Let's Go After Teachers to Balance the Books

This past week there were two events that shook the world of education. The events in the State of Wisconsin was viewed by the whole nation. Then by the end of the week, we had the firing of all teachers in Providence, Rhode Island.

Many States are looking for way to reduce costs. Eliminating teachers and breaking unions are their way of saying, "Well done." It doesn't matter if you are an excellent or poor teacher. The bottom line is $$$$. As a matter of fact, if a teacher has their Masters or Specialist degree their odds of landing a job is even more reduced. Simply put, "You cost too much to hire."

Illinois
Governor Quinn wants to consolidate many smaller school districts. He wants to reduce schools districts from the current 868 to no more than 300. Axing 568 superintendents and administrators would save the State of Illinois a little over $100 million dollars. Place the burden on parents getting their children to and from school miles away.

Senate President John Cullerton wants school districts to cover the cost of all teacher pensions in the State. This would amount to about $700 million. According to Pantagraph.com, "When school districts in the suburbs and downstate negotiate contracts and salaries, they don't have to worry about the pensions because they, as the employers, contribute almost nothing to the pension funds," Cullerton said in a statement. "I think we need to look at changing that. What Cullerton doesn't say is that right now, it is the law. Where would schools that the State now owes get that kind of money?

What Quinn and Cullerton won't address is the amount of money that they currently owe to Illinois public schools. Quinn earlier announced that he wants to reduce transportation expenses for all school districts. Reduce? They still owe. The bottom line is that these guys want to pass the buck. They have spent foolishly the past few years and now have a debt of billions.

Providence
Firing every teacher without cause. Steve Smith the President of the Teachers Union of Providence calls this a Wisconsin back door approach to breaking the union. They say it is for financial flexibility. I wonder if the Providence taxpayers are getting a return of their tax dollars that is suppose to go to education? That would give them some flexibility in their monthly budgets.

Wisconsin
The events here have turned ugly. Legislators are losing respect and teachers have lost collective bargaining rights. The events here are yet to be played out. The Senate still has to vote.

Why would anyone want to be a teacher?
To all the teachers and future teachers out there. Keep the faith. You are only the beginning. Fire Departments and Police Departments are next in line along with other State workers. Remember, it's not personal. Not when everyone is affected.

What is sad, is that it had to start somewhere. Teachers are the largest of the groups. They are starting with you first. Every State will be different, but all will eventually be affected. It is a sign of the times. You still have one major power and that is your right to vote. School board elections and general elections are held all the time.

Whatever you have, "fight hard to keep it." Nobody else will. You can't count on the Federal Government or the State to bail you out. They are only concerned about saving their own skin.

Foot note; I hate writing articles like this. I have a lot of respect for political office and especially teachers. I currently serve in both areas. This is not a good situation for anyone to be in. There will be lots of finger pointing in the weeks to come. I just hope it stays at that. The one thing that hasn't been talked about is the affect of all this on the children.