A raft of past programs have failed to substantially improve the reading skills of middle grade and high school students. CPS is trying once again, as part of a federal project that aims to help teens learn how to analyze complex non-fiction.
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Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
By: Alexander Russo / June 26, 2008
New documents! After what seems like weeks of delay, M. Stewart has finally issued a letter to the members of the CTU. In it, Stewart claims to be implementing efforts to right the organization's budget, making progress in her efforts against T. Dallas, and to be unconcerned about his "frivolous" lawsuit against her.
But the letter didn't reassure at least one anonymous tipster, who sent me the link to the doucument and noted that there's no indication that Stewart's efforts to oust Dallas were blocked by the court. According to the letter-sender, there will be more charges brought against Dallas on Monday. I'm trying to figure out if that's true and what the new charges will be.
What do you think? Hillary and Barack seem to be on a path to resolve their differences and get their acts together before the DNC convention in Denver, but what about Dallas and Stewart? They've only got a few weeks before the AFT comes to town, and you can imagine how PO'd the national will be if this ends up being the story instead of the inauguration of Randi Weingarten.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
More and more ExBoard members realized that their are manipulated.
They are leaving the scene because of the legal and moral consequences.
The list will be published so membership will be able to judge people representing them.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Catalyst is now (or soon will be) only online; the CTU paper should follow that lead. (Even online is a waste of time and money but not as much).
A hard copy calendar featuring just Marilyn photos could be issued to anyone who missies the paper.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
I had an independant printer cost out the publishing of the newspaper using union printers...which will always be at a higher cost than non-union. They barely exist any longer. That said, it was 2/3 less. Given the format, if the paper was reduced in size, went to 2 color and published quarterly it would cost you less than $100,000 annually as opposed to [i][b]close to a million[/b][/i] for "old news". And if they cut the paper to 12 pages and got rid of the Marilyn photos it could be 1/2 that!!! Let's go people!
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
While I believe that Ted is probably guilty of misusing funds, I likewise believe Marilyn and all of her followers are equally guilty (or even more so). I would like them to explain why they waited until now to bring the charges (I'm sure they have been aware of the problem for sometime). I have to believe that it was OK to misuse our money as long as you blindly followed Marilyn but as soon as he spoke up for the membership, it was a weapon against him. Maybe the judge will be able to force Marilyn and her people to release their information. I am sure that it is something that really scares her.
This afternoon will be important. Whatever happens. Either we as membership will be able to begin to stop Marilyn or she will succeed to setting a dangerous precedent.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
[i]Judge was asking who made up the book of charges and how they got access to all the information. the judge also asked if they had all the information on dallas why was the other officer's expenses left out to show a deviation from normal spending trends.[/i]
Excellent. Very important stuff. I can't wait for Marilyn and the rest pony up their expenditure records.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Will see you there.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Judge is allowing charges to be made today at 330pm .
Judge ruled that Dallas can be represented by his attorney at the mart today. additionally he should be afforded access to documents and records for his defense.
Judge was asking who made up the book of charges and how they got access to all the information. the judge also asked if they had all the information on dallas why was the other officer's expenses left out to show a deviation from normal spending trends.
There is still in place a TRO for Dallas removal from office status hearing 07/07/08.
See you all at the mart. i should be at the staging area about 230-300 pm.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
They way the constitution reads the House of Delegates is the governing body of the union.
1. We could instantly stop all of this now thru the house of delegates.
2. The HoD could pass a resolution to order the repayment of lost court cases.
3. The HoD could remove poltrock as attorney because the delegates controls the union not the president.
4. Everything done to Dallas violates the constitution.
5. Everything that goes thru the exec board should be then taken to the house as an item for action.
read for yourself
[url=http://s243096925.onlinehome.us/__oneclick_uploads/2008/05/constitution.PDF new=true]constitution.PDF[/url]
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
The attempt to remove Mr. Dallas from office and membership is not based on his opposition opinions. That very well may be the motivation to remove him, but it is not the basis for this trial. Let's be honest - the trial documents indicate some disturbing financial improprieties (among numerous petty and silly accusations) and those are the basis for the attempted removal. Motivation, while related, is not the ultimate issue.
My top reasons for opposing the trial:
1) Transparency, or lack thereof
The documents supporting Mr. Dallas' removal are confidential according to the current leadership. The administration is perfectly willing to share Mr. Dallas' financial records but will not reveal their own expense accounts. They will not even reveal their own contracts! Full transparency is vital to developing and maintaining trust, building consensus, and enforcing true accountability.
2) Selective Accountability
It is clear that the other officers could be attacked for many of the same alleged infractions. Some of the alleged infractions even involved prior tacit and/or explicit approval by the same administration that now seeks to remove Mr. Dallas. I support holding every single one of our officers, and their employees, accountable.
3) Hypocrisy
The current leadership has engaged in its own massive and obvious financial improprieties and mismanagement. A considerable surplus has been turned into a massive deficit in a very short time. Our administration's gross financial failures should be investigated by a party independent of current leadership or CTU's parent organizations.
4) Due Process
The leadership has ignored Mr. Dallas' rights of due process, so significantly that a judge ordered a temporary restraining order. One of the most important fights for any labor union is the defense of due process.
5) Misapplication of the By-Laws and Constitution
The article of the CTU Constitution and By-Laws the administration cites in its efforts to remove Mr. Dallas has only been used to remove Union members who broke picket lines during a work action. Mr. Dallas has done no such thing.
6) Cost
At a time when CTU is suffering severe financial difficulties the Union is paying large sums of money that it need not spend:
a) very high hourly fees for questionable legal advice from multiple lawyers, including Mr. Polltrock
b) salary for a Chief of Staff, Mr. Ostenburg, who has taken over Mr. Dallas' prior Vice Presidential responsibilities
c) additional legal fees to combat the lawsuit that will follow any successful removal of Mr. Dallas. And this administration, as far as I know, is 0 for however many lawsuits it has attempted to defend, i.e. George Schmidt et al.
7) Timeline
Union officers knew of these issues previously and chose to do nothing then. The enforcement is taking place well after the administration was aware of the alleged infractions. This is where I think motivation effectively comes into play.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
I think the members will wake up when they see how Marilyn is wasting our money (unfortunately, for us, there isn't a way to force her to pay for this insanity out of her own pocket as I am sure Ted is. There should be an amendment that says officers who bring frivalous lawsuits (which is the ones the Union loses in court over and over again such as violating contracts) have to pay back all court and attorney costs to the Union. Another good amendment would be that no lawsuit or action can be taken against a member or officer without a vote of the full House of Delegates. That would cut down on these type of actions.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Thank you for expanding. Unfortunately, our union leadership (well those propping up the so-called leadership) has placed more value and our dues dollars on stifling opposition than helping members. If our president fought every battle for every member with the vehemance leveled against the duly-elected Vice-President, we'd be standing outside 125 S. Clark. Remember, only the president won the election by 76% Nobody on the slate got those numbers. That's why she believes the membership is behind her. Wait until they see how she's looted the treasury. Note her letter to the membership. Full of "I"s. She's going to be the one holding the bag and quite frankly her "team" is going down with her.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Dallas is in Court 10am to inform the judge of the new charges against him today, despite the restraining order.
larry poltrock has 5 lawyers in court on union time $$$$$ against the elected Vice President trying to justify the actions of stewart.
updates as I get them.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
I would like to piggyback on Marricat's last posting. The reason we will be outside the Mart today is because we are Pro-Union. Whether or not you support Ted Dallas, is irrelevant. If the Executive Board votes to have a trial, and then Dallas is expelled, a precedent will be set. If an ELECTED official can be expelled for voicing an opposing opinion, then ANYONE can be expelled. In a true democracy, all voices should be heard.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
The last writer said it all. Those of us who object to the tyranny of Marilyn's leadership are not anti-union. Many of us have been in the Union for many, many years (for myself, I've been a Union member since 1975) and are proud of our Union involvement. In my opinion, Marilyn and her followers are the ones that are anti-Union because they have destroyed the free voice of all members and have failed to stand up to the firing of Union members and the closing of schools.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
It is not against Union .It is PRO Union in order to save all of us .
It is against injustice and dishonesty.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
[b]Informational Picket against Union Tyranny[/b]
[b]When:[/b] June 30, 2008 3:00pm Merchandise Mart
[b]Where:[/b] Corner of Kinzie and Wells
[b]Why:[/b] Second Attempt to Charge and Remove Vice-President of Chicago Teachers Union despite Restraining Order
[b]Why:[/b] Protest Censorship of Substance from AFT Convention
[b]Location[/b](link to map): [url=http://s243096925.onlinehome.us/__oneclick_uploads/2008/06/informational-picket-against-union-tyranny-june-30-2008.pdf new=true]Informational Picket Against Tyranny June 30, 2008[/url]
More info [b]Contact:[/b] csdu@live.com
[url=http://www.coalitionsdu.org/ new=true]http://www.coalitionsdu.org/[/url]
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
At this time to be a part of UPC is an individual choice.Participating in dishonesty and be a part of the Tyrrant cohort is not excusable.
I hope people will wake up and open their eyes.
It is almost too late.Another option is to retain a good attorney.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
I agree that there are good people in all groups but to be part of Marilyn's group, you have to blindly follow what the leader says. If and when all this hits the fan, you will have people using the old nazi line "I was only following orders." That wasn't an excuse for the Nazis and it's not an excuse for Marilyn's followers. By now, they should have woken up and realized that what's going on is wrong.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
To the Emperor,
You have listed empoyees that do not deal with the budget/money. Why would everyone think the pot would never dry up? There are good people in all the different groups, including the UPC. It's unfortunate that certain leaders choose the path they do.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
and that's your opinion!
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Arrogance
The UPC has gotten away with this for 3 decades or more. Debbie Lynch should have turned over the records of the Reece administration to the Feds. Instead, for the sake of the Union blah, blah, blah, she let them off the hook. They took it as weakness and naiveté (or stupidity) and stole the 2004 election. Lynch actually thought the AFT would stand behind the ‘truth’.
Those who think the Stewart contract ‘cleaned up ‘ the Lynch contract haven’t read the fine print. Stewart has made merit pay, peer review and teacher firing part of the contract as well as giving up our hourly rate, insurance choice (wait until CPS gets to raise these rates without a new contract)!
Stewart, Dallas, Cannella, Massarsky, Sheffer, Perrotte, all the field reps, the Quest staff, etc thought the pot would never dry up; and that the members were too stupid (or naïve) to see it.
The problem with arrogance, those who have it rarely know it. They think that even though a few may complain, they will never get caught. Up until now they’ve been right.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Please let's take a minute to remember one of the things the leaders of the Chicago Teachers Union should be doing today, but aren't.
According to the Board Reports approved on February 27, 2008, at the end of the day today Reconstitution has happened at the following schools: Copernicus, Fulton, Harper HS, Howe, Morton Upper, Orr HS.
Every member of the staff and executive board of the Chicago Teachers Union -- all of them are being paid for doing union work, unlike most of us -- should be at those schools today and dramatizing the complete bankruptcy of the policies of the Duncan administration.
Instead, they are huddled in their downtown air conditioned Merchandise Mart offices planning another expensive legal assault on Ted Dallas.
There are other betrayals taking place today as well, but the six Reconstitutions are the greatest by far. By the end of this day, Marilyn Stewart and her loyalists will have betrayed what every one of us fought for in building the Chicago Teachers Union by allowing CPS to destroy those schools and slander our brothers and sisters while they engaged in trivial greedy childish games.
Never forget this day.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Please do not do that.After loking in the mirror she will be dead.
Please save her for the justice.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Thank you ,Karen
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Ghosts of Old UPCers?
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
They're ghosts?
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
RICO - Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act. A law Congress passed to stop the Outfit
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Let Stewart look in a mirror and let the others look in a mirror.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Their diets?
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
I give up. What do they all have in common?
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
[i]Genova, Schultz and Perrote - what do they all have in common with each other[/i]
waiting
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Surprised says, "I can't believe adults with long time experiance would do such stupid things they do now..."
The ventriliquist and money hungry, greedy cronies are from the old school. They believe the power of the leadership is the same as it was under the old UPC leaders like Reece and Vaughn. They think they can do whatever they want, and poor Marilyn thinks their histories and past credentials make them smarter than everyone else. The truth is, Marilyn's advisors did not take into consideration "the changing of the times". The people calling the shots are all antiquated dinosaurs. It seems like there all going to learn the hard way now. I mean, look at Stewart's top advisors. Poltrock, Ostenberg, Massarsky, Koffman, Cannella, and Genova. Their reputations and track records speak for themselves. It's called a group of veteran union leaders on a power trip, and a figurehead that they are all going to turn their backs on when it get's real hot. Major mistake by Stewart turning on Dallas for all the above named union hacks.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
What the RICO stands for?
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Hello Is it true that Genova is practicing ping pong?
I strongly believe that Rayan knows how to play .....much better than she does...
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
To Outside Looking In and EPD -
Don't forget Genova, Schultz and Perrote - what do they all have in common with each other, but not with Stewart???
EPD - If you believe that, I gotta great piece of oceanfront property in Brooklyn you've just gotta see.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
It seems to me that Stewart is already set up or secretly plans to retire.They try to get out Ted because otherwise he is going to assume her duties.
I can not believe that adults with long time experience would do such stupid things they do now...
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Maybe tomorrow's Mart event is not for railroading Ted but to use the provision in the legitmate and intended manner i.e. to put Tracy Cobb Evans on trial for being a scab.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
.........i got mine working overtime against the union and the board. when I get get the ok from the attorneys i will disclose what is happening(against CTU and CPS). I also met up with Earl Kelly Prince and he is now in Federal court against Stewart. Once the cases go to court and the evidence goes into the record it will be published.
By the way I notified the AFL-CIO of the censorship issue with Substance and they should investigate why a democratic union would be censoring the news media. There are plenty of email lists out there of laws makers, unions, and activist organizations what we need to do now is cease the moment and use it to put pressure on the CTU to stop their dictatorship rule over our union. [b]REMEMBER:[/b] Anyone that goes against the rank and file, including agencies and unions, will be documented and reported to the proper authorities.
Sorry but I have to do this.
[b]THANKS STEWART CRONIES![/b]
We Couldn't have done it without you!
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
I agree with the above writer. I wouldn't want to be any of those people even with their high rate of pay because it may all come tumbling down soon. They would be stupid not to at least be in touch with an attorney (and I don't think any of them are stupid).
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Who would have thought in their wildest dreams that the "High level Strife" would have escalated to this extent. I wonder how many of those key Stewart supporters, who kept telling her that she was "The President" are now retaining attorneys? Only time will tell how this thing will end up, but, I wouldn't want to be Stewart, Ostenberg, McGuire, Ochoa, Porter, Dallas or Cannella right now!
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
"...Also I would like to mention previous post. According to the writer, 72 people attended the last UPC meeting and it was some kind of accomplishment (highest attendance in the UPC history)..." (Chris, earlier today).
More than half of those in attendance could have been listed by anyone who has a staff list from the last couple of payrolls of the Chicago Teachers Union. You didn't have to be there to know who was gonna be there. It was a hoot.
Despite the fact that the field reps have a supposedly solid union contract (Local 743, Teamsters), most of them slavishly attend to the needs of Marilyn Stewart and equally slavishly prop up the UPC. This includes assuring she gets a large turnout for UPC meetings. Same with the rest of the staff. Plus some of the officers.
That said, Marilyn has between 10 and 20 people supporting her who still work (at least part-time) in the schools most of the year. That's no longer a caucus. Every other caucus in CTU is already bigger than UPC, once you subtract the paid staff.
And the paid staff -- especially the field reps -- should be barred from internal union politics, just as they are in the National Education Association. Every one of them who attends UPC meetings should be up on charges for conflicts of interest.
One of the wonderful things about nowadays is the advanced in digital technology, as John Kugler has made such good use of. Yesterday, I spent some time at Helix upgrading some of our technologies and was amazed at how low the lighting can now be for decent digital photography without flash...
ME: "Inside a closet..."
HE: "Yes. At the top of the line we've come that far..."
So everyone from UPC meetings to the executive board might as well smile constantly, because candid camera is everywhere, even when the Merchandise Mart security are deployed (again, as they will be tomorrow) to keep the press and most union members from getting up to the offices of the Chicago Teachers Union.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
since these are nationally elected delegates.
the issue has been forwarded to the USDoL for investigation.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Why is MS convening another kangaroo court tomorrow when part of the case goes to court on the 7th? What is it she cannot wait for? Can anyone out there answer the pressing questions?
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Glad to hear our coffers aren't too bare. I also heard people who were elected didn't get credentials to go to the convention. What's up with that?
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
598.50
wonder if others got more
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Has anyone heard that the delegates to the AFT conventions got $1500 checks? Some are still staying at the hotel on the CTU dime and getting $30 lunch vouchers. Did our president tell us, we had to cut back? Seems that was done at the retirees luncheon. No president, vice-president or treasurer on hand to greet the foot soldiers of the CTU. Guess all that money had to pay off the hacks.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Just what Marilyn and company needs, more negative press. Here is some free advice. The more you drag on the 'Dallas Charges', the more bad press for our union. In addition, when and if this gets to court, not only will Dallas' case prevail, but only more dirty laundry will be aired. Do you honestly believe only Dallas' receipts will become public? All of Stewart's staunch supporters will do an about face. They will quickly disassociate themselves from Stewart.
How many UPC members paid for their meals after the House meetings? Can one Executive Board member testify that they haven't had a meal paid for by the union? One little 'request' by a judge to one of the eating establishments, and I'm sure they will easily determine that all the officers used their union credit cards to pay the bill. I would certainly think about these issues before voting to go to trial. There is much, much more at stake than just attempting to remove an elected officer of the CTU.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
Hope you are notifying the ALL THE Press. And instruct those picketting what to say to the media...in a calm, substantive way.
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
[b]Informational Picket against Union Tyranny [/b]
[b]When:[/b] June 30, 2008 3:00pm Merchandise Mart
[b]Where:[/b] Corner of Kinzie and Wells
[b]Why: [/b] Second Attempt to Charge and Remove Vice-President of Chicago Teachers Union despite Restraining Order
[b]Why:[/b] Protest Censorship of Substance from AFT Convention
[b]Location(link to map):[/b] [url=http://s243096925.onlinehome.us/__oneclick_uploads/2008/06/informational-picket-against-union-tyranny-june-30-2008.pdf new=true]Informational Picket Against Tyranny June 30, 2008[/url]
More info Contact: csdu@live.com
[url=http://www.coalitionsdu.org/ new=true]http://www.coalitionsdu.org/[/url]
Can Dallas & Stewart Get Their Act Together Before AFT Time?
The Stewart team had their chance to make history. Their legacy will show a very disappointing contract (slight cleanup of Lynch's contract language), dictatorship/no democracy, intimidation of rank and file membership, unnecessary lawsuits, and mismanagement/misappropriation of union dollars. It's time for a coalition of all concerned union members and activists to bond and select a team of leaders that are willing to do things the right way. The membership deserves it.