Better hurry before more and more members cross next week so they don't lose another week of pay during Spring Break.

Yep. Lots of teachers want to cross the line. PLEASE do so. It's your choice to do what YOU want to do for yourself, your family and your children. No loss of charcater or integrity for doing so - it only increases the level of CHARACTER and INTEGRITY you have.

who asked your opinion, they are done calling all the shoots.

Ummm, "Who asked my opinion?" My guess is the same folks that asked for yours, Greg. And why be so mean? Why can't people just have an adult discussion on here?

Ken - Please explain to me what incentive the attorney has to have this settled anytime soon. The longer this drags out, taxpayers like me will continue to line the pockets of these sleezeballs. That's how it works.

Why are you proud of the BOE? I watched the last BOE meeting and all of the BOE members left Mr. Krupinski all by himself to answer all of the union complaints. Nobody there had his back. They sat there and watched while they grilled the poor man. You are proud of that? The Super and Mr. Frazee took all of that crap and no one stepped up to take the heat off of them. I felt bad for Mr. Krupinski. I also understand that none of the BOE members are at negotiations. Why not? It is Mr. Krupinski and the attorney (who is getting paid alot of money) only.

I agree to a point, Ken. And I didn't say not to have the lawyer present. In the interests of the kids, if the SEA wants to meet, the BOE should drop everything and meet. I would have Mr. Krupinski present, as well as the attorney. But I would definitely meet.

It's pointless for them to meet until the SEA finally understands the BOE's last best offer really is the LAST best offer they're going to get. Otherwise, they're just wasting the board's time.

And that's just her BASE salary. She needs to stick to teaching and the the Union BS to someone else.

Sad Citizen Lets make the police fire and teachers all the same pay class bring the police and firefighters pay up a little and all the teachers salary up or down to meet in the middle so all three will have the same benefits and salaries

Don't forget the overtime police and firefighters receive. No one complains about that.

sad you are a taxpayer and I have yet to hear your solution what should the board give and what should the teachers agree to do more of

you have the floor !!! please proceed

I voted for a school board, not a lawyer.

Teachers looked none to pleased to be on the picket line at Chapman today. We have great teachers there. I hope they all cross the picket line and come back.

This argument is so old. They make an annual salary. I make an annual salary. There are weeks I work 80 hours, travel 14 days straight, put in 18 hours in a day. Then there are scheduled holidays and I might even work from home those days. Teachers make a salary. There are days they work hard, and a whole bunch that they don't. If the salary a teacher makes is not what their life and career goals had in mind, that's a career choice gone bad. If they cross the line they will in fact revert to their old payrol selection (school year only checks or distributed over 12 months checks). Again, choice. Educators are teaching children to make choices, maybe they should go back to school and learn a bit more about making them. Stop with the clock-punching analogy to teacher payrols. They make a salary for the prescribed work calendar. And yes, a few months a year that might entail take-home work and evenings at the kitchen table like a many many other professions. If the SALARY doesn't cut it for the work you put in. Put in your notice and find a job with a ticking clock in the corner. Our children, our schools and the community will be the better for it.

I agree. They want to be called professionals but are acting like hourly employees.

If we had 380 police, you'd have a whole new group to go after.

Thinking the same thing today. The only ones left circling Center were the teachers I'd like to see retire early... We can only hope... I took one of the best teachers in the district (and his wife) to lunch today. Dropped a few movie tickets in his mailbox for the kids with enough to cover popcorn and suds. I'll make his car payment if he needs it. More than willign to support quality teachers. Not willing to have him lumped in with the slackers anymore. REach out to the ones that matter and tell them they'll be welcomed back. For the rest, and we know who they are, we need to make real sure teh board, and school administrators know that parents woke up during this strike and sub-par teachers need to fix their deficiencies or leave. We can start by cancelling "Skill for Success" class at Albion and double down on math and science.

That union is a waste. My dad and grandfather got hosed for decades by these clowns. Wish I'd seen them.

You heard right. And some I see are now claiming that they only took stuff they bought? Really? Yeah.....about that.

I bought an aweful lot of these goodies. Dropped off the last batch during conferences, the one where the teacher hand't bothered to update her grade book for the 3 weeks leading up to it.

I'm fine with a "scab" using my tissues.... Hope they don't expect a refill when the union folds and they're back to work.

I voted for a board, not a lawyer.

Since you're so good at looking up salaries, how about checking into Mr. Frazee. Seems he's an Associate Dean at Tri-C. I'd love to see his comp plan and benefits we pay for to do next to nothing.

It's been my experience that most who "represent" the membership aren't very good. They're the people who looked for a way to still get all the perks of the job while not actually having to do the job. At least that's how most blue collar locals work, not sure about the teachers. I'm pretty sure they still teach.

Its too dangerous to bring Kasich or anyone like that here - just look at how the teachers have been behaving.

Kinda weird - my last post mentioned two politician's by name and it's sitting in "pending approval" status. I've NEVER seen that before. And people wonder why there are so many conspiracy theorists out there :)

I finally feel like this negotiating team is representing the students and taxpayers interest.

I voted for a board, not an attorney.

I agree, James, probably just a fluke. I had one that said 'pending' for three days. LOL I finally deleted and reposted and it went right up. Gremlins, my guess

Isn't this the same group that published the BOE members' home phone numbers and protested outside of their personal residences? And perhaps sent out the "Scab" letter listing the sub's personal information? Not much sympathy here.

Toooooo damn funny. She's beyond pathetic. "Booh hoo hoo... somebody followed me home." Karma's a bitch - isn't it??? Maybe we could all go and camp out outside of her house and yell insults, block her driveway.... She's a monumental embrassment to what I believe fully is a GREAT group of teachers.

Maybe it was a trash picker.

I am also a teacher, and while I agree that acting unprofessionally is extremely counterproductive to their cause (and, have a little self-respect teachers), I do not think they should accept a contract just because it "could be worse". There is a point at which your working conditions deteriorate to the point where you feel you can not do your job well. If you have any pride, you want to do your job well and the thought of not being able to bothers you (or should).

Do I think these teachers need to make some concessions to help balance the district budget? Absolutely - the success of the school system is in their best interest. Do I think the board needs to make some concessions? Absolutely. They all need to sit down and come up with some money saving solutions to these financial problems. My school district brings in less money than Strongsville and they were able to do it by planning ahead and looking down the road. Unfortunately, Strongsville did not have as much foresight and have now really limited their options by dragging this process out for so long and waiting until the last minute. They should have been making money saving decisions long ago - and saving money does not just come from freezing salaries.

Excellent analogy Tad. I was thinking the same, such as the "fishing derby tank" at a Boat Show. Mindless drones, incapable of individual thought. By the way, speaking of boat show...I'm in love with my new Sunseeker 88. Been out last few days on it. Unreal. Lots of champagne and lots of sun.

Still same situation apparently? I love these people that say "the BOE needs to negotiate when the SEA says it wants to talk." Uh, no...they don't. If they don't accept the terms, there is nothing to discuss. So you want them to set a meeting to talk about how they need to talk more? Obviously, some of you think because you "negotiated" your salesman at your local hyundai dealership into throwing in two floormats, you are cut out for negotiations. You're not. I've you've got the balls to put your final offer on the table...leave it there. I like the earlier suggestion by my friend Tad to decrease the offer for every week/day the strike goes on. It's more than fair and anything less you concede to will ensure that you, as the BOE, are not doing your job to restructure the compensation system currently in place. You're already in the fight. Stick it out and let them stand out there as long as they want. Tests will be administered and soon enough, permanent replacements will be in classrooms. And 383 losers will be out of a job. Unlike some of you, I cut ZERO slack to those who strike and are too weak to cross. They are sheep.

Thanks Lyn...I believe that thats fair what the school board asked I also think it was fair to remove the teachers login ability to systems they had access to.

just talked to a teacher freind and she said the strike vote tally was never announced to the teachers. She said that the teachers are being told they cant be fired since its in their contract. When I asked if the contract was still valid since they are striking and it expired last July she said she did not know.

Spinner -

As I agree, the teachers should have had their log in access taken away, but... if the board was dead set on avoid a strike, why was it taken away at 4pm Friday when there were still negotiations taking place on Saturday March 2nd? There was no reason to preemptively take grade book and email privileges away until after a strike was official... don't you think?

The exact number was not announced, however, there was an overwhelming majority for the teachers to strike, which I would assume to be at least 95%. And your friend is correct, the teachers can not be fired due to striking.

SHADY LYN-
I see crept back here under this name again, ditching the other one-
About cutting you guys off at 4:00 on Friday-
It was the end of your work week.
If the strike didn't happen, you would have had log in access on Monday at the beginning of your work week.
Quit crying victim when you are not - especially when you went on strike, it made no difference. Were you planning a little sabotage? That is why employers take this action, and you know it.
You are not the victim in this by any stretch of the imagination.

Would anyone who had children whose books or supplies were stolen by the teachers please call the Strongsville Police? Theft of property is a crime. Report crime.

Are you kidding me!?...where are the pens, markers, tissues, student rewards, art supplies, paper...I BOUGHT for the class rooms!!! Not personal property! Sorry. Oh, and BTW, I was in the school yesterday. Things are running very smooth....and getting better every day the strike continues. I am willing to do what ever I can to help out and see that the talented professionals that WANT jobs keeps them! The subs I met are awesome!

I agree with William - and that includes any supplies that were taken by the teachers that belonged to the parents that were paid for and provided by the parents for their kids learning environment.

It is not as much about pay as you want to believe...

At the end of the day, the SEA would probably accept a salary freeze IF the board would move on other sticking points (planning time, tenure, not taking a paycut from the pension pick-up...) But the board refuses to move on anything... they have not moved on a single item since the beginning of the negotiations.

Everyone keeps saying "what don;t you understand about Last Best Offer??" well, when it is the same as their first offer, then there is a problem.

I dont see a problem REAL.... The offer is what it is. We have a board that we have tasked to keep education affordable. When 90% of the money goes to keeping you on the job....THAT is the problem. Now it is time to face the issue...once and for all. You life of Riley has ended.

Yes, but you do realize in doing so, the are actually giving the teachers a pay cut? Not a freeze... a pay cut.

Since they are adding the 9.3% back to the salaries, you are talking about the tax implications correct?

there are so many misconceptions in what you just posted, I am not even sure where to begin

Sorry Strong Dad, as much as it pains me, I have to agree with Shady Lyn - there is a mistake in your list.
You said teachers "want 3 personal leave days unrestricted"
They actually want 4 - they already have 3!

You do know this is bargaining right? You go in, knowing you are not going to get everything you ask for. You are selling a car, you ask for 30K, knowing that you would be happy with 22K... hoping you can find a happy medium.

This is what the SEA is doing... the BOE has not moved an inch.... even on non-financial related points.... why?? Ask their lawyer... he is the ONLY one benefiting from this

So the SEA asked for more in their initial proposal and this is the movement they have made?

Why did the SEA wait 9 months to strike if the board's initial proposal is the same as their last proposal? Coincidently it is at OGT and OAA testing time.

Lyn aka Tracy: When do you cut your losses and just accept the First and Last Best Offer? 1 Month, 2,3,4,5? When does the loss in wages and benefits become so great that even if you get those retroactive step increases and everything you want, it will take years to offset your loss?

Because the teachers were working under "good faith" that the BOE would negotiate with them and come to a settlement.

After 9 months of trusting the BOE to do so, the SEA had enough... the timiing is what it is, but the BOE could have prevented this months ago.

SHSparent -

This is why you fail to understand this is more than just about money... if it were only about money, the teachers would not be striking, I promise you that.

Do you actually believe that Shady? What kool-aid are you drinking? Why doesn't the SEA put together a reasonable proposal of terms they will consider/accept? The proposal they presented is ridiculous.

StrongDad... you clearly don't know what is going on...as most of the general public does not. The SEA has put many proposals and counter proposals to give the BOE... they have even countered their own proposal because the BOE has shown up with nothing at the table.

And many of the things the SEA is asking for is more than fair... planning time, tenure...

Lyn: What happens if the BOE never makes a new offer? I hear there is no binding arbitration in the current contract. Would teachers sit out the remainder of this year and maybe 2013/2014?

Still an unrealistic proposal. If I was a Board member I would NOT offer any counter offer either. I would not be giving more planning time, less work days, tenure (if you are a good teacher why do you have to worry?), personal/vacation days, paid for extra kids in a class, etc.

You've heard of the "Party of No?" Well, this is the "Board of No." Their type loves gridlock. It's what they do best.

Shady - you say - "The SEA has put many proposals and counter proposals "
Yet the last proposal says at the very top... "counter proposal #2" - that doesn't sound like many

And if you say that you have given in on many items - you still are demanding 3 step increases over just 2 years, and that includes going back and trying to get the step you agreed to give up for 2011-12 - THAT is giving up in negotiations?

Good for you StrongsvilleMother.... and while I am assuming this classroom is an an elementary level, you do understand the elementary schools are the least of the BOE's worries right now, don't you?

Anyone with a certificate can babysit elementary classes... and the kids are so young, they don;t know the difference. But get into middle school and high school... that is where you run into the problems of not having qualified teachers for the students. Middle School subs are being rotated every few days, because by law, they cant teach a class they are not certified in for longer than 5 days as a substitute.

Thank you StrongsvilleMother for helping the teachers and the students. Atleast you care about the children!

Great point you made shady "anyone with a certificate can babysit elementary classes". You truly showed your ignorance on that statement.

Strongdad -

Notice i said babysit... anyone can baby sit. Not everyone can TEACH. The highly qualified teachers are waiting to come back to your kids.... it is all in the BOE's hands

I prefer a new teacher to any teacher that walked out on the kids. I don't like quitters!

Please call Srongsville Police if you have evidence of theft.

Because the lesson a teacher is able to create from the years of experience, teaching, schooling that has probably been tweaked year after year to make it better the next time is their own... not the schools.

This is what a lot of you can;t get through your heads... no one can do this job like the highly qualified individuals the BOE has forced out onto the picket line... no one.

The lesson plans were made utilizing planning time which was paid for by the taxpayers so that makes the lesson plan the property of the school system.

There are plenty of highly qualified individuals that would take full time permanent jobs in Strongsville.

Why isn't the district pursuing access to plans as their intellectual property?

You don't think the district has a long list of things that they have been adding to every day as these fools continue to commit violations? It just makes for a bigger case. The greater the evidence, the greater the chance of ....BYE-BYE....try being a scab in the next district that says no to those teachers demands.

the fact that you find the strike "hysterical" speaks volumes of your character.

Congrats on your son's success, I know it must not have been easy reaching it with you as a parent.

Thanks! :-)

Although not a big fan of the strike, I actual found Tracy to be an excellent teacher at Allen.

I promise you that not one single teacher that is striking wants the children to fail.... nor the community to hate them. Shame on the BOE and their lawyer for putting the teachers in this position.

The NEW (notice I didn't say substtute) Honors AP Government teacher is awesome!!! The current one, who is on strike, couldn't carry his briefcase. I won't state his name in order to make it more difficult for the SEA thugs to find his address to distribute their trash flyers in the neighborhood he resides. He's only a recent graduate of Miami of Ohio and currently attends John Marshal School of Law - hey my kid may actually learn about U.S. Constitution - if his teacher does return, I'm encouraging him to ask her what she was screaming at the minority teacher applicants as she stood on the Commons two Sundays ago.

Shady, Nice try. The Board is doing exactly what this Community has asked them to do. The previous Board made some mistakes in giving the teachers their last contract. Does not mean we have to keep making the same mistakes. The blinds have come off and we are not settling for status quo anymore. One good thing has come out of this strike. More parents have taken the time to research the teachers contract and proposals and are more aware of how ridiculous this strike is. Good Job! In many cases, some were shocked by what the teachers already get.

Dave, my daughter said the same thing. They must have the AP Government teacher.

Lyn shady the teachers failed the first 2 rules of a strike

stop the flow of goods into the plant/location (no offense) in this case the kids
with a 90% attendance rate that is a fail

gain community support
big fail community support not there, union support not there, could not even get all the teachers to attend their own rally, TV station coverage 5-6th story

I also have a student at the high school. You're kidding yourself if you think any real learning is going on there. It may not be the chaos of day one, but it's far from a legitimate situation there. New teaches every day. Still crowded classrooms with students having to use the floor. Supposedly a new schedule next week. Grades won't be counted. Absences won't be held against students. At this point, SHS is optional.

Then quit coming posting here.

Post of the day!

Roadhead that is actually a funny post. "teachers are using the american way".
The American way---get paid more for doing less.

Roadking. You've rendered StrongDad speechless. Damn, you're good.

well good for you
so who were you yesterday
and who will you be tomorrow

WE'RE
WORTH
IT

Means its about the money

They say its also about the working conditions? HA! Yep - like going into the mines, that's right - those terrible dangerous mines here in Strongsville!!

Hidden in their contract is a demand for gas masks to filter out the coal dust and methane gas.

But its OK for them to go to Board members homes and cause those families feel threatened
But its OK to pass out flyers about a so-called "scab" with their home address

And how about that police report filed by another for her tire being slashed - it was determined she just ran over a nail

Sounds like they are trying to cry victim on anything they can

When the PTA used money from the members (teachers) dues to buy gifts for the substitute teachers, that is a bit crossing the line....

As far as helping their own kids... what parent wouldn't want to help their own kid. But the PTA is basically turning it's back on the teachers who have been in their child's life for years as a role model, teacher and caretaker. That would leave a bitter taste in anyone's mouth... even yours, Tad

SHADY LADY-
Did someone hurt your widdl feelings? Maybe you should file another laughable police report. You guys are becoming a joke - wahhhhh -wahhhh about everything now.

If you REALLY cared about the kids, you'd be in the classroom. Since you're not, you should at the very least be glad that every effort is being made to have those kids feel more comfortable in the situation you put them in - and that may mean making the kids and parents comfortable with these subs. Quit thinking of yourselves for once!!!

I have not heard of any PTA buying gifts for the teachers but i would not have a problem with that. PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. As fas as I am concerned, the individuals in our classrooms are now the teachers. For the PTA to stop supporting them goes against everything they stand for.

Real Lyn - Don't forget the luncheons for the "qualified substitutes." I'd feel confident that the "T" will be removed from the PTA once this is all over. They should have remained neutral.

Like none of the stuff that the teachers stole from the classroom was donated by the parents. Right, Lyn? Yep, just let the kids suffer as much as possible while you grown ups work out your tenure and pension issues.

Another classy move SEA, blocking out the PTA. You are truly winning hearts and minds.

Great for Goldies! I thought they were supporting them because the parking lot was too full to pull in the other day - so I went somewhere else. I figured they were letting the teachers park there - but it only chases that shopping centers patrons away.

Funny, I always thought the restrooms were the best part of that restaurant. Goldie's is the "highly qualified teacher" of the restaurant world. That breakfast bar is scary.

Colleen (yes, I know who you are)

That was only a change in wording, that is all.... not a movement on any issues. But thanks for trying... you can go back to your bowl of ice cream now.

oooh...big bad mama thinks she knows my name

the SEA has already given in to the benefits and has agreed on what the BOE is asking... but that apparently is not enough for the BOE to move on any of their points.

Then why are you still asking for 10.3% instead of 9.3%?
Why do you want 4 personal days?
Why are you not conceding to the slight medical, dental, vision increase?
Those are benefits - and they are different in the proposals.

Emmett, I know that as a student it is hard to understand. Not only does the Board members support Mr. Krupinski, we knows that Community supports him. Yes we are all proud of our BOE. They are doing exactly what we voted them in to do. Enough is enough.

It's the same reason that a coach doesn't sit up there with all of his assistants and let them answer questions. That's what Krupinski and Frazee get paid for. Adding more and more voices into the discussion does nothing but muddy the issue. Linscott does all the talking for the union, doesn't she?

Your comment is based on info supplied by the teachers who say these things. Yet, different proposals HAVE been exchanged by both parties. The teachers believe if they say something that people will believe it to be true - and apparently there are some who do. Those of us who live here have read the proposals, the financials,... and know differently.
The district has to be financially responsible and what the teachers are asking is not realistic with what funds is available despite the fact that they are one of the highest group of teachers not only in Ohio, but the area.

And I thought it was just a coincidence that all these "highly qualified teachers" were not greedy.

It's $200+ now? Since when?
I'd be fine with subs wanting pay and benefits, starting from scratch. No tenure, which exists only in public teacher union land. No free pension. 20% health care contribution.. You have to pay for dental and eye like everyone else. No step pay increases. No guaranteed increases for continuing education credits. Merit evaluations for pay and for layoffs. No "longevity" bonuses. Basically, nothing that in any way says, "You are a more valuable employee now than you were last year simply because you hung around here for another year." A few paid personal days but no paid sick days that can be carried over and cashed in near retirement to artificially boost pension.

All of what I just described is how it is in the real world (aka the private sector, where competition and the market, not a government monopoly, sets the cost of labor).
Perhaps those who want to be a teacher should work in the private sector for a few years before starting into their public teacher profession. Then they'd appreciate how good they already have it.

Before you even start entertaining the idea of these subs staying on, you have to realize that the majority of them are NOT CERTIFIED to teach. They are certified as short term subs - meaning that they can not stay in the same classroom with the same kids more than 5 days. The state will not allow these people to teach your children. There are standards, rules, and requirements for a reason - to try and ensure that your kids are getting a quality education.

As for teachers needing to work in the private sector, I did that. Had I stayed in the private sector job I was in, I would be making $90K and that job was CAKE compared to teaching. Why didn't I stay? I returned to teaching because I thought I was doing more good for the world, could spend more time with my family (the old job required a good amount of travel), and felt it was more secure. I would hardly say that it made me realize "how good I have it" as a teacher. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about my job or the money I make because that is what I chose and I knew that going in. I just think that many people on here exaggerate how "tough" the private sector is. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, just as when you compare any two jobs.

The "Last Best Offer" is a bunch of BS... it is stroght out of their attorney's playbook. DO a little research on him.... this is a tact he has used over and over in the past 10 years. All he has been successful in doing is dragging out labor disputes as long as possible. Since 2006, he has either brought 13 school districts to striking or to the brink of striking.... he could care less what happens here in Strongsville... aren't you glad your BOE hired him to hide behind??

They chose to walk out on our kids. They chose to strike instead of negotiating and staying in the classroom. This was their choice. Please remember that. They picked the time of the year that would inflict as much pain as possible on the students and residents of this Community. They can try to blame the BOE, parents and everyone else. At the end of the day, the only person that should blame is the person in the mirror,

StrongsvilleMother -

They have been negotiating since July.... working in the schools with no contract all year long. So.... just keep giving the BOE what it wants?? That makes zero sense... and what point would a strike make over the summer... none. In order for the BOE to realize that they have GREAT teachers, they need to know what it is like to be without them.

And when you reply "Well, the subs are doing a great job" please see my previous comment... the subs wont do this forever...eventually they will want the same things the SEA is asking for... pensions, tenure, benefits....

Shady, you might want to take a break. Seems stress might be getting the best of you. If the teachers in the classrooms continue to show up and teach my children they will have my support for as long as they are here. It really upsets you that our schools are running relatively smoothly without you all. You wake up everyday bummed out that the children are getting an education. That is very telling. Maybe instead of spending so much time defending the actions of the SEA, you should reflect on what kind of person this has caused you to turn into.

Shady-
Face it -
you would complain and use that same claim that any attorney is responsible for dragging this out. Yet your own attorney is the one that put 108 pages vs. the BOE's 38 pages - so, that would tell anyone just looking at the 2 proposals which party is making this take so long and creating so many issues to debate.

if you had any common sense or intellect, you would know that it is the SEA who has been yielding to the BOE's demands for quite some time now...

but that would be asking you to open your eyes... a high demand, I know

They will have REASONABLE benefits like the rest of the us, NOT outrageous ones like the striking greedy teachers. That was easy .....

Give it to them with a starting pay of 35,000.

Absent the restrictive practices of the union, wages and benefits will be determined by the free market. the fact that 1/2 of the teachers have been replaced for 1/3 the cost indicates that the SEA is not just overpriced, but wildly overpriced. Oh, and I see some of the subs have already been fired for incompetence. How many SEA members have been fired in the last 20 years? I guess the subs need a union if they are being so harshly judged.

William - Replaced for 1/3 of the cost? With what? Unqualified babysitters who can't make it more than five days in a row in the same class because they do not have the proper credentials? Subs who fall asleep in class? Who took time off from the pizza shop? Who think porn is an appropriate subject to talk about with teenage girls? You truly don't understand what's going on. They're not letting teachers go because they can't understand or teach the content. You have to really go out of your way to be let go in this situation.

awesome... so just keep a vicious cycle going.... that's a great outlook. Just bring in new subs ever few years.... that is great for the kids and not expensive for the community at all... get real.

You all seem to want something for nothing.... if you are unhappy with the school district, take them somewhere else... but I am guessing one main reason you live in Strongsville is because of the schools. You get what you pay for.

You can't buy a BMW and expect to have Camry payments

Shady-
Then why do only 30% of the teachers live here%

What makes you think it is the Teachers that decide where the money goes??? You can thank your BOE for all of that. Why don;t they spend any of that surplus money (or the money they are saving during this strike) on the kids.... or programs.

But instead, they want to cut classes, make parents "pay to play" for sports, cut busing... and then they will throw a levy at the taxpayers.

That is all BOE... not Teachers

That is a dumb answer especially from a teacher.
Nice dodge.

But, again - lets just try this - if its not there for the kids - where will the money come for you teachers?

I believe the reason we are now paying the fees we have to now is because of the teachers contract that got by us last time. After we approved the last levy those fees were refunded to us. Then after the new teachers contract they were reinstated. So essentially the teachers do decide where the money goes. Into their pockets.

strongsville mother of 3 -

So, the last contract that the BOE gave the teachers was the teachers fault?

No it was the boe trying to keep what it is happening right now from happening then. But since then they have realized that we are not going to stand back and let them hand all our money to the teachers. You got away with it last time, this time we won't let it happen

What exactly did the SEA 'get away with" last time?

What part of that contract was so lucrative?

Please, I would really like to know....

You are still teaching here so it must have been good enough. All I know it cost me more money and you will get no more from me now!

strongsville mother of 3

That's not an answer.... please, I would love to know. Or are you just claiming something you really don;t have an idea about? Ignorance?

Apparently you are the ignorant one you have a great deal. You have health care, dental, eye care, a retirement fund,don't have to work more than 5Hrs a day, have a paid lunch HOUR, have nights, weekends, holidays, and all summer off, don't have to do any physical labor, don't really have to prove your doing you job at all to keep it, and you collect higher paychecks than many people in this community. But your not being treated fairly. Many of us aren't willing to give up anymore of the little we have worked very hard in the past few years to maintain for our own families. If you don't like it move on. We will be glad to see you go!

All of what you described would be true for ANY salary job that the majority of people who hold a college degree take. But, you do have a few mistakes:

Lunch HOUR? - lol... yea, right....

Nights, weekends off - of course teacher's do, are kids in school then?

Summers off - you could have become a teacher as well if that is what you wanted

Don't have to prove you are doing your job - yearly evaluations? Um ok...

Collect higher paychecks - well, the teachers with 25+ years and higher ed degrees sure do... just like in ANY OTHER PROFESSION.

I know many people with salaried jobs that have higher degrees than many of the teachers who don't receive their perks, and if you don't have a lunch hour how is it that many of the teachers have time to leave the schools and go to restaurants for lunch. and don't tell me there are not teachers who are doing their jobs well many of them don't follow the ieps and teach by handing out worksheet they don't even bother to explain. Some can't even update the pass system without help because computer skills are beyond them.

But these are the teachers with 25+ years who earn more but got their degrees before computers were even a factor.

Oh and btw so.... you admit you don't WORK on lesson plans nights and weekends and summers. GOT YA!!!!!!!!!

FYI-
Some info for you from the Ohio Dept. of Ed. for 2010-11.
I added to Strongsville's number 10% of the amount listed because, unlike almost every district in Ohio, WE pay for the teachers contribution to their own retirement -

Strongsville - 73214 average - 75808 median
Fairview - 64706 average - 63896 median

Very well said MominFairview. It's pretty sad that this site could be a great area for intelligent discussion but unfortunately most people in Strongsville now view this site as a joke and have taken their discussions elsewhere.

fairview mom just to let you see what issues we face I thought I would compare
your principal at giles sweet is Barbra Brady and she makes 86,467.00 (and pays into her own pension)
strongsville union president Tracy Linscott makes 80,670.00 plus we pay her 8600.00 pension for her which takes her total salary to 89,000.00 (we had 150 teachers at that salary level)
also we just passed a levy and a bond issue with promises that the board would be more responsible with our money
and brunswick which is a larger school system (more teachers/students) teachers benefit package is over 30% less than strongsville thats over 10 million dollars which is more than all the teachers combined at fairview park schools earn
and the nasty behavior started at the display shown at city hall BY the teachers the letters (signed) sent home BY the teachers and the blocking of parents cars just trying to take their kids to school

unfortunately.... yes. Hopefully it does not come to that. It is does, the lawyers, Huffmasters and subs are going to be far more costly than any taxpayer would want.

Thank you.

which is exactly what I meant... these subs can BABYSIT....

The REAL TEACHERS are the ones who can TEACH the classes...

But, as always Colleen... you chose to interpret conversations as you see fit, as long as they support what you want them to.

Isn't a teacher certified?
As I said, I think you slipped.

Colleen...Collyn...I guess its close.
Why don't you come on by my house and say hi?

nope... didn't slip at all... the real highly qualified teachers are the ones who can teach these kids... all the subs are doing in the elementary school are babysitting. Which anyone can do

And maybe I will stop by and say hi... Montclare Blvd is it?

I don't know - but you seem to know.
I would just love to sit and talk with you face to face - and to know who YOU really are.

Lyn - the sentiment is mutual

Nice job Lyn! But remember we are the bullys because we stand up for our kids and our Community.

The teachers are standing up for the kids more than you realize... or care to realize I should say

SHADY-
So, you were poster Mary Jenkins also.
Just how many names do you post under?

Several of my childrens teachers have been nothing more than overpaid babysitters. All they ever did was hand out worksheets, tell them to read the directions, have them grade each others papers, and never update the pass system even after the end of the grading period. I could pay a teenager $5 an hour to do that!

Lyn- not at all.... this is the only name I need to post under

Same "Colleeen" name assumption by 2 posters within about 10 days and NOT the same person????

maybe more than 1 of us know who you really are?

Lyn has no problem sharing public information about any of the teacher's salaries or pensions... what is public info is public info.... plain and simple.

My identity is not public information.

Then how was it so easy for me to find Colleen?

Did you ever think that if you were wrong that you are setting up this Colleen as a target of your fellow teachers?

from what? egging her house or slashing her tires?? Oh wait... that's what the community is doing to the teachers... my mistake.

Actually the chief of police said that the flat tire was a nail stuck in it and he believes it was an accident (normal hazzard of driving) and is not too sure about the egging incidents either, so try again.

I'd say based on the behavior of the teachers and the behavior of the residents, people have much more to fear from the mob like, thug like behavior that this group of teachers has exhibited.

No wonder only 30% live here - they are not a good representation of our community. And, has anyone noticed the number of teachers that have commented on here that say they live in the city that either work for this or other districts, support the their fellow teachers, but they don't agree with them?

Let's stop trying to figure out people's "real" identities. If they wanted you to know they would post their real name. I personally think it would be nice if more people were willing to post under their real names to show that they are standing behind what they say and their behavior in the "real world", but I understand that some are afraid of threats. It's a forum where we have to respect people's anonymity if they so chose.

How is that ignorant? Anyone with the internet and knows how to Google can find any public information they want... not a crime.

what's so wrong about knowing who she really is? If she is such a good person and has nothing to hide.... I don't see an issue?

Before you jump to her defense, I will let you know that Lyn and some others ganged up on me when I first came onto the Patch and assumed my identity incorrectly - so she is not completely innocent and this may just be karma coming back around. Fortunately, I have gotten over it and Lyn and I have proceeded to have good conversation since then. Let's all move on from this pettiness.

oh, so your real name is StrongsvilleMother? How convenient of your parents to know that you would live in Strongsville your whole life.

It is my choice not to use my real name. (wonder why?) But I do not go around and make threats and give out anyone address either. Wow! You really are something.

exactly who did I threaten? Lyn asked me to come by, I asked if I had the right street...

That is a threat?

Just like all these "thug" teachers are on the streets causing all kinds of chaos and destruction?

lyn shady you might want to think about taking this path any further, If you want to continue I will post every teachers address that lives in strongsville along with spouses names since ALL teachers are "good persons and has nothing to hide"

Kim L

COnsidering that everyone can see teacher's names on the links that Lyn continues to provide... anyone with google can find their address.... you aren't special.

You mean the links listing teachers and state employee salaries?
Or are you talking about the school website that lists teacher names?
Give me a break! That is public info because you are an employee of the public sector.

How long are you going to pretend a tire was slashed and that the owner didn't run over a nail?

I see the teachers are pretending your comment does not exist, the teachers know that they have used up all their chips and still have gained any support from the community, they need to get rid of the clueless teachers president and replace her with someone with some class

Personally, I believe that such action as posting someone's name, address, or telephone number on this site without their permission is reason to be kicked off the site permanently. You knew what you were doing and so does everyone else. No excuses. Bad judgement for sure. All that are on this site know the rules (written or not) and you should be ashamed of yourself!
]Perhaps you aren't worried about anyone figuring out who/whom you are. Wonder why? OEA plant maybe? I could care less about you or what you have to say anymore. You are just mean and don't care about consequences as long as they are someone else's.

If they want another counter, offer them a counter -
Same as the last best, as you said - but, every week that 9.3% conversion to salary is lowered. After this week it will be 8.3%, then 7.3%, then....until its ZERO.

Kind of like those offers you hear - you have 48 hours to accept this offer and then you will never see it again.

I like the concept more each day.

Congratulations. You save big bucks. The "highly qualified substitutes" find their footing (whatever that means). And the children get to meet new babysitters every five days who know how to hand out workheets and take attendance. You got exactly what you wanted. Good job!

"Does the words..." Now I can understand why you're so angry at teachers.

Candid.... Ever hear of spell suggestion software? Anyway, idiot... When we have forgotten about you, and you are working at Mickey D's, Ill try to see about leaving less mess as you bus my table...

Jlm - Okay, I'll bite. Why exactly will I be working at Mickey D's?

Jlm - Obviously, you only do what you're told. You criticize anyone who doesn't just bend over and take it. That must be why you aren't man enough to stand up to your "word suggestion software" and correct the items that make you look like an uneducated fool.

Me?
Thanks!
I've considered that - or city council.

At my daughter's school teachers were cleaning there classrooms out DURING SCHOOL HOURS. Seriously? The kids were very confused. Total BS in my mind. Kudos to the parents have who spent time redecorating the school and bringing supplies and other things in.

My kids class was made to help the teacher pack her personal belongings!!!

Well, it looks like we found the leader of the teacher-bashers.

SvilleRes - By the way, it's "venomous", not "venemous." Also, "But, for someone of your self-proclaimed educational stature?" is a sentence fragment.

candid resident so you have now run out of witty answers, and have now become a speeeelling nazi

Jean - No response for you!

yummy!!!!!

Just keeping it real StrongsvilleMother.

don1974 to the left on your keyboard above the shift key there is a key called "Caps Lock" hit it once and only once

The effects of your master plan are obvious.

Quick, someone get me a red pen!

Not me making that comment.
Must be that same hungry idiot.

punctuation and spelling have failed you my friend

lyn email Debbie Palmer that is a patch no no you cannot spoof users by using their same name

thank you jean... I will do just that

Jean -
Thanks!
I wasn't sure if that was a Patch no-no!!

You gave the "English Lesson", not I. And, by the way, I most definitely got your point.

Not yet!

She (the imposter) did this at least once before that I saw.

No problem, lyn. Thanks for letting me know about it.

Thanks - but back to other things for awhile....
BUT - I'll be watching.....

Just want to mention, though - that other lyn's message's are still above so if it looks like I lost my mind, that's why. However, she is gone for now.

I'm glad your standards standards for public education are so low.

Actually the dropoff in quality is quite insignificant.

I have to agree with you

I've been asking this very question from day one. Very good point. Why is this a fight worth fighting but ONLY M-F during their old work hours. That tells me that this fight is bogus. The members have NO passion for the cause and the initial sorties of passion were essentially rooted in greed and a sense of entitlement. Now the passion stems from rage, negotiation roadblocks and reality.....but still only from 7a-3p M-F.

This is hypocritical. This is transparent. This is too funny. This is 40hr a week passion!

Meanwhile, there are plenty of great spots in the high school student parking lot.

Are you really complaining that there aren't enough spots for Biglots and Donut Scene? Based on the size of the parking lot that is typically 25% full, at most, these businesses are in no way suffering from the use of these spaces.

James R - I guess there is such a thing as a stupid question. It's ridiculous to picket during non-operating hours. The point of the picketing is to show solidarity and send a message to those who are in those buildings. Not exactly sure why they would picket an empty building. But feel free to keep asking.

Keep telling yourself that.

Walked right into the trap Candid. So we've now found the real reason why the teachers dislike the "scabs". Because it's the scabs that cause them to have to picket. OH.......

You see without scabs, there'd be no classes, without classes the buildings would be empty, with empty buildings the teachers would have no need to picket (according to you). Scabs are effective replacements AND cause the teachers to have to picket. It all makes sense now. I just needed to hear it from you. See, it does pay to ask questions. TOO FRIGGIN' FUNNY!

And don't talk about the Administrative buildings, the Administrators could care less if you're out in the cold or not. They don't want you at the table. What about "LAST BEST OFFER" do you not understand?

James R - Dang, you sure did get me. Frankly, your post is one of the most nonsensical, confusing and inarticulate things I've read on this forum. Is there a Patch translator in the house?

Friday, 3-7p at the Commons. I guarantee a better turnout than Strickland got. Which really ain't sayin' much.

You might want to re-think the timing. Most of your group will still be enjoying their early bird specials at Gourme'. That is, if they can find a place to park.

Don't be scared Candid.

Let's see if the liberal, pro-union media covers the event accurately. Yeah....about that.

James R - Did I say I was scared? I hope you guys fired the Waterford Woman's Sign-Making Team. They were/are a serious disappointment. Looking forward to a bigger turnout than that two-person cluster last week on the commons.

It's business as usual. Blame the "highly qualified substitutes" for not being able to step up.

Bingo!

Well said! Or written in this case.

How many were there at 3:31pm?

Some have been made offers.

Offers to go back to school to become properly certified so that they can stay in the same classroom longer than five days at a time?

Weekend At Bernie's meets Strongsville Tea Party. Sheesh.

Absolutely! I was there last week. See you there.

Hi teacher, I heard the same thing. Thank you for calling about resuming your position. It's nice to know you wanted to and checked into it. I'm not sure of the reason for you being asked to not cross until the strike ends, but there must be a reason. Any chance you guys will vote to approve the current offer and come back to work any time soon? Thank you for caring.

tryingtobehonest
I would like to know that answer as well.

It would do you a lot of good to cross, I hope you make the right decision.

I have to agree with ateacher I would think the superintendent does not want good teachers fined and harassed by the union for crossing a picket line

Any teacher that crosses will regain the respect of the parents, the students and the community! Not to mention their salary. We would welcome you with open arms! The teachers who continue this circus only cause more hard feelings... We don't want them back. Stand your ground BoE!

james is correct....cross a active picket line puts a target on your back.... it goes with the territory...... majority rules elected this buffoon for president (of the SEA not USA) if they had a competent negotiator instead of norma rae ....you would not be in this jamb.... just do the minimum and keep off the cameras

mmmmmm, Big Macs!!!!

Just my personal opinion, which is easy for me to give since it doesn't really effect me, but I do think there are some alternatives here that can be explored if they haven't been already (though it doesn't sound the BOE is interested in exploring much);

1. Cut healthcare costs by not allowing spouses to be covered under the districts healthcare plan by employing something like MERP (Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan) or joining a consortium as many other districts have done.

2. Allow teachers to have two planning periods per day - it is cheaper to pay an aid to do hall duty and cafeteria duty than a teacher. Let the teachers use this time to collaborate, plan, meet with students, etc. If you can't give them money, at least give them time (yes, I know money is time, but don't take away both from them).

3. If the education related raises are being eliminated, at least offer reimbursement for credit hours towards license renewal.

4. Wait on the language regarding layoffs based on teacher rating until the new teacher evaluation program has the kinks worked out of it.

I would have to go back and re-read the contract, but those are some things I can think of off the top of my head. Also, those contracts are not complete, they only list the sections to which changes were proposed. That is why the BOE version looks shorter. It's not the whole contract, so if they already have some of this in place but its discussed elsewhere in the contract, I wouldn't know.

I by no means think I have the toughest job. I am just pointing out that all jobs are different - there have been a lot of very generalized comments about the private sector and how rough things are for employees. The majority of the people I know work in the private sector, and maybe they are just lucky, but their situations have not been as dire as many have made it out to be. As I said, I accepted the tradeoffs of my old job for my teaching job and I am happy with my decision. I do not pretend to know or make judgements about others jobs on this board as I have no place to, I can only tell you about my personal experience.

did you say CAKE???? YUMMMM!!!!!!

I understand how you could have assumed that, no worries.

For what? I hope this isn't sarcastic :)

I'm not sure what maintaining licenses in other professions entails. I know to get the 6 credit hours I need to renew costs me about $2400, granted that is every 5 years.

Now is not the time for teachers to be demanding more money, I get that. I still think it is possible for the BOE to get some of what they want and save taxpayer money and for the teachers to get some of what they want as well. It's not going to be the ideal "last best offer" that either side wants, but it has to be something that everyone, including teachers and the community can live with financially. These people need to quit wasting time and get back to the bargaining table pronto!

CPA Again won't comment on this, I don't know why - if he is a CPA he is a good example of a professional needing CPE and is required to report 120 hours of continuing education every 3 years and pay for license renewal at that time. Compared to teachers 5 years, that is 200 hours every 5 years. Most pay for these courses themselves and they definitely do not get any pay bump for taking any of these courses. I checked online, and the cost of these CPE's are in the range $125-$350 for just 8 hours. So, unless CPA Again wants to come on here and dispute what the OSCPA and the AICPA has listed as the requirements, the cost is quite high to maintain the license - but the few that I have known just to do it because it is just part of being a CPA and keeping their license.