tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17071678821965601482024-03-13T12:19:27.165-05:00Thoughts of the PresidentThoughts on issues in education in the Dallas ISD, the state of Texas, and now and again, the nation.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-970544776823363172010-05-31T23:46:00.002-05:002010-06-01T01:01:31.988-05:00Final Thoughts....It has been a privilege and honor to serve as the President of NEA-Dallas / Classroom Teachers of Dallas these last seven years. We have accomplished much over that time period, but the time has come for me to pass the torch of leadership in NEA-Dallas to a new leader and focus on the education of my young sons in Cedar Hill and issues in my local community of Duncanville.<br /><br />WE have accomplished much over the last seven years. For some who don't remember, let me remind you.<br /><br />In the fall of 2003, we brought the National Education Association to the Dallas County Schools. Up until that time, leaders in our state and national associations did not realize that Dallas County Schools was an actual school district. Once WE gave them that education, WE proudly began organizing in DCS with two charter members: the late Elnora Brantley and Verbena Nedd.<br /><br />Now, in 2010, our membership in Dallas County Schools is well over 700! And, NEA-Dallas members have had a unique relationship with their Board of Trustees and Board President. For several summers in a row, the Board President, Larry Duncan, sat down with our representatives from the respective service centers in DCS and rewrote policy so that the DCS would become a "kinder, gentler" place to work. That work was then taken to the Board, by Mr. Duncan, and put into policy.<br /><br />On May 22, 2004, WE unified our three NEA-family organizations in Dallas and formed NEA-Dallas. The Classroom Teachers of Dallas, which had represented Dallas ISD teachers since 1927; the Dallas Education Support Professionals Association; and the Dallas Association of Paraprofessionals all came together to form ONE organization. That is why we have the three stars in our logo -- one for each founding organization.<br /><br />WE have also brought over $100,000 in grants from the National Education Association to the Dallas ISD and Dallas County Schools. Grants through the NEA's Priority Schools Initiative,KEYS 2.0, Public Engagement Project and Minority Community Outreach Program have all come to Dallas ISD to help our students succeed and to get the community more involved in low-performing schools. In the Dallas County Schools, we have received grants to place computers in almost all of the service centers to allow internet access to many employees who would not have it at home.<br /><br />In the Spring of 2004, WE, with the help of five Trustees on the Dallas ISD Board, were able to stop the insane idea of tying student test scores to teacher evaluations! Dr. Mike Moses' Administration had their plan all ready to go to the Board when Trustees Dr.Lew Blackburn, Hollis Brashear, Dr. Lois Parrott, Ron Price and the late Joe May told the Superintendent, "No!"<br /><br />There would be many dark days in the Dallas ISD after that as new Trustees would side with the Superintendent on almost every issue. WE, were however,able to save "Longevity Pay" for employees in June of 2008 for those who were already receiving it but an unexpected $84 million budget deficit that Fall would be the District's darkest hour.<br /><br />The Administration's original plan was to lay off over 800 employees and have them off of the District's payroll by the end of October. But, by working with Alliance-AFT, the Association of Texas Professional Educators and the Dallas School Administrators Association, WE were able to get a solution that was not quite as painful.<br /><br />The Administration agreed to allow employees who were close to retirement to "volunteer" for the Reduction in Force. The RIF'd employees would leave work on October 16, 2008, but would get paid until January 16, 2009, allowing them to be eligible for one more year of credible of service for the Teacher Retirement System. A little over half of those employees released were those who "volunteered", thus saving the jobs of many younger teachers. And, for those teachers who challenged being released, NEA-Dallas/TSTA attorneys won all but one of those cases.<br /><br />Things began to look better in the Winter of 2009 as Dallas ISD had three Trustee elections that should have taken place that May. This time, working with the Dallas Friends of Public Education and Alliance-AFT, WE were able to elect Bruce Parrott and Bernadette Nutall to the DISD Board and gave incumbent Dr. Edwin Flores a scare in District 1 with our candidate, Dr. Kyle Renard.<br /><br />And again in the most recent DISD Trustee elections; DFPE, Alliance-AFT and NEA-Dallas were able to re-elect Dr. Lew Blackburn and elect Eric Cowan to the DISD Board. In just a few months time, by working together, employees now have ridded themselves of the "Bobblehead Bunch" and replaced them with enough votes to force the Administration to do the right thing by its students and employees.<br /><br />WE have also accomplished much in our state association. At the Texas State Teachers Association convention in April, NEA-Dallas sponsored and passed a new business item that would have TSTA aggressively oppose any participation in the Obama Administration's Race To The Top Incentive Program.<br /><br />Why did we do this? Because for years WE have said that, "Children are more than test scores!" If our students are more than test scores, so are we! The Administration's Race to the Top Program would have states tie teacher evaluations to student test scores. That's an idea that we defeated in Dallas in 2004 and one that we must ensure that Texas does not fall for.<br /><br />WE have accomplished much, but YOU MUST ACCOMPLISH MORE! There are very troublesome times ahead for the Dallas ISD, Dallas County Schools and public education in general and YOU must be ever vigilant.<br /><br />YOU can do it! Just as people had faith in a newcomer from Louisiana some seven years ago, I have faith in YOU!Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-16823427396231162152010-05-28T22:09:00.003-05:002010-05-28T22:30:30.605-05:00Time for a Couple of "Job Well Dones"One of the things that I have enjoyed about being NEA-Dallas President is that I have been able to visit the schools of the Dallas ISD. I will never forget the first time, and everytime since, that I have walked the halls of our DISD elementary schools. <br /><br />Students all in line, their hands behind their backs, moving very orderly and QUIETLY through the halls. For all of the grief our elementary teachers receive from the Administration and everyone else, they do a fantastic job!<br /><br />And, I, for one, want to say, "Thank You!" <br /><br />I was in an elementary school just last week in one of the suburbs. You know the ones: no portables; nice cool buildings because the air conditioning is working; state-of-the-art equipment, etc. Well, let me tell you, those teachers aren't even in the same ballpark as our DISD teachers!<br /><br />I just happened to be in the hall when the bell sounded. It was like a jail break! Students running up and down the halls, yelling-hollering... reminded me of the video "School's Out For Summer", but it wasn't... I would have expected something like that in a middle school or even a high school, but an ELEMENTARY SCHOOL?!?!<br /><br />Students came tearing down the hall without teachers, so I asked the counselor, with whom I was walking, "Where are their teachers?" She looked kinda bewildered and about that time a couple of teachers rounded the corner. I told her, "Boy, these teachers better be glad I wasn't their principal!"<br /><br />So, whenever you start thinking DISD teachers aren't doing their jobs, you should think again. I have never seen an elementary school in the DISD where students were allowed to behave so badly.<br /><br />My other "Job Well Done" goes out to the Dallas County Schools Board of Trustees. At their meeting on May 20 they passed a new program aimed at helping their employees. This program will reimburse up to $1000 a year for college/technical school classes for part-time employees and up to $2000 a year for full-time employees.<br /><br />At a time when school districts across the state of Texas are cutting employees and freezing salaries, the Dallas County Schools Board of Trustees is doing something to help their employees.<br />Thank you Trustees!<br /><br />If you want more information on the Dallas County Schools program, you can contact the DCS Communications Director, Deanne Hullender, at 214.944.4545.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-65334990405438024232010-05-10T11:31:00.004-05:002010-05-10T12:13:53.572-05:00HOPE is Finally Alive in DISD!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Sl89m9qtEBYlQ23IRGewsz0El7fC3PKJcySETZ1Zbu7Gv5vqDjhmfdGEM0wiKMmBMSfOt0-lvA_sXxODlBsG8Bwgc_TXeYlymN33ia074lC3AKcjWns0Thtv7AKI72XnPUha6PoJcOJ2/s1600/IMG_3900.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469689985883204802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Sl89m9qtEBYlQ23IRGewsz0El7fC3PKJcySETZ1Zbu7Gv5vqDjhmfdGEM0wiKMmBMSfOt0-lvA_sXxODlBsG8Bwgc_TXeYlymN33ia074lC3AKcjWns0Thtv7AKI72XnPUha6PoJcOJ2/s320/IMG_3900.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div>Hope is once again alive in the Dallas ISD! With the re-election of Trustee Dr. Lew Blackburn and the election of Eric Cowan, students and employees now have the opportunity for the DISD Board of Trustees to vote in THEIR favor, instead of just going along with what the Administration wants.<br /><br />This is the first time in six years that we have what some would call a "student/employee friendly board". The first time since Trustees in 2004 told then Superintendent Dr. Mike Moses, "NO!", to tying teacher evaulations to student test scores! The days of the Administration doing whatever it wants, whenever it wants will now be much more of a challenge and that challenge could not have come at a better time.<br /><br />The newly-elected Trustees will be sworn in this month and have to hit the ground running. DISD has just over a month to finalize and approve its 2010-2011 budget. Already the Administration has done another "staffing formula" change when it comes to Special Education resulting in the release of many teachers and teacher asssistants.<br /><br />It will be up to Trustees to ask the tough questions and DEMAND the answers. It will be up to them to make sure that this District does not shortchange its students while continuing to pour money into consultant contracts, incentive programs that can not be properly run, and high-priced administrators.<br /><br />It is now up to all of us who have supported these candidates to continue to support them and to push them. Students, parents, tax payers, and educators must now continously update these Trustees and give them the information that the Administration will sometimes not want to give them.<br /><br />We still have much work to do. Winning the election was just the beginning. But, because of these elections, Hope Is Alive!</div></div>Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-80279662693367550992010-04-07T15:07:00.003-05:002010-04-07T15:19:56.704-05:00YOU can make a Difference!You can make a difference! "How do I do that?" you ask. Very simple. Vote in the Democratic Party's Run-off Election!<br /><br />We made a difference in March's primary by voting for Larry Duncan for County Judge. Mr. Duncan's opponent, Clay Jenkins, spent well over $500,000 in that election but could not quite get enough votes to avoid a run-off election.<br /><br />Now is the time. In this run-off election EVERY VOTE will count! YOUR VOTE will count as voter turnout will be incredibly low and it is up to us to make sure we vote.<br /><br />Not only us, but everyone we know that lives in Dallas County. You can make a difference. We can make a difference.<br /><br />Early voting continues through this Friday, April 9 at 7:00pm. You can vote at any of the early voting locations throughout the county until that time. (To see a list of those locations go to: <a href="http://www.dalcoelections.org/">http://www.dalcoelections.org/</a>)<br /><br />Election Day is Tuesday, April 13. Tuesday you will have to go and vote at your precinct's polling location.<br /><br />Whether you vote early or on election day, please VOTE!<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#6633ff;">NEA-Dallas Recommends LARRY DUNCAN, Democrat for Dallas County Judge!</span></strong><br /><br />Larry Duncan has worked tirelessly with NEA-Dallas over the last seven years to improve working conditions for employees in the Dallas County Schools. He has sat down with our Association Representatives over several summers and worked on revisions to Dallas County Schools policy which he has then seen through to passage by the Board of Trustees.<br /><br />Duncan is also the reason Dallas County Schools now responds to assist in the evacuation of citizens from areas of natural disasters. After seeing the devastation and destrucion left behind by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Larry put in motion the plans to get Dallas County Schools buses out of harms way should something occur locally and also established the procedures by which Dallas County Schools buses and employees could help in other parts of the state and country.<br /><br />And, if you get behind a green Dallas County Schools bus and it smells like french fries, thank Larry Duncan. Through Mr. Duncan's leadership, the Dallas County Schools is now using waste vegetable oil in at least one of its buses and is processing its own biodeisel for use in others at the Kleberg Service Center in Southeast Dallas County. The use of waste vegetable oil and biodiesel reduces the production of greenhouse gases, particulate matter and other pollutants which are harmful to the environment.<br /><br />Larry Duncan will fight for ALL of the citizens of Dallas County as County Judge. NEA-Dallas' Board of Directors asks for your support of Larry as he seeks to improve the lives of our students, their parents and the rest of us.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-69587795829730111412010-02-26T13:07:00.003-06:002010-02-26T13:53:47.889-06:00Time to VOTE!Election Day, March 2, is now just a few days away. Early voting wraps up this afternoon and it is <strong>IMPERATIVE</strong> that we as educators get out and participate in this election.<br /><br />NEA-Dallas has voted to recommend one candidate in the Dallas County Judge election and TSTA has made their endorsements for state offices. I will list those below.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">NEA-Dallas Recommends LARRY DUNCAN, Democrat for Dallas County Judge!</span></strong><br /><br />Larry Duncan has worked tirelessly with NEA-Dallas over the last seven years to improve working conditions for employees in the Dallas County Schools. He has sat down with our Association Representatives over several summers and worked on revisions to Dallas County Schools policy which he has then seen through to passage by the Board of Trustees.<br /><br />Duncan is also the reason Dallas County Schools now responds to assist in the evacuation of citizens from areas of natural disasters. After seeing the devastation and destrucion left behind by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Larry put in motion the plans to get Dallas County Schools buses out of harms way should something occur locally and also established the procedures by which Dallas County Schools buses and employees could help in other parts of the state and country.<br /><br />And, if you get behind a green Dallas County Schools bus and it smells like french fries, thank Larry Duncan. Through Mr. Duncan's leadership, the Dallas County Schools is now using waste vegetable oil in at least one of its buses and is processing its own biodeisel for use in others at the Kleberg Service Center in Southeast Dallas County. The use of waste vegetable oil and biodiesel reduces the production of greenhouse gases, particulate matter and other pollutants which are harmful to the environment.<br /><br />Larry Duncan will fight for ALL of the citizens of Dallas County as County Judge. NEA-Dallas' Board of Directors asks for your support of Larry as he seeks to improve the lives of our students, their parents and the rest of us.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">TSTA-PAC ENDORSEMENTS</span></strong><br /><br />The Texas State Teachers Association Political Action Committee as endorsed the following in the Democratic Primary:<br /><br />Governor Bill White<br />State Rep. - Dist. 099 Charlie Geren<br />State Rep. - Dist. 105 Loretta Haldenwang<br /><br />Our other Democratic State Representatives are running unopposed in the primary, but will definitely need our help in the General Election come November.<br /><br /><strong></strong><span style="color:#009900;">A PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION AND PLEA!<br /></span>On a personal note, I would like to ask your support for <strong>Judge Martin Hoffman</strong> in his re-election bid for <strong>District Judge, 68th Judicial District</strong>. Judge Hoffman served on the Dallas County Schools Board of Trustees before his election as Judge and did much for employees during his term there.<br /><br />Finally, I urge you to get out and vote on Tuesday if you have not already done so in early voting. For our Republican members, I apologize for not having any endorsements for you in your primary, but I urge you to carefully look at the candidates and vote for those of your choice.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-88434122322761755362009-10-16T21:11:00.003-05:002009-10-16T21:37:05.775-05:00DISD Owes More CEI PaymentsWhen DISD paid out the first Teacher Pay for Performance Awards at the end of 2008, there were a number of teachers who did not get their incentive. A large number of teachers did not get theirs because their administrators did not do the required multiple observations. Another large group did not get theirs because they did not meet the 95% attendance rule.<br /><br />On December 18, 2008 the Board of Trustees voted to pay those teachers who did not get their incentive because their administrators did not do their job. Those teachers have since received their incentive from DISD's General Operating Budget instead of the Teacher Incentive Fund Grant used for the program.<br /><br />Last Sunday night, I was going over the minutes from the DISD Trustee meetings for the last two years. I was compiling the voting records of Trustees on important issues to employees when I came upon the minutes for the December 18, 2008 meeting.<br /><br />To my pleasant surprise, and somewhat my chagrin because I was at that meeting and somehow missed this, I came upon the recorded discussion and actions where the Board voted for General Operating money to pay teachers who missed their Performance Pay Incentives.<br /><br /><strong>"Mr. Garza made a friendly amendment to Dr. Blackburn’s motion that we include as part of this compensation, any teachers that did meet the academic standards and raised their students’ level but did not meet the 95 attendance level rule. <br /><br />The board voted on Dr. Blackburn’s amendment with Mr. Garza’s friendly amendment. The motion passed 5/4 with Adam Medrano, Jerome Garza, Leigh Ann Ellis, Lew Blackburn and Ron Price voting yes. Voting no were Carla Ranger, Edwin Flores, Jack Lowe and Nancy Bingham.<br /><br />The main motion as amended was voted on. Motion passed 7/2 with Carla Ranger and Jerome Garza voting no."</strong> <em>DISD Board Minutes, December 18, 2008.</em><br /><br />According to these minutes, teachers who missed the payout because of attendance should also have been paid their incentive from General Operating funds. They have yet to be paid.<br /><br />As soon as I found this, I emailed DISD's new Executive Director of Human Development - Claudia Rodriguez. She responded on Monday that she is getting the documentation from DISD Legal and Board Services and will be pursuing this further.<br /><br />NEA-Dallas will be pursuing this as well. The way this reads is that teachers who missed the award because of attendance should have been paid already. Regardless of whether they filed a grievance or not, they should have been paid.<br /><br />And, paid the 2008-2009 payout rates! Not the 2009-2010 rates that have been cut by 60%!<br /><br />If you are a DISD teacher who missed last year's Teacher Pay for Performance Award payout because of attendance, please call us at 214.821.2061. Give us your name, the school you were at last year (if not the same as this year) and a contact number. DO THIS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU ARE A MEMBER OF NEA-DALLAS! I will be taking this list to the DISD Administration and Board to get these payments underway!<em></em><em></em>Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-47313379306002943532009-10-08T18:44:00.005-05:002009-10-08T20:00:04.017-05:00UNBELIEVABLE!No letter of reprimand. No administrative leave. Not even a slap on the wrist. Nothing, zilch, Nada. A little tongue-lashing from Trustee Carla Ranger, but that's about all that came out of today's specially called board meeting to discuss possible disciplinary action against the Superintendent.<br /><br />I can actually believe that a "clerical error" placed the raise for the the Chief Academic Officer on the September 24 agenda instead of the October agenda. However, two things came out during today's conversations that, if I were a Trustee, would have required SOME kind of action!<br /><br />Under questioning from Trustee Ranger, Superintendent Hinojosa admitted that he learned that the raise was mistakenly on the agenda some 24 hours BEFORE the September 24 Board meeting. Why didn't he then call the Board President and inform him of the mistake? Why didn't he at least inform the Board BEFORE the Consent Agenda came up for a vote that one item had mistakenly been placed on there and needed to be removed? <br /><br />He KNEW that the item was on the agenda and said NOTHING! He KNEW it was on the agenda and only said something some days later after getting busted. HE KNEW and DID NOTHING! <br /><br />The second statement that caught my attention today was when the Superintendent said he directed staff not to implement a duly-approved board action. He said he directed staff not to implement the raise when he learned that the Board really did not know what they had voted for.<br /><br />Trustee Ranger, gotta love her, pointed out that she didn't believe the Superintendent had the authority to just ignore, or direct staff to ignore, a duly-approved Board action. This was quickly passed over, but Trustee Ranger is correct. Since when can a Superintendent NOT IMPLEMENT something the Board has approved? I think never.<br /><br />Trustee Ranger moved that an independent investigation be conducted into what happened. She did get a second from Trustee Dr. Lew Blackburn, but lost the vote 1 to 8 when the question was called. Ranger made another motion to place the Superintendent on administrative leave, but that motion died for lack of a second. The Trustees then moved for adjournment, voted in favor, and the meeting was adjourned.<br /><br />I thought I had seen it all in DISD, but today took it to a new level. If any other employee in the DISD violates district policy, they are promptly handed their termination letter. But not the Superintendent. He doesn't even get a letter of reprimand, slap on the wrist, nothing, zilch, Nada. Unbelievable...Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-8138608087925544282009-08-27T18:49:00.004-05:002009-08-27T19:07:07.377-05:00The Good News REALLY IS TRUE!The DISD Board of Trustees tonight unanimously APPROVED PAY RAISES for ALL DISD EMPLOYEES! The pay raises include a long-awaited 3% raise for all of our support staff; a 3% raise for all other non-instructional employees; and, a raise of an average of $1701 for all of our teachers and related instructional personnel.<br /><br />Again, a lot of thanks goes to DISD CFO Larry Throm, Trustee Jerome Garza, and former DISD Chief of Human Development Kim Olson and her staff. The money for these raises comes from the fact that DISD Human Development has placed all but fifty-eight (58) of the over 500 teachers who were released from their positions but still had a contract for 2009-2010.<br /><br />I would personally like to thank NEA-Dallas Executive Vice President Diane Birdwell, NEA-Dallas Vice President for Teacher Affairs Kathryn Brothers, and all of you who contacted your Trustees and kept up the pressure on them to make sure that they did the right thing by our employees.<br /><br />You see, when WE all work together, WE can achieve our goal! Together we can, Together we will, and now, Together we have!Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-29716166023508223232009-08-11T21:46:00.002-05:002009-08-11T22:48:19.446-05:00Finally! Some Good News!After fourteen straight months of bad news for Dallas ISD employees, we finally got some good news today in a meeting with DISD Chief Financial Officer Larry Throm. Mr. Throm informed us today that he will propose that the District's support staff employees (maintenance workers, teacher assistants, clerical staff, community liasions, cafeteria workers, janitorial staff, etc)receive a 3% pay raise for 2009-2010!<br /><br />This pay increase is long overdue for these vital employees of the DISD. After enduring hundreds of layoffs and not even a salary step increase in 2008-2009, these employees will finally get some reward for all of the hard work that they have continued to put forth on a daily basis.<br /> <br />Another bit of good news led to the funding being available for these raises. At the end of 2008-2009 DISD had over 500 Chapter 21 contract employees who had a contract for 2009-2010 but no assignment. DISD promised these employees their contracts would be honored even if the District was unable to place them in a new position by the start of school.<br /><br />Throm budgeted for this year with that in mind. However, as of today, only 58 employees remain without an assignment. He feels that by the end of this school year, all will be back in assignments as vacancies occur in the DISD on a weekly basis.<br /><br />The credit for placing this large number of employees falls squarely on the DISD Human Development Department. Former HD Chief Kim Olson and her staff have spent their summer making sure as many of these displaced employees have a place to call home for 2009-2010. Not only do these employees have a home, as a result, support staff will be getting a pay raise!<br /><br />The State Legislature gave teachers and some other employees a raise based on the wieghted average daily attendance (WADA) plus a salary step earlier in the year. School districts across the state have hesitated in announcing their raises because they were waiting for the Department of Education to approve the use of federal stimulus money to pay for that raise.<br /><br />Mr. Throm told us today he will also recommend to the Board that our teachers receive the salary step, an average of $850, plus the WADA calculation of $851 for a total of $1701. There are two salary steps that receive more than the $850 average. Those will receive their respective amounts plus the $851.<br /><br />The starting teacher salary will also go up in Throm's proposal. Currently, teachers with 0 years of experience start out at $44,350. Mr. Throm will propose raising that to $45,350. <br /><br />While there is still the question of how much, if any, of a raise teachers who were receiving longevity pay will get, the news we received today is very welcome!<br /><br />I would like to thank Mr. Throm for working to find the money for these raises and for his honesty in his discussions with us. I would also like to thank Trustee Jerome Garza for pushing the Administration to get something done for our support employees.<br /><br />The Board of Trustees will hear the details at this Thursday's Board Briefings and will vote on Mr. Throm's proposal August 24. Employees should see the raise in their September paychecks with the Board's approval.<br /><br />Finally, some good news...Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-34518715589214313292009-07-03T15:10:00.003-05:002009-07-03T15:55:42.614-05:00NEA's Town Hall with Arne DuncanYesterday, before the official beginning of this year's NEA RA, over 7,000 NEA members met with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. NEA hosted one of his many "listening and learning" town hall forums on education here at the San Diego Convention Center.<br /><br />Secretary Duncan first shared with us his background in education. He then went on to say that we should not let seniority and tenure rules put adults ahead of students, and that their performance should be measured--in part--by student scores.<br /><br />Teacher pay -- and teacher tenure -- needs changing, Duncan said. He and President Obasma hope to collaborate with NEA and its members on new systems of compensation that will depart from traditional seniority-based salary scales.<br /><br />Duncan went on to say that, "Excellence matters and we must honor it -- fairly, transparently, and on terms teachers can embrace."<br /><br />Next, finally, our members had their turn. A member from Virginia asked how much of our input would be seen in the reauthorized version of the ESEA? The crowd responded with and thunderous, standing applause. A member from California asked Duncan to promise to not close schools, turn schools into charters and tie salaries to test scores. <br /><br />Duncan responded to these questions like a typical, well-trained politician. He repeatedly said, "Great question." before not really answering the question and going back to his message. Messages like, "We've been scared to shine a spotlight on excellence," and, "Children have only one chance, one chance to get an education."<br /><br />The Secretary never did give any straight answers. He did however, promise one thing: That the Administration will work in collaboration with the NEA and other organizations to develop a new plan for education in our country.<br /><br />Well, I have heard this before from our own Dallas ISD Administration. The DISD has repeatedly brought in employees from across the District to talk about issues and propose solutions. These employees took time out of their day to come and provide their input with the understanding that their input would be used. Only thing was, their input was put into File 13 and the Administration of DISD did their own thing anyway!<br /><br />I just hope that this Administration in D.C. is NOTHING LIKE THE ONE IN DALLAS! I encourage all of you to watch closely what happens in the coming weeks and months. To watch and see if President Obama and his Administration truly do work cooperatively with educators to improve education.<br /><br />We all have seen how "merit pay" has divided our campuses instead of promoting collaboration and working together. We've seen charter schools draw money from public dollars and actually do worse than the public schools that they were supposed to have replaced. <br /><br />We've all heard the promises. Now, it's time to see some action.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-77181883347391030422009-05-28T22:03:00.002-05:002009-05-28T22:06:04.935-05:00CEIs to be on JUNE DISD BOARD AGENDAAfter hearing from several NEA-Dallas members who have been negatively impacted by the CEI in the last month and after receiving the hundreds of signed petitions you all turned in, the CEI and its use will now be on the June Dallas ISD Board agenda.<br /><br />A little after 9:16pm, Trustee Ron Price made an amendment to agenda item A.1: Approve the 2009-10 Non-Campus Staffing Guidelines to add "CEIs will not be used to non-extend, nonrenew or terminate teachers." The amendment was seconded by Trustee Dr. Lew Blackburn. Trustee Dr. Edwin Flores quickly questionned the legitimacy of the amendment saying that this issue was not posted.<br /><br />Trustee Price asked DISD Attorney Jack Elrod what his opinion was. Elrod stated that it was out of order.<br /><br />As a result of being ruled out of order, Trustee Price requested that his amendment be placed on the June agenda. Newly-elected Board President Adam Medrano then told Trustee Price it would be on that agenda.<br /><br />While WE have achieved a MAJOR VICTORY, the war is far from over. I know you are all looking forward to a summer vacation and time away from your classroom. But, we still need you! You to email your Trustees and you to SHOW UP for the June Board Briefing and the June Board Meeting. The only way that we can get five (5) votes to "Kill the CEI" is for all of you to participate.<br /><br />Again, thanks to all of you and your colleagues for signing our petitions and thanks to you who came to tonight's meeting.<br /><br />Please tell all of your colleagues that NEA-Dallas and our teachers MADE A DIFFERENCE TODAY! If you want to make a difference, join us!Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-14289317621490478572009-05-27T21:28:00.005-05:002009-05-27T22:41:21.362-05:00Show me the MONEY $$$$$$Those of you who signed up for the Pay for Performance portion of the Teacher Incentive Fund shouldn't be counting your money just yet. Even though the DISD web site still lists payouts for individual teachers' CEIs and SEIs for four deciles, as one DISD Administrator said yesterday, "Changes are in the works."<br /><br />This comment made yesterday during the Teacher Incentive Fund Advisory Council meeting indicates to us that the DISD Administration is looking to make changes to the payouts to their Pay for Performance Plan. During the 2007-2008 school year, the District piloted this program in 59 schools. This year, 2008-2009, the District decided to make the plan available to almost all DISD schools and their teachers.<br /><br />The payouts for 2008-2009 will come in the fall of 2009. However, don't expect them to be as advertised. The Administration is looking to slash the payouts because of their budget woes and the simple fact that even though this program is being paid for by a federal grant, the grant amount each year decreases while the District's responsibility increases.<br /><br />According the DISD Administrator chairing the meeting, the District is looking at two options. <br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>OPTION 1:</strong> </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">A) Eliminate the payout for the lowest deciles for both the CEI and SEI. ($2000 for the CEI, $1250 for the SEI) </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">B) Additionally, the District would reduce the remaining payouts for the top three deciles. (Currently the top three deciles are listed to be paid out at $8,000, $6000, and $4000. The reduction in payout could be quite extreme: by as much as 50%.)</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">OPTION 2:</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Eliminate the ability for teachers to win both the CEI award and the SEI award. Teachers would only be eligible to attain the highest of the two. Not both combined.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong><br /><strong>The result of these changes could be quite significant to teachers. Instead of a maximum of $10,000, the maximum award could be as low as $5,000.</strong> <em>Maybe even lower!</em><br /><em></em><br />The Administrator was quick to point out that, "Nothing is set in stone," and advised that we all should keep an eye on the Board agendas to see what the Administration will bring forward.<br /><br />NEA-Dallas has opposed this Pay for Performance Plan from the beginning. We have done so because of two reasons: <br /><br />1) Employees do not have a stable salary schedule. (The Board of Trustees can waive the schedule in district policy at their discretion.); and,<br /><br />2) The award is generated by the CEI and SEI. (We believe that neither of these measurements are truly accurate indicators of a teacher's abilities. And, we were afraid that once teachers signed off on being paid by these indicators, the Administration would turn around and use them to harm teachers. That fear has become a reality this Spring as hundreds of teachers had their contracts "non-extended" simply because their CEI Quintile was a 1.)<br /><br />And now we have yet a third reason, The District cannot be trusted to keep its promises!<br /><br /><strong>Teachers, now is the time for you to be diligent as to what the Administration will be proposing to the Board and what the Board will subsequently do with that proposal.</strong> The Administration seems to be talking out of both sides of its mouth. On one side, they tell everyone, "Sign up for this plan and you could earn up to an additional $10,000" while on the other, "We're so sorry, but we just don't have the money to pay you what we promised, and what you earned."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span>Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-43292384174120156232009-05-07T11:33:00.004-05:002009-05-07T13:13:33.465-05:00It's Time to VOTE!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwZXDKzlxSn5RWu5B3r9On8tbKWtSCLnUkR8DWhhosW8YSQ08LQ_LN9SdsZaP6hHzl7CYtyRJXf6BqE4RMpY46XegMDEJAZGHYTXzkC_NwTx-3uJDTi-HzbbV3eSl_1DAFRI6XTS0e8Sg/s1600-h/2colorlogo%255B1%255D%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 115px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333121540329510322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwZXDKzlxSn5RWu5B3r9On8tbKWtSCLnUkR8DWhhosW8YSQ08LQ_LN9SdsZaP6hHzl7CYtyRJXf6BqE4RMpY46XegMDEJAZGHYTXzkC_NwTx-3uJDTi-HzbbV3eSl_1DAFRI6XTS0e8Sg/s320/2colorlogo%255B1%255D%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>NEA-Dallas members and citizens of our great state who read this, "It's Time to VOTE!" It's time to exercise one of the most important privileges that our founding fathers bestowed upon us! <div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>This Saturday, May 9 is ELECTION DAY! There are many local and county races that are going on that deserve your input.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnIbbyf4b5DPQQFqgdepbr5ePWCB-tbVJ6gyj807v3tS4F6gYVHP7yYDmlNC6M6zMRQhHNFhZXxPYQ3Y3h42eABvO2g9wHmGRBXBQ36D_sBNHv8d4oCVvn7hlpEuTcJins5OxdcfhWNUg/s1600-h/Sign+Logo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 290px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333142794697624866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnIbbyf4b5DPQQFqgdepbr5ePWCB-tbVJ6gyj807v3tS4F6gYVHP7yYDmlNC6M6zMRQhHNFhZXxPYQ3Y3h42eABvO2g9wHmGRBXBQ36D_sBNHv8d4oCVvn7hlpEuTcJins5OxdcfhWNUg/s320/Sign+Logo.jpg" /></a></div><div>NEA-Dallas needs ALL of our members, their families, friends and acquintances that live in Dallas County to help us re-elect <em><strong>Larry Duncan</strong> to the Dallas County Schools Board of Trustees</em>. The race for Dallas County Schools is the last thing on your ballot. There are two at-large seats that will be filled by the two highest vote getters on Saturday.</div></div><br /><br /><div><div>Mr. Duncan has been a great advocate for employees in Dallas County and a good friend of NEA-Dallas during his term of office. As Chair of the DCS Board's Policy Commitee, he has taken policy changes (suggested by our members) through the process and gotten them passed.<br /></div><br /><div>Mr. Duncan has also been a strong proponent of developing Dallas County Schools Emergency Response Team. This team has gone to areas in the state to help evacuate people from areas facing hurricanes and other natural disasters.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTPfqLWFtKrhgTUoVX1H4OTHctyTKk2ugj1zzUaIcxM3nzy75m6THS4wAyDFW0ptXOtIe0lyWN7wNlQqY6ATvtXbmuvZLmhY8oxYxYXufXPXM7V7gXbXuS9Qt3Amh7lNbz_F1NTEBrOKV/s1600-h/IMG_2159.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 197px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333140936398130450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTPfqLWFtKrhgTUoVX1H4OTHctyTKk2ugj1zzUaIcxM3nzy75m6THS4wAyDFW0ptXOtIe0lyWN7wNlQqY6ATvtXbmuvZLmhY8oxYxYXufXPXM7V7gXbXuS9Qt3Amh7lNbz_F1NTEBrOKV/s320/IMG_2159.JPG" /></a> Larry has worked tirelessly over the last two years to improve air quality for our students and citizens in Dallas County. This work is coming to fruition as Dallas County unvieled its "Fryer Flyer", a school bus that runs on biodiesel and waste vegetable oil, and their first biodiesel facility on April 2, 2009. The plan is to convert all of Dallas County's diesel buses to biodiesel and waste vegetable oil.</div><br /><div>NEA-Dallas' Board of Directors and Membership Assembly have both unanimously endosed Mr. Duncan and we need your help on Saturday!</div><br /><div></div><div>I can personally recommend that you vote for Cassandra "Cassie" Gandara for the second slot in the Dallas County Schools Trustees Election.</div><br /><div></div><div>NEA-Dallas encourages you to make sure your voice is heard by voting in the other races and on the propositions on your ballot. We have not taken any positions on those and urge you to educate yourselves on what those candidates stand for and what those propositions will do.</div><br /><div></div><div>See you at the polls on Saturday!</div></div></div>Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-70897055845277406762009-05-03T23:11:00.004-05:002009-05-04T12:31:07.488-05:00DISD Trustees: You Should Listen to Us...It came as no surprise to me last week that the Texas Attorney General ruled that the DISD Trustees had acted improperly when they voted to extend their terms last November. He merely reiterated what our state afffiliate's General Counsel had told me at the time.<br /><br />On November 18, 2008, I sent that opinion to each of the Trustees and asked them not to vote to extend their terms. However, as is sometimes the case in life, they thought they knew more than we did. Guess they were wrong on this one!<br /><br />Now they have had to schedule a special meeting to discuss the Attorney General's decision and <strong><em>POSSIBLY</em></strong> call for a special election in November for the Trustee positions currently held by Leigh Ann Ellis, Dr. Edwin Flores and Ron Price. Whether the election is held in November of 2009 or in May of 2010, one thing is certain: <strong>It is time to change the players!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />The only way things will improve for employees in this district, and thus the children in this district, is to replace Trustees who blindly follow Dr. Hinojosa's every whim. Just look at what has happened in DISD since June of 2008: freezing/elimination of longevity pay; no salary schedule step for support professionals in DISD; the grading regulation change; the "surprising" $84 million deficit; the RIF of hundreds of employees; the extension of Trustee terms by Trustees; the limiting of pulling items for separate votes; the redoing of the staffing formula that could have as many as 530 teachers looking for a new assignment in the district for 2009-2010; the use of the CEI to "non-extend" hundreds of teacher contracts this year and the idea to take all teachers to one year contracts next year; and, the proposed change in pay date for all professional staff.<br /><br />Wow, what a year! And guess what? The teachers and employees of this district have still come to work everyday and given their all to help our students succeed!<br /><br />Now, it is time to support those employees. It is time for all of us to come together and ELECT new Trustees who will support student achievement by supporting our employees. Trustees who know that the former head of Southwest Airlines had a pretty good business model: one in which he stated that if he took care of his employees, they (the employees) would take care of him (Southwest Airlines). Trustees who also understand VERY CLEARLY that it is NOT THEM who works for the Superintendent, but it is the Superintendent who works FOR THEM!<br /><br />I call on all of the organizations who care about our city's children to meet together and put together a unified front. Let's get together and do what is right for our most precious resource. Call me at the NEA-Dallas office, 214.821.2061, and we will set up a time and place to begin the work to, "Change the Players!"Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-12780566330632946822009-04-17T17:34:00.005-05:002009-04-17T18:11:44.294-05:00DISD Morale: Let's Get It Straight!I recently read a <em>Dallas Observer</em> article where Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hinojosa</span> was proud to point out that when he came to the Dallas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ISD</span> employee morale was at a dismal 14% and now it is at 48%. Well, let's get the statistics straight!<br /><br />Mr. Superintendent when you came to the Dallas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ISD</span> employee morale was judged by what the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DISD</span> called it's "Climate Survey". This "Climate Survey" was not administered to all District employees. It was ONLY administered to schools in which there was an identifiable problem and then the survey had to be requested to be administered by that school's Area Superintendent.<br /><br />Three or so years ago, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DISD</span> decided to bring in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">OHI</span> instrument. That instrument IS administered district-wide. BIG DIFFERENCE between just a few schools that have a problem and all of the schools in the district!<br /><br />So, the numbers are correct. Fourteen percent to forty-eight percent. However, you are comparing apples and oranges. Your growth in employee morale cannot be judged by comparing two different instruments administered in two different ways. But, then again, that's exactly what your beloved <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CEI</span> does to too many of our teachers.<br /><br />What I have seen, Mr. Superintendent, is that employees all over our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">district</span> have come together to support each other because they have survived <strong>YOUR </strong>RIF; <strong>YOUR</strong> changes in grading policy; <strong>YOUR </strong>elimination of longevity pay; <strong>YOUR</strong> involuntary release of hundreds of employees from their campuses; <strong>YOUR</strong> idea to reduce teacher contracts from two-years to one-year; and, <strong>YOUR </strong>proposed idea to change your teacher's pay date from the 15th of the month to the 30th!<br /><br />The morale increase that you so proudly tout has come, not because of you, but, quite honestly, in spite of you. Our employees are resilient. Our employees find ways to adapt, to evolve, to SURVIVE! They have come together all over the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DISD</span> to support each other because they do not feel that you, your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Administration</span>, or the Board of Trustees care about them.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-50016188075815802432009-04-13T13:54:00.003-05:002009-04-13T14:34:49.245-05:00Dallas County Schools Unveils "Fryer Flyer"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPfY0Tjn4CeOHX4mUPJJoqgU_kIpqibMnAwZ-UKNuoV888RMOPFTq7B8qrkDON_HpnVhbOAAdQYlRNjPQ0Jsz5eWLzuXmVA6vvLFeBpa-xgE1A6pKpO-RwiInw_beVY_yRLGVgXepobju/s1600-h/IMG_2160.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324252900243553874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPfY0Tjn4CeOHX4mUPJJoqgU_kIpqibMnAwZ-UKNuoV888RMOPFTq7B8qrkDON_HpnVhbOAAdQYlRNjPQ0Jsz5eWLzuXmVA6vvLFeBpa-xgE1A6pKpO-RwiInw_beVY_yRLGVgXepobju/s320/IMG_2160.JPG" /></a><br /><br />On Thursday, April 2 Superintendent of Dallas County Schools Dr. Rick Sorrells and DCS Board President Mr. Larry Duncan unveiled the district's first "Fryer Flyer" and their bio-diesel facility at the Kleberg Service Center.<br /><br />The "Fryer Flyer" has been fitted to run on waste vegetable oil as well as bio-diesel. Built with factory stock items by DCS technicians, this school bus includes a computerized switch to maximize fuel efficiency based on engine temperature.<br /><br />DCS is shifting their diesel school buses to bio-fuels, developing their own "home-grown" fuel source. DCS President Larry Duncan and the Board of Trustees, with support from NEA-Dallas, set using alternative fuels as a priority for the county-wide school bus provider in 2007, and the testing phase is complete.<br /><br />DCS will be doing their part to cut our nation's dependency on foreign oil while greatly reducing the amount of pollutants their buses spew into the air. Additionally, tests show that diesel pollution conncentrates inside of bus and that will be reduced as well.<br /><br />Working with Two Podners Restaurant, Frito Lay, and an assortment of restaurants and food manufacturers, DCS is collecting "post-consumer grease" - waste vegetable oil (WVO) that's been used to fry foods and is no longer fit for human consumption. This oil is the basis of DCS' alternaive diesel fuel program.<br /><br />DCS will use this WVO to produce its own bio-diesel to power its buses until the fleet can be converted to run on straight WVO. The District intends to construct other bio-diesel production facilities at its other service cen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumfE_BYmBn4XSbptOaOIYVbTkH76q26MHCw7t6tUkLiqn9nD57s7Ayy9hs_voK26Wq3XYrqwHpb5WB14Nl9BpfkjDXbDUuBLbRdJSU-2ijD0pCsR-S1P0ioAyXpwqK-0bJyTr466dHPSL/s1600-h/IMG_2163.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324259207890813234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumfE_BYmBn4XSbptOaOIYVbTkH76q26MHCw7t6tUkLiqn9nD57s7Ayy9hs_voK26Wq3XYrqwHpb5WB14Nl9BpfkjDXbDUuBLbRdJSU-2ijD0pCsR-S1P0ioAyXpwqK-0bJyTr466dHPSL/s320/IMG_2163.JPG" /></a>ters around the county.<br /><br />I want to encourage the members of NEA-Dallas and all of you that read this to save your waste vegetable oil. Do not just put it out to be picked up and dumped in our land fills. Keep it in a container and call us, 214-821-2061. We will arrange with DCS for a pick-up location.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumfE_BYmBn4XSbptOaOIYVbTkH76q26MHCw7t6tUkLiqn9nD57s7Ayy9hs_voK26Wq3XYrqwHpb5WB14Nl9BpfkjDXbDUuBLbRdJSU-2ijD0pCsR-S1P0ioAyXpwqK-0bJyTr466dHPSL/s1600-h/IMG_2163.JPG"></a><br />That way, YOU TOO, can help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and improve the air that all of us breathe.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-17035099164337884922009-02-26T08:47:00.002-06:002009-02-26T09:29:52.439-06:00Reward Those Who Have Made It Happen!Imagine my surprise this morning when I picked up my copy of the Dallas Morning News and there, on the front page, was the headline, “DISD No. 2 for its gains”. Even after all of the controversy: an $84 million shortfall, layoffs of hundreds of employees, and many, many more issues that would distract even the most committed of teachers and staff, the Brookings Institution says that the “Dallas ISD made the second-largest academic gains among 37 big-city school districts over a seven-year period.” <br /><br />I really am not surprised, however. This report goes to prove what I have known all along: the Dallas ISD has some of the best teachers and staff in the country! We can all sit here and debate the statistical information and formulas used to calculate this claim all day long and then some. The Brookings Institution seemingly uses some of the same ideas in reaching their conclusions that DISD has created trying to show that teachers aren’t doing their jobs. But, the bottom line is though, through all of the adversity that our employees have faced over the seven years, they still have come to work every day and done the job that they were hired to do. <br /><br />I will put the employees of the Dallas ISD that deal with our children on a daily basis up against any in the country. It’s the administrative personnel and Board of Trustees of this district that have been “weighed; measured; and found wanting.” <br /><br />Yes, the District still has much work to do when it comes to student achievement. But, it’s time to reward those who make the successes possible every day. As the Administration and Board of Trustees are putting together the budget for 2009-2010 they need to reward our hard-working, ever-persevering faculty and staff.<br /><br />They can do that by first giving ALL faculty and staff a salary step on the Board approved salary schedule! Second, they can cover the 4.5% increase in premiums that the TRS has put in place for health insurance during the 2009-2010 school year. And, then they need to recognize and give some appreciation to those employees who continue to make academic success in the Dallas ISD a reality by not making their lives any harder.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-44319613842551852032009-01-15T20:37:00.005-06:002009-01-15T20:46:20.357-06:00A Breath of Fresh Air -- Grand Prairie ISD Board MeetingI am writing this tonight from the Grand Prairie ISD Board of Trustees meeting. Most of you know that my fiancée’, Doris Hill, is the President of the Grand Prairie Education Association/TSTA/NEA. Since she has suffered through many a DISD Board meeting, I thought it would be nice to come and keep her company for theirs.<br /><br />Board meeting began at 7:12pm with the presentation of the colors by one of their high school ROTC Color Guards. The Board then recognized schools who received what they call “Gold Acknowledgement Awards”. These awards are based on academic successes judged by “commended” rates, etc on the TAKS tests. Sixty-eight (68) were presented tonight with the Principals of each school coming up and receiving their awards. That was an increase over thirty-one (31) that was presented last year.<br /><br />Next, Open Forum. The Superintendent, Dr. Susan Simpson, stated that this is the time for individuals to speak to the Board. Speakers can pick up a card from staff and turn it in and speak TONIGHT! WOW! No having to sign up at least 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE! No rules about having not have spoken in the last thirty (30) days! Can you believe that a Board of Trustees would allow this?!<br /><br />Consent Agenda was approved by the Board, but the Superintendent only recommended that it be adopted as presented. She did tell them that any board member could move to have something pulled for separate consideration. That's a motion to do that TONIGHT! Can you believe that?<br /><br />Now comes a report on the GPISD’s TAKS passing rates. All groups passed Writing/Social Studies at 90% or greater, Reading/Lanuage Arts at 80% or greater, Math at 70% or greater, and Science at 60% or greater. Dr. Simpson pointed out that there is still work to do in Math and Science. But, there are NO low performing schools in GPISD.<br /><br />Action Items: <br /><br />One employee had term contract terminated. Superintendent called them out by name and the Board approved. <br /><br />2009-2010 Calendar, approved. <br /><br />403(b) Plan Adoption – new regulations issued by the IRS and some changes had to be made. The Superintendent had her person come and answer questions about the new plan. (IN DISD, JEM now handles all 403(b) accounts, so you will see them on your pay stub instead of your individual plan.)<br /><br />Board approved Compromise, Settlement, and Release Agreement between a contractor and the District that had gone to court.<br /><br />Board approved declaring a piece of property as surplus.<br /><br />Superintendent introduced interim Principal at Lee MS, then new Principal at 9th Grade Center, and new Principal at their Career High School. Principals had moved up warranting a new Principal at Lee MS.<br /><br />Information Items:<br /><br />2007 Bond Program Update -- Rayburn Elementary School Addition, Eisenhower Elementary School Addition, Austin Elementary Gym, Bonham Elementary Gym, Bowie Elementary Gym, Fannin Elementary, Career High School – Career High School should be ready for Fall 2009 opening. The bond director actually showed the Board aerial photos of each school showing the construction progress.<br /><br />Board Directives/Requests: Superintendent reported to the Board about sewer issues at Reagan MS.<br /><br />Comments from Individual Board Members: Another breath of fresh air. In GPISD Trustees can give comments on what they want. So far, no one is blasting another Trustee or even the Administration! They all have commended the Principals and Students for all of their hard work for bringing up the TAKS scores. Finally, Trustee Martinez did mention Teachers. <br /><br />GPISD also has a Bingham on their Board. Ms. Bebe Bingham. She is the only board member who is not a graduate of Grand Prairie ISD, but she was the Principal for three other board members. <br /><br />Great Texas Scholars—a program that has students come to Board meetings, etc. Board President had them all come and get signatures of board members showing that they were present at the Board meeting.<br /><br />8:24pm – Board adjourns to closed session for some discussions. Minor stuff, nothing like evaluating the Superintendent or an $84 million deficit. <br /><br />Well, quite interesting and quite refreshing. A Board, who is supportive of their teachers, children and principals. A Board, who realizes that they are NOT THE LAW, but have to OBEY THE LAW. A Board who realizes that they have an obligation to the Children and Community of Grand Prairie.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-58353019688306751162008-12-19T00:30:00.002-06:002008-12-19T00:34:00.255-06:00My Speech to the DISD Board, Dec. 18, 2008Trustees I am here this evening to speak to you about keeping promises. A little over a year ago, you the Board, over our objections, voted to approve doing the Pay for Performance portion of the Teacher Incentive Fund grant. By doing so, you promised teachers that if they had a high enough CEI or SEI, which we maintain is still invalid and shouldn’t be used; had a 95% percent attendance rate; and, signed on for two observations would be eligible to receive money this December.<br /><br />It is now December and time for those teachers who “did the dance” to be paid. However, many of them will not get what was promised to them by you because their campus administrators failed to do the second observation. Thus, tonight, I must ask you to keep your promise and approve Ms. Olson’s request for money from the General Operating budget to pay these teachers. However, with a little caveat: That if any cuts are needed to fund this money, it comes from the Administration’s portion of the General Operating Budget.<br /><br />The teachers in question did everything you requested of them. Please do not punish them for the shortcomings of their campus administrators. Those responsible for this are the ones who should be held accountable and you should make sure of it.<br /><br />With that said, let me be perfectly clear. NEA-Dallas will continue to oppose any “Pay for Performance” plans until our teachers have concrete, protected salary schedules that cannot be amended or waived each year as you and the Administration see fit. We will continue to oppose the use of the Classroom Effectiveness Index (CEI) and School Effectiveness Index (SEI) in any fashion as we feel these measures are invalid. <br /><br />And, NEA-Dallas will continue to urge you to keep your promises to our employees whether we philosophically agree with them or not.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-59982966967192894912008-12-18T00:36:00.003-06:002008-12-18T01:02:32.420-06:00Incentive Pay, DISD and the Alliance-AFTWith all the mess going on at 3700 Ross over the Performance Pay portion of the TIF grant, it's hard to believe that the DISD is set to roll this thing out district-wide next month. This year's fiasco is just the "pilot" of this program for 59 schools.<br /><br />At the same time, the DISD is rolling out the D.A.T.E. grant program. This incentive pay scheme is the brainchild of the state of Texas. It's just now making it to the campuses even though the Governor presented Dr. Hinojosa with a huge check at Cowart Elementary school several months ago.<br /><br />The D.A.T.E. is based on the same principal as the Pay for Performance of the TIF. The CEI! This time, however, the Administration is trying to provide some incentive money for teachers who do not have a CEI of their own. Those are the "elective" teachers in our schools. The way they plan to do this is to "team up" non-CEI teachers with CEI teachers. The two of them then have to develop a plan, and a way to evaluate that plan, where the non-CEI teacher supports what the CEI teacher is teaching in their class. Once that is done, the awards then depend upon the CEI receiving teacher's CEI and progress on test scores! Again, our children are nothing more than test scores and NEA-Dallas feels that they are much more!<br /><br />Each school that participates must conduct a vote of its faculty. Seems that during several of these votes in the last week, the campus administrators have called upon the representatives of Alliance-AFT to get up and say why the teachers should vote in FAVOR of doing the D.A.T.E. grant. In schools where there is a known NEA-Dallas representative, that representative has been ignored and in one instance, deliberately not called upon.<br /><br />Now why do you think that would happen? Could it be that the campus administrators know that NEA-Dallas is opposed to this "performance pay" scheme? Could it be that the campus administrators know that NEA-Dallas is opposed to the use of the CEI for ANY reason and we believe that our students are "more than just a score"? Or, could it be that Alliance-AFT has become so "cozy" with the administration of the DISD that they are seen as "one of the family"? You decide...<br /><br />Either way, NEA-Dallas will continue to oppose the Performance Pay portion of the TIF program, the D.A.T.E. and any other "incentive pay" program until all of our employees have concrete, contracted salary schedules. Salary schedules that can not be amended or waived by the Administration and the Board of Trustees on a yearly basis!<br /><br />Will this stance win us brownie points with the Administration? No. With most of the members of the DISD Board? No. With even some of our members? No. This stance is not one that is politically popular, but is one that is necessary. One that is necessary for our children because they are much more than just a test score!Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-68613568292665404362008-12-17T15:33:00.003-06:002008-12-17T16:14:49.907-06:00DISD Must Keep Its Promises!A little over a year ago the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees approved doing the Teacher Incentive Fund program. This program is funded through a grant from the U. S. Department of Education to the tune of $22 million over five years. It's designed to pay teachers who's students show academic improvement. <br /><br />NEA-Dallas has, and will continue to, oppose this program for two very good reasons: 1) Employees do not have a rock-solid base salary schedule that is contracted and mandated to be met by the Board of Trustees each year; and, 2) The instruments used to determine this incentive pay, the Classroom Effectiveness Index (CEI) and School Effectiveness Index (SEI), in our opinion, are invalid. I will give you one of many examples on how we believe this to be so.<br /><br />Ninth (9th) Grade Science teachers have their CEI's calculated by using their students' Eighth (8th) Grade Reading Scores. Since the there is no science test in 8th grade, the district uses the reading score for the baseline. You can not compare reading scores to science scores and be accurate. That's like comparing oranges to corn. It just does not compute. But, that's what the district is doing.<br /><br />Now it has come time for these teachers who participated in the program to be paid. Many have been paid from the Federal Grant money, but over one hundred (100) others are unable to be paid from the grant. Why? Because their administrator did not do their second observation as required by the law that legislated the grant.<br /><br />As a result, the DISD Administration now has to go before the Board and ask them to approve $450,000 from the General Operating budget to pay these teachers tomorrow night. These teachers have met the criterion that they have control over to earn this award. <br /><br />This is about keeping promises, not philosophical differences. The Board promised these teachers the money last year when they approved this program over our objections. Now, because administration has fallen down on the job, again, the Board must step in and make sure it happens. Therefore, I will be asking the Trustees to support paying these teachers from the General Operating budget.<br /><br />I will, however, urge the Trustees to require that this money be cut from the Administration's budget and that wording actually be put it in the motion. If they don't, then the Administration can get the money from where ever they want to. <br /><br />I am also cautioning the Trustees that this may not be the last time that the Administration comes before them asking for money for this. The reason being is that this amount only covers the teachers who filed an appeal with the TIF Appeals Committee. If this is approved, then the teachers who did not appeal, may come back and file grievances against the district to get their share as well. I believe that total amount will be closer to $1 million rather than what is being requested tomorrow night.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-51252267844612464652008-11-20T20:50:00.001-06:002008-11-20T20:51:25.440-06:00Sounds Like Government Class To Me!Before I was elected by the NEA-Dallas membership to serve as their President, I taught U. S. Government and AP U. S. Government at Skyline High School. One year there was a discussion at the DISD Board about trying to draw up a second majority Hispanic district. My students and I had many conversations about how that idea may or may not play out. I asked my students to think about this question: Since it will be the Trustees that vote to create a second district, who do you think that currently sits on the board will vote to put themselves into that district?<br /><br />You see, if they would have appproved its creation, then one of the non-Hispanic members of the Board of Trustees would then be in a district that was majority Hispanic. What politician would vote do possibly get themselves defeated in an upcoming election? Their disappointed answer was, "No one."<br /><br />Well, ladies and gentlemen, tonight's vote by the Dallas ISD Board to extend their terms of office is just like this one from several years ago. The three Trustees up for re-election next year were bound to vote for it. Then you have three more that get an extra year at the end of this thing bringing them up for re-election in 2012 instead of 2011. It doesn't take a rocket-scientist or Harvard graduate to do that math.<br /><br />So, tonight, the Board of Trustees voted in THEIR OWN BEST INTEREST! They became typical politicians, except for Carla Ranger in the end, and became self-preservationists. They blindly accepted the independent ruling of Rolando Rios, Jack Elrod and some other attorney that Mr. Elrod had sitting next to him that the DISD Board could do this. Could do this even though none of the attorneys had spoken with the Secretary of State's Office or the Attorney General's Office to "make sure" that their interpretation was correct. Could do this even though Trustee Ranger presented a ruling from the Secretary of State's Office saying that the timeline had expired on December 31, 2007.<br /><br />I presented each Trustee with a ruling from our state affiliate's General Counsel Joey Moore (Texas State Teachers Association) that also stated the timeline had passed. I guess, in the end, a judge will probably have to decide who's interpretation is correct.<br /><br />We will be looking to find out. But, in the meantime, NEA-Dallas will re-double it's efforts to make sure that our children, our teachers, and our support staff are treated fairly and equitably by this Administration and the Board.<br /><br />Because, believe it or not, after all of the things that have happened this semester, there are still Great Students and Great Teachers doing Great Things in the Dallas Independent School District!Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-12431584865742318462008-11-12T02:22:00.002-06:002008-11-12T02:50:02.618-06:00Have You Had Enough, Yet?Trustees allowing the Superintendent to take clusters away from Skyline High School. Trustees voting to limit speakers to the same agenda item to a TOTAL of fifteen (15) minutes of speaking time for ALL speakers to that item. Trustees sitting idly by not doing their job and then being surprised that the Administration has just found a $64 million deficit. Trustees calling a special board meeting during the middle of Board Briefings to pass a policy amendment requiring two (2) Trustees to sign off on pulling an agenda item from the consent agenda for a separate vote. Trustees looking to pass another policy amendment on November 20 to require those two Trustees to request pulling an item for a separate vote by 5:00pm on the Tuesday preceding the Board meeting. Trustees allowing this Superintendent to lay-off nearly 1000 employees in the last fourteen months due to "delayering" or to "reduction in force".<br /><br />And, finally, ladies and gentleman, these Trustees want to vote on November 20 to extend their terms of office from three years to four. They want to do this with no public hearings and hope they can pull it off on the consent agenda without having to actually put the check next to their name on a separate vote.<br /><br />This vote would extend Trustees Flores, Ellis and Price's terms automatically by one year to at least 2010. They are the ones up for re-election this coming spring. The spring of 2009! Hmmm.. just extend your term of office with no input from the public... that doesn't sound much like a democracy to me. Sounds more like an autocracy to me.<br /><br />So, when are you, the public, finally going to have had enough? You pay the bills for the Dallas ISD! You pay for the lack of an ability to do math by senior administrators! You pay the salaries for the Superintendent and his Administration. YOU ELECT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO RUN OUR SCHOOLS!<br /><br />There is only so much the employees and employee organizations can do when it comes to fighting for the education of our children. We need YOUR HELP!<br /><br />We need YOU to call, write, email and personally visit with YOUR TRUSTEE! Tell them that now is not the time to be extending their own terms of office! Then, call in and sign up to speak at the Board meeting on November 20! You simply call 972-925-3720 and sign up by 5:00pm on Wednesday, November 19. <br /><br />Come early and join us in our protest of this idea. Or, have you still not had enough?Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-28979781732654198082008-10-28T23:01:00.002-05:002008-10-28T23:10:58.132-05:00Let's Make History!With all of the attention that I have had to devote to the Dallas ISD over the last month and a half, I have found that I have had little time to talk to anyone about one of the most important elections to come during my lifetime. Time to remedy that!<br /><br />The National Education Association has many members from both of the two major parties. Whether you are Democrat, Independent, Republican or something else, WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HISTORY! For the first time in our nation's history, either we will elect the first person of color to the Presidency or the first woman to the Vice Presidency.<br /><br />There is absolutely no excuse for any of us not to vote. Early voting opened in Dallas County on Monday, October 20. We still have until this weekend to get our vote in early and then all day on Tuesday, November 4. We, as Americans, can not take this important privilege for granted. We must vote to insure the future of our county, state and nation! We must vote for the future of our children! We must vote for the future of public education!<br /><br />So, between now and late on November 4, please join me in making history! VOTE!Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1707167882196560148.post-32754577534285489652008-10-23T19:35:00.001-05:002008-10-23T19:46:52.866-05:00Survey Time!NEA-Dallas is currently conducting a survey of Dallas ISD employees asking them their thoughts on Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa and the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees. I tried to post the web address to go and take the survey on this blog, but for some reason, it won't post.<br /><br />SO, if you would like to take the survey, please email me at neadprez@aol.com and I will send you the link to be able to do it. We are asking that everyone complete the survey by, Tuesday, October 28, so that we may present the results to the Board of Trustees at their October Board meeting.Dale D. Kaiserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08092612410469819003noreply@blogger.com0