vision2020
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Re: Moscow teachers

I am bemused by the idea of polling the electorate on every question to be decided by a governmental entity. Those who ask for this kind of "input" forget that our school boards, city councils and county commissions are a form of representative democracy specifically designed to eliminate any need to poll the electorate. When those elected representatives speak, theoretically they are, in fact, the voice of the people. So if you want them to be your voice, be sure to tell them what you want them to say, but remember that we also elected them because we think they will have the background and sense to know better than we do what is in the best interest of their constituency as a whole.  That being said, the done deal issues that Patricia Nelson raises wistfully as justifying a bunch of polls were, in my judgement dumb decisions justifying our refusal to re-elect the board members who made those decisions, or even recalling them. The ugly new wings built on the high school some years ago instead of remodeling and using the 1912 building for those facilities falls into the same category. But-there is certainly no need to compound those mistakes by thinking that now we need to build a new high school. THAT would certainly invite a recall vote, in my book.
 
Doug Whitney
----- Original Message -----
From: Patricia Nelson
To: John Danahy
Cc: vision2020@moscow.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2001 12:43 PM
Subject: Re: Moscow teachers

Dear Visionaries,
        I think the key word in my earlier response is proposal--"a plan or offer, presented for acceptance or rejection," New World Dictionary.

        Concerning citizen input on spending, I feel Mr. Danahy hit the nail on the head.  This community should have a say as to how their tax $$ are being spent.  They should have been polled on the size and cost of the new Administration Building that sits at 650 N. Cleveland. The taxpayers should have been polled on the size and cost of the new bus barn and the new warehouse. They should also be polled on future plans for buildings and facilities, and should be informed about sources of funds to accomplish these plans.

Tricia Nelson :-)
 

John Danahy wrote:

Perhaps a different question could be asked regarding the issues Patricia Nelson wrote about.Are these issues to be discussed or demands imposed with the threat of a strike?Is the MEA proposing methods to achieve these demands within the budget or are children being used as hostages to force a tax increase?Where is the voice of the community heard? At one time this community voted each year on whether or not to provide extra funding to its teachers.  This extra funding, an @ 4.5 million dollar supplemental levy, is paid for by local property taxes.  Is it time to return to the practice of approving a supplemental levy each year?  I would certainly appreciate the opportunity to voice my opinion of teachers by voting yes or no on the supplemental levy. John John and Laurie Danahy
jdanahy@turbonet.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Patricia Nelson
To: vision2020@moscow.com
Cc: vision2020@moscow.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2001 9:53 PM
Subject: Re: Moscow teachers
 


Dear visionaries,
I can share a little on the issues of the teachers that are unresolved as of today. The following are the proposals of the Moscow Education Association:

  • Health care benefits for individuals and family members
  • Compensation for committee and extra-curricular duties
  • Respect for committee recommendations
  • Sufficient work time to prepare classrooms and curriculum for the upcoming year
  • Early retirement incentives
  • Adequate and equitable classroom budgets
  • Salary compensation package which addresses cost of living increases and is regionally competitive
  • PERSI
The Moscow School Board began mediation with 32 proposals, but they have been cut down to 10. The two teams are working with the Federal Mediator as I write this.  Hopefully talk will continue and a settlement will be reached quickly.

Tricia Nelson :-)
 

Lois Melina wrote:

Dear visionaries,

I saw teachers with signs in front of the District office today, so I'm
wondering what perspectives the people on this list have on the issues that
are unresolved. If someone can summarize what those issues are, I'd
appreciate that also.

Lois

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