West Bend School Board Votes to Tax to the Max
As predicted by just about everyone...
About 800 people witnessed the West Bend School Board finalize a levy packing the maximum 10.9 percent increase, at least temporarily ending a month of passionate debate that began at the annual meeting.
The board voted 7-0 to certify the $34,965,868 levy Monday night after hearing more pro than anti voices of the public in the West Bend High Schools Field House. The 2009-10 levy rate of $7.48 increases from the current $6.77 per thousand property valuation.
The vote was unanimous, even though two members of the board were apparently lying to constituents as recently as this weekend claiming that they opposed taxing to the max.
For the record, The district still hasn’t responded to my open record request. 18 days and waiting. Good government? Hardly.
So now we will be paying $1900 a year for schools our children will never attend, for union teachers unwilling to give an inch, and spent by fiscally irresponsible lug nuts I wouldn’t trust with a WalMart gift card. Don’t think for a minute that this additional money will do anything to help children.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0722 hrs
So sad isn’t it? That two board members had a change of heart to support the education of kids in West Bend…even though lied as recently as this last weekend…blah blah blah. Maybe they understand that the levy increase was important to continue to provide the quality of education that kids in WB get.
Often times Owen you have so much to say but when the time for you to speak (like last night) comes up—you fail to publicly address the board. You didn’t at the previous two board meetings…maybe you did at the first, I could be wrong. You are a lot of talk and no action.
Let me guess…you probably voted for Stepanski to be on the school board. Now, because things did not go your way, you will be the first to get him off.
Now that this is over, for now, continue on with your other complaints.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0723 hrs
union teachers unwilling to give an inch
Were you at the meeting last night Wendy? Did you hear the co-presidents of the union say that teachers are working on negotiations to look at their salarys and benefits?
Wow, some people are so ignorant that they can’t even listen to the information presented to them.
Believe me…the teacher’s untion will be giving and “inch” or two.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0726 hrs
Pleez,
I have spoken with board members repeatedly both in private and in public. They know my thoughts. My reasons for not being able to attend some of the meetings is none of your business. Like most taxpayers, I have a job and a life and can’t attend every public meeting. Easy criticism from someone who posts under a pseudonym.
Posted by Owen on October 27, 2009 at 0729 hrs
Looking at Salary and benefits? Is that like the school board “looking” at the Advisory Vote?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0733 hrs
Ditto what Wendy said #1.
Did you hear the co-presidents of the union say that teachers are working on negotiations to look at their salarys and benefits?
Reminds me of a Lynn Anderson song “Promises, Promises”. I was at the meeting. I heard the co-presidents speak (sort of - the sound system really, really sucked) and they said, um. NOTHING. They should have stayed in their seats.
Pleez: PUHLEASE. Believe you? Your ad hom (and silly) rhetoric wasted my time this morning. Give it back.
Posted by GAMazy on October 27, 2009 at 0740 hrs
Speaking at the meeting on the day of the vote? Yippee, I bet that was really heartfelt. If the union was at all serious, they would have been at the table in April.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0754 hrs
Boards are like drunken teenagers with the keys to a car and their parents credit card - on a wild ride destined to hurt someone while spending other people’s money with abandon
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0802 hrs
Why don’t some of you rocket scientists run for the school board? Your opportunity to run arises again at the end of the year. Nomination papers can be taken out in early December, and you can circulate them when folks in West Bend are receiving and reacting to their property tax bills. The stage is set for you, if you really think that you can do a better job and that your view is the majority view in your community.
Come on—put your money where your mouths are! Get out there and run! Enough of this two-bit carping from the sidelines. Are you men (and women) or mice? Put up or shut up!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0814 hrs
I love hearing all of you whine about something you have no control over. I can’t wait to see all of your names on the ballot come spring for being a new member on the school board. I am sure you will all be able to “change things around”.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0817 hrs
What difference does it make? Raise the tax 9.6% or 10.9%
Thats like saying would you rather be run over by a car or a truck. As far as the Teachers union looking at their pay and benefits. I would bet that after they “look at them” they will decide they need more.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0817 hrs
sort of - the sound system really, really sucked)
Well, unfortunately GAMazy…the school can’t afford a more quality sound system so that they can meet your needs and preferences.
So sorry for wasting your time, again!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0820 hrs
Oh how about another 100 million dollar referendum as long as we have common sense on the run.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0821 hrs
Woohoo all that voting worked! I’m sure glad the people “who work for us” listened and did what the people wanted. I suppose now there will be a push to “vote them all out” as if the next batch of popularity contest winners will be any better. Will they repeal the 10% increase? Nope. Instead next year when they need more money they’ll only increase by 2 or 3% and then brag about how they’re so much more “fiscally conservative”. There will be people crowing about how 2 or 3% isn’t as much as 10% so it’s not that bad. Besides, it’s for the children. Do you hate children?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0850 hrs
One can change their mind without being a liar. That’s cheap attack.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0851 hrs
This explains why ALL elections matter.
PLEASE people, run against these school board members. Get more conservatives on these school boards, not just in West Bend, but everywhere.
Please be vocal. Please rise up. Use these tax increases against them. STOP THE TAXING!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0855 hrs
So, this is what our Government has devolved to, just like with this “national health care” that nobody wants, the school budget will simply be shoved down our throats? Representative Government my a$$.
Looks like obama, Doyle, and the Liberal political machine have had more of an influence on Wisconsin politics than I thought. I guess when we are referring to “Governor Barrett” all pretense can finally be dropped?Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0914 hrs
Just wondering…..How many of the individuals on the school board are Democrats?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1038 hrs
Just wondering…..How many of the individuals on the school board are Democrats?
I’d guess maybe one or two. Do you really think that only democrats tax? You were around for the Thompson and Bush administrations, right? Deficit spending is merely the coward’s way of raising taxes on future generations.
I was at the meeting and was very disappointed that the association did not announce concessions, at least a one year freeze. The Board was in its hour of need and the association turned away. I am positive that the vast majority of teachers would support such action.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1209 hrs
It’s worse having McCain Republicans in office than professed Dems. any day. At least with the Dems. you know where that knife in your back came from.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1249 hrs
Well now the real work begins. There is 12 months minus one week until the next tax levy vote. While some board members are apparently saying that this all came down at the 11th hour and 59th minute, I think the reality is that it came down at the 8th or 9th hour, meaning June 20th or so. That was too late to lay off teachers, okay I get that.
Since everyone knows what their aid will be next year, give or take a % point, a fiscally prudent board and the community that it serves can join forces and take the knife to the 2011 budget. Simply put: eliminate 10% of the work force and let the chips fall where they may. As I have said elsewhere, cut the Special Ed staff. There’s little or no cruelty in that, the kids will still get the services they need, just not quite so much. 90% is still not bad. And the glaring reality is, a parent who feels like they are getting subpar service cannot afford the lawyer to sue the district anyhow.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1321 hrs
Maybe people should start voting for a party other than the Repocrats.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1325 hrs
I doubt you need to start by cutting any classes or any cuts in special education. I’d start by identifying and eliminating non-value added waste. There are 9 identifiable wastes in education:
Overproduction/Effort
Talent
Motion
Time
Processing/Handling
Assets
Capacity
Knowledge
Defects
Start with these before cutting any programs and see where your at.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1331 hrs
It must be a gleeful feeling to take someone else’s money.
Kind of like drug habit. They need it year after year……..Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1336 hrs
If there was a time and place to speak it was at the advisory meeting , the voters made it quite clear what they wanted, the board decided not to follow through with the majority, fine its there choice. You can put whatever spin you want on the second two meetings but can you honestly say it was fair and balanced if you had to sign in tell them the direction your leaning and if thats not enough only the board can select who will speak.
Why would anyone bother attending last night , nothing was binding the board knows what the actual voting public desires who has time to play games everybody was aware the board would impose its will regardless.
For now you have your cake but at a huge cost. The public image of the board is broke beyond repair and in the near future the push for ref#2 will start , after all the commotion with ref #1 and now the added tax levy, do you realy think the public will welcome another tax hike when you come out with ref#2?. Good luck with that I am just glad that actual taxpayers votes will be binding in terms of ref # 2 and students holding banners will not be counted.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1359 hrs
Agree with Charlie #19 regarding disappointment in WEAC. I wholly expected to hear they were going to concede to a freeze and come alongside taxpayers. It was shocking that they stood up, made their garbled statements about, um, nothing, and then sat down. It would have been better if they had stayed in their seats. I know plenty of teachers that are willing to freeze their salaries and this would have truly been an outstanding move on their part. They missed their moment.
Posted by GAMazy on October 27, 2009 at 1416 hrs
Would announcing that they were freezing their pay made anyone feel any better, or made a difference about the increased levy? I don’t think so. You’d still be PO’ed just the same.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1452 hrs
This year’s budget crisis did sneak up on the Board. But as Frank says, no such excuse for next year.
While I understand the mindless simplicity of across-the-baord cuts, I think the Board and Super need to start looking at long-term structural changes to control the price of public education (e.g. one high school, virtual options, etc).
The bad news is that as long as Doyle runs the show in Madison, bold moves will be very difficult.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1524 hrs
Wow! I wish as a teacher I had the right to tell people how much money they should make. Teachers have had their total package increase capped since the 90’s when most everyone was enjoying a very hot economy. Any way you want to look at it, public education is a huge bargain for the money paid. Wake up!!!!!!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1532 hrs
LOL, Paul! We’ve been paying less and receiving more with private education for many years now. Public school is no bargain basement special.
Posted by GAMazy on October 27, 2009 at 1549 hrs
Is that the kind of education you want for our children? The bargain basement special? Private schools have never tried to educate ALL children. They simply can’t do it with the limited (less costly) resources that they can offer.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1606 hrs
I wish people could break out of their paradigm. Teacher pay has always been a hot topic. But there are other things that can be done to reduce costs. Come up with some real solutions other than the old, lets cut special ed, reduce teachers pay, ect. Trust me, if anyone of you are planning on running for the school board with nothing more than that, you will have a snowballs chance in hell of winning. Trust me, the majority voting public isn’t huddled around this blog, and the voices expessed here may not be representative of everyone in the district. (Though this is probably a great place for like minded folk to get together and whine.) Stop whining and come up with solutions.
I’m just attempting to be realistic about this.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1619 hrs
Um, our school doesn’t provide “bargain basement” education, but our kids do get an excellent education at a lower cost (well, we pay for all of it).
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1622 hrs
How big and Extravagant do you think the Appreciation Lunches will be this year? I’ll bet Pat will go all out, Lot’s of extra cash now. Couple extra Speakers from out of state, maybe someone to make a origami of how the new lot will look with another building on it?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1632 hrs
Taxmetothemax,
What the hell are you talking about????????? “I’ll bet Pat will go all out….” So you must think I’m a teacher. Well jag wad, you’re soooooo wrong. You evidently can’t comprehend what I’m saying with your narrow mind. I’m not one to want to call someone out for being a stupid a-hole, but you take the award for it today. Read what I’m posting more slowly and you might have half a chance of getting it.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1638 hrs
Pat,
Did you consider that perhaps the commenter was writing about Pat Herdrich? You know, the superintendent of the district?Get a grip.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1648 hrs
um, Pat, he was talking about the superintendent.
Another Pat.
Apology is in order.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1648 hrs
My bad.
Sorry… :(
Pass that award back to me please.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1653 hrs
I read what you posted, frankly it’s not interesting. Nor was my question directed at you or your comments. Name calling behind a computer is usually done by someone that has little or no self esteem and wants to “lash out”. Or, someone who has had a bit of the courage juice, Hope your not driving.
So let me explain it to you slowly.In the past, pat has taken staff out for “Appreciation Lunches” at an average cost to the taxpayers of $1100.00 per year. She thinks it’s money well spent, I don’t sense there is no direct impact to education.
She also is bringing in a speaker Wednesday at a cost of $3000.00, Again I don’t agree that that is a good use of taxpayer money- no direct impact. However it may make her and the staff feel good.So, to quote you “Read what I’m posting more slowly and you might have half chance of getting it.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1707 hrs
taxmetothemax,
Your statement is not factual. The speaker was paid for with grant money, required by the terms of the grant to go for the purpose of speakers for the teachers. The truth is that money simply couldn’t have been spent any other way.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1737 hrs
I wish as a teacher I had the right to tell people how much money they should make.
Ahhh, but you already do. Every dollar you spend (or don’t) has an impact upon what others are paid in the private sector. It’s called the free market - perhaps a foreign concept to some.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1755 hrs
Paul #31, I didn’t say I wanted ‘bargain basement” education for our children. I was just responding to your connotation that we get such a great deal for such a low cost. Please don’t twist the meaning of my words. We pay good money for the education in West Bend, and we have a good education for the children here as well. There is nothing to be ashamed other than overspending and deferring maintenance; two problems that need to get resolved before there is ever going to be trust in this school board again. Oh, and withholding open records requests, going on 19 days….
Posted by GAMazy on October 27, 2009 at 1758 hrs
Paul, you are so incorrect about the citizens trying to dictate what a teacher’s salary should be. We simply just thought putting a freeze on your salary for one year could help the budget. I mean, you tree hugging, child indoctrinating teachers “care” about the students, don’t you?? Why would you not want to help them by making sure they get what they “need” from the budget? But, since you are a typical teacher, I do not expect you to understand that nor have common sense about it.
Also, GIVE ME A BREAK about having the salary/package capped since the 90’s, blah, blah, blah. Really? Are you serious? Are you really spitting out the good ‘ol poor me teacher speech about how all of us get paid so poorly? again, give me a break! PLUS, now, during THIS decade, 20 years later, OUR jobs, as government workers, yes, we work for the public, are one of the few secure jobs out there when everybody else is losing their job or getting a cut in hours and/or pay or benefits, while ours stay the same, oh excuse me, RISE. So, to echo you Paul, Gee, I wish I could tell all of the citizens, 13.4% of them who are unemployed, more underemployed, to take all of their “extra” money (b/c it is not that much right? roll eyes) and throw it at the schools? whatever! The teachers work for the public, the public pays YOU. 87% of the money form this tax increase is going to what???? TEACHER SALARIES AND GOLD STANDARD BENEFIT packages. So really, Paul and all whiny teachers need to shut their stupid mouths and get back to work, after all, you care so much about the kids, and you are so overworked, I see that, because you posted your first post at 3:32pm today, Tuesday, a school day. Shouldn’t you be grading papers and planning and doing all of that work you claim you have to do???
I am also a public school teacher, not in West Bend (I live here though). I will NEVER complain I do not get paid enough as a teacher, especially for working ONLY 190 days out of the year! Average worker works 5 days a week 52 weeks a year=260 days a year, oh yeah, I get paid as much as and probably more than the average person for working 70 days less a year than them. I rarely do work at home that would make up for the times I slack at work on those oh so worth it inservice and half days. So yeah, me making $60,000 a year, PLUS at least $31,000 in “fringe” (ie health insurance, etc.) is NOT being an underpaid teacher. Yes, I have my master’s, but that is not + any credits and I still have 6 years more experience before I top out in that row in the pay scale.
In my district, our health insurance costs have not risen at all in 2 years!! The QEO is 3.8%. It’s a lot more than the average person sees, especially when most people are given raises based on their performance, whereas teachers can be the worst most ineffective teacher, and as long as they have tenure, which is only 3 years at the district, they are guaranteed that raise. So what even if that whole raise is for raises in health insurance? We still pay FAR less than the average citizen and get gold standard health insurance. Teachers DO NOT take pay cuts, they may not get an actual pay raise seen in their paychecks but they still get all of their benefits. Did I mention state retirement? Can anyone ask for a cushier retirement plan???
In 1993 Tommy Thompson, yes, a republican, signed the QEO in effect. GOOD!! Maybe you were a child back then, but it sure as hell stopped greedy districts and districts that did not plan their budgets effectively (like West Bend) from imposing 12% tax increase on top of property tax increase already every year. Do we really want that to happen again? Ya, you say big deal, $10 a month extra. Yes, it IS a big deal, because every single year they can keep doing this, and it can be even more of an increase. I really don’t give a flying fig if at this point West Bend’s increase raised it 10 cents a month, it is now the principle of the whole thing, like I stated before, that they refuse to be logical about the whole thing with the budget and now are saying they are cutting this and that, which are scare tactics, which is very poor policy, and apparently the general public believed them and is just throwing up their hands and giving up. I will not give up. I will hold the school board and superintendent to their jobs, which is to balance the frickin budget next year and all the years after, since they were so incompetent to do it this year and how many years leading up to this mess. Blaming Doyle for cut in state aid only is part of the problem.
OK, I am off my soapbox now.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1814 hrs
jodster
My better half is a teacher in the district, and has the same masters + no extra credits. The better half has 6 years to go to get to the top of the pay scale, and makes 20,000 less than you do. Are there any openings in your district. Tell me the secret so I may pass it on. I want to live high on the hog like you!!!!Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1855 hrs
Are you sure you two aren’t married?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1914 hrs
I do not live high on the hog like you say. In fact, my husband is part of the 13.4% unemployment rate in this used to be conservative city, the 3rd highest city in the entire state of unemployment rates. (my husband had a professional job, the same one for 10+ years, and since the mortgage business was losing money, guess what, so did he) So, like most poor working slobs, we live paycheck to paycheck, pay our bills, which are the basic bills in a basic $150,000 house (at least when we bought it 7 years ago) and keep on keeping on. We do not live beyond our means, support our family, have food on the table, drive 7 and 9 year old paid off cars, take care of our stuff to make sure it lasts and looks nice, etc. etc. So you saying living high off the hog is so completely off base. We live with common sense, are conservative, especially fiscally conservative, and are fed up with the tax mentality of this city, state and country.
I was merely pointing out that I am so sick of the majority of teachers being such complete morons who constantly complain about how hard they have it. If you reread my post, you will see I made several other points about how good teachers have it besides just salary. Thank goodness I am a teacher, and I LOVE my job (99% of the time LOL), because ours is one of the few secure jobs left.
Also, I have a very hard time believing you better half only makes $40,000 a year on the pay scale in West Bend.
from: http://dpi.wi.gov/lbstat/newasr.html
(ahem, Wisconsin Department of Education)West Bend Sch Dist Teacher Salaries for 2009
low salary $35,280
high salary $73,564
average salary $56,743my district:
low salary $36,047
high $81,166
average $62,450So, although I am not a Math teacher, I have a hard time with seeing a $20,000 difference between me and your wife when we both are in the exact same spot on that pay scale, same row, same column, same years of experience and same education/credits. I do admit teachers in my district get paid higher than ones here in West Bend, but $20,000 difference?? I think not.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1921 hrs
ha ha Wendy
I do not teach in this city though, so impossible. Plus, my husband KNOWS we do NOT live high off the hog!! LOLPosted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1923 hrs
Im sorry only 10g’s difference, it still doesnt matter Why blame this on the teachers, when its the admin that cant figure out what to do with the taxpayers money. Does westbend really need 2 highschools, 4 assistant principals, and I BLAME THE ADMINISTRATION FOR THIS PROBLEM. Why not pay cuts for the big wigs in the district. Is port and saukville hiring yet!!!????? FREEZE THE PAY, JUST DONT TAKE THE BENEFITS I LOVE THEM JUST AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE YOURS ALL $27,610 OF IT
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1935 hrs
Jodster,
The QEO is not 3.8% any more: The QEO is dead. This in no way should be viewed as that districts do not possess several “cards to play” during negotiations.
A district cannot legally recommend a (12%) tax levy increase every year unless such increases are warranted. Tax levy decreases have occurred in West Bend and other districts especially during times of growth in the tax base.
Though there is room for (informed) criticism, if you had followed the referendum literature and attended one or more of the last 3 WBSD district meetings, the board work session, or Senator Grothmans’s 10-20 visit to Lighthouse Lanes, you could not rationally say WBSD “did not plan [its] budget effectively.”
“a ‘Gold Standard’ cushier retirement plan” would be presidential, congressional, or senatorial at the national level.
Pay cuts: If health benefits’ costs increase, pay cuts could be negotiated to retain desired benefits. Teachers can take pay cuts as part of a disciplinary situation depending on the severity of the offense.
“indoctrinating teachers” who indoctrinate students in matters of “sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ... pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability or handicap” will be caught, disciplined and/or terminated in West Bend School District.
In West Bend SD,”[W]orst most ineffective teacher[s]” will be caught, they will improve or they will be terminated.
Regarding some content in para. 3, it was wise of you not post your name, position or district name (if you are a real teacher)
JPenterman, WBEA Prof. Rights & Responsibilities OfficerPosted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 2015 hrs
43.We simply just thought putting a freeze on your salary for one year could help the budget.
If you were at the meeting last night, you would know that a freeze is in the talks. Yes, it can only be “in the talks” right now, as negotiations are underway.I mean, you tree hugging, child indoctrinating teachers “care” about the students, don’t you?? Why would you not want to help them by making sure they get what they “need” from the budget? But, since you are a typical teacher, I do not expect you to understand that nor have common sense about it.
WOW! For someone who is a public school teacher and loves her job, you sure just proved how ignorant comments people make can give teachers a bad name! Unbelievable! I’m assuming you are a “typical” teacher then?
Teachers in this district have been giving students what they “need” for years, on a minimal tax mill rate. WB has done a fantastic job of providing the programming it has for students on little money, especially compared to surrounding areas comparing in size to the district.So really, Paul and all whiny teachers need to shut their stupid mouths and get back to work, after all, you care so much about the kids, and you are so overworked, I see that, because you posted your first post at 3:32pm today, Tuesday, a school day. Shouldn’t you be grading papers and planning and doing all of that work you claim you have to do???
I don’t see the complaint about teachers not making enough. Did I miss something? Paul was 100% on that while the economy was hot, WB teachers were capped and went through numerous pay freezes. You might not know that though since you’re not a teacher in WB. Easy to throw stones…
AND as long as I’m rolling, how do you know Paul isn’t a high school teacher ending the day at 2:31? How do you know he didn’t just want to see what people have to say about the decision that was made last night before he stays up until midnight grading papers? Again…WOW! I don’t see where that came from!I rarely do work at home that would make up for the times I slack at work on those oh so worth it inservice and half days.
Good for you! Many don’t have that option to not bring any work home.
I will hold the school board and superintendent to their jobs, which is to balance the frickin budget next year and all the years after, since they were so incompetent to do it this year and how many years leading up to this mess. Blaming Doyle for cut in state aid only is part of the problem.
I look forward to seeing your name on the school board ballot in spring! Afterall, you don’t have extra school work to do at home, right?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 2120 hrs
In 1993 Tommy Thompson, yes, a republican, signed the QEO in effect. GOOD!! Maybe you were a child back then, but it sure as hell stopped greedy districts and districts that did not plan their budgets effectively (like West Bend) from imposing 12% tax increase on top of property tax increase already every year
No, their mill rates all just stayed consistently higher than WB’s. The broken state funding system is not affecting them as harshly. I’m very curious what your community pays for public education.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 2138 hrs
I apologize for my misdirected outburst yesterday.
I should probably use a catching online name versus my real name so there is no misunderstanding. As I have been attacked before for some of my posts I assumed, incorrectly, that I was being attacked again when reading the post directed at “Pat”. As there are many Pats in the world it would have made it a little more clear as to the one you were directing your comment to. Sarcasm doesn’t always render itself for well when attempting to make a point and leaves itself open for such misunderstandings.
But, on my part I should have just let it go either way instead of being drawn in. Again, I apologize.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 28, 2009 at 0741 hrs
#52 Pat
I understand, no problem here- Apology accepted
mom2three——
“The truth is that money simply couldn’t have been spent any other way. “
Not sure how you know that, I know many have asked pat for a line/line Budget and we never get it.
However, Isn’t that the point?????????—SPENDING!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 28, 2009 at 0902 hrs
Someone made a comment about the school board not listening to the tax payers. I find that interesting because I was at the meeting at the HS I left early because I was not feeling well. However, a majority of the speakers were in favor of the levy and supportive of the district.
So what group do we listen to? The smaller group at Silverbrook or the larger group at te hs? It would seem to me that one would gage public opinion by that of a larger more diversivfied group of people verses a smaller one.I don’t know but there was more than 50% in favor of the levy. Frankly there are some people I have talked to that have said that because certain outspoken people that opposed the library and are against the levy because this person according to some I talked to holds no credibility so that was why they changed their minds or it at least it made them rethink their position. I don’t think that is a very logical reason just because someone you don’t agree with supports something.
Others I talked to changed their mind when tey say the possibile cuts the district would have to make if they didn’t pass the levy. That I think was the eye opener for many. Once they saw it in blackand white they understood the severity of this need.
I took violin lessons in 5th grade and was in band and took clarinet lessons in middle school. I want to share with you a very little known fact a high percentage of gifted and talented students if they do not have classes in the school to be at their level many of them get bored and than begin to skip school or even drop out figuring they were not learning anything anyway so why go.
In years past there had been a cry to keep the arts in the schools. Now it seems those are the things that people are more then willing to cut. I don’t getit. I do get that the more opportunities we take away from our kids is that much more they (the students) will have to make up for.
I know that this issue is a complex one and the choice either way it would have fallen was going to be difficult. I don’t think the district was out to get anyone.
I hae asked what can the community do to get some of that money for education from the fed and state governments. I think that since we are a low spending district in the state we should be rewarded for that and actually get more than those who have huge budgets. Let them make massive cuts with all that money they get not ones that don’t have much to start with. I was told to call and write to our state legislators on all levels, get a petition going and put that in their hands. Let them know that it is not about our cash it is about how this is effecting the educational opportunities of our kids.
NowI am going to E and snail mail our reps, but they need more of a push than me. If we all do it, maybe we won’t have to have this issue again next yer. Let’s work together to get more of that cash from the government. If we do this than another tax levy next year may be able to be avoided.
Just some thoughts.
Sorry it was so long it’s been a while since I felt well so I got behind in the blogisphere.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 29, 2009 at 1824 hrs
Kristina
Are you for real ? Did you get your parents permission before logging on.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 30, 2009 at 0006 hrs
MS Teacher,
The self importance of teachers is truly second to none.
Do you NOT realize that when you whine about correcting papers you sound completely pathetic?
I second your thoughts on Jodster. If she is a teacher and a member of the union, than she needs to know her role and shut her mouth. You have spent years and years and years getting a system in place under the noses of the apathetic public. You have placed cronies and ex-teachers and administrators onto school boards. You have bribed Doyle in order to eliminate the QEO. You have set up human shields in the form of children in order to protect your benefits. The last thing you need is a teacher with a conscience.
I would seriously love to know who these teachers are who are so brazenly attacking fiscal conservativism in order to promote their selfish agenda. Hiding behind anonymous posts…. To go so far as to post fake emails in order to hide their identity.
Posted by Smeety on October 30, 2009 at 1010 hrs
There sure is a lot of acromony in the replies today.
I hope it’s just the weather or the tension of the Packers-Vikings game.
I cannot afford a tax increase either, but that’s not impacting my ability to share and respond in civil ways towards others.
And I am glad I neither own, nor count in my cirlce of friends any who own, such a broad brush as some of you have.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 30, 2009 at 1433 hrs
Smeety,
Who is whining about correcting papers? It’s part of the job and I was stating that Jodster is fortunate to not have to bring papers home. Stop making it more than it was.
Every job has its perks and downfalls. I do not complain about the money I earn or my benefits, just as many other employees in various professions do not.
Believe it or not, Most teachers do what they do because they love their jobs. There is no conspiracy.
System? What system have we set up under your noses?
School Board Members-Public Election, can’t wait to see “Smeety” on the ballot in spring
Bribing Doyle- You are giving teachers too much “power”
Using Kids as Shields-Ignorant assumption! If students had stood up and spoken against the tax levy, you would be singing their praises about their sense of citizenship, but because they didn’t agree with you and voiced their concerns about losing programs/class sizes that directly affect THEM, it MUST be the teachers that put them up to it?
Talk about self importance! I do find it ironic that someone who preaches about self importance feels the need to publicly postIf she is a teacher and a member of the union, than she needs to know her role and shut her mouth
Onto your next point, a teacher/mother/taxpayer with a conscience is EXACTLY what I am. People can feel how they will about district financial issues, but when the did the teacher bashing come into play?
If you believe you have all the solutions, run for school board! Heck, run for political office! Things need to change, right?Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 30, 2009 at 2157 hrs
Greedy MS Teacher,
Make no mistake about it. You and your greed teacher’s union use children as human shields. What you have taught these children is that it is sometimes easier to spend everyone elses’ money than make logical cuts. These kids are less intelligent as a result. How you influence these children is without conscience. And of course it’s the school board and teachers that propagate making cuts in places that get kids and parents riled up. In the real world, people get laid off (primarily administrators, maybe some teachers should have been the case here)...
With regard to running for school board… I do appreciate your arrogant canned response. Years and years have gone by in West Bend in which faith in the West Bend School District has eroded. Maybe, because you reap the benefits of this irresponsibility instead of pay for it, you don’t see it as much. Let’s put it in perspective ... if you live on a block with 8-10 houses… the entire block… your neighbors will be getting their property tax bills in the next 4-6 weeks. The increase in the property taxes is going to be enormous, and (back to the perspective) your entire block paid for your increase in pay and benefits. And, chances are that at least one of your neighbors is laid off, and at least two more are earning significantly less money - that’s what happens in the real world in a recession
... the backlash of this hasn’t even hit full stride yet. So don’t worry, honey, with regard to the school board plans are in place…Posted by Smeety on October 31, 2009 at 0652 hrs
Smeety,
I think you are misinformed that the budget situation was the subject for a lesson in my or all classrooms in WB. These students DO have parents, can read newspapers, and have families that live in the district, which receive mailings.Maybe, because you reap the benefits of this irresponsibility instead of pay for it, you don’t see it as much.
Maybe you missed the part where I AM a WB taxpayer? And I’m sorry, but students reap the benefits of keeping programming and other services, including class sizes under 30. It is again, an ingnorant assumption, that all teachers are in this for the pay and benefits.
The increase in the property taxes is going to be enormous
Not due to the district. Unless someone is living in a mansion, I believe the total increase for an average home is anticipated to be less than $140? Other taxes are increasing are not the topic of discussion here. Direct that hostility elsewhere.
So don’t worry, honey,
Your condescension hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 31, 2009 at 0906 hrs
MS Teacher,
Maybe you missed the part where I AM a WB taxpayer?
That may be true, but I am sure your salary increase this year will more than cover the tax increase the board just decided on. Those of that took cuts (or in other case, freezes) aren’t as lucky and will need to find something else to cut from already frugal lifestyles. And yes, that $140 is not pocket change when you have 3 kids to feed and clothe. Will it bankrupt me? No. But it will impact quality of life.
As for the argument about the students - many of us advocated for increasing extra-curricular fees on the students. If they are so concerned about their education and don’t want to see cuts - let them take on some of the responsibility. Our board members did not want to do that because they “already raised fees last year”. I guess the fact that they raised taxes last year as well was lost on them.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 31, 2009 at 1002 hrs
Rich 2,
I absolutely agree with you! In my eyes, priorities should revolve around programming and class size. As a parent, I know that I have/will have to pay for the “extras” my children participate in.
People should run for school board to have more input and also should get involved in the district’s PBB process annually, where public, parents, and staff work together to prioritize needed cuts.
Pay freezes are in the talks; many teachers are very sympathetic to what is going on (as many of our spouses’ jobs are affected as well). Unfortunately, it’s only a temporary band-aid on the on-going financial situation, but in these times, every bit helps.
Contrary to popular belief (at least on this board), I, in addition to most teachers I know, live paycheck-to-paycheck. I also have children to support and, like you, will have to prioritize my family’s budget.
70% of WB teachers are WB taxpayers and are not plotting against this community. We just want what is best for our students and our own children.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 31, 2009 at 1028 hrs
Greedy MS Teacher,
I think you are misinformed that the budget situation was the subject for a lesson in my or all classrooms in WB.
So are you saying no teacher in the entire school district discussed the tax increase with a single student? You are a LIAR if you are saying that… which you apparently are…
Maybe you missed the part where I AM a WB taxpayer?
I defer to Rich’s post… but you ARE BEING REEDICK. 4% raise per year is not what happens in the real world.
It’s the result of a greedy union, apathetic public, and irresponsible school board…And I’m sorry, but students reap the benefits of keeping programming and other services, including class sizes under 30.
Your comment is ignorant and ill-informed. How do the students benefit from an obese school administration? In real life these people are cut…
Unless someone is living in a mansion, I believe the total increase for an average home is anticipated to be less than $140?
This, too is ignorant and ill-informed. A $250,000 house will expect to see an increase double what you suggest, when you include the fat tax referendum from spring.
I certainly want the absolute best for my kids. I simply don’t feel an obese administration and 4% pay raise per year for the greedy teachers union shows the same concern. Fact of the matter is, the teachers were going to get their raise$ whether any cuts to programs were going to take place. This is greedy. This is without conscience. This shows absolutely no compassion for these kids whatsoever.
And this situation is going to get much, much worse before it gets better. And I’m just getting warmed up. Wait til people start getting their property tax bills.
I could go all day here…
Posted by Smeety on October 31, 2009 at 1121 hrs
Some thoughts:
I participated in the district’s PBB process in 05-06, 06-07, and 07-08. The district’s PBB process was attended by teachers, admin, aides, and parents for 3 years until 08-09. As a team, we were given the power to analyze spending and reduce spending within specific budgets, i.e., my group could not touch other buildings, athletics, grounds/maintanance, etc., that way our discussions concerned us and only us. We were always given several scenarios: EX: -5%, -2.5%, 0, +2.5, +5%. For three years in a row, we treaded the exact same path and discussions because of the budget parameters. It was interesting, challenging and worthwhile until we were backed into discussing cutting aides and teacher positions: That’s an admin job, and that’s when the teachers and aides ceased being involved in the PBB process. Note: The PBB process was originally designed for budget building, not budget reductions.Using “children as human shields” - I doubt it is possible to discuss the effect of budget cuts without including children in some way when program reductions or changes are discussed. That’s the nature of the beast: Children are everywhere in the production line.
“Pay freezes are in the talks” - I do not understand how this has been communicated as the negotiations between the school board and the WBEA negotiations team are confidential until the contract is agreed on. Negotiations have not officially started. I do know the QEO is over, and neither party wishes to go to arbitration: Negotiations history has not been ugly, arbitration is costly/ugly, and both parties are aware of the future stakes and the stakeholders (No vampire metaphors.). Refer to the proposed cuts chart for the stakes.
I thought the 10.9% school tax levy increase included the referendum. No? Yes?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 31, 2009 at 2148 hrs
The badger referendum will begin next year: tax levy for 2010 and going forward.
Teachers are not receiving a 4% raise.
teachers discussing tax increase with student: Discussions likely took place based on student questions outside curriculum delivery. Teachers would have delivered factual answers to questions based on the info delivered by the superintendent. If a student teacher gave a biased answer that attempted to steer a student to a particular point of view, these actions should have been reported to an administrator to which he or she is required to follow up with investigation and warranted discipline.
On the Friday the week before Pat Strachota spoke with students (at a student’s request), East and West Principals spoke with over 100 students addressing the tax levy and cuts issues and student questions. Information was delivered factually with no bias. If there had been a problem, it should have been reported.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on November 02, 2009 at 1547 hrs
Teachers are not receiving a 4% raise.
How much of a raise are they receiving, for base pay and fringe? Please don’t tell me it’s 3.6% or something like that…
Please pardon me if I don’t believe that the human shields did not receive unbiased views on the tax levy…
Posted by Smeety on November 02, 2009 at 2013 hrs
If one wants to change/influence a large entrenched public institution, it’s important to remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. So, just showing up angry at one advisory meeting a year accomplishes very little save spleen venting.
Yesterday, the School Board made it very clear that they have no interest in making any sort of structural change that could in the long term lower the cost of public education.
Now is the time to make your opinions known. I know I will.Posted by Charlie Hillman on November 24, 2009 at 2045 hrs
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