Well today is the first anniversary of the initial posting on our blog. We started a year ago on May 11, 2009 …some 210+ posts ago. First my immense thanks to those of you have taken the time to read the blog. We have had over 150,000 “hits” during the past year of which 2/3 have occurred within the last 6 months (which is reasonable). I also appreciate those of you who have taken the plunge and have commented on the posts. Obviously, I don’t agree with all of the comments – but this is really about providing an open forum for a conversation to occur.
I also extend my thanks to those who “talked” me into this initially. Believe me; I was rather uncertain about all of this. I have learned a lot – often times in areas that I didn’t expect. I believe that we need to expand our understanding and use of this and other media tools in our 21st century environment. I found Groundswell to be an interesting read which addresses many of these issues – though from a business perspective.
Certainly during the course of the past year we have covered a wide range of topics from the more mundane (at least in the opinion of some) to the more controversial (as evidenced by some of the responses). As we proceed forward together as a community and school district, it is my belief that we need to continually work to improve both our communication (and listening) and relationship. At the “end of the day” what we really have is each other and our community together. Once again, I thank you for your participation and involvement.
Best regards,
Rick
Dr. Miller, Can you explain why the Board is meeting today at 8:00 am to Finally Lay off the employees and not meeting at a time where people are able to attend. My wife has been attending the meetings, seeing as she will be without a job. I found that meeting time not very convenient for her or others that wished to attend the meetings.
ReplyDeleteAlso, The district is spending a ton of money of mail to the teachers that are laid off. these teachers have to sign for this mail, yet the mail normally comes to the homes while they are all teaching. This seems to be a gib waste of money for the district and a major inconvenience for the teacher to try and fit in a trip to the post offie before tehy close. Why can't these mailing be handed to the teachers by tehir principals. This would save the district money and it would guarantee that they receive them in a timely manner.
Thanks,
John
I totally agree with what John said (May 11, 2010 6:51 AM). An 8:00 AM board meeting pretty much ensures working teachers won't be able to attend.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the mailing of hearing notices, layoff notices, etc. has been a huge waste of resources and time. I didn't get any of the certified mail sent by the district and had to find extra time to drive down to the post office on three separate occasions to get it.
What we have here are yet more examples of how, at every turn, the district has disregarded it's teachers. I teach for RUSD and I've never felt more unwanted and undervalued as an employee. So much could have been done to handle things in a timely matter, making this unpleasant process maybe a bit easier to get through. But no, nothing. I am extremely disappointed.
Well Board voted to layoff 375 teachers. It is very difficult to p[ost somethign on here without the profanity that is in my mouth at this time. I am truly amazed and saddened buy the POOR LEADERSHIP of the BOARD, RCTA and RUSD LEADERSHIP. Make me very proud that I Teach in a different school district that values thier employees. SAD day for RUSD. BUT I DON'T THINK THEY CARE about the 375 families which include the children of these teachers that attend RUSD schools. MAybe I will have my 550/500 student optout of testing next year. NO need to take these tests anyway. Shame on all
ReplyDeleteThis is the truth! NO ONE CARES!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate Dr. Miller's use of this blog as a vehicle to communicate issues of concern to RUSD employees, families and the community at large. Thank you and keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI am greatly saddened by the news that the Board of Education has decided to enforce the 375 preliminary RIF notices this week.
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't understand is...how can the Press Enterprise run an article on Sunday "buried" in the "In-Brief" section of Part A that gave the impression that RUSD was going to rescind 200 of the remaining 375 notices...where are they getting their information? Who from RUSD and/or RCTA is talking to the reporters at our local media source?
Not only does such a press-release/article give a false sense of hope to the teachers...but it also gives the community a false sense of the reality of this financial predicament. I understand these are "tough times"...but I've also heard that RUSD/RCTA are supposed to be working together to ensure correct information is being filtered down to all parties involved in this high stakes issue (the teachers, the administration, the parents and the community).
How did such a "huge error" occur?
Shame on RUSD! The community looses now. It's sad day for 375 unemployed teachers who are going to be forced to go on unemployment and hopefully will survive and not loose their home or be on the street to survive. This just shows me as a tax paying citizen and husband to a teacher who's loosing her job because of mismanagement on the part of the district and the union, where my money is really going. Not too up and coming teachers who want to make a difference in a child's life. Rather, individuals who wish to collect a paycheck, do the minimal amount of work in the classroom and work the system because of seniority protection. They're exceptions of course in this regard. But, I assure you that they're teachers out there who didn't get RIF'd and don't care; they just do their do diligence to get buy. Nice to know where my tax dollars are going.
ReplyDeleteHopefully reform to the seniority law will come sooner, rather then later.
SHAME on the union for not negotiating FURLOUGHS...Oh wait what was their reasoning? "They are hiding money?" Obviously not! And unless you receive a final notice..you have not idea! When every other district has negotiated and saved teachers..ours has not! We can only hope that someone will rise above and try to solve this issue!
ReplyDeleteAs a laid off teacher I blame both sides. Bankruptcy here I come!
ReplyDeleteThe board has voted to lay off 375 teachers. This is horrible and disheartening news. A clearer picture could not have been painted, with regards to how much the district values its employees.
ReplyDeleteApparently, I now join my wife as being an unemployed teacher. What does our future hold? Will we be able to keep our house? What will we do for health insurance? How will this affect our young daughter?
No consideration has been given to the lives of RUSD employees during this process.
Start emailing the bargaining teams! There is still time to save jobs. Everyone across the state are taking furloughs. Its time RCTA steps up and gets this done!
ReplyDeleteWe have told our union time and time again that we want furlough days. THEY DON'T CARE!
ReplyDeleteThank you to Dr. Miller for having a blog for everyone to post their opinions (which are not always favorable) and for taking a risk by not needing to approve every post like other blogs.
ReplyDelete