a substitute but from their regular teacher. I have teacher's who do not return my phone calls when trying to ask a questions and do not update their grade on PASS. Equally, I am saddened and angered by the School Board. What you don't know when your coaching is we are sitting on the sidelines talking about how upset we are about everyone. I have teachers that I absolutely love here in Strongsville but unfortunately they are the minority in all this. So when you find yourself wondering who the "real people" are doing "all the screaming"....REST ASSURED....I am a parent, spouse, homeowner, taxpayer, and working citizen here in Strongsville, Ohio.

Ditto what Concerned in Strongsville said. There are many great teachers in Strongsville, many of them do not want to strike but must. The best teacher my daughter ever had was Mrs. Canning. I'm disappointed to say the least. I cannot believe the lies that are being told to our children. It's not even about the fact the district has no money to fund an unsustainable contract anymore; now the teachers union has made it about their deplorable behavior: behaving rudely at the board meetings, picketing outside board members' private residences, blocking negotiators from leaving a meeting and one even jumped on the hood of a car (really?); and finally the LIES being told to our children. How can we trust them with our children now?

Sending a letter with the kids is a wonderful idea. Thank you.

My kids have always had carte blanch to walk away from ANY situtation in school that may make them uncomfortable and to go to the principals office and this situation is no different.

Face it, the parents who oppose the teachers are bitter Tea Party members, or live in homes they can't afford in Waterford Crossing. The rest are retirees who have gotten the best years out of the schools for their own kids and now want to stick it to somebody for messing with their fixed income.

When logical arguments seem to fail.. call names. Or perhaps its the booger eaters from High Point.

Shame on you for not sharing your gift. By the way, what do you do for a living?

"Things I had created on my own time to help me with the job" On Monday you are doing this... when you still had to do your job or would you do that on Friday? Please those items are in there because you need them to do your job you said so yourself. You are correct if I was a professional I would finish the job with class and take care of business until my last day. If I was unprofessional yes I would goof off and pack up all week. Don't do something unprofessional and then complain that people are saying your unprofessional.

Was not asking them not to. The teachers bought those things and they belong to them....However, when you take the things a week before you are to leave and it didn't take you but maybe 2 days...... it isn't for anyone's benefit but for your political move to send the board a message. Could the kids have been in an uninterrupted school room till the last two days? That was my point! It produced undue stress on children who became concerned with the Strike pins, comments and then empty classrooms....Please sad citizen....you will find no fool here.

Excellent point Tad.
Facts always speak louder.

Tad-
When will your blog be appearing on the Patch?

Step Increase: Go to strongnet.org and look at the contract that is in negotiation news. The salary schedule is toward the back. Also check out Brecksville Broadview Heights new contract on SERB.

This person in 2007 must have been Bachelors and 3 years $37,026 with some sort of percentage raise in 2008. Then in 2008 they moved up to Ba and 4 years at $38,229. Then in 2009 they went to college and got more education for Ba 30 and 5 years at $48,860 (this is on the current scale). Then in 2010 they got a masters and were at Masters and 6 at $53,008; then in 2011 they moved up one step to masters and 7 at $54,975. So in 2012 this person is probably at masters and 8 at $56,942. A step is a yearly incentive or automatic raise. The steps on Strongsville's scale stop around 13 and then stay the same until 20 years.

So when they say they have not gotten a raise in 4 years it is the people not on steps anymore that have had the same salary for 4 years. The people on the steps still get raises.

BBH the same salary would be (new scale just negotiated)
BA and 3 $43,856
BA and 4 $46,052
BA 30 and 5 $53,194
MA and 6 $55,852
MA and 7 $58,645

It is higher than Strongsville but Strongsville gets the pick up at 9.3% of salary.

I think it would be fair if the board offered them a 6.2% raise on their current schedule and they pay their own pick up. A loss for them overall but the scales are too high to begin with.

Well put Tad.......

You know what else the contract didn't say. Pay Cut! They all should've taken a pay cut last contract due to the economy but the greedy teachers voted for step increases only, stipends and no raise. They settle because they were afraid of SB5. I am tired of your semantics. Their pay went up. No matter what you call it that is a pay raise!

All of my kids are saying the same thing. My high schooler just told me the only classes she will have on Monday is math, science, history and english and 4 classes of study halls.

Bob,
Please stop drinking the SEA kool aid ! The schools will get qualified subs- it's the law, you cannot teach without a teaching certificate. And they are all being background checked just like the current teachers, so that is just more union dribble. My prayers go the families of students, thats a great line, I'm guessing your a drama teacher.

Bob S. you are a complete idiot and should be ashamed of yourself for spreading this propaganda. It is all lies from you. if you had half a brain which I don't believe you have, the subs that have been used all year are going to be teaching so if they weren't scabs then, they are not scabs now. I'll bet you have never been to a board meeting or a finance committee meeting yet you know everything about the district. Nothing but a two year old with your statements..

You sound like a child. The superintendent will have full background checks on every applicant for the substitute positions. The students will be just as safe as any other regular day at school. These substitutes are equally as qualified. You should feel embarrassed by spreading these false comments in order to produce a panic. Your comments were completely false and abrasive. It is time for you to act like a mature adult and stop acting like a little child. I will be walking into the front doors of Strongsville High school Monday morning, and walking out completely safe, and more educated. Thank you

Current subs are not going to be teaching. I don't think they were even asked. All of the subs will come from the H? group. Sorry, don't know the name of this service.

Again, well said Mustafa.

Ron: (teacher)
Support the board and save the taxpayers $$$$$ and make the 83rd ranked teachers face the real working world.
Normal working man job:
250 working days
pay your own benefits
pay your own 401K
2 weeks vacation a year
And be held accountable for your job daily!!!!!!!!

Ron Schroth is a teacher in another district.

SCHROTH...........GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RUN FOR COUNCIL-AT-LARGE POSITION!!!!!!....I DON'T FORESEE IT HAPPENING.......

Ron,

It was a great day when you lost your bid to be elected to the Strongsville City School Board. By the way - I've always wanted to tell you how much of an embarassment you were at the SHS vs. Medina Freshman football game two years ago. Your vulgar behaviour that you displayed, while in the press box no less, was totally inappropriate. I'm sure that you learned it from the union that you belong to.

Forget hiring new teachers. Let's shut the schools down permanently and think about how much we'll save. Then we can shut down the police and fire depts. because they're just another added expense that could be served with volunteers. We all know Tea Party members love guns. Now's your chance to use them. The library is a freakin' waste of tax dollars too. Good riddance

Right on Mustafa!!!

Typical. Emmanuel sticks his nose in late in the game and doesn't get it. Keep your head in the sand bud!

wow you sure know a lot about the teachers pay, mindset and contract negotiations for a concerned citizen

Emmanuel $400 (Bob S said it was $450K) would not make a dent in the contract at all. If all it would take was $1,000 per each teacher this would not be an issue. Let me tell you this some very good teachers are going to leave by choice other good teachers are going to be let go because of egos (Mostly the SEA but the BOE must carry some burden as well). I am not sure what school you are in or how long you have be in the district but let me tell you some really good teachers do not want to go the picket line on Monday but they are not allowed to do what is they feel is right. Most residents of Strongsville have taken pay freezes, pay cuts and seen their benefit costs skyrocket if they are still gainfully employed. They made the decision they could have continued to work throughout the school year but instead they thought we will strike now when it is a critical time and parents will rally. Parents are rallying but not for the teachers but at the fact our children are being used as hostages. EPIC FAIL

@FUWS - I've been following the strike for several weeks now. I've also read hundreds of distasteful comments toward the teacher.

@James Murphy - Teachers want their pay to match up with the cost of living. Teachers are not greedy. If they were greedy, they would not be teaching and would instead take a job that pays more. Teachers pay out of their own pocket, tutor kids off school hours, and spend many hours grading papers outside of school.

I'm still concerned that people will try to argue against teacher pay and will completely ignore the fact that the board is hiring guards and attorneys with the situation that could have instead been used on a new contract.

@EMMANUEL, following this stuff for a few weeks oooohhhh. Have you ever been to a finance committee meeting? I'll bet not. Otherwise you would know that the teachers salaries are breaking this community. Did you know the food services is broke and can't support itself. Guess we should close that and give the money to the teachers also. did you know 9th grade math and science books have no covers and are missing pages. Bet not because that is not part of the strike news. Get your head out of the sand and go to a meeting in the summer and enlighten yourself to just how bad things are.

@FEWS

I've known about the issues for a while now, I was specifically talking about the strike. Also, I know that the books are bad. I'm pretty sure a ton of classes got new ones though. I think there a big issue with the school system in general. There are teachers that are getting overpaid, while other teachers are being stiffed. Why not try doing some merit based salary or lowering the cap limit?

@Tracy
If I'm not mistaken, teachers are fighting against pay cuts and less benefits too. A new contract does not mean it has to be 100% of what the teachers think. If the same contract continued with some minor changes (to cut costs, but NO pay cuts) then I'm sure the teachers could agree to it. Teachers just can't agree to the current one given.

A lot of parents actually support the teachers. Most of them are just not vocal about it. That $450k spent on an attorney could be easily spent evenly between a pay freeze and new books for the school. Lets also not forget about the hired guards and background checks on teachers. I'm sure that is going to cost some money.

Yes, the whole situation is crazy. I just wish the Board budged a little to give less cuts to the teacher. If I'm not mistaken, Strongsville has had over 5 treasuries in such a short period of time. I think a lot of people should be concerned about this as this could mean money is being handled VERY inefficiently.

Emmanuel Bagirov as soon as the teachers walk out that door the 400.00 to 450.00 per day needed to pay 260 of the 380 teachers ........ will be cut in half so there will be plenty of money left over for security..... now if the strike were to carry into a second week the district will have saved enough money to buy every kid a brand new book for every single subject

@Tom
You're still forgetting that $450K attorney which could have been used to buy the district new books.

I still think there is a better solution to all of this. Instead of cutting all teachers, why not limit the amount you can make to a smaller value?

Emmanuel you just said you need new books but I don't see the teachers complaining about that yes I am sure $400k could help with that but since 90% of our budget is tied up in salary and compensation the school is unable to do anything for the students. The teachers could have finished out the year with current contract and finalized everything over the summer and not impacted learning. Who truly is the selfish one in this situation.

You can't blame an attorney for charging legal fees - that is what they do.
If the union is refusing to accept the writing on the wall, THERE WILL BE NO MONEY, who is really to blame for the escalating attorney fees? The longer the union drags this out, the more people should be blaming the union for the attorney fees.

Emmanuel Bagirov it was the same lawyer the board used the last teachers contract (the teachers had no complaints about him then)
are you aware that using the top 150 teachers (not administrators) but just the top 150 teachers are making right now 79 to $80,690.00 and also there is a HIDDEN $ 8600.00 extra pension payment made on their behalf which is NOT included in their posted salary (turns their total to $89,200.00) .....which means.... lets say a berea teacher made $ 80,690.00 they would then have to pay the $8600.00 pension payment out of their salary ....... so their $80,690.00 salary now becomes $72,000.00
strongsville and 2 other school districts are the only ones in the entire state still making that payment ........the perk had to stop somewhere and that day is monday

@Tom

I do not disagree that some teachers are paid a little too much. But lets be honest, that isn't all the teachers. There are many that are being treated unfairly.

Lyn - You can't blame the attorneys for charging legal fees, but you can blame the teachers for asking for a fair contract? That's a double standard even you can't BS your way out of.

I agree James here is a brand new poster with a collection of his greatest hits ............... take it away BOB S
Bob S
WAKE UP !! board makes money and keeps money, when teachers are on strike, fights and drug use go up 700 % , you will see, it will be a disaster, due to the boards not willing to take care of the teachers that work 60 - 100 hours per week,
Bob S
they are going to Kitco, the company that sells knives door to door looking for teachers, you will see, I fear for the kids and the families,
Bob S
The school, won't get any subs, they will get scabs that can carry criminal backrounds, no substitute will cross the line in their right mind, I hope the students aren't hurt, may prayers go the families of the students and hope they are safe with the scabs.
Bob S
you are wrong the board is the enemy, the school will be a disaster due to the board, not willing to pay for excellent teachers, just because you are jealous you flip burgers, you get what you pay for, if you want good teachers you pay them, each scab will make almost $ 200 a day, so why don't you hate on them,
Bob S
Lyn go shove a Banana in your month , you nasty jealous burger flipper !

So this is a give the teacher anything they want sea supporter

As we know, these are either teachers or the union posting.
Nice example they present, huh?

here is a brand new poster who says he is a Strongsviller teacher with a collection of mature reasoning ............... take it away Dick Jenner

Dick Jenner
Wow you people are all mother XXXXX(yes he f bombed) scum of the earth except bob s

Dick Jenner
You people disgust me

Dick Jenner
I have been teaching fourth grade science in Strongsville for 18 years, and let me tell you first class idiots, that the teachers union is absolute, we will not suffer unfair working conditions, and although I make we'll over starting salary other teachers that have just started should not have to starve at lunch time because of the ridiculously underpaying salary of that pay class

and these are the type of professionals employed right now in strongsville

WOW!!

And the intruder I would fear the most would be a disgruntle teacher - just look how their actions have escalated. I would be glad there will be security and police to watch and prevent trouble.

Can someone please clarify what I read about those mandatory times that the teachers were to be there the first part of March?
I guess in regards to the OGT tests - is any of that true - that they were warned they would be fired if they were not present? Because of being mandatory duties of their employment?

Not everyone signed the letter, some went home unsigned.
Mine was signed by Amy McMillan-"A proud member of the Strongsville Education Association". Amy also had no qualms about telling her students that she wouldn't send her children to school next week because there will be no background checks; shrugging her shoulders and saying, "not my problem" when asked about next week and was overheard telling another teacher she doesn't expect to be gone out on strike more than a week. Hmmm...

Denise I might have agreed with you up until I read the letter that i posted in the picture section which my 8 year old brought home ..... which the teacher read to them in class... I have since called the school (I wonder when the principal will hear out of his ear again)

Denise, I agree wholeheartedly. We are very fortunate to have our principal, and our teachers have been very professional and shown dedication to the children. We are blessed at Surrarrer!

They could have referred the parents to the school website where many of the questions are answered.
But, just sending this letter was meant to strike fear, not information or concern. They know the info is online for people to access.

mom will the kids learn more at home or in school ......and mom does your child still go to school when a teacher is off for an extended illness and are letters sent home warning parents about substitute worries when a teacher is absent

lyn,
The answers to many of those questions are NOT on the website. My child has an IEP. There is no mention whatsoever if or how the subs are going to be implementing what is on it. He also has a medical condition that required major surgery this year. I have received no feedback as to how the subs are going to make sure his medical needs are going to be attended to. There is also no mention as to whether the work will count towards the students' actual grades.

Strongsville Mom just a thought ....why dont you volunteer some of your time and help out in your childs class ....it would be a great opportunity for you to give back to your community for all the extra help your family has received so far

I hope you had the chance last week or earlier this week to contact John Krupinski with your concerns. I found him to be very concerned and willing to answer questions. We were very impressed with the man and wonder if those bashing him have ever dealt with him one on one. He just has some harsh realities to deliver that many do not want to hear - and he is not to blame for that.

Lyn - It's been two days. Still waiting on my questions to be answered by anyone on the board and Mr. Krupinski.

They should have a fair contract - but they certainly DO NOT deserve more than that!

the questions are legitimate but why do they need to be asked, because the teachers put the kids in this situation. The teachers made the decision to strike if a teacher truly cared about education and the benefit of a child you would never do this especially in the middle of year, The union is playing nasty games with our children

Candid/ Strongsville Mom-
I don't know if you are one in the same, since one responded when I was replying to the other.

I hope I'm replying to S. Mom, as I would rather ignore candid because of his comments towards me -

I know it must be terribly stressful not knowing what is to come and what your child may face next week. If you just recently contacted them with your questions, you must realize that they are swamped with calls and emails. Besides those from concerned parents, the union has encouraged the teachers and others to call the administration and Board members to, shall we say, express their unhappiness with them in a firm manner. This has unfortunately taken time away from when they could be dealing with parents concerns. I hope they are able to answer your questions soon to your satisfaction and if they strike, you and your child will see a smooth transition.
Also, if they do strike, hopefully it will be done in a manner that will not harm the children emotionally.

Strongsville Mom, those questions were already answered. http://www.strongnet.org/negotiationnews
That letter was a mean-spirited scare tactic.

Lyn,
I am not the same person as Candid.
Tom, that's a wonderful suggestion. I have actually volunteered in my child's classroom. I have a great appreciation for how hard MANY of the teachers in our school work. My child's teachers have gone over and above to help up through this year and my child's medical situation. They are NOT lazy or ungrateful or so many of the other hurtful things people are accusing teachers of being.
TIna, I have read the website repeatedly. it DOES NOT address how the subs are going to be implementing IEPs or how they will be made aware of allergies or other medical issues. It DOES NOT address whether the work given will count for a grade. ALL of the questions should be answered, not just the ones about whether the subs are qualified or have been background checked. If I am mistaken then kindly show where it addresses how IEPs are going to be handled. I'd also like to know that the subs that come in have been given training in the specific lock-down procedures for each school. That hasn't been addressed on the website either. All it says that they will have gone thru the background check.

Tad, I am not a teacher. You can search me up on Facebook. I'm actually a student at the school.

Rank 83rd is not average, and it's especially great thanks to fact that SHS got "Excellent w/ Distinction" which is the highest rating a school can get.

And again, money management is very poor and I'm sure tons of money is thrown around where the school could be saving money. Just think about this for a second.

FIVE
TREASURIES

..Really now, people should be worried.

why dont we just do what the real head of the teachers union (Obama) does when he needs more money
Just print some more up

Add that to the crude banana reference made by Bob S - great teachers we have!

how do we disgust you dick

Starves on a beginning Strongsville teacher salary?
You have GOT to be kidding!!!
Tell that to people who are really starving.

Dick,
Some of the first class idiots you refer to are Strongsville School system graduates, so if they they are idiots maybe you and your associates didn't do the great job you claim to do. And underpayed ? Really ? Starting salary is 34779.00 add to that the 10.3% pickup 3582.24 and the 200.00 a quarter bonus if you show up for work everyday 800.00 and healthcare you dont pay for let's say 1300.00 a month, thats 15600.00 . So total it up and you get 54,761.24 I'd say if you are starving on that you eat way to much !!!

DICK JENNER...........Let me tell you something...........I am a 1985 SHS Graduate.......went to Muraski and Center Jr. High School back in the day.......and I can tell you that I have my SAME job for the past 28 years from when I was in C.O.E. @ SHS with Mr. Vince Ketterick.........I had MANY great teachers over the years......NONE of them are as low-class as you and your comment........Thank God you were not my Son's 4th grade science Teacer as he attended Muraski and is about to complete his time @ Center and move to SHS..........Back in the day, the District had the 70's energy crisis to endure along with economic issues......this is nothing new......HOWEVER........back in the day, the Teachers TRULY put the children first and above their own agenda........I can tell you Mr. Paul Richings was out on that playground @ Muraski every day at recess with us, playing kickball.....How many times can YOU say you have ever done it???.......Mr. Richings did as he enjoyed being with us kids and was not all about the money and greed!!!

Yeah, but no one on record by that name

Is it the union or a teacher mouthing off?

Since everyone is so interested in facts...FACT - There are no male 4th grade teachers in the district. And, I've never heard of a fourth grade teacher only teaching science. I'm guessing it's just lyn or one of her cronies trying stoke the fires of hatred toward teachers.

There are 4th grade teachers that only teach science and social studies same with 5th and 6th grade. They have "departmentalized" the subjects and that info would not be listed on the directory. There are a few male teachers he could of just modified his grade level for the boards

Or someone trying to diminish Lyn's credibility? Hmmmm... how to keep Lyn quiet. Let's get one of our friends to say something crazy and pretend its Lyn's friend. Then accuse her of lying. See that is how the game is played.

That's what this guy has been doing since he came on here.
lyn this, lyn that - he's obsessed.

lyn-
You just hit the nail on the head..."too much at the top". Take a look at our administrators salaries. You can do this by using the link our BOE president on their web page. Keep in mind that they reap the same benefits as do teachers. Talk about needing to cut the fat. If the system is broke then so be it. Everyone involved with the school system should take a cut, not just one group...again!

Lyn - Hey Lyn - Anyone home in there??? Dick is not real...get it? Why are you arguing with yourself? This can only be one of your teacher-bashing friends because there are no male 4th grade teachers who only teach science in the district. Get it? By the way, what are you going to do with your sad little life once this is all resolved?

Candid-
Wow-
You teachers and the union must really be running scared that you come on here to trash Patch posters and not discuss the topic or facts. A bit of bullying, heh? Trying to intimidate people to quit informing others?
Won't work. Haven't you noticed - the more you and your kind do this, the more we respond back. That's what I call backfiring on you!!!

John-
I agree with you.
The administration should also feel the pain.

I think those with the most, should feel it the most.
In other words, the newbies feel it the least, as well as the "support staff".
The ones to feel it the most should be the ones highest paid in the district - administrators and teachers.

Come on lyn, now you are sounding like our white house leaders...."those that have the most should feel it the most".

John-
What is your problem? Was I not agreeing with you? You just want to disagree with me for the sake of doing so?
Do you REALLY think a teacher making $50,000, another teacher making $80,000 and an administrator making $100,000 should each give up $5000 if $15,000 shortage needs to be covered? Really?

I was just making a point. I cannot recall one of your threads ever demanding paycuts or accountability for the admin. If I am wrong and missed it then I apologize. Again, take a look at some the salaries for administrators. Secretaries making a lot more than some of the teachers. That is not right. Also, look at the number of people working in the administration side. It looks like Mrs Obama was in charge of hiring. This system is bleeding and we have assist. secretaries making more than some teachers. Now I do not begrudge anyone from earning a livable wage, but if I had my chose of how money is spent I would want it in the classroom. Thats means teachers included. When was the last time the school business development director taught in a classroom? This person is raking in $97,000.00 per year! Lets prioritze..

John -
The reverse is also true - I have never said that the admin should be exempt from paycuts or accountability.
That was never a topic of discussion I was part of. And, unless I'm wrong, I do not recall anyone discussing this until I had read over some emails from last nights back and forth on an article that I wasn't involved in (I was busy with another one). And, I think people were in agreement even there, unless I'm wrong. And, since it was my intention to eventually get around to chiming in on that topic, this was as good a time as any.
You must realize that the number of admin is small as compared to teachers, and the topic right now is the teachers - not admin or support staff (bus drivers,...). I would say that most think all should feel the pain. I really don't think anyone could disagree with that.
But I would disagree with taking say "Betty Sue's" salary that you might have a problem with, and deciding that she now should make say 1/3 less. I think the percentage reduction should be the same for all, but if she makes more than some, she takes a bigger hit. And then, if you want to say, but from here on out, her salary will grow only ... or is capped at... I have no problem with that.
I'm sorry, I can't speak to valuing the different people who's title you mentioned.

lyn- the reason we are on this site is because of school funding and finances. If Strongsville was not in dire straights this discussion would not be happening. Although we do not know for sure what both sides are asking for, we do know that the district is hurting. How can we say the teachers aren't worth the package they receive, some may not be, without including EVERYONE? Before we bash the financial package of the teacher, we should know what everyone's stake in this is. It almost reminds me of when the banks went bully up and the fed, or I should say we the people, bailed them out...the banks made out just fine while people were loosing their homes.

Tad, you continue to stoop as low as the individuals writing nasty comments...teachers, students, and residents. Stop judging when you are doing the same thing!!! Many comments I have read have quite a bit of merit to them, for both sides, but yours are just reactive and to be honest, right up there with Bob S. and "Dick" whomever he may be. Classless breeds classless and you have gotten sucked in to the black hole.

We are glad you left as well.

Thank you. The IQ of the blog site just went up now that you are gone.

Another great blog.
Please do another if you see one is needed.
You have a way of clarifying what should be apparent.

Dear Tracy,

In light of the current situation why don't you take a REAL GOOD LOOK at the huge mess your lack of leadership and lack of original thought has created? The entire city is upset by your tactics, lies, threats, misuse of position and betrayal of the public trust. You and you alone lead the union. You are responsible for tearing the city and our school system apart. You don't care! You are simply greedy and selfish. Your goal is simply to add to your pay now so you can retire even better, without regard for the young teachers who will lose their jobs to pay for your raise. What about the common good? What about the entire district? What about reality and the obvious loss of income to the schools? YOU DON"T CARE.

Well Tracy , Here's a positive thought for us tax payers this week. You will out of a job soon......:)

Thank you for this information and the website

Whoa.. does this also apply to the substitutes during the school year? I better not send my kids to school when the teacher is out sick or maternity leave...

typically a school has a pool of subs they pull from that have already been vetted, but those subs are not allowed to fill in during a strike, Based on some correspondence I have had with the board and principal at the elementary school, they will have the same sub everyday for their classes. So I think that its not a bad policy that on Monday get the name of your childs sub or subs and run it through the database listed.

I wonder what it is like to be a current sub here. The way the teachers talk in disgust about them as a group and to have heard the teachers laugh at the Board meeting when it was said also subs would be filling the positions - that had to be a real eye opener.
And these teachers are the same people demanding respect.
Yet, as other people have pointed out, the teachers never showed concern about leaving their students with subs before. A bit hypocritical, huh????

Hopefully the individuals disputing this matter will check the site out. Access accurate information before you spew inaccurate information. I guess that is the lesson one can take away from this.

As always, well said Tad!

Don't forget to include our administrators when mentioning our kids safety. They are bent on keeping the doors open, even though they have a very loose grip on who is actually going to be in the classroom, instead of closing school for a day or two so the parents do not have to send their kids in the summer. A parent that blindly drops off their child on Monday may be putting them in a situation that could be negative and unsafe.

John,

I could be a cynic and say based on what I've seen from the current teachers, I'm not sure I would feel safe with some of the current teachers molding young kids minds.

Are you teacher...is your solution really that the kids should be home?

Apple didn't close it's doors when Steve Jobs died....so, a history lesson on the Civil War can be taught by a sub until a time when the SEA pulls its head of the dream land they are currently living in.

You missed my point. We, including the admin, for not 100% sure who will be babysitting the children. I am not a teacher, and if I had children in the system, you bet I would keep them home on Monday. I would want to know who is watching over my kid for seven hours a day. Just like I want to meet the parents of my child's friend prior to just dropping them off at their house.

john smith on any given day regular teachers are being arrested for crimes
where is your outrage there

And so are doctors, lawyers, priests, parents and on and on....not sure what your point is. Maybe I missed it, but I cannot recall a teacher being dragged out in cuffs. Please tell...

here john
http://interested-participant.blogspot.com/2007/05/teacher-christine-scarlett-guilty-in.html

No way James! She had to be from Huffmasters...no way she could be a SEA member! They can do no wrong. Didn't you hear? If they can't teach our kids, there is literally no one left on the planet that can. It's a funny thing. I didn't realize that once you become part of the SEA, you instantaneously become indispensable, even if you don't have any prior teaching experience. Even if it is your first teaching job out of college...you literally become the only person that can teach your kids! As long as you pay dues, you are immediately qualified...and not only qualified, you also become the only teacher than can every do your particular job again forever. Not bad for just monthly dues.

Couldn't resist could you? We thought you were done posting.

Have you researched this labor company the BOE is using? Not a stellar record. Ask J. Krupinski who is babysitting in YOUR childs classroom on Monday. I would bet he has no idea.

That is your example? A question?

Ok then, i'll just take a "brake" right now. Hey guys...I'm going on "brake." I'll take my car in to get my "breaks" checked.

Good one Myron. You actually made me crack a smile. Maybe you should join the scabs, I mean subs, and teach a grammer class.

Good idea. First class I will teach...spelling. "John Smith, can you spell grammar for the class?" John: yeah, sorry teacher, i was trying to make a joke and it backfired again... Uh...let's see...grammar...uh...G-R-A-M-M-E-R?" Sorry John...you must have been taught by a SEA teacher. That's wrong...and so is your body."

http://interested-participant.blogspot.com/2007/05/teacher-christine-scarlett-guilty-in.html

I remember when that happened we were like WOW what a hot teacher. lucky kid

nice personal attacks without even seeing or knowing who I am. I never said it wasn't true, just questioned it. in this current school situation we are all loosers.

"Loosers"...I trust you mean "losers". You have the spelling skills of a 5th grader.

James - funniest email of the night. Well done.

My God John, hit the damn spell check button already. You're making this too easy.

John smith 8 posts no points nice job we will add you to the list of perfect examples of pro teachers

myron after reading all of john smiths comments we need that adam sandler school quote

THANK YOU perfect ending to that rubble !!!!!!!!

I will show them respect every time I drive past them!!! one finger at a time (grin)

Lyn the patch already had the scoop first !!! Debbie is on the ball

Remember those things that I listed that constitute violation of NLRB?
One of those was preventing passage.
I wondered about that when the teachers did that very thing.
Well, because 150 teachers did this - now a lawsuit because of unfair labor practices.
You would have thought the teachers would have been smarter than this.

So, what about the members all getting a copy of the proposals??

Kim-
So she did!
I had my computers off for the night.
By the time I finally got this up, I see she got it on here.

I wonder who he/she was the day before.
Or could just be more teacher or union antics at play here.

Didn't seem smart enough, though. Just taking jabs and kept missing. No substance to any comments - from either personality.
But then again, the ones I thought were teachers exhibited very little of the smarts that you would expect to find in a highly educated person. Or, is this what's teaching our kids????

Lyn..I respect your passion regarding this hot mess SCSD is currently in. I whole hardily understand. I guess what I find annoying is your continued posts with really no new information. It is like listening to the teacher in Charlie Brown.. I get your point. Allowing public opinion on this website is awesome, but it has become nauseating from both sides of the coin. The same information said 40 different ways. Sorry, just my opinion. I think one of the most informative and sensible posts over the past few days was from CPA who provided the website to investigate information about the subs coming in.

"A former teacher in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District has been arrested for allegedly setting a fire inside an Arizona Walmart store."

Linda-
I believe this is 7out of 9 posts aimed at me in the the 3 days you have posted.
As your first 2 were just insults, I should really ignore your question.
But I'll instead just tell you since you obviously don't know why the post was made.You deserve to be told , "what's the problem, can't read, comprehend or keep up?" But, instead, I'll assume that you just missed the point of the discussion that occurred above and I'll explain it to you.

Our friend John Smith was trying to make the point that our kids safety would be in danger by hiring subs.

Then this followed-
from James Murphy
"on any given day regular teachers are being arrested for crimes
where is your outrage there"

from John Smith
"And so are doctors, lawyers, priests, parents and on and on....not sure what your point is. Maybe I missed it, but I cannot recall a teacher being dragged out in cuffs. Please tell..."

Linda, see John Smith's question
" I cannot recall a teacher being dragged out in cuffs. Please tell..." because he feels the teachers were OK but the subs are a threat to the kids safety.

Do you now understand my post?

Another person followed by posting a link reminding everyone about the Strongsville teacher who had sex with a Strongsville student and a child resulted from that.
Proof #1 that teachers are not always what we would hope for or expect.

I followed with link about a retired Brecksville teacher-I had remembered this happened recently.
Proof #2.

OK now?

The teachers proposal is on the site as well not sure what the sticking points are as there are several requests the board does not address. What I recall is the teacher want backpay for the past two years (the yearly raises they did not get), step increases (the board wants those frozen for two years), class sizes kept at 25 (not a bad thing but if the class goes over 25 they want $20 per child per month), an additional planning period (which could require the district to higher more teachers). There are some differences in what the teachers want to pay for benefits but not sure they would strike over those.