In addition, this will be the last post I put here as I think GladstoneBeBrave has a good idea of discussing these things under a much less controversial video entry. I will post there because it seems this media is effective for addressing some audiences and a little communication and sharing of knowledge is not a bad thing.
In the process of reading the 58 messages before my original post, I have read a collection of untrue statements and misrepresentations of truth with regard to my positions. This continues with accusations of my association with the EAG. The VERY MINUTE a camera is put in front of me from the MEA, I will comment similarly as I did for the EAG and then the MEA can edit those comments, like the EAG did, to represent a reputiating of the EAG video. I have yet to produce a video of my own!
If O'Driscoll really had nothing to do with the billboards or EAG why is he featured in the video? Why doesn 't O'Driscoll have a video reputiating the EAG and say good things about Gladstone and the teachers. He is stirring up the pot with his association with EAG. Being on the negotiating team and then this video- we know what he wants, no use in asking him since he has told the community already with this video and actions.
Most districts only have "steps" for the first 10 years. These yearly increases, around a thousand dollars are year, are there to help pay for the additional college classes required to keep teaching certificates current.
The union and the school board need to work together to find solutions. Union bashing only serves to inflame the situation and make things worse.
Next time Olson comes to town tell him to either disclose who is financing his activities or get the hell out. What are his West Michigan/GR area GOP buddies paying him to stir up trouble in Gladstone, probably more than a teacher makes. Ask him what his brother makes for writing as an education "expert" for the Mackinaw Center. Ask him how much experience he & his brother have running a public school district. Their only expertise is in putting lipstick on GOP/DeVos pig manure.
This time EAG has gone too far. They convince people to buy into their plan by saying it is "good for kids". In reality, it is good for their corporate pocketbooks! At stake is MY CHILD's education! The education of all Gladstone kids! This makes me sick. This is educational-terrorism and it should be illegal!
EAG is run by a GOP hack devoted to spreading the gospel according to the Mackinaw Center/DeVos clan: vouchers, charters, outsourcing and union bashing as the cure to every community's school problems. It never occurs to these gutless wonders that maybe providing the schools with adequte funding is the solution, not more union bashing. Facing deficits GRPS hired another GOP hack as their $100k PR guy. I believe they are taunting the GREA into a strike for their own sick amusement.
I am sorry that I posted my comment under my nephew's username after he was using my computer. I clearly am not hiding my identity as you see my username. If you want the truth from me, do what nobody other than my GEA member girlfriend has done and ASK ME. My home phone is 428-2952 and my work is 428-2855.
This is truly disappointing. I see 58 comments on a subject that nobody seems comfortable enough to discuss with me personally. The worst thing is that none of you are very good at the facts, from both sides. If you want the truth, come and ask me. I have nothing to hide. I had no input in any billboards. I have been personally reaching out in sidebar discussions with the union leadership. I want a settlement. I do not want a strike. I do not want to fire teachers. I do care.
...and of course, none of these corporate entities would dare be caught dead calling the MEA and MEA members "thugs" themselves (hey, they still want our money and our business)--so they front some party cannon fodder in Olson to do it and get their lawyer to exploit non-profit laws.
You'll also notice that the only time Olson has provided examples of Gladstone school children at his web site it's to mock their intelligence and infer they're bigots.
Well, I'm a concerned taxpayer too, "BeBrave." And a parent of children in the Gladstone district. Guess that puts me on equal footing with you to express my "concern" ;)
Linda, I would have thought you had better sense than to work against the community. Being a community advisor you know how important community well-being is to the future of a community. Where are your convictions to a better community? Unless the tactics of the Board and EAG are to divide the community.
Let's expose the EAG for what they are- they are against teacher unions, against having teachers have free speech, against having good working conditions and are for low quality, low paying teachers. The Bottom line is money for the group and the Gladstone School board is buying into their agenda. GladsoneBeBrave is either O'Driscoll or a very good friend. Why did the school board recently develop a proposal and then reject it at a board meeting. EAG is bad for the area.
This is the issue...is education of our children "worth" the price?
Would we rather see our tax monies go to filling up our prisons? (It already is) OR to paying to rebuild countries overseas? If my child was in a private school, or college, I could expect to pay $20,000 or more per year. My taxes are less than $5,000 a year and that goes to pay for roads, sidewalks, prisons, wars, city and state jobs, etc. Let's shift the money so more goes to MY kids education!
Regarding section 4.8 on expired contract...the ONLY staff that I am aware of that was reimbursed for credits is a staff that IS NO LONGER WITH THE DISTRICT. At the SAME TIME that HE was reimbursed, several other teachers were denied reimbursement as it is up to Board or superintendent approval...some had taken the same or similar class!
My daughter graduated from Gladstone last year. I have two boys ready to come through the system. With this board the way it is, I'm really starting to think I've made a mistake buying a home in the Gladstone district.
PS - Also, will you please comment on why you and Linda had a sidebar agreement reached with the union, then you did not show up to vote with the full Board and Linda voted AGAINST the agreement SHE helped to write? At least the vote should have been 5-1! This sure seems like a stall tactic. How is that good for kids? Teachers don't have a lot of "extra" time, and playing this type of game with their time takes away from time spent on lesson planning, calling parents, grading papers, etc.
Steve..oops, I mean GBB...do you know that many teachers now have more college education than many of the older lawyers and doctors in our community? At the same time as our government is "raising the bar" for highly qualified teachers, our own Board is saying that we are worth less? Thanks.
By the way, why do you want Gladstone to be brave? Is it because you (Board) are working on something very radical? Leave financial "experiments" to others...Gladstone deserves more conservative ideas!
That's my point: you're giving the benefit of the doubt to the Board for rejecting the mediator's findings--but if it had been the other way around and the teachers rejected the mediator's findings, that would immediately be used as distorted propaganda by the EAG.
You can't have it both ways here: try to come off logical and rationale and yet blindly support the EAG and their tactics.
To GHSalumni - your point about Class reimbursment.
The Salary Steps schedule --increases $700 to $1300 annually. ABOVE annual % pay raise.
What is the reason for the Steps ? Ties to Years of Service. Teacher would need to MAINTAIN Teacher requirements to get next year and thus Steps Annual $ increase is the reward or reimbursement?
This a question, not statement of opinion.
Quite surprised to learn about these STEPS. Assume that Teachers receive only a Annual % increase. WOW
To GHSalumni: Section 4.8 on Expired contract - for those teachers who have obtained BS/BA +10 is eligible for 100% reimbursement up to 3 CREDITS per year... No history of why all teachers are not eligible, obviously a discussion and some agreement was made in past.
...but, yes, I have yet to see anyone from "that side" address the "fact" the Board rejected mediation (and rather quickly). Again, had it been the teachers doing that, there would be a dozen billboards and several videos about it.
But here's how it works: you completely ignore all "facts" that don't support the agenda of you and your behind-the-scenes controllers.
You're wasting your breath. It's a "fact" that these people only have the bestest interests of our dear children in mind and bestest thing for our dear children is for teachers to be mocked and ridiculed--and then when that's over, pay and benefits slashed, slashed, slashed.
Um, GladstoneBeBrave: if you're truly looking for "balance and fact" I wouldn't suggest you're getting a balanced diet feeding exclusively on Mack Center and EAG propaganda.
You need to broaden your horizons a bit if you truly are interested in being "balanced and fair."
To GladstoneBeBrave: Teachers must take classes, on their own dime (currently $305 per graduate credit, not class) to just MAINTAIN their current positions. Subtract this from their salary as well. Many teachers DO work in the summer just to support their families. Don't forget: the TEACHERS accepted the mediation...the SCHOOLBOARD rejected.
Oh, and you can bet your butt if it had been the teachers thumbing their nose at the mediator and summarily dismissing his findings instead of the Board, the EAG would have been all over that "thug" behavior like a fly on a doggie doo. Strangely, the video ignored that altogether. Among other things.
I say buy more billboards. Make more videos. Talk about giving enough rope to hang one's self. Lol...
So when the teachers get a good contract...what's going to be the spin then? Pathetic.
The EAG has a right to their free speech. That's what makes this country so great. That entities like the EAG can freely buy billboards and say their say without fear of jail or worse. But it is hypocritical for them to claim to "expose" and "shine the light" when they themselves hide their membership and funded secretly by no-name donors.
Even people I know who might sympathize more with the Board and think "those darn teachers have it too good" are repulsed by EAG's tactics. Say Backfire.
Michigan's public school teachers are highly trained professionals who have only the best interest of their students at heart. Not only have they earned respect, but just spend a day in the classroom and you will see they deserve your respect. Please explain to me how your attacks on public school teachers make schools a better place or help students learn?
To trueGladstone: Can you provide facts to substantiate your claims about the Education Action Group ? We would all like to know more about their mission and background.
Certainly the Highway signs are not attractive to our Community no matter what position a person has in the Contract issue.
Also if a new direction is desired on the School Board as you noted - you must know there is a Board position soon to be elected and only one new candidate along with the current Board member.
To trueGladstone: The Bd of Education are elected officials who manage a School District, can' base on the wages/benefits of other Professionals in the Community. They make decisions based on Budget monies available or forcasted. Today, about 85% of Gladstone Budget used for all Salaries, benefits, overhead to running District. State is not handing out more money, and Gladstone is anticipatng declining enrollment. Taxpayers say no more. School Boards across MI are making same hard decisions.
Teachers are professionals in the community. And so are doctors and dentists- I see no outcry from the board of education that their wages are too high. Let's see if one dentist would take a pay cut- but his health, dental and optical insurance are paid for by Gladstone Schools. I understand the Education Action Group has ties to the KKK, Nazis and other hate groups. Is that who we want running the Gladstone Schools? The Community is aware. New direction is needed on the school board.
Individual membes of the board of ed want to fire the teachers- O'Driscoll has indicated to people in the community teachers should be fired, Manson wants to outsource the aides, custodians, etc. Skellenger has indicated the teachers only work 6 hours a day, the Superintendent would use $250,000 to fire striking teachers. Tell me how that means the school board respects the teachers. What type of working environment is the school board creating?
First Board offer: new teachers=$29,000. Pay $6,300 out of that for insurance = actual wage of $22,700. 2007 poverty level for family of 4 =$25,000. Is that what you call respect for the profession? If I were a new teacher I'd go to Gladstone to get my experience (1-2 years) and move on to a district that cares about good academics! Experienced teachers are why MEAP scores are so high in Gladstone!
Unions allow teachers to protect kids: Just try fighting for kids, especially if what they need may cost a district a little extra money. Even with a union, administrators and Boards do all in their power to break teacher's spirit. Teacher can go from a spotless, perfect career...to one where the powers try to tarnish reputations. Harassment becomes a daily torture. They'd like to fire teachers when they don't honor their "silence" code, but unions give some security. Unions protect our kids!
Why aren't teacher wages/benefits compared to other PROFESSIONALS in the community?Teachers have 4-6+ years of college.Howlett and O'Driscoll are a disgrace.Teachers are acting professionally and responsibly by working each day without a contract.The real issue is lack of funding from the state.Some districts downstate receive $11,000 per student while Gladstone and most U.P. schools struggle to make it on $7200. Write your legislators!Hang in there teachers! You are supported!
Most employers, both public sector and private, can no longer afford to offer (if they ever did) fully paid health insurance. Those employers who still pay the full premium have often reduced coverage for their employees. My understanding is that health insurance costs over $16,000 per teacher in Gladstone, much more than most employers pay. If this is the primary concern of the teachers union, then they need to take a hard look at what they would be getting if they worked elsewhere.
As a parent and a professional, a word of advice to the students posting on this site: You'd be a better reflection of the excellent education you received in the Gladstone schools if you could/would spell correctly and use punctuation. In a few short years you'll be out in the working world where your co-workers and supervisors want something beyond glorified text messaging. Think about how your posts reflect on your school and your education.
As a parent I know what teachers put with everyday in the classroom. Now this on YouTube. The Community is behind the teachers, even if the school board is not. From talking to my children I know the school board's actions are having a negative effect on the children's learning environment and education in Gladstone- and now we are coming to the end of the year with exams. Teachers keep up the good work. Why does the Board want to fire the teachers? Are they jealous teachers are respected?
I am embarresed being a resident of lthe Gladstone school district. My respect and trust for the school board and president Howlett has evaporated. The teachers are a hard working group and deserve respect and understanding. "GladstoneBeBrave" sounds like it is from a school board member! Teachers have a right to express themselves, it is free country, unless maybe not in Gladstone Schools.
Disrespectful to the Gladstone Community were the Teachers and those applauding during a recent Gladstone School Board meeting when they individually stood up and proudly announced they have instructed students and their own children away from any Teaching career "because the teaching profession is not respected". Where would you be today if you received that advice based on emotion before you entered the profession 5, 10, 20, or 25 years ago? Keep the emotion out of the classroom.
This video is distasteful and it appals me to have to see this although I'm a student at Gladstone High School. Anyone who watches this has to be sick in the head, this is not what is really happening and whoever made this video should be shot!!
im a student along with gavin2009, adn this is complete bullshit...our teachers need a contract...its just that simple...really both sides just need to quit this whole thing and just solve the problem
I am proud to me a member of the MEA. The MEA supports me as a teacher and advocates for me and what is best for students. MI teachers are compensated well for the work they do. Good salaries & benefits = better teachers. Better teachers mean better student learning. Compare Michigan with Right-to-work states and we are doing better on standardized tests and it is all because of the teachers. Not groups like EAG. MEA supports teachers and students. What has EAG done to support student learning?
Has anyone heard of The Big Give?? Maybe MI and this company should step up and pay the teachers what they deserve and there you go....problem solved.
This is a joke! Thank GOD for my Union in FL. They always find the hidden money and work well with EVERYONE. My poor cousin has to work in Gladstone and I feel so sorry for her. The School Board needs to get it together. We have had to picket, speak at meetings, etc. The difference is they understand how hard we work and how underpaid we are. We even make more than MI does. SHAME ON YOU AND SHAME ONE THE SCHOOL BOARD!!! You go teachers and the Union!!
well first of al keep your eyes on the road buddy! secondly this video is completley biased and only has detrimental facts pretaining to the teachers. as a student i am extremely concerned about our teachers lack of having a contract. all other districts around this town have contracts and why we dont is a comnplete mystery to me. as for the teachers making 18 thousand more dollars than the median income is somewhat irrelavant seeing as our community could be considered somewhat poor. thankyou
In addition, this will be the last post I put here as I think GladstoneBeBrave has a good idea of discussing these things under a much less controversial video entry. I will post there because it seems this media is effective for addressing some audiences and a little communication and sharing of knowledge is not a bad thing.
stephenodriscoll 3 years ago
In the process of reading the 58 messages before my original post, I have read a collection of untrue statements and misrepresentations of truth with regard to my positions. This continues with accusations of my association with the EAG. The VERY MINUTE a camera is put in front of me from the MEA, I will comment similarly as I did for the EAG and then the MEA can edit those comments, like the EAG did, to represent a reputiating of the EAG video. I have yet to produce a video of my own!
stephenodriscoll 3 years ago
If O'Driscoll really had nothing to do with the billboards or EAG why is he featured in the video? Why doesn 't O'Driscoll have a video reputiating the EAG and say good things about Gladstone and the teachers. He is stirring up the pot with his association with EAG. Being on the negotiating team and then this video- we know what he wants, no use in asking him since he has told the community already with this video and actions.
trueGladstone 3 years ago
Most districts only have "steps" for the first 10 years. These yearly increases, around a thousand dollars are year, are there to help pay for the additional college classes required to keep teaching certificates current.
The union and the school board need to work together to find solutions. Union bashing only serves to inflame the situation and make things worse.
kirish43 3 years ago
Next time Olson comes to town tell him to either disclose who is financing his activities or get the hell out. What are his West Michigan/GR area GOP buddies paying him to stir up trouble in Gladstone, probably more than a teacher makes. Ask him what his brother makes for writing as an education "expert" for the Mackinaw Center. Ask him how much experience he & his brother have running a public school district. Their only expertise is in putting lipstick on GOP/DeVos pig manure.
ppwiii 3 years ago
This time EAG has gone too far. They convince people to buy into their plan by saying it is "good for kids". In reality, it is good for their corporate pocketbooks! At stake is MY CHILD's education! The education of all Gladstone kids! This makes me sick. This is educational-terrorism and it should be illegal!
kidsaremylife 3 years ago
EAG is run by a GOP hack devoted to spreading the gospel according to the Mackinaw Center/DeVos clan: vouchers, charters, outsourcing and union bashing as the cure to every community's school problems. It never occurs to these gutless wonders that maybe providing the schools with adequte funding is the solution, not more union bashing. Facing deficits GRPS hired another GOP hack as their $100k PR guy. I believe they are taunting the GREA into a strike for their own sick amusement.
ppwiii 3 years ago
I am sorry that I posted my comment under my nephew's username after he was using my computer. I clearly am not hiding my identity as you see my username. If you want the truth from me, do what nobody other than my GEA member girlfriend has done and ASK ME. My home phone is 428-2952 and my work is 428-2855.
stephenodriscoll 3 years ago
This is truly disappointing. I see 58 comments on a subject that nobody seems comfortable enough to discuss with me personally. The worst thing is that none of you are very good at the facts, from both sides. If you want the truth, come and ask me. I have nothing to hide. I had no input in any billboards. I have been personally reaching out in sidebar discussions with the union leadership. I want a settlement. I do not want a strike. I do not want to fire teachers. I do care.
ownallnoobs95 3 years ago
...and of course, none of these corporate entities would dare be caught dead calling the MEA and MEA members "thugs" themselves (hey, they still want our money and our business)--so they front some party cannon fodder in Olson to do it and get their lawyer to exploit non-profit laws.
You'll also notice that the only time Olson has provided examples of Gladstone school children at his web site it's to mock their intelligence and infer they're bigots.
Nice.
lwm39 3 years ago
I'd still put a wager that "GladstoneBeBrave" is Kyle Olson or one of the two others that accompanied him up here.
My continued educated guess.
lwm39 3 years ago
Well, I'm a concerned taxpayer too, "BeBrave." And a parent of children in the Gladstone district. Guess that puts me on equal footing with you to express my "concern" ;)
lwm39 3 years ago
Linda, I would have thought you had better sense than to work against the community. Being a community advisor you know how important community well-being is to the future of a community. Where are your convictions to a better community? Unless the tactics of the Board and EAG are to divide the community.
trueGladstone 3 years ago
Let's expose the EAG for what they are- they are against teacher unions, against having teachers have free speech, against having good working conditions and are for low quality, low paying teachers. The Bottom line is money for the group and the Gladstone School board is buying into their agenda. GladsoneBeBrave is either O'Driscoll or a very good friend. Why did the school board recently develop a proposal and then reject it at a board meeting. EAG is bad for the area.
GladstoneParent 3 years ago
This is the issue...is education of our children "worth" the price?
Would we rather see our tax monies go to filling up our prisons? (It already is) OR to paying to rebuild countries overseas? If my child was in a private school, or college, I could expect to pay $20,000 or more per year. My taxes are less than $5,000 a year and that goes to pay for roads, sidewalks, prisons, wars, city and state jobs, etc. Let's shift the money so more goes to MY kids education!
kidsaremylife 3 years ago
Regarding section 4.8 on expired contract...the ONLY staff that I am aware of that was reimbursed for credits is a staff that IS NO LONGER WITH THE DISTRICT. At the SAME TIME that HE was reimbursed, several other teachers were denied reimbursement as it is up to Board or superintendent approval...some had taken the same or similar class!
kidsaremylife 3 years ago
My daughter graduated from Gladstone last year. I have two boys ready to come through the system. With this board the way it is, I'm really starting to think I've made a mistake buying a home in the Gladstone district.
Enough of this "can't do" attitude.
lwm39 3 years ago
PS - Also, will you please comment on why you and Linda had a sidebar agreement reached with the union, then you did not show up to vote with the full Board and Linda voted AGAINST the agreement SHE helped to write? At least the vote should have been 5-1! This sure seems like a stall tactic. How is that good for kids? Teachers don't have a lot of "extra" time, and playing this type of game with their time takes away from time spent on lesson planning, calling parents, grading papers, etc.
kidsaremylife 3 years ago
Steve..oops, I mean GBB...do you know that many teachers now have more college education than many of the older lawyers and doctors in our community? At the same time as our government is "raising the bar" for highly qualified teachers, our own Board is saying that we are worth less? Thanks.
By the way, why do you want Gladstone to be brave? Is it because you (Board) are working on something very radical? Leave financial "experiments" to others...Gladstone deserves more conservative ideas!
kidsaremylife 3 years ago
That's my point: you're giving the benefit of the doubt to the Board for rejecting the mediator's findings--but if it had been the other way around and the teachers rejected the mediator's findings, that would immediately be used as distorted propaganda by the EAG.
You can't have it both ways here: try to come off logical and rationale and yet blindly support the EAG and their tactics.
lwm39 3 years ago
To GHSalumni - your point about Class reimbursment.
The Salary Steps schedule --increases $700 to $1300 annually. ABOVE annual % pay raise.
What is the reason for the Steps ? Ties to Years of Service. Teacher would need to MAINTAIN Teacher requirements to get next year and thus Steps Annual $ increase is the reward or reimbursement?
This a question, not statement of opinion.
Quite surprised to learn about these STEPS. Assume that Teachers receive only a Annual % increase. WOW
GladstoneBeBrave 3 years ago
To GHSalumni: Section 4.8 on Expired contract - for those teachers who have obtained BS/BA +10 is eligible for 100% reimbursement up to 3 CREDITS per year... No history of why all teachers are not eligible, obviously a discussion and some agreement was made in past.
How does this fit to your point ?
Also see next post about Steps Salary Schedule.
GladstoneBeBrave 3 years ago
To lvm39: as you recommend I will be glad to "broaden your horizons" on the subjects.
What web sites other than what I have noted do you recommend ??
My post included MEA and also St Bd of Education.
Michigan Education Report Quarterly report, changes evolving in MI- 10 years on site
Michigan Education Digest - Weekly news on MI School District issues
Education Action Group / Billbd sponsor
Michigan Education Assn web site
Michigan State Board of Education Web site
GladstoneBeBrave 3 years ago
...but, yes, I have yet to see anyone from "that side" address the "fact" the Board rejected mediation (and rather quickly). Again, had it been the teachers doing that, there would be a dozen billboards and several videos about it.
But here's how it works: you completely ignore all "facts" that don't support the agenda of you and your behind-the-scenes controllers.
lwm39 3 years ago
GHS:
You're wasting your breath. It's a "fact" that these people only have the bestest interests of our dear children in mind and bestest thing for our dear children is for teachers to be mocked and ridiculed--and then when that's over, pay and benefits slashed, slashed, slashed.
Our kids deserve that!
lwm39 3 years ago
Um, GladstoneBeBrave: if you're truly looking for "balance and fact" I wouldn't suggest you're getting a balanced diet feeding exclusively on Mack Center and EAG propaganda.
You need to broaden your horizons a bit if you truly are interested in being "balanced and fair."
lwm39 3 years ago
To GladstoneBeBrave: Teachers must take classes, on their own dime (currently $305 per graduate credit, not class) to just MAINTAIN their current positions. Subtract this from their salary as well. Many teachers DO work in the summer just to support their families. Don't forget: the TEACHERS accepted the mediation...the SCHOOLBOARD rejected.
GHSalumni 3 years ago
Oh, and you can bet your butt if it had been the teachers thumbing their nose at the mediator and summarily dismissing his findings instead of the Board, the EAG would have been all over that "thug" behavior like a fly on a doggie doo. Strangely, the video ignored that altogether. Among other things.
I say buy more billboards. Make more videos. Talk about giving enough rope to hang one's self. Lol...
So when the teachers get a good contract...what's going to be the spin then? Pathetic.
lwm39 3 years ago
GladstoneBeBrave is very likely Kyle Olson, the only person ever seen or heard from at EAG while all others hide under rocks.
lwm39 3 years ago
The EAG has a right to their free speech. That's what makes this country so great. That entities like the EAG can freely buy billboards and say their say without fear of jail or worse. But it is hypocritical for them to claim to "expose" and "shine the light" when they themselves hide their membership and funded secretly by no-name donors.
Even people I know who might sympathize more with the Board and think "those darn teachers have it too good" are repulsed by EAG's tactics. Say Backfire.
lwm39 3 years ago
Michigan's public school teachers are highly trained professionals who have only the best interest of their students at heart. Not only have they earned respect, but just spend a day in the classroom and you will see they deserve your respect. Please explain to me how your attacks on public school teachers make schools a better place or help students learn?
msmillion12 3 years ago
Web site sources for Information on Educational Issues.
Gladstone is not only School District with these issues. Go to their web sites for info. Other schools going through same changes.
Michigan Education Report Quarterly report, changes evolving in MI- 10 years on site
Michigan Education Digest - Weekly news on MI School District issues
Education Action Group / Billbd sponsor
Michigan Education Assn web site
Michigan State Board of Education Web site
GladstoneBeBrave 3 years ago
To trueGladstone: Can you provide facts to substantiate your claims about the Education Action Group ? We would all like to know more about their mission and background.
Certainly the Highway signs are not attractive to our Community no matter what position a person has in the Contract issue.
Also if a new direction is desired on the School Board as you noted - you must know there is a Board position soon to be elected and only one new candidate along with the current Board member.
GladstoneBeBrave 3 years ago
To trueGladstone: The Bd of Education are elected officials who manage a School District, can' base on the wages/benefits of other Professionals in the Community. They make decisions based on Budget monies available or forcasted. Today, about 85% of Gladstone Budget used for all Salaries, benefits, overhead to running District. State is not handing out more money, and Gladstone is anticipatng declining enrollment. Taxpayers say no more. School Boards across MI are making same hard decisions.
GladstoneBeBrave 3 years ago
Teachers are professionals in the community. And so are doctors and dentists- I see no outcry from the board of education that their wages are too high. Let's see if one dentist would take a pay cut- but his health, dental and optical insurance are paid for by Gladstone Schools. I understand the Education Action Group has ties to the KKK, Nazis and other hate groups. Is that who we want running the Gladstone Schools? The Community is aware. New direction is needed on the school board.
trueGladstone 3 years ago
Individual membes of the board of ed want to fire the teachers- O'Driscoll has indicated to people in the community teachers should be fired, Manson wants to outsource the aides, custodians, etc. Skellenger has indicated the teachers only work 6 hours a day, the Superintendent would use $250,000 to fire striking teachers. Tell me how that means the school board respects the teachers. What type of working environment is the school board creating?
trueGladstone 3 years ago
First Board offer: new teachers=$29,000. Pay $6,300 out of that for insurance = actual wage of $22,700. 2007 poverty level for family of 4 =$25,000. Is that what you call respect for the profession? If I were a new teacher I'd go to Gladstone to get my experience (1-2 years) and move on to a district that cares about good academics! Experienced teachers are why MEAP scores are so high in Gladstone!
kidsaremylife 3 years ago
Unions allow teachers to protect kids: Just try fighting for kids, especially if what they need may cost a district a little extra money. Even with a union, administrators and Boards do all in their power to break teacher's spirit. Teacher can go from a spotless, perfect career...to one where the powers try to tarnish reputations. Harassment becomes a daily torture. They'd like to fire teachers when they don't honor their "silence" code, but unions give some security. Unions protect our kids!
kidsaremylife 3 years ago
Why aren't teacher wages/benefits compared to other PROFESSIONALS in the community?Teachers have 4-6+ years of college.Howlett and O'Driscoll are a disgrace.Teachers are acting professionally and responsibly by working each day without a contract.The real issue is lack of funding from the state.Some districts downstate receive $11,000 per student while Gladstone and most U.P. schools struggle to make it on $7200. Write your legislators!Hang in there teachers! You are supported!
GHSalumni 3 years ago
Most employers, both public sector and private, can no longer afford to offer (if they ever did) fully paid health insurance. Those employers who still pay the full premium have often reduced coverage for their employees. My understanding is that health insurance costs over $16,000 per teacher in Gladstone, much more than most employers pay. If this is the primary concern of the teachers union, then they need to take a hard look at what they would be getting if they worked elsewhere.
happyrockmom 3 years ago
As a parent and a professional, a word of advice to the students posting on this site: You'd be a better reflection of the excellent education you received in the Gladstone schools if you could/would spell correctly and use punctuation. In a few short years you'll be out in the working world where your co-workers and supervisors want something beyond glorified text messaging. Think about how your posts reflect on your school and your education.
happyrockmom 3 years ago
As a parent I know what teachers put with everyday in the classroom. Now this on YouTube. The Community is behind the teachers, even if the school board is not. From talking to my children I know the school board's actions are having a negative effect on the children's learning environment and education in Gladstone- and now we are coming to the end of the year with exams. Teachers keep up the good work. Why does the Board want to fire the teachers? Are they jealous teachers are respected?
GladstoneParent 3 years ago 2
I am embarresed being a resident of lthe Gladstone school district. My respect and trust for the school board and president Howlett has evaporated. The teachers are a hard working group and deserve respect and understanding. "GladstoneBeBrave" sounds like it is from a school board member! Teachers have a right to express themselves, it is free country, unless maybe not in Gladstone Schools.
trueGladstone 3 years ago 2
Disrespectful to the Gladstone Community were the Teachers and those applauding during a recent Gladstone School Board meeting when they individually stood up and proudly announced they have instructed students and their own children away from any Teaching career "because the teaching profession is not respected". Where would you be today if you received that advice based on emotion before you entered the profession 5, 10, 20, or 25 years ago? Keep the emotion out of the classroom.
GladstoneBeBrave 3 years ago
This video is distasteful and it appals me to have to see this although I'm a student at Gladstone High School. Anyone who watches this has to be sick in the head, this is not what is really happening and whoever made this video should be shot!!
columbo2008 3 years ago 2
im a student along with gavin2009, adn this is complete bullshit...our teachers need a contract...its just that simple...really both sides just need to quit this whole thing and just solve the problem
nickolesak 3 years ago
I am proud to me a member of the MEA. The MEA supports me as a teacher and advocates for me and what is best for students. MI teachers are compensated well for the work they do. Good salaries & benefits = better teachers. Better teachers mean better student learning. Compare Michigan with Right-to-work states and we are doing better on standardized tests and it is all because of the teachers. Not groups like EAG. MEA supports teachers and students. What has EAG done to support student learning?
hollandea 3 years ago
Has anyone heard of The Big Give?? Maybe MI and this company should step up and pay the teachers what they deserve and there you go....problem solved.
tigerteacher18 3 years ago
This is a joke! Thank GOD for my Union in FL. They always find the hidden money and work well with EVERYONE. My poor cousin has to work in Gladstone and I feel so sorry for her. The School Board needs to get it together. We have had to picket, speak at meetings, etc. The difference is they understand how hard we work and how underpaid we are. We even make more than MI does. SHAME ON YOU AND SHAME ONE THE SCHOOL BOARD!!! You go teachers and the Union!!
tigerteacher18 3 years ago 2
well first of al keep your eyes on the road buddy! secondly this video is completley biased and only has detrimental facts pretaining to the teachers. as a student i am extremely concerned about our teachers lack of having a contract. all other districts around this town have contracts and why we dont is a comnplete mystery to me. as for the teachers making 18 thousand more dollars than the median income is somewhat irrelavant seeing as our community could be considered somewhat poor. thankyou
theGavin2009 3 years ago
A crisis center!? Are you kidding me?!?
zingomingo 3 years ago