Pink slip dilemma

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Goodrich – To alleviate budget pressures, Goodrich teachers face a dilemma.
On April 13, the board of education presented a proposal to the Goodrich Education Association, promising no layoffs of certified teachers if teachers agree to work 14 fewer days next year.
The news came following the April 7 meeting between school administrators and teachers, in which teachers preliminarily received word that nearly 40 people may receive pink slips.
‘How am I going to take care of my child?? said Goodrich Middle School teacher Jennifer Good, 25, who started with the district in August 2002. ‘I have a family to provide for.?
Michigan Education Association Dianne Bregenzer was not enthused about the board’s bargain.
‘We have said all along they didn’t want to lay off teachers, they just want to get them to cut their pay. I think that proposal proves it,? Bregenzer said.
The school is ‘crying poor,? she said, alleging there’s plenty in the fund balance. The state has also promised a sizeable increase in schools? per-pupil allowance this coming year, said Bregenzer.
Goodrich Schools Superintendent Kim Hart isn’t optimistic about state promises to increase funding.
‘Some estimates say we shouldn’t count on any more than $100 per pupil,? said Hart, explaining the increased allowance is based on Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposals to create new taxes on services like hair cuts.
‘I’d love to have the money, but if she can’t get the legislation to go through, we won’t get the money,? Hart said.
The cost of doing business has also created more expense than revenue, as have teacher salary increases, insurance, and the expected expense of complying with new legislation on arsenic removal, which is projected to cost approximately $50,000 per building, said Hart.
This year’s budget has been reduced by approximately $200,000, said Hart, who projects a budget shortfall of $840,000 for the 2005-2006 year.
With a reduced calendar year, the school could save as much as $50,000 for each day school is not in session.
Currently, schools are required to be in session for students 180 days per year. Goodrich teachers currently work 198 days; with student sessions held 188 days.
The Goodrich Board of Education wants to reduce teacher days to 184, and reduce student days to 181.
‘Laying off teachers is the last, last thing the board wants to do,? Hart said.
Out of concern for students, some parents hope the school calendar year is shortened instead of coping with a reduced number of teachers in the school.
‘I would rather absolutely save the jobs and cut the school year,? said Susan Rooney, who is a parent to two Goodrich students and a Goodrich graduate.
‘We have got some of the best teachers in the state of Michigan. Why would we want to lose these people??
Rooney also expressed other budget-cut objections.
‘My concern is also with the bus drivers in respect to doubling up (Reid and Oaktree elementary) schools. If it needs a millage, let’s have a millage. I think parents would be more apt to take the millage.?
‘I’m very sad (about possible teacher layoffs),? said Melody Zimmerman, parent of a middle school student.
‘I have the greatest respect for the teachers in Goodrich, that’s why we’re here. I think they should go to the shorter calendar year. We go longer than pretty much anybody anyway.?
The MEA will not respond to the board’s proposal before seeing a preliminary budget, says Bregenzer, projecting a reduced calendar year will cost teachers 7 percent of their pay. Nor has the union been told whether the 198-day teacher year would be restored in the future.
‘That’s the same as if the heat bill goes up in the building where you work, and your employer says ‘everybody pitch in, you’re going to pay for it.??
‘That’s what they’re asking teachers to do.?
The current teacher contract is in effect until 2006, said Bregenzer, who questions whether negotiating at this stage is valid.
‘I don’t believe it’s legal, according to our contract, because it’s already in place,? Bregenzer said.
While contract negotiations don’t normally take place until a contract is close to expiring, the length of the school calendar was not negotiated in the last contract, said Hart, who feels the school is acting legally.
‘It’s a separate part of the negotiation process. That’s the position from out attorney’s standpoint.?

Pink slip dilemma
Goodrich teachers face layoffs or cut in days worked
By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Goodrich – To alleviate budget pressures, Goodrich teachers face a dilemma.
On April 13, the board of education presented a proposal to the Goodrich Education Association, promising no layoffs of certified teachers if teachers agree to work 14 fewer days next year.
The news came following the April 7 meeting between school administrators and teachers, in which teachers preliminarily received word that nearly 40 people may receive pink slips.
‘How am I going to take care of my child?? said Goodrich Middle School teacher Jennifer Good, 25, who started with the district in August 2002. ‘I have a family to provide for.?
Michigan Education Association Dianne Bregenzer was not enthused about the board’s bargain.
‘We have said all along they didn’t want to lay off teachers, they just want to get them to cut their pay. I think that proposal proves it,? Bregenzer said.
The school is ‘crying poor,? she said, alleging there’s plenty in the fund balance. The state has also promised a sizeable increase in schools? per-pupil allowance this coming year, said Bregenzer.
Goodrich Schools Superintendent Kim Hart isn’t optimistic about state promises to increase funding.
‘Some estimates say we shouldn’t count on any more than $100 per pupil,? said Hart, explaining the increased allowance is based on Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposals to create new taxes on services like hair cuts.
‘I’d love to have the money, but if she can’t get the legislation to go through, we won’t get the money,? Hart said.
The cost of doing business has also created more expense than revenue, as have teacher salary increases, insurance, and the expected expense of complying with new legislation on arsenic removal, which is projected to cost approximately $50,000 per building, said Hart.
This year’s budget has been reduced by approximately $200,000, said Hart, who projects a budget shortfall of $840,000 for the 2005-2006 year.
With a reduced calendar year, the school could save as much as $50,000 for each day school is not in session.
Currently, schools are required to be in session for students 180 days per year. Goodrich teachers currently work 198 days; with student sessions held 188 days.
The Goodrich Board of Education wants to reduce teacher days to 184, and reduce student days to 181.
‘Laying off teachers is the last, last thing the board wants to do,? Hart said.
Out of concern for students, some parents hope the school calendar year is shortened instead of coping with a reduced number of teachers in the school.
‘I would rather absolutely save the jobs and cut the school year,? said Susan Rooney, who is a parent to two Goodrich students and a Goodrich graduate.
‘We have got some of the best teachers in the state of Michigan. Why would we want to lose these people??
Rooney also expressed other budget-cut objections.
‘My concern is also with the bus drivers in respect to doubling up (Reid and Oaktree elementary) schools. If it needs a millage, let’s have a millage. I think parents would be more apt to take the millage.?
‘I’m very sad (about possible teacher layoffs),? said Melody Zimmerman, parent of a middle school student.
‘I have the greatest respect for the teachers in Goodrich, that’s why we’re here. I think they should go to the shorter calendar year. We go longer than pretty much anybody anyway.?
The MEA will not respond to the board’s proposal before seeing a preliminary budget, says Bregenzer, projecting a reduced calendar year will cost teachers 7 percent of their pay. Nor has the union been told whether the 198-day teacher year would be restored in the future.
‘That’s the same as if the heat bill goes up in the building where you work, and your employer says ‘everybody pitch in, you’re going to pay for it.??
‘That’s what they’re asking teachers to do.?
The current teacher contract is in effect until 2006, said Bregenzer, who questions whether negotiating at this stage is valid.
‘I don’t believe it’s legal, according to our contract, because it’s already in place,? Bregenzer said.
While contract negotiations don’t normally take place until a contract is close to expiring, the length of the school calendar was not negotiated in the last contract, said Hart, who feels the school is acting legally.
‘It’s a separate part of the negotiation process. That’s the position from out attorney’s standpoint.?

Pink slip dilemma added by on
View all posts by Elizabeth Lowe →

Goodrich – To alleviate budget pressures, Goodrich teachers face a dilemma.
On April 13, the board of education presented a proposal to the Goodrich Education Association, promising no layoffs of certified teachers if teachers agree to work 14 fewer days next year.
The news came following the April 7 meeting between school administrators and teachers, in which teachers preliminarily received word that nearly 40 people may receive pink slips.
‘How am I going to take care of my child?? said Goodrich Middle School teacher Jennifer Good, 25, who started with the district in August 2002. ‘I have a family to provide for.?
Michigan Education Association Dianne Bregenzer was not enthused about the board’s bargain.
‘We have said all along they didn’t want to lay off teachers, they just want to get them to cut their pay. I think that proposal proves it,? Bregenzer said.
The school is ‘crying poor,? she said, alleging there’s plenty in the fund balance. The state has also promised a sizeable increase in schools? per-pupil allowance this coming year, said Bregenzer.
Goodrich Schools Superintendent Kim Hart isn’t optimistic about state promises to increase funding.
‘Some estimates say we shouldn’t count on any more than $100 per pupil,? said Hart, explaining the increased allowance is based on Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposals to create new taxes on services like hair cuts.
‘I’d love to have the money, but if she can’t get the legislation to go through, we won’t get the money,? Hart said.
The cost of doing business has also created more expense than revenue, as have teacher salary increases, insurance, and the expected expense of complying with new legislation on arsenic removal, which is projected to cost approximately $50,000 per building, said Hart.
This year’s budget has been reduced by approximately $200,000, said Hart, who projects a budget shortfall of $840,000 for the 2005-2006 year.
With a reduced calendar year, the school could save as much as $50,000 for each day school is not in session.
Currently, schools are required to be in session for students 180 days per year. Goodrich teachers currently work 198 days; with student sessions held 188 days.
The Goodrich Board of Education wants to reduce teacher days to 184, and reduce student days to 181.
‘Laying off teachers is the last, last thing the board wants to do,? Hart said.
Out of concern for students, some parents hope the school calendar year is shortened instead of coping with a reduced number of teachers in the school.
‘I would rather absolutely save the jobs and cut the school year,? said Susan Rooney, who is a parent to two Goodrich students and a Goodrich graduate.
‘We have got some of the best teachers in the state of Michigan. Why would we want to lose these people??
Rooney also expressed other budget-cut objections.
‘My concern is also with the bus drivers in respect to doubling up (Reid and Oaktree elementary) schools. If it needs a millage, let’s have a millage. I think parents would be more apt to take the millage.?
‘I’m very sad (about possible teacher layoffs),? said Melody Zimmerman, parent of a middle school student.
‘I have the greatest respect for the teachers in Goodrich, that’s why we’re here. I think they should go to the shorter calendar year. We go longer than pretty much anybody anyway.?
The MEA will not respond to the board’s proposal before seeing a preliminary budget, says Bregenzer, projecting a reduced calendar year will cost teachers 7 percent of their pay. Nor has the union been told whether the 198-day teacher year would be restored in the future.
‘That’s the same as if the heat bill goes up in the building where you work, and your employer says ‘everybody pitch in, you’re going to pay for it.??
‘That’s what they’re asking teachers to do.?
The current teacher contract is in effect until 2006, said Bregenzer, who questions whether negotiating at this stage is valid.
‘I don’t believe it’s legal, according to our contract, because it’s already in place,? Bregenzer said.
While contract negotiations don’t normally take place until a contract is close to expiring, the length of the school calendar was not negotiated in the last contract, said Hart, who feels the school is acting legally.
‘It’s a separate part of the negotiation process. That’s the position from out attorney’s standpoint.?

Pink slip dilemma
Goodrich teachers face layoffs or cut in days worked
By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Goodrich – To alleviate budget pressures, Goodrich teachers face a dilemma.
On April 13, the board of education presented a proposal to the Goodrich Education Association, promising no layoffs of certified teachers if teachers agree to work 14 fewer days next year.
The news came following the April 7 meeting between school administrators and teachers, in which teachers preliminarily received word that nearly 40 people may receive pink slips.
‘How am I going to take care of my child?? said Goodrich Middle School teacher Jennifer Good, 25, who started with the district in August 2002. ‘I have a family to provide for.?
Michigan Education Association Dianne Bregenzer was not enthused about the board’s bargain.
‘We have said all along they didn’t want to lay off teachers, they just want to get them to cut their pay. I think that proposal proves it,? Bregenzer said.
The school is ‘crying poor,? she said, alleging there’s plenty in the fund balance. The state has also promised a sizeable increase in schools? per-pupil allowance this coming year, said Bregenzer.
Goodrich Schools Superintendent Kim Hart isn’t optimistic about state promises to increase funding.
‘Some estimates say we shouldn’t count on any more than $100 per pupil,? said Hart, explaining the increased allowance is based on Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposals to create new taxes on services like hair cuts.
‘I’d love to have the money, but if she can’t get the legislation to go through, we won’t get the money,? Hart said.
The cost of doing business has also created more expense than revenue, as have teacher salary increases, insurance, and the expected expense of complying with new legislation on arsenic removal, which is projected to cost approximately $50,000 per building, said Hart.
This year’s budget has been reduced by approximately $200,000, said Hart, who projects a budget shortfall of $840,000 for the 2005-2006 year.
With a reduced calendar year, the school could save as much as $50,000 for each day school is not in session.
Currently, schools are required to be in session for students 180 days per year. Goodrich teachers currently work 198 days; with student sessions held 188 days.
The Goodrich Board of Education wants to reduce teacher days to 184, and reduce student days to 181.
‘Laying off teachers is the last, last thing the board wants to do,? Hart said.
Out of concern for students, some parents hope the school calendar year is shortened instead of coping with a reduced number of teachers in the school.
‘I would rather absolutely save the jobs and cut the school year,? said Susan Rooney, who is a parent to two Goodrich students and a Goodrich graduate.
‘We have got some of the best teachers in the state of Michigan. Why would we want to lose these people??
Rooney also expressed other budget-cut objections.
‘My concern is also with the bus drivers in respect to doubling up (Reid and Oaktree elementary) schools. If it needs a millage, let’s have a millage. I think parents would be more apt to take the millage.?
‘I’m very sad (about possible teacher layoffs),? said Melody Zimmerman, parent of a middle school student.
‘I have the greatest respect for the teachers in Goodrich, that’s why we’re here. I think they should go to the shorter calendar year. We go longer than pretty much anybody anyway.?
The MEA will not respond to the board’s proposal before seeing a preliminary budget, says Bregenzer, projecting a reduced calendar year will cost teachers 7 percent of their pay. Nor has the union been told whether the 198-day teacher year would be restored in the future.
‘That’s the same as if the heat bill goes up in the building where you work, and your employer says ‘everybody pitch in, you’re going to pay for it.??
‘That’s what they’re asking teachers to do.?
The current teacher contract is in effect until 2006, said Bregenzer, who questions whether negotiating at this stage is valid.
‘I don’t believe it’s legal, according to our contract, because it’s already in place,? Bregenzer said.
While contract negotiations don’t normally take place until a contract is close to expiring, the length of the school calendar was not negotiated in the last contract, said Hart, who feels the school is acting legally.
‘It’s a separate part of the negotiation process. That’s the position from out attorney’s standpoint.?

Pink slip dilemma added by on
View all posts by Elizabeth Lowe →