Lakewood School Board Approves Teacher's 2 Year Contract

Sean Wheeler · Post by **Sean Wheeler** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:58 pm

It's not a matter of me not knowing my own salary. Of course I do. I don't need to call anyone because I have the contract right here in front of me. Next year I'll make $37,631. I will enter my sixth year as a professional with a college degree.

Pardon me while I count my stacks of money.....

Ok, I'm back. My stacks totalled roughly $3 in change from my couch cushions. Like I've said a gazillion times, I am fine with the amount of money I make. Totally satisfied. But let's not get any ideas that I'm over here rolling in dough as I milk the public for every red cent during my 7.5 hour workday (weekday nights, weekends, random public encounters about "How Jimmy's doing in class", unpaid extra-curricular club advisorships, school plays, talent shows, sporting events and graduate classes excluded).

Trump's on the phone, gotta go.

Dee Martinez · Post by **Dee Martinez** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:07 pm

I dont have any questions about the contract, I KNOW the teachers union approved the contract. I guess what I was looking for, what seems like a million years ago, was SOME statement from the LTA TO THE TAXPAYERS affirming what was in the contract--and maybe a comment expressing some empathy with the working stiffs paying the bills.

That could have won them a point or two in a levy campaign.

But whatever. They signed the deal and we should be indebted to them for their sacrifice.

Mr Wheeler is that figure you mentioned 3, 7, or 9 percent higher? I am IN YOUR CORNER. If these guys are spouting nonsense, CALL THEM OUT!!!!

Suzanne Metelko · Post by **Suzanne Metelko** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:33 pm

Sean, you're a great sport to jump in here. Is the $37,000 your entire pay package or are there other benefits, i.e. health insurance, penison, that should be added?

Amy Bennett · Post by **Amy Bennett** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:09 pm

I know I'll regret posting in this hostile environment but to help you out, Sean, I'll do it.

We pay 10% of our salary to STRS, which is our only form of retirement as by law we are not permitted to pay into or collect Social Security. The Board matches that amount. Please note that the Board does not pay into Social Security for us, as once again, we are not permitted to participate in that program.

In addition, we are provided with health coverage. We pay 92% of our health care next year and 90% the year after.

That is our monetary 'package' in total.

Suzanne Metelko · Post by **Suzanne Metelko** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:12 pm

Thanks Amy.

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:08 am

Amy Bennett wrote: In addition, we are provided with health coverage. We pay 92% of our health care next year and 90% the year after.

That is our monetary 'package' in total.

Amy

Then what was the talk about teachers paying 10% of their health care?

As for the hostile environment. Put on thick pants and walk through the briar patch. It is always appreciated, by many.

.

Amy Bennett · Post by **Amy Bennett** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:02 am

Okay, I accidentally wrote the wrong thing. I was thinking one thing and typing another. We don't pay 92% and then 90%, the Board pays 92% and then 90%.

Translation: we pay 8% next year and 10% the following year.

I'd go back and edit but I'm not sure this is the best way to do it. Sorry for the confusion.

Like I said, I knew I would regret posting.

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:08 am

Amy Bennett wrote:Okay, I accidentally wrote the wrong thing. I was thinking one thing and typing another. We don't pay 92% and then 90%, the Board pays 92% and then 90%.

Translation: we pay 8% next year and 10% the following year.

I'd go back and edit but I'm not sure this is the best way to do it. Sorry for the confusion.

Like I said, I knew I would regret posting.

Amy

There should be no regret it worked perfectly, you posted, we discussed, slight changes made, all is good.

You bring much to the Observer table, it is all good.

.

Bill Call · Post by **Bill Call** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:11 am

Amy Bennett wrote:Like I said, I knew I would regret posting.

Never regret defending yourself or your profession. Post away.

Dee Martinez · Post by **Dee Martinez** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:37 am

I am in complete agreement with Mr Call and Mr O'Bryan. That has been my point all along.
Teachers earn what they make. Teachers have a good case to make and shouldnt be shy about making it.

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:57 am

Dee Martinez wrote:I am in complete agreement with Mr Call and Mr O'Bryan. That has been my point all along.
Teachers earn what they make. Teachers have a good case to make and shouldnt be shy about making it.

As the planets align in the strangest ways sometimes.

All of us need to know your point of view, and the facts you bring to the party.

One thing, we forget in this new world of online collaboration is that it is a world that is self centering. I hear a rumor, Dan hears a rumor, we post a thought and it is corrected, or moved around like a puddle of mercury. Someone post a fact and it is moved in places never thought possible.

The process serves many purposes, to vet ideas, and find facts, relax and anger.

With a little fun along the way.

.