Stand up for yourself.

There has been a rash of evaluations recently, after years of not having them.

It is important is detest anything that you feel does not accurately reflect your performance. Have discrepancies noted in writing before signing.

This would have been be a great thing to bring up a meeting, along with the importance to get out and vote.

From the May 16, 2010 minutes:

New Business: b. Discussion ensued. All issues should be documented & presented at a meeting with your supervisor. If not results, go to your supervisors, supervisor. If no results, go to Dr. Villarruel. If not satisfied, then go to the union for help.

If by now anyone isn't convinced these union folks have lost touch with who they work for, you obviously buried your head in the sand and gave up on them long before I did.

Even before all the recent political storms, they seem to put serving the politicians ahead of their members.

There was a nice comment left on this blog that I hadn't noticed till now.

"If you would have attend the BLUE RA on behalf of your local, you would know what issues were voted on and if you communicated more within your local, instead of wasting time on this stupid blog...you'd be more informed."

Which reads to me and probably most members:

"If we would keep our members informed, they might respect us. But instead we will mock them, because we have them over the barrel, because we are stupid ignorant jerks."

Majority of WI school districts to lose aid

In a Wisconsin DPI news release they revealed that 64 percent of the state’s public school districts (272 of 424) will receive less school aid for the 2012-13 school year than they did in the previous year. However, public school districts in Brown County will receive a combined $10 million in additional state aide this school year, despite a statewide trend of district losses elsewhere. http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/pdf/dpinr2012_116_general_aid.pdf

It has been obvious that De Pere is doing alright. Between raises for admin, and the technology spending on $1,200 projectors to replace TV's.

Tax breaks for wealthly don't create jobs

This is funny, because I was just thinking back to economics class and had the same thought in my mind. I also seem to remember that you need to show the market for your business plan that you submit to get a loan.

GREEN BAY — Jobs are not created by continued tax breaks for the wealthy. Job opportunities are created when the demand for products increases.

The demand for products will increase when people have discretionary funds to purchase things they desire. This is a basic economic principle for economic growth. The economy will improve when people’s basic necessities are met, so they have funds to buy what they want, in addition to what they need.

Cutting budgets to programs that help provide for the basic needs of people with low incomes does not allow economic growth.

Kendra Jaeger

---

The next time someone tells you that Politician X is destroying the economy, remind them that the stock market and corporate profits are at all-time highs.

When they tell you that this hasn't helped them any, remind them they've just admitted Trickle-Down Economics doesn't work.

Denmark Education Association & Denmark Education Support Professionals UNITE

For those who don't religiously read the WEAC Blue Newsletter.

The May 2012 issue, mentions that Denmark Education Association & Denmark Education Support Professionals approved the Constitution and By-Laws changes that allow for all employees to be part of the Denmark United Educators.

I think this is a good thing, and will be curious to read more on how well this new formation is functioning together.

Ironically in the same newsletter another column is titled "Look Who Attended the BLUE RA in 2012." But or course to this date we in De Pere really haven't been informed who from our local went on our behalf, and if they voted on any issues on our behalf.

Dean DeBr... led members in the chant “Tell me what democracy looks like!”....
lol!

In my opinion, WEAC needs a little grassroots democracy.

WEAC Union Forward Committee

In April, the WEAC RA passed a new business item regarding the Union Forward Committee's work and outreach with the membership. Outreach forums were held in 10 cities throughout the state in August. In addition to these forums, the Committee created an online survey to gather input.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UnionForward

You may provide input to guide the future of our union by responding to this survey. The survey will be accessible through the month of August.

WEAC is planning a special RA in December to review the recommended plan(s) based on the feedback from the August regional meetings and the survey responses.

The information regarding this opportunity for members to offer input via the survey will be shared with local presidents. Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Union Forward

1. Name

2. My role is

My role is Higher Ed Faculty
Higher Ed ESP/PSRP
PK-12 ESP/PSRP
PK-12 Teacher
Union Professional Staff
Union Associate Staff
Student Member
Retired Member

3. I am currently a dues-paying member of WEAC

Yes
No

4. Home Email Address

5. Home or Cell Phone Number

6. Age

Age Under 25
25-35
36-45
46-55
Over 55

7. How long have you been working in public education?

Less than 5 years
5 to 9 years
10 to 14 years
15 to 19 years
20 to 24 years
25 or more years

8. Do you hold an elected or voluntary leadership role in the state organization or in your UniServ or local association?

Yes
No

9. How would you rate your knowledge and familiarity with our union?

+I am very familiar with the decisions and actions of our union.
+I am somewhat familiar with decisions and actions of our union.
+I have a vague understanding of the decisions and actions of our union.
+I really don't pay attention to our union's decisions and actions.

Following are five areas the Union Forward Committee identified as core areas of union work for the future. Please react to each of the five areas as the degree to which you believe this should be an essential focus of the union. In each area, if you have specific ideas related to how this work can be done, please add them. You can provide additional comments about other areas you would like the committee to consider at the end.

10. We must be one with the community through leadership development and involvement in all levels of the union and the broader community.

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

Comments or Specific Ideas

11. We must direct and strengthen our union around a defined set of values connected to social justice and grassroots activism.

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

Comments or Specific Ideas

12. We must create community support and engage in advocacy for public education through political action and public relations.

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

Comments or Specific Ideas

13. We must be the vehicle that advances the profession, empowering all educational entities to strive for collaboration and high professional standards.

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

Comments or Specific Ideas

14. We must work to achieve quality wages, benefits and working conditions for all members.

Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

Comments or Specific Ideas

15. Is there another core focus area you believe should be considered? Please comment:

16. Please tell us which of the core areas of work is most important to you (choose only 2):

+We must be one with the community through leadership development and involvement in all levels of the union and the broader community.

+We must direct and strengthen our union around a defined set of values connected to social justice and grassroots activism.

+We must create community support and engage in advocacy for public education through political action and public relations.

+We must be the vehicle that advances the profession, empowering all educational entities to strive for collaboration and high professional standards.

+We must work to achieve quality wages, benefits, and working conditions for all members.

17. Related to the core areas, what requests, concerns or ideas do you want this committee to consider?

18. Can we call you to clarify some of your comments and ask you to share more perspective?

No
Yes

Phone Number

Some union officers didn't sign recall petitions

I took a moment to pass some union officer names through the recall database. Who is on your side?

Do they really expect us to be PROUD members of this organization when they set such a fine example for response and action?

WEAC Blue

Suzanne Britz - No
David Campshure - No
Kim Plaunt - Yes
Richard Engel - Yes
Kathy Rohde - Yes
Susan Clauss - Yes
Robin Kinn - No
---
Peggy Smits - No
Beverly Schacht - No
John Stommen - No
Michael Kaczmarzinski - Yes
Russel Johnson - Yes
Steve Thomson - No
Kathryn Taylor - No
Sarah Bauman - Yes
Neva Paque - Yes
Shirley Forrest - Yes
David Kundin - No
Richard Engel - Yes
James Blank - Yes
Dean DeBroux - Yes
Kay Hansen - No
Connie Martin - Yes
Clayton Smits - No

---------
AFSCME Council 40

Randy Etten - No
Mark Delorme - Yes
David Dorn - Yes
Mary Scoon - Yes
John Spiegelhoff - Yes
Jerry LaPoint - Yes
Anneliese Sheahan - Yes
Edward Lambert - Yes
Anna Brown - Yes
Julie Allen - Yes
Lori Kief - Yes
James Garity - Yes
Nancy Anderson - Yes
Keith Jamieson - Yes
Richard Badger - Yes
Joseph Guzynski - Yes
Mary Scoon - Yes


Do as we say, not as we do.. Always a great leadership concept!

TEACHER: SHAME ON WEAC

An all to familiar WEAC response...

From: http://www.620wtmj.com/blogs/charliesykes/45184837.html

Email from an unhappy member of the teachers union:

Mr. Sykes-

I first want to thank you for spending time on the air to discuss what has been going on with the virtual school. I actually called in the day of the rally in Madison and spoke with you.

I am a WEAC member and a teacher for iQ Academy. iQ currently serves about 750 full and part-time students all over WI. Although not all of the students have been successful in the virtual setting, many succeed when they couldn't in a brick and mortar school.

Because of Doyle's plan, I am truly concerned for our future. I am disappointed with my union. As a dues paying member of WEAC, I wanted to share with you what happened today. I called Mary Bell, WEAC's president. I asked why WEAC was trying to shut us down and not support many of its members.

Admittedly, I was angry on the phone. She kept repeating that I was "misinformed". She told me it was not WEAC's intent to close us down. When I told her Doyle changed his mind at the last minute because of pressure from WEAC, she went on to say he never said he'd agree to the bipartisan bill.

She did not like my tone, and told me she had an appointment. She did not offer to schedule another time to speak to me, and in fact, she hung up the phone on me! I didn't swear (although I said crap and wish I hadn't), but who wouldn't be angry when the organization designed to protect me is trying to put me out of a job? Mary Bell couldn't handle the pressure of our conversation and she couldn't answer my questions. If I can't air my concerns with my union president, who can I turn to?

I urged the other teachers of iQ to give her a call. Many did, but her secretary stated she was not available. I then sent her an email stating that I'd love to meet with her and discuss this further. Of course, she hasn't replied. I will continue to contact her, even if it means driving to Madison.

I appreciate all of the airtime you have given to the virtual schools lately. If you have anytime to bring this up in the future, please feel free to share any of the content of this email.

Sincerely,

Amy Rosno

WEAC member and English teacher iQ Academy

WEAC Blue Uniserv - Directors and Staff

WEAC Blue Uniserv - Directors and Staff

From Public Records:

Suzanne J Britz
(920) 434-4788
2398 Woodington Way
Suamico, WI 54173-7903
Parcel: SU-1100-28
2011 Unofficial Valuation: $216,000

David A Campshure
(920) 469-1356
390 Wesley St
Green Bay, WI 54302-4234
Parcel: 21-821-9
2011 Unofficial Valuation: $277,100

Kim T Plaunt
(920) 632-4073
1068 Peonies Dr
De Pere, WI 54115-7685
Parcel: VA-1023
2011 Unofficial Valuation: $206,700

Richard A. Engel Sr.
(920) 826-2453
2453 Deer Path Ct
Abrams, WI 54101-9578
Estimated Valuation: $212,034

Kathy L Rohde
(920) 562-7731
2130-5N Lost Dauphin Rd 54115
Parcel: WD-699-K-10
2011 Unofficial Valuation: $163,700

Susan A Clauss
(920) 771-0018
4224 Gaibrelles Gate
Green Bay, WI 54313-3500
Parcel: VH-2962
2011 Unofficial Valuation: $180,600

Robin Kinn
(920) 388-3017
1112 River Rd
Kewaunee, WI 54216-9468
Estimated Valuation: $178,151

School Administrators

Did you know that most school administrators are given 5 weeks of vacation time at the time of hire.

They are salary non-exempt.

Typically when you think of someone on salary, you think the employee is generally expected to devote the number of hours necessary to complete their respective tasks, regardless of whether that requires 35 hours per week or 55 hours per week.

Their compensation doesn't change based on actual hours expended. Exempt employees aren't paid extra for putting in more than 40 hours per week; they're paid for getting the job done.

On the other hand, nonexempt employees must be paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours per workweek, so it often behooves employers to keep nonexempt employees' hours down.

Of course districts typically encourage comp-time in lue of overtime pay.

If you are still not pissed off, then start paying attention. De Pere administrators have gotten 3% raises for the last two years while virtually everyone else agreed to a couple years of wage freezes.

Paying Rent on Minimum Wage

From: http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/30/paying-rent-on-minimum-wage/

May 30, 2012, 2:26 pm
Paying Rent on Minimum Wage
By ANDREW ROSENTHAL

As part of its 2012 report on rent affordability, the National Low Income Housing Coalition released a chart that’s been floating around the Internet. It shows that there isn’t a single state in the country where it’s possible to work 40 hours per week at minimum wage and afford a two-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent. In West Virginia and Arkansas, you’d need to work at least a 63-hour week, and that’s as good as it gets. In California, Maryland, D.C., New Jersey and New York you’d need to work 130 hours or more. Hawaii comes in last place: 175 hours.

(With permission from the National Low Income Housing Coalition CLICK TO ENLARGE)


I can anticipate a few no-big-deal arguments, starting with the definition of affordability. By “affordable,” the Coalition means paying no more than 30 percent of income for housing costs (rent and utilities). And why a two-bedroom apartment, as opposed to a one-bedroom?

Both of these choices seem reasonable to me. Thirty percent is a generally accepted standard, and there are plenty of single-parent households as well as families where, for various reasons, only one member is able to work.

But even if you quibble with how exactly the Coalition put the chart together, it’s clear that there’s a mismatch between the minimum wage and the cost of living (or at least a decent cost of living). In New York, which is in the midst of a fight over raising the minimum wage, two individuals would need to work 68 hours a week each to manage the rent on a two-bedroom unit. If they have kids, the 70 percent of their paychecks left after rent won’t get them very far.

When he was campaigning for the presidency, Mr. Obama promised to raise the federal minimum wage annually. That hasn’t happened. It’s the same as it was in January of 2009: $7.25 an hour. According to Bloomberg View, that amount, adjusted for inflation, “is actually lower than what a minimum-wage worker earned in 1968.”

Somehow I doubt Mitt Romney will highlight this particular broken promise in an attack ad, but that’s no reason for anyone else to give the president a pass.

The Custodian

In the 1970's and 1980's (as well as before) the daytime school custodian would start the day by starting up the boiler.

Since that time, HVAC systems mostly run themselves. You no longer light pilot lights or that sort of thing. Now-a- days they are retrofitted with pressure relief valves, cut off switches and the like all tied to a computer that basically runs the thing.

After the boiler was running, the janitor would go around the school with a big ring of keys and unlock all the doors in anticipation of the incoming teachers and students about to start their day.

This too has changed. Most buildings have access control systems, with computer controlled timers that unlock outside doors.

The daytime custodian would fix chairs and student desks re-weld and braze them to stretch their lives. In the summer they would strip and re-wax floors.

Many of the other periodic up-keep duties like cleaning out the boiler, re-keying doors are now farmed out to various outside services. Some for obvious liability reasons.

Over the years the evening school activities has increased dramatically. Schools have added on, and increased their size. Prior a part time staff of a couple housekeepers was all that was needed.

Now virtually ever night of the week there is some sort of evening activity. Local colleges rent space for remote classes, YMCA and Scouting groups hold meetings, and with those additions was a multi-court gymnasium that sees constant use.

The evening custodians are setting up for these events, tearing down, and working around and with these groups.

HVAC system problem cancels classes at Heritage Elementary School

From:  http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2012/mar/15/hvac-system-problem-cancels-classes-at-heritage-elementary-school-thursday/

HVAC system problem cancels classes at Heritage Elementary School Thursday
Thursday, March 15, 2012 10:16 a.m. EDT by Jeff Flynt

DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - Students at Heritage Elementary School in De Pere are going home early Thursday due to a problem with the building's heating system.

School officials announced around 8:40 a.m. that classes would be canceled for the rest of the day. Officials say there's a maintenance issue with the HVAC system.

Parents can pick up their children at De Pere Middle School, 700 Swan Road. If parents are unable to pick up their kids until this afternoon, supervision will be provided at De Pere Middle School and normal pickup procedures will be followed at the regular dismissal time for the middle school.

Parents may call the middle school at 337-1024 to make arrangements.

Of course there is more to this than was reported.  Maintenance staff called the Director of Buildings and Ground Wednesday night reporting a high odor of gas smell.  He responded that he'd look into it Thursday morning.

Pulaski keeps support staff?

Pulaski School Board President, Trina Townsend addressed rumors by writing to the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce:

January 13, 2012

Dear Pulaski Area Chamber Members. In the past few days I have fielded approximately five inquires from local businesses. Apparently they had been told that the "School Board" was going to fire all of the cooks, custodians and bus drivers.

NOTHING CAN BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH

As you probably are aware, the State of Wisconsin has significantly reduced funding for public education. The state has given school district so-called "tools" to help them manage their budgets. Essentially, the state has stripped many of the powers that employee unions previously possessed.

While many districts last year refused to extend contracts with employee unions, the Pulaski Community School District entered into one-year contract extensions with all of our unions, (teacher, cooks/custodial, para-professionals and bus drivers). All their contracts will expire June 30, 2012. After that time the Board or Education will have more discretion to direct the operations of the district.

In past contracts the district had been prohibited from contracting out for services (i.e. food Services, transportation, custodial) due to language in the collective bargaining agreements (contracts). While many school districts have contracted with private companies to provide these services mainly to control costs, the Pulaski Community School District had been prohibited from doing so.

Knowing that the district would have the ability to contract for services in the future (after June 30, 2012) when the contracts expire, the Board of Education had directed the administration to conduct an analysis regarding this matter. The Board will receive this report on February 1, 2012 at the Board of Education meeting.

As with any business, (the Pulaski Community School District is an almost 50 million dollar business) we must be strategic in our decision making and we must collect data to nuke thoughtful decisions in order for us to serve our customers (children and the community).

When we receive the report on February 1, 2012. we will most likely decide whether or not to request proposals from private companies for the transportation, food service and custodial functions. Even if the board decides to request proposal it docs not mean the district will contract for services.

Original: