Make employees your 'pet project'

If employees are so important to the school system, the Pasco School Board should prove it, representatives from the United School Employees of Pasco told Board members Tuesday evening.

With contract negotiations set to resume this week, the union reps aimed to pressure the board publicly by talking about how employees face a decline in spending power if wages remain the same.

They noted that the board has yet to commit to paying annual step increases much less offering raises. Yet there seems to be plenty of money for "pet projects" such as the Learning Focused Solutions staff development program that many teachers dislike, they said during comments to the board.

"The question is, among you who is really willing to make the employees be the pet project of this district?" said Robert Benjamin, chief negotiator for the non-instructional staff, suggesting the money is available if the board commits it.

Both sides have agreed to postpone pay and benefits discussions until after July 31, when the district should have firm numbers for the costs associated with health and prescription insurance for the coming year. Board members did not respond to the comments, though they did encourage superintendent Heather Fiorentino to get budget information to the USEP as it becomes available.

The board also scheduled a closed-door session for 4 p.m. Tuesday to discuss negotiations.

Comments

[Concerned taxpayer]

This blog has most diffently gotten off subject.

Someone should look into more ways to SAVE money, such as looking at how many school board vechiles are driven home and for what. Most maintenance crew chiefs don't even have tools on their trucks if they were called out for an emergency. And how about those transportation guys taking a school board vechile to lunch. With the cost of fuel, I would think this should have been one of the first places to look to save money.

As for the LFS, I'm not a teacher, but it seems that within this blog it is not a very good tool or at least the teachers don't feel it is very good teaching tool. Who started this LFS stuff and why was it choosen over other teaching resources? Are the teachers given a survey where they can express their comments after they have completed a learning session? It would be interesting to see their comments!

The whole object should be for the District to be able to keep everyones job and look into other ways for savings instead of the employees pay!

[pasco]

Same goes for the Principal pool!!! Unbelievable!

[suing may not help]

Simon..be wary of lawsuits against employers, especially if you are challenging a "management level" placement like AP or Princ. Union does not protect them, even though HR has pseudo " hiring guidelines"....If you sue, you better win or else you can just kiss your prospects of even a mere transfer impossible. It has happened.

[publicschoolteacher]

This thread hasn't been on topic since people started talking about boozing it up after school!

[One more off topic comment]

Drat - you mean we can't get into the difference between "apart from" and "apart of"?

[Get on topic]

Get on topic....you all (3) are right.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apart

[publicschoolteacher]

I agree totally. I love it when my students question (respectfully, of course) what I am teaching them. And it is also important that teachers understand that it is o.k. for them to say these words to their students: "I don't know, but I will find out and get back to you."

I tell my students all the time that knowing the answers isn't everything. Knowing where to FIND the answers is!

[Fran's Backup - Just The Parent]

Thank you publicschoolteacher for understanding.

The real issue of how important it is for a balanced dialogue to occur between teachers, students and parents can be demonstrated by our small dialogue we have just had.

How many student's challenge a teacher's "expertise"?

How many teacher's abuse their position of authority when they have made a mistake?

We all make mistakes, but when they are erroneously defended, the education of our children breaks down.

[publicschoolteacher]

Oh, I see. It was incorrect in English Teacher's post, and you were playing on that mistake. Sorry, then. I guess English teacher needs the lesson!

[Fran's Backup - Making my point]

Wow!

How does one think that I was interchanging "apart" and "a part". I thought I was making the distinction.

Let's break it down.

Are you saying that the word "apart" was used correctly in this sentence:

"Frans are you apart of the Florida school of spelling... I ask because can not is spelled cannot.

Posted by: English Teacher | July 26, 2008 at 08:45 AM"

[publicschoolteacher]

"Both cannot and can not are acceptable spellings, but the first is much more usual. You would use can not when the 'not' forms part of another construction such as 'not only'."

source: askoxford.com

So, Backup, you are mistaken, and there are several usage (not spelling) errors in your entry. "Apart" and "a part" are also not interchangeable. If you were my student, you would be given your paper back and we'd conference on the side about which usage was correct.

Hope this helps!

[Fran's Backup - Which part is apart?]

RE: can and cannot

My understanding is that "can not" is acceptable, but less common.

If I were a student that was part of the Florida school of spelling, I would certainly want a teacher who was not apart of it.

I am wondering which part of my composition would be marked off if I cannot be assured which part would be taken apart since I can not be there when the composition is graded.

[English Teacher]

Frans are you apart of the Florida school of spelling... I ask because can not is spelled cannot.

[Simon]

Excellent point Frans, but human resources will cover it up and say that those hired were the best candidates for the job. Jeff will have to do a lot of digging to find out who actually applied for the job if HR doesn't pull the top applicant's resume from the pile.

[Frans van Haaren]

Jeff:

Seems to me there's a story here. It should be relatively easy to find out how many (upper level)administrative positions have been filled with in-house candidates in the last 15 years are so. I would include Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsboro in the analysis. I am sure you will find that more than 95% of these positions have gone to individuals who grew up in the system (so to speak). That is probably not a good thing when the system year in, year out, keeps producing lots of students who can not read at grade level, can not do math at grade level, have no clue about science and drop out of high school at alarming rates. It is about time to put a stop to business as usual and to start looking for individuals who can turn these ships around.

[patcon]

Susie, I will have to take issue with your comment. Three years ago I would have said "Right on, sister!" without reservation. But then LOLHS got a new principal, Monica Ilse, who was a guidance counselor before becoming an AP and then Principal. Ms. Ilse is one of the best principals I've worked for in over 30 years in education. She's a leader in every sense of the word. She respects what her teachers do in the classroom and makes sure that we can do what needs to be done to be successful.

It's really about leadership and trust. If you lead by example and trust your (qualified) people to do the job you give them, they will trust your decisions and follow you anywhere.

[Simon]

Look, many of us know people who have NOT gotten into the AP pool because of some pathetic reason. The reasons are extremely hurtful when the rejected candidates know indiv who have gotten into the AP pool, and they have no experience at all… plus they suck!

Cough, cough… an AP, who is married to an Asst Supt. Did anyone ever hear him speak? My 5th grader does better at church! By the way, I am sure that this is an excellent example and grounds for a lawsuit based upon discrimination b/c of the reasons why other people are rejected. I have yet to hear one reason that is EOE compliant! People please sue. And they say this APs wife (the Assist Supt) has a JD; tsk, tsk, it is no wonder why she couldn’t make it as a lawyer,…yet Pasco hired her – typical.

So please someone sue the District so this whole AP/hiring mess can be cleaned up once and for all. Did you ever notice that Steve Donaldson is using the AP issue as a piece of his campaign? Hmm, grunt, grunt…..Will HF do something to counter act it? No. Why…that would use a brain cell.

Did you ever notice why people can get into other counties AP pools and not Pasco? It is not that Pasco has higher standards, it is just the District Office won't let people in who they think they may or may not be able to control.

When this happens we are NOT DOING WHAT IS BEST FOR THE CHILDREN (aka, the HF creed), WE ARE DOING WHAT IS BEST FOR THE ADMIN.

On that note, why would you think the Heather Fiorentino would do anything about hiring experienced indiv? After all she was inexperienced when the GOP helped her land her the state rep and superintendent job. I am sure she now recognizes inexperienced indiv are easily controlled (just as she was their puppet). So why would Heather Fiorentino help an experienced indiv from out of the county or state land a job? After all, she is not smart enough to go and get a master’s despite this being her Achilles heel?

Think about it, Heather Fiorentino is a true politician, and she only helps those who can immediately help her. What governs all politicians’ minds is this: help me b/c I WON’T Help you when you NEED me!

November please get her so I can vote HF out.

[Susie]

You need three years - but NOT in the classroom.
Some of these administrators have NEVER TAUGHT.
A guidance counselor (or other non classroom teacher
but certified person like an SSAP) can become an AP
and then a principal without any experience in the
classroom - that means no experience planning lessons,
teaching lessons, managing students in a classroom
setting, and grading student work.

[Kimmy]

Maryann, that would be logical, and something a smart leader would do. However, this is Pasco County, the home of leadership development, but NOT leadership implementation.

[Maryann]

Exactly (I think), if they would hire individuals who have experience, they can say we tried this but it didn't work b/c blah, blah, blah. However, in another situation this worked. How can we combine the two and get positive results? Experience is priceless and you sound like you are someone with only 3 years of experience.

Remember, being forced to swallow someone elses Kool aid when they are not thirsty or prefer another flavor can lead to offering more choices and flexible times to drink. What is wrong with new ideas and solutions from someone who has been around the block a few times?

[every parent I've ever known]

Maryann, you HAVE to be that inexperienced to swallow HF's Kool-Aid. If you had lots of experience you might say, "we tried that years ago and it didn't work" or call "BS" when some silly pet project gets pushed. To move up the chain in Pasco (probably anywhere, to be honest) you must be willing to be "assimilated" an become a true believer.

[Maryann]

You only need to teach 3 years and you can get into the AP pool??? How crazy is that? I know of an indiv who has done way more than an AP in another district and has 15 years in education, and still can't get into the pool. I agree the excuses are stupid.

[Steve]

I mentioned 2 weeks ago how all the Assistant Supts do not have PhD's. How many districts in Florida have zero Assist Supts/Supts without an advanced degree? I know Renalia has a JD. How many districts have a supt who is not eligible to be an assistant principal/principal in the state of Florida?

I believe Heather's lack of hiring/advancing skilled employees is because she only has a bachelor's degree and she, herself, cannot be more than a classroom teacher.

Think about it, she cannot be an assistant principal, principal, coordinator, supervisor, director, or assistant superintendent in the Pasco County School System.

So Joe, why would she want experienced people working in the district? Why would she want trained out of state/county superintendents working under her? Why would she make her staff hire the best person for the position? Why would she make hiring competent employees a pet project? Why would she make providing our teachers, students and families with the best a priority?

God forbid they know more than she does, but rather than using them to take Pasco to a new level - she allows her disciples to pass them over.

November is just around the corner, get the word out.

[Minnie]

I tell you what guys...a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words. With so much technology at the touch of a fingertip you don't have to do much to provide anonymous information that will be valuable in an investigation. To go searching willy nilly is going to be a waste of time.

[patcon]

Just look at the teaching "credentials" of many (not all, thank goodness) administrators. Rather than have LEADERS who are EDUCATORS, we tend to have "administrators" who couldn't wait to get out of the classroom. Then once you get your ticket into the special club you have to toe the party line to keep moving up.

[Missed Opportunity to Detect the Truth]

Jeff - if there were records or receipts that would make trouble for the school admin, we can rest assured that the records have been purged now that this has seen the public light.

Don't forget how well connected the District is to local legal council and other governing bodies.

They keep their image clean because they control the information. Plus, they are well skilled in compromising anyone who comes forth.

The trick is to get solid information before they know it is getting out.

[Pete]

The reason why qualified and experienced individuals don't get into the AP pool or District office is because the admin wants someone who is naive. In other words someone they can lead around.

I wish someone would sue them and teach them a lesson. Parents and teachers please start demanding the best administrators and not the most naive. For example, look at Imerson.

Getting and advancing the best qualified administrators should be the superintendent's pet project. If she doesn't want this and does nothing about it, vote her out in November!

[Joe]

Jeff,
I am more upset that qualified non-"buddies" do not get in the AP pool for absurd reasons rather than sacrificing principals who are allowed to get away with items such as drinking. After all, until someone tells them otherwise, why not charge alcohol to the District.

For example, I know of four non-rational, young and inexperienced teachers who became APs because of who they know….when experienced veterans cannot even get into the pool.

I think a better story would be to cover the absurd reasons why qualified individuals have not been allowed to be in the AP pool. For example, I know other admin from other counties and superintendents from out of the state, who cannot be in the AP pool b/c of BS!

Don’t forget the stories about why qualified season veterans also did not get DO interviews or positions, but yet again inexperienced individuals get the nod because they are a “buddy”.

So if the District wants pet projects, they should provide the students with qualified teachers, rather than choosing lesser experienced drinking buddies.

[teacher]

Thanks Mary Sue...you read my mind. In this economy it would be CRAZY...as it is I'm feeling paranoid.

[Mary Sue]

Sorry Jeff, we talked at lunch and you will have to do some digging. The repercussions are too much for us to speak up and tell the truth.

Just do a little digging and you will shake up the apple tree. Don't forget to check receipts for local bars, including Gators, Crab Shack, Hooters, etc...

Also, check receipts for conferences, if it isn't itemized alcohol will be embedded in the bill. Good luck!

[Jeff Solochek]

All you who have more specific details about the spending of district money on alcohol, etc. -- Please send me an email with more information so I might be able to do the type of investigating you recommend. Names of schools and dates would be helpful. My email is solochek@sptimes.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

[Mary Sue]

Talk about a waste of taxpayer money, how many people from Pasco went to the Ritz last month. I heard the number was close to 50.

Geez, 50 people spending money and hourly earnings at the Ritz and then they wonder why we don't have money. Don't forget the registration fee, meals and mileage.

It was a vacation as they took their families.

[plagiarismisaliveandwell]

Joe, why then pay $4 mill(LFS) for something that was already in the hands of the District...CRISS trainers and manuals (I still have mine and the trainer is still employed).

My point is that taxpayers' money was wasted on something that was already at our disposal.....so good try in defending the district person who decided this waste of money....she happened to come in after CRISS so to HER it seemed like a wonderful idea....too bad she did not spend her own money....she spent ours.....

and then she gets the admin. of the year to boot......talk about being part of the
3rd floor network....I agree with you about the "buddy" situation.

[Cheri]

The District folks are always trying to pass the buck. "go talk to the politicians," nonesense. What can be done now to pay employees? Stop the waste and cut the fat. Forget new money for now and use what we have to pay teachers and other employees. We can work on new money afterwards.

[Pasco Teacher 23]

I am a Pasco teacher who is not a member of the union and who does not agree with the union's priorities. But if it goes after LFS, I might join. We went to college for at least four years to learn how to become a teacher, but we didn't need to do that because LFS gives you one loose-leaf notebook that gives you exactly the steps to teach any lesson, any subject!

[teacher]

Oh and we usually meet at Beef's, Ali-Gators or Wild Buffalos.

[teacher]

They will purchase the non alcoholic drinks but any alcohol must be purchased by the teachers. Another party was BYOB and was at the principal's house. Amazing what they can do. And the "Shark" showed up around 4:00....aren't the district crew supposed to work until 5? And he was drinking....there is another place we could cut costs to get back on topic...get rid of employee relations.

[Kimmy]

I know of 3 examples:

1) At a private club
2) At a bar
3) Personal use of credit cards?

1) At one party a keg was bought - with what funds I don't know. Food was brought to the party by people as well as some was bought from the "funds".

2) At a second party first drinks (and a few pitchers) were bought from the "funds". Everyone had to buy their own additional beverage after that.

3) Personal dinner for the cardholder and his non-district employee friends plus alcohol drinks was paid for with district credit cards at a bar. I didn't see the actual card, but we sat at the next table, and the drunken administrators were so loud we heard the conversation as if we were sitting at the table. They supposedly talked about work and so they believed it was acceptable to charge the District.

[Joe]

5:41 teacher, are they alcohol drinks? Where was this gathering held? I also find it interesting that the "shark" showed up...

If alcohol is served and someone gets into an accident, then the District is held liable.

Just asking....

[teacher]

I know at my school we have to buy our drinks for the end of year celebrations...the fund that buys the food is from the school wide fundraiser. On that note however I will say that I was shocked when at a recent party one of the employee relations "sharks" showed up. Come to find out he works out with my principal each morning. So the guy in charge of investigating discipline of teachers is best friends with my principal and shows up at a party...needless to say the party ended quick. Maybe my principal should be given a gold star for saving money now that I think about it......

[elem. teacher in pasco]

Joe,
Plagiarism or not, LFS is a complete scam and Pasco has been duped by Max Thompson. Cutting back or eliminating LFS will be an admittance of duping. :)
P.S. I agree with you on the "friends" thing.

[Joe]

To plagerismisaliveandwell,

The wheel has been reinvented too many times to count, but it is not plagiarism b/c the prior work is cited as a foundation. If your case was true, then we can say everything goes back to Plato, Aristotle, and Pestalozzi.

The aforementioned can be said in other forms of business too. However, when someone uses prior knowledge and creates a product they usually get a patent and makes money on it every time it is used.

Sorry, but intellectual property is tough to patent, and so as long as it is cited, people can get away with it. You even admitted the creator cited his source so it is not plagiarism. Nice try sister, but you are reaching on your point.

[Joe]

Jeff, you need to explore 2 things:
1) Please do a complete analysis of principal spending. Many principals spend money on their “special” teachers for parties at bar/restaurants/clubs! Just do a simple analysis on end of year parties (May/June expenditures), and you will see the waste of taxpayer dollars. Can public dollars be used for personal parties and alcohol? I don't think so, so please let me know if I am wrong. Also, does anyone at the DO check their receipts? If he/she did not catch it, he/she should be fired.

Also, do those teachers who party with their administrators get special treatment and evaluations during the year? If you notice those “special” teachers are those who climb the ladder of higher pay. By the way, I strongly believe supervisors should not party with subordinates!

2) Why are qualified people not getting into the AP Pool or moving up the ranks? The hoops allow "friend" of those interviewed to get the job. Oh course, these are the ones not partying with the admin.

Another fact I know is that some qualified individuals can't even get into Pasco because the admin hires their pets rather than the best applicant. Again, these people are not partying with administrators.

[plagerismisaliveandwell]

LFS is plagerized CRISS strategies. Even the creator admitted to "borrowing" ideas from others at a conference.

Jeff why did the District pay $4mill for a plagerized set of strategies?

Wouldn't that make a good article. Someone else sold similar goods to Pinellas.....Essential Learning.....

Pasco: Learning Focused...same stuff different package.

And both EL and LFS creators' home states don't use the programs...what do they know about them that Florida doesn't?......hmmmmm?

[teacher]

Jeff teachers don't "dislike" LFS....we hate it. Not the strategies just the Hitler like way in which it has been implemented.

If they want new money, they need to talk to the polticians that control the "new money." I am sure that Sen. Fasano and Rep. Weatherford would love to talk about possible tax increases to pay for improved public schools.

The reality is that the general revenue provided by the state will drop by over 16% from the 2007 Legislative Budget to the final 2008-2009 FEFP after the 4% GR holdbacks are implemented.

If the union wants the money, they need to get it from the people who have it. The school board gets the money from the state and has virtually no way to increase operating revenues over what was provided by the Legislature.