Pasco teachers ask for 3 percent plus steps

Negotiators for Pasco's 4,000 teachers say they've looked at the district's financial picture and think that, with some readjustments to spending priorities, they could get their annual step raises that come with an extra year of service plus a 3 percent pay increase.

Combined, the proposal would cost $11.27-million.

"We believe there's a way to find the dollars to do this," lead teacher negotiator Jim Ciadella told district representatives.

Ciadella suggested that the district should tap into its reserves, noting that USF leaders have announced they will do that to give pay raises. He also noted that the district's proposal to adopt self-insured health and pharmacy benefits will cost only about 4 percent more than last year - that's half the amount set aside in the budget.

"You would hope the dollars saved from that difference would be earmarked for employee salaries," he said.

Lead district negotiator Terry Rhum said the board and administration have given good raises in the past and want to continue to do so. But, he added, the budget took a $7-million cut last year and faces further reductions this year of nearly $20-million.

"Certainly the employees are a priority. But our revenues have to match our liabilities," he said. "Where that comes together that will be what we can do with wages. We'll eventually figure it out."

He told the union not to expect a response before Sept. 16.

UPDATE: The union also asked for step increases and raises for non-instructional staff. Those would total $2.5-million more.

"We're not asking for a lot. We're asking for what they need to survive," negotiator Robert Benjamin said.

To see the teacher proposal, click here. To see the SRP proposal, click here.

Comments

[Pat Connolly]

And we are going to be spending $ on the "Superb Customer Service Award" program, which will be repackaged starting October 1st, as the "We Treasure Excellent Customer Service" program.

Before you say, "But this is a nice idea, which certainly can't cost anything at all", consider this. Everything has a cost. Somebody is taking time from their paid duties to do this. Copies are being made and certificates are being printed, and these aren't free. And in this atmosphere of budget constraints, the Superintendent should be showing fiscal restraint and watching every penny.

And it isn't coming from a bloated administration staffed by people pulling down $60K to $100+K. People who apparently can't read and understand simple FHSAA rules; who repeatedly make poor Superintendent-level decisions, apparently without the consent of the Superintendent or fear of consequence for doing so; who are shuffled off into other positions when they prove themselves incompetent; who don't understand that it's unethical to put a 'significant other' in your chain of command; who jeopardize the safety of your children by allowing unfingerprinted, non-Board employees to accompany students on overnight trips. People who will do whatever it takes to keep their jobs.

[publicschoolteacher]

3:35
I know where it's NOT coming from:
It's not coming from LFS.
It's not coming from transportation.
It's not coming from health care (even though there was $ left over from that this year!).
It's not coming from the reserve which is CONSTANTLY above average, year after year, and has NEVER been tapped for any reason!

Tell me what other programs, departments, or pet projects got the ax this year. You can't? That's because the district is looking to balance its budget solely on the backs of the teachers and SRPs who have dedicated their service to this county.

[name withheld because I love my job]

You'd have to look at the real budget, not the illusion the Superintendent shares with the Board and the public. The Superintendent has chosen to look for cuts and revenue only where she wants to find them. It's interesting that the only cuts and revenue she finds are those which will help her get reelected. Nothing to upset the voters. Except teachers, because she knows she's already lost most of our votes (why it's not all I don't understand) and she must figure that she can get the votes of people who hate teachers, especially those who don't wear sensible shoes and demurely take whatever stuff is shoved down their throats. "Politics before education," that's not her campaign slogan, it's her way of life.

I think you've missed the point, 03:35. The District is not a lean mean educating machine. It has bloat and fat and that lack of self control, if wheeled in, could go to steps and salaries. Figures don't lie, but liers figure. look at the budget. Its all there in black and white.

Why not ask for steps and 10%? It makes almost as much sense. If they want better pay, they need to start demanding action by the folks that actually control the district's revenues like Rep. Will Weatherford. The school board cannot create any revenue under the law. Cuts have already been made just to balance the budget as it is without any raises. Where do they think all of this money is coming from?

[teacher]

The school board meeting regarding this issue is Tuesday night. If you feel strongly about this issue (either way), I strongly suggest you attend. Not that it will make any difference. I already received a letter from a school board member that says there will be no raises, steps, or otherwise (even though the vote hasn't happened yet!).

[Proud teacher]

No, Glenn, YOU failed to get the point, but THANK YOU for reinforcing MY point with your "not going to waste time with you" statement - couldn't have expressed it any better - that's EXACTLY how they acted. Speaks highly of them professionally (and this coming from a group that is trying to get members to join at every turn!) One last time - maybe it will sink in (or not) - didn't expect any PERSONAL service. Expected a competent, courteous, professional on the other end of the line for my first interaction with USEP! Definitely not what I got. Rebut all you want - I'm DONE reading all of your excuses for the Union person's screwup and loss of a potential member. Peace out!

[Glenn]

I'm not a union member, but I wish I was. You failed to get the point, what the bloggers have been saying is that you don't get personal service if you are a non-member. You probably called with the same negative poor/attitude you are exhibiting on this blog. As a non-member, they weren't going to waste time with you when dues paying members are in need of service and assistance. I called once, they were polite, but they wouldn't help me either. I don't blame them. I now work outside the school system. But if my company had a union, I would sign up immediately. My boss has no clue how to reward productivity. Therefore, in the mean time enjoy the raise and benefits your union improved for you last year. I will continue to hope for charity and gratis from my boss. Just remember, in nature when something benefits from its host without providing anything of benefit back, it is known as a "......"

[Proud to be a teacher]

12:08,

I'm VERY WELL AWARE of the person I spoke with - as stated in another post, I don't want to call them out by name on this blog.

Thanks for reinforcing my already negative opinion about the Union and its members through your rebuttal post! Had I received cordial service I probably would have joined. Do you often return to an establishment and pay money for something where the service sucked and the people were clueless? Probably not! It's all about first impressions you see.

[union member]

10:28 For a non-member, your doing an aweful lot of complaining regarding the alleged poor service you received. Maybe you got what you paid for. Nothing for nothing. Seems alls good there. I pay my dues and the time or two I called I got good informatation; I also know the names of the union staff I spoke with. By the way no person or orgainization is perfect. Enjoy the benefits of the union trying to maintain the contract, negotiate higher salaries and benefits. Quit your complaining, be part of the solution join the union and get involved.

9:54,

Ask Jeff Solochek what? If the Union is bias?

[Proud to be a Teacher]

No, Mr. Blankenship, my union membership was never the issue or in question. Sorry you find it so "hard to believe" the facts about the conversation I had with one of the union folks. (Thought I made it pretty clear!)

And why would I want a personal phone call from you when you still don't get my point and you've basically called me a liar with your "I find it hard to believe" statement in your rebuttal post? Believe it! I know how the conversation went and it really didn't bolster much confidence in Union personnel.

I don't disagree that the Union fights for what they believe in for ALL employees. My issue is that those doing the fighting (or this particular person, anyway) doesn't have a clue with respect to my situation. How many other things might he/she be misinformed about?

Thanks for your advice, but I'm quite chummy with my Building Rep. already and we talk frequently. She too agrees with my feelings about my treatment from the USEP Business Rep. Just accept it - YOUR union isn't perfect!

[Kenny Blankenship]

Proud to be a TEACHER, the United School Employees of Pasco does not just fight for teacher, we fight for all of the employees of Pasco Schools. I find it very hard to believe that ANY of the USEP Business Reps would have stated that you were not a teacher, maybe you were told that you weren't a member and that they could not help you. That I can believe! You only get representation if you are a dues paying member!

If you don't believe that the Union diligently fights for it's members, then I would suggest that you pose questions to your Building Reps, or the numerous employees that have filed grievances over the last four years! Start with someone at Gulf HS! Or if you want call USEP and ask them to forward me your phone number and I will contact you personally!

As for fighting for all, I happen to have served on the negotiating team for the last four years. I can assure you that I and the others there, both Instructional and SRP as well as the Business Reps, are looking out for the interests of all employees of the district.

6:06, It's all a matter of Public Record. Ask Jeff Solochek, he was present!

[patcon]

6:06,
Can't you read? What was said was,if you want to know what the USEP proposal is, go to the USEP web site. What you will get there is the USEP position, of course there may be bias, but at least you will know what USEP is asking for, rather than the misinformation you are getting from bloggers.

And I'm sure there's no bias on the Union web site!!!!

[In the Know...]

Dear VERY SAD, I don't know from where you received your information from concerning the Union's economic proposal. But, if I may make a suggestion, find a different source. The Union did ask for tapping reserves. They also stated that these non-recurring funds not be used as a recurring funding source. Rather this source of funding would be used to fill a one-time hole in the budget. It was suggested that reserve money be used for bonuses or other types of expenditures that are not recurring, rather than salaries which would be recurring. Both Union proposals, one for SRP and one for Instructional personnel were proposed at around 5%. If you are keeping current with inflation, the inflation rate is at 5.6%. Saying the union's proposal is embarrassing is either uninformed or tragically misleading. My understanding is that the Union took into consideration economic realities and that is why their proposals were under the current inflationary rate. What the Union has stated is that there is fat to be trimmed from the buget and that savings should go to salaries and benefits; all very reasonable and not at all very embarrassing. Please visit the USEP web site and get your Union facts from the source.

[patcon]

Timmy!, etal.
The steps are less than 2%, and for the lowest paid teachers are less than 1%. USEP's initial salary request was therefore only about 5%, and we all know that's an opener. HF's initial offer was 0%; well that's not entirely accurate since they haven't made a proposal, but that's what she put in her proposed budget and that's what she's selling to the public.
So we're lucky if we get the 4% average raise that the private sector is getting this year. Combine that with the lower than average raises we've been getting for years and you'll begin to understand our situation.
By the way, steps are actually a form of merit pay, in that only satisfactory years of service count and unsatisfactory teachers do not get a step increase.

[Timmy!]

Listening to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the private sector is forecasting raises of only 4% during these difficult times.

Knowing this I believe any reasonable employee would understand and appreciate 4%.

[publicschoolteacher]

1:29- It is a shame that the public thinks we are "greedy" for asking the district to honor their contract with us. They are the ones who budgeted the money for salaries (steps and raises included). They have a surplus in the budget because insurance bids came in low. The superintendent won't even consider the cost saving ideas that came from her employees because she would have to scale back on her beloved pet projects, consolidate some of her secretaries' jobs, and make some transportation choices that would be unpopular with parents during an election year. We are not greedy. In fact, we are quite thrifty, finding a dozen areas where costs can be cut. Why won't the district use them and save your (and MY) tax dollars?

[patcon]

USEP's ridiculous demands? You need to understand the dynamics of negotiations - you always open asking for more than you think you'll finally get. What about the District's ridiculous demands? Is it reasonable to say "We're going to ignore the current payscale while ignoring cost-saving suggestions from you and the Board"?
As to the use of reserve funds - those are intended for a rainy day. If it ain't raining now, I don't know what you'd call it, many school employees are starting to drown. If you believe the politicians, a sunny day is right around the corner, so we can replenish the reserves then.

The union is hurting the perception of our profession with their ridiculous demands. The economy is in the tank, the state is cutting the ed. budget- no one is getting raises, people are losing jobs. This proposal is embaressing. As for the idea to use reserve funds for recurring expenditures, like raises, that is the most ludicrous idea I've ever heard. How then will we make payroll next year. Do you clowns know anything about finances/budgeting? We are losing credibility here with our community and looking very greedy. VERY SAD!

[secondary teacher]

I agree that the dissension and fighting between the two groups is an embarrassment to this county. I realize unions and administrations across the country probably don't always see eye to eye; it's the nature of the relationship -- but this county seems to be OVER THE TOP. I don't see how anything ever gets settled when those involved act like 5 year olds and constantly spew nasty, negative comments and lies at each other.

[2 cents from - I DO pay union dues]

Now that we’re in a union discussion here’s my two cents. I don't feel, as I know many others do, that the antagonistic, sometimes childish relationship between the administration and the union does any of us any good. (And before someone rebuts with “it's not all the union's fault for the animosity between Webb and Fiorentino” - PLEASE LET ME STATE THAT I KNOW THINGS ARE NEVER ONE SIDED, IT TAKES TWO TO PLAY THAT GAME, AND ALL OF THE OTHER NUMEROUS CLICHE PHRASES I COULD INSERT HERE.) Please know that I think that both parties need to step back and realize the "hatred" (oh, how I dislike that word) that I've seen and read about with the two groups can't be healthy/productive for any of us in the school system.

Somebody needs to be a hero here, as Dr. Phil would say :) and spend more time on the true issues rather than the personality conflicts or whatever the problem is. (Oh, and I’m sure there are many.) Using a classroom analogy we know that it's hard to get past personality conflicts sometimes with a student, and sadly nobody benefits from that. The teacher (usually) has to step back, reevaluate, and try something else. Yes, the student needs to be accountable for a change too, if personality issues arise. I'm just asking that those involved in the union vs. administration smackdown reevaluate how much time and energy is spent on this animosity and come up with ways to spend time working towards solutions in a more productive, positive manner. Yes, I probably watch too much Dr. Phil, but it's better than Jerry Springer, and honestly, sometimes I feel like that's the show the administration and union relate to when it comes to negotiations/discussions of any type! :)

[Proud to be a TEACHER]

As much as I respect and appreciate the Union members responding in defense of the Union, I get the whole bargaining concept, the fact that ALL employees will benefit, and how A+ money works. (And no, the particular conversation I reference was not about Recognition Funds - I've received that money each year it’s been awarded, like every other instructional employee who contributes to the success of our school making "the grade." (And let's not forget those hard working non instructional employees who work to make the grade also!) I'm fully aware of the Legislature's games and tactics as I have a degree in Library Science and I'm pretty big on "doing my research.” If I sound defensive, it probably is because you've insulted my intelligence by explaining how the Union and other areas of education work, and you've missed the point of my issue with the Union. (Thank you "publicshoolteacher" for at least acknowledging that fact with your apology although I don’t hold you responsible - I'm guessing you're not the misinformed person whom I had the phone conversation telling me I'm wasn't a teacher! :)

You miss my point in that the Union person (not building level - a paid Union employee at the Union Office) had no idea what my job was all about. (Will respect him/her enough not to call them out on this blog by name.) No, I didn't post the conversation word by word in my last post, but the bottom line after a 20 minute discussion trying to explain that MS's are instructional employees (as well as Technology Specs., Reading Specs., Guidance Counselors, etc.) this person just didn't get it. He/she treated me condescendingly (maybe paying members are treated better???) and when all was said and done the Union person still had no clue about what my job entails and how it is categorized. (More importantly WHY it is categorized INSTRUCTIONAL.) So again, my point, to repeat - I can't/won't support a Union until I feel competent that my dues money is going to a cause that understands the positions of those they "fight" for. The conversation was basically a slap in my face!

Of course, I would be lying if I said a raise wasn't important. Duh! However, informed Union members (or any school board employees for that matter) are right up there on my priority list of things that are important to me! Pride in what I do, dignity for my profession – yes, I will fight for these as much as that almighty dollar! Too bad we as educators even have to fight this fight, and aren’t respected by society. and compensated well to begin with! And before somebody goes off and says "Get another job and quit whining (can you tell I read these blogs often?!?) I STILL love what I do and am PROUD to be an Instructional Media Specialist, a.k.a. TEACHER!) :)

[patcon]

While you certainly are a part of the instructional employees bargaining unit, depending on the context of the question you posed you unfortunately might not be considered a teacher. (Oh how I miss italics.) If your question was about A+ recognition money, then the Legislature (in its desire to divide us) says you're not a teacher because you're not "in the classroom". Neither are guidance counselors, reading specialists, and many others; but uncertified substitutes are, if they're subbing on 11/1. That's not my opinion, that's not USEP's opinion, that's our Legislature's opinion.

[Susie]

Sorry for typo: that should be - And if we GET our steps...

[Susie]

Sorry for typo: that should be - And if we GET our steps...

[Susie]

Proud to be a TEACHER:

So who else is fighting for your step increase?

And if we our steps, you'll get one too, union member or not.

[publicschoolteacher]

I'm sorry you received that treatment. I just wanted to point out that the union fights for everyone, whether they are a member or not, and when steps and raises are awarded, ALL teachers get them, not just those of us who pay our dues. Non-union teachers benefit from their hard work and relentless efforts, even when the general public is dragging them through the mud. I am proud to be a member!

[Proud to be a TEACHER]

Fighting for ALL you say?!?!? A couple years ago when something came up that involved the Union "fighting" for "teachers," I was told by one of the Union people that I "wasn't a teacher" when I called with a question. (I'm a Media Specialist with a Master's Degree and have a Bachelor's in Elementary Ed, with 15 years in the classroom and 9 years in media.) I am an INSTRUCTIONAL employee like EVERY "classroom" teacher, and I TEACH every day that I am on campus at my school. Maybe the Union should take a little time to figure out employee job descriptions/categories. Why would I pay money to the Union who is supposedly supporting/fighting for me as an employee, yet they have no idea what my job entails???

[publicschoolteacher]

Many teachers are just hoping for the district to honor our contracts with the step increase. A 3% raise on top of that would be a dream come true for many families right now, mine included. All teachers (union members and non-members alike) should thank Webb, Ciadella and company for fighting for ALL of us!

[ThanksUnion]

Way to go USEP!

[Teacher in Pasco]

Also, what has been missed is the fact that in the past couple of years, the Pasco budget was supposed to set aside 85% of their funds to go toward salaries. This dollar amount was supposed to be going toward teachers, principals, janitors, bus driver's, etc.....basically, any staff that works for the school!!

However, of that dollar amount, the Pasco District has only been spending 90% of it on salaries. The question is, where did the other 10% go?!?!?

The union has stated that they believe it has funded "pet projects" such as Learning Focuses Strategies (LFS) and other items for the county.

Although, I actually enjoy the way that LFS organizes my instruction, it is still the TEACHER that makes the difference. The district needs to realize that already some of their best are discussing their other options.

In addition, I have worked in the business sector and with each funded, stipend paid training, I see first hand the misuse of training sessions. We spend money and pull teachers for a 4 day LFS training that could be done in a day and a half and run by AP's and principals.

This state, about 5-6 years ago, finally started making education a focus. I came down to teach and to help, but there is now a shift away from this. I will not sacrifice my family and our own financial standing for a county that does not seem to back;

1) their own appreciative words, telling us how great we have done.

2) a contract that states we would receive (at minimum) a step increase for each year of being an educator.

3) the promises made by a governor who ran on many platforms, one of which was a state-wide, starting salary of $40,000 per teacher!

This state has moved its level higher. We were one of the lowest performing states on tests, but now, have moved to the middle of the pack. If you want regression, keep pulling funding from education. Watch the homeless, jobless and crime rates go up. Every one wants the quick and easy fix. "If I sign this amendment, my property taxes will decrease? Where do I sign?" While on the other side, education, police, and fire departments take the brunt of the hit. I hope the $200 everyone (on average) saved over this year....approximately $17 a month!

We deserve better!

[Public Ed]

Leroy stick to the issues! Try saying something constructive and legitimate! Obviously you have no idea of the issues related to the above article as you only provide an ad hominim attack! The issue is that the Pasco County School District has somewhere around $120,000,000, yes 120 million dollars, in reserve and can more than afford to give the employees the raise that they are asking for. This is below the CPI index of the cost of living over the last year! I can assure you that no one at USEP is smoking crack

[Leroy]

The union is smoking crack!

THE UNION IS SMOKING CRACK!

[USEP Member]

Thanks for doing such a good job with this Jim! The district DOES need to remember the priority is the comfort of the students and teachers. Teachers need to have a living wage to keep up with inflation.