STRIKE OFFICIALLY OVER!
We have had many questions about what issues are the most important to teachers. Detailed information about these issues and others can be found on the FAQs page, available by clicking on the button to the right. The following is a clarification of information we have posted previously. Limits on class size Class size is important to students and to teachers. A survey of Strongsville High School students just last year established class size as one of their greatest concerns about school. Students indicated that they felt lost, ignored, and invisible in large classes. Smaller classes, they said, were easier to learn in because students were more comfortable and more likely to get the attention and time of the teacher. Classes at all levels in the district are consistently between 29-36 students. There is currently no limit on class size in the teachers’ contract. The Board proposed no language about class sizes; teachers have asked for limitations. Conversion of non-teaching duties to OTES/SLO planning time In the last negotiation, teachers agreed to take on non-teaching duties to save the district clerical costs. Teachers were given cafeteria duty, hall duty, and basic administrative duties in lieu of time planning lessons, grading papers, and meeting individually with students. The Board said that if teachers took on these additional duties, the district could cut support staff and save money during tough financial times. The district did not cut any support staff. Teachers have proposed that these non-teaching duties be converted to time to enhance student achievement by working on new state-mandated assessments, data collection, and intervention. Seniority rights Teachers want to see good, experienced teachers protected from lay-offs. In their current proposal, Strongsville teachers have been proactive in creating language to allow for the removal of ineffective teachers with continuing contracts, but we recognize the value experience brings to the classroom. Experienced teachers understand pacing, classroom management, and curriculum. They are more able to adapt quickly to changing curriculum and individual student needs. Unfortunately, experts predict that the new evaluation system in Ohio will put good, experienced teachers at risk of lay-off. Experts predict that most teachers will be unable to receive the state’s highest rating, as these ratings will be based in large part on zero-stakes testing that students may not take seriously. This means that all teachers will look virtually the same despite their level of effectiveness, experience, and education. The ambiguity in ratings could allow some districts to cut teachers based on their salaries rather than their performance solely to reduce costs. While the Board’s language is vague, teachers in Strongsville want clearly defined language of comparable evaluations so that good, experienced teachers are kept in the classrooms of children. |
Conversion of retirement pick up
In the 1990s, the Board began picking up the teacher contribution to retirement in lieu of the raises other districts’ teachers received. Teachers today are willing to pay 100% of their pension contribution. Teachers have asked that their former pick-up be converted to salary with no pay cuts. The Board would also like to see a conversion, but in their last proposal, they used it to factor in a 1% pay cut. A conversion costs the Board and the taxpayer nothing. It is revenue neutral. Reinstatement of steps and columns for experience and education The State mandates that Ohio teachers receive salary adjustments for education and experience (Ohio Revised Code 3317.13). These adjustments, known as steps and columns, are given to less experienced teachers in every Ohio district. Without them, it will be tough to keep young talent in our district. Teachers with more than 12 years of experience rarely receive steps. In the last contract negotiations, we agreed to step and column freezes to help the district during tough economic times. Most districts that froze steps and columns have reinstated them. Strongsville’s Board is unique in continuing to pursue further step and column freezes. Under the Board’s proposal, some experienced teachers will go without any pay increase at all for 7 years. Teachers have asked to have education and experience adjustments restored, but we have NOT asked for a raise or increase in base salary. ------------------------------------------ Board of Education Contact Information: President David Frazee (440) 572-5917 frazee@strongnet.org Vice President Ruth Brickley (440) 572-0535 brickley@strongnet.org Richard Micko (440) 238-9988 micko@strongnet.org Carl Naso (440) 846-2375 naso@strongnet.org Jennifer Sinisgalli (440) 268-8100 sinisgalli@strongnet.org |
Today's News:
Saturday, April 27, 2013 Strike Officially OVER! No School for students on Monday, 4/29 so teachers can transition back into the classrooms. School resumes regular schedule on Tuesday, 4/30. |
|
|
Negotiation History7/9 Meeting - No Progress
9am-12noon (4 hrs.) 7/10 Meeting - Cancelled 10/16 Meeting - No Progress 5pm-8pm (3 hrs) 10/30 Meeting - No Progress 5pm-8pm (3 hrs) 11/28 Meeting - No Progress 5pm-8pm (3 hrs) 12/3 Meeting - No Progress 5pm-8pm (3 hrs) 1/9 Meeting - No Progress 1pm-4pm (3 hrs) 1/29 Meeting - No Progress 5pm-8pm (3 hrs) 1/30 Meeting - SEA Declares Impasse. Future meetings will be held with a Mediator. 1:30pm-3pm 2/6 Meeting - No Progress. SEA submits another proposal to be met with superficial and cosmetic response. 5pm -10:40pm 2/14 - No progress 5pm-9:45pm 2/22 - No progress 5pm - 10pm 3/2 - w/full Board present and Mediator (2x) 3/17 - 6 hours 3/26 - 12 hours 4/3 - 14 hours 4/4 - ?? |
Levy HistorySee "Funding Our Schools" above for Levy Definitions.
11/6/12 - Bond Levy - Construction of new MS and building renovations ONLY 3/6/12 - Renewal Operations levy. (6.0 mill). Expires in 5 years. 11/6/07 - Renewal Operations levy. (6.5 mill). Expires 5 years. 8/23/02 - Additional Operations levy (5mill no more than 1mill increment) **Source Information for levy information was the Cuyahoga Board of Elections website: http://www.boe.cuyahogacounty.us/en-us/election-results-history.aspx |
Contact SEA:Do you have a question about SEA, how the schools operate, why the different fees, etc.?
Please feel free to contact the SEA and we'll get an answer for you. |
