As CPS prepares to close a record number of schools, the fate of students and communities is in question.
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How to solve the Chicago strike threat
Charter schools in Chicago are on the leading edge of innovation, this time in the field of labor relations.
By: Andrew Broy / August 31, 2012
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Andrew Broy
With the unfortunate news that the Chicago Teachers Union has set a strike date for September 10, we are in desperate need of creative solutions. The core problem is easily stated: The Chicago Public Schools does not have any additional revenue. In an attempt to balance the budget this year, it raised property taxes to the maximum extent allowed by law and drained all its reserves.
In this fiscal climate, teachers want a raise that the district cannot afford.
Is this problem intractable? Hardly. Among the 116 charter schools in Chicago that are in our network, 10 have independent unions representing teachers in negotiations with school management. These schools have been able to reach agreements, largely by acknowledging that expenses must be in line with revenue. Management and teachers at these schools have balanced their books, extended the school day, and recognized the critical contributions teachers and leaders make in creating successful schools. They have done this while the per pupil payments for charters increased a modest 8% over the past five years (compared to the 16-42% overall wage increases for CTU teachers noted by the arbitrator).
This sort of solutions-based teamwork should be a model of partnership for the city. Once again, charter schools in Chicago are on the leading edge of innovation, this time in the field of labor relations.
Failing that, here is a modest proposal: tie the teachers’ proposed raises in each year of the contract to the rate of funding provided to Chicago through the general state aid formula. Then, both sides will have skin in the game and an incentive to work in Springfield to revamp our terribly outdated school funding formula.
core problem is money?
You are so far out in left field with that perception. Most of the teacher raise was tied to the longer school day. You want more, you pay more! Rich people never understand this concept!
A classic but contemporary!
Some day the workers will take possession of your city hall, and when we do, no child will be sacrificed on the altar of profit!
Mother Jones
What does Andrew Broy know about public education?!
First, many of the most successful charters in Chicago raise hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars from private donors and institutions. How else do you think Michael Milkie makes so much money? Second, those charters that do survive only on their per pupil funds are scratching by with very large percentages of TFA teachers or other rookies. Broy conveniently forgets to mention this or simply does not know how things actually work. Neither of these options are a legitimate way to reform CPS.
Finally, the issue is *not* just about money. This CPS teacher is fighting for language about class size, work rules, and staffing requirements among others. It is because of SB7 that the union is forced to strike over wages not simply that CPS teachers are greedy (as Broy implies here). It seems that he has formed his opinion from reading Suntimes and Tribune editorials. It's too bad that Broy didn't have anyone who taught him to an analyze and evaluate a complex situation.
Broy's Credentials
I am always amazed that people who clearly are not supporters of public education end up in these roles.
Look Broy's background is as an attorney from a firm (Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP) representing clients that are trying to destroy public education interest by cutting funding and for turning back desegregation efforts. (You can see a list of Sunderland's cases here http://www.sutherland.com/education/)
Why Catalyst (who supposedly is a supporter of public education) provides a platform for Broy simply sullies its own reputation.
Charter Funding
Charter's ability to raise private money is a major benefit. If charters in Chicago receive funding parity with CPS schools even, the charter who are struggling somewhat will have enough revenue.
CPS is a huge, old, inefficient organization. Well run charters are nimble organization whose employees share a collegial workplace.
Another major advantage of the reform movement in general is that it brings more smart, talented people into education who otherwise wouldn't be interested in big teacher union dominated systems and politics.
There's plenty of need and benefit from having people like Broy working towards what he believes is a better way.
Many charters were founded by former union members. Many of the professionals in the well know charters here have worked in traditional union schools. There's plenty of knowledge in the reform movement as to the characteristics of traditional urban schools.
Opinion Editorials
Is it just me or does Catalyst never ask the opinion of just the "regular" teacher. I am not saying they have to be white, or black, hispanic. However, put a real teacher who has 34 kids in a 1st grade room. Why not ask their opinion of the situation? They may not be a Lawyer, a Mayor candidate, a hip professor of "urban education" ...just a regular guy or "gal". Let them write an article of the present situation???
here is a modest propasal to you mr broy
why dont we give you a "modest proposal". for every 100 underfunded schools in this country ...why don't we tie your capital gains tax and income tax by .1%
why do have to suffer all of the states funding problems....if we are going to get a pay cut...why dont you get a tax raise?? that's the "common sense" solution this country needs!!
Charter schools steal tax dollars
Here is an idea about "skin in the game". Have charters live up to the hype and NOT take tax dollars or public buildings. Since they do not have to meet the standards of true neighborhood public schools, let them support themselves. Or at least quit lobbying for more money fromthe state and the city.
Charters are Public Schools
If Catalyst is a supporter of "public schools", than what is the problem to have commentary on Public charters?
Instead of directing anger about funding and budget towards charters, shouldn't we be focused on the overpaid leaders who mismanage those funds...and if not mismanaged, these leaders who are probably Ivy Leaguers can't even find a way to become more efficient cutting costs elsewhere or finding ways to save?
Thank you for that thoughtful
Thank you for that thoughtful solution Mr. Broy. Please spent a month doing my job before you tell me how to do it!
The Parking Meterization of our Schools is NOT the Answer
Mr. Broy and others of his ilk who seem to think privatizing and semi-privitazing public assets are a good idea deliberately miss the larger point: giving away public assets to private companies does not save the system any money; it merely makes profiteers richer at the expense of children.
Certainly, by creating charter schools, labor costs at the middle class worker level are lowered. Teacher salaries are lower for charter teachers; but the people who run the charter schools (Juan Rangel and others) make far more than even the head of CPS. So the "cost savings" are passed up to the private managers of the charters, rather than down to the students who would most benefit.
Creating charter schools is similar to giving the parking meters over to private entities. The revenue goes into private hands, and the citizens are shortchanged. Period.
Finally: Charter school teachers deserve to be paid the same rate as all public school teachers IF NOT MORE. Consider: since charter schools operators get virtually the same amount of revenue per pupil from the CIty, and they also get extra money from private companies, charter school teachers should be BETTER PAID than public school teachers. Yet, they make significantly less. Where's all the extra money going? It's going to the few at the expense of the many.
Mr. Broy well knows this, and yet he chooses to slam those who actually work in the schools, rather than speak honestly about the issues.
Are you Serious??
Its very unfortunate that this has to happen. However, why would you expect the overworked teachers to have to extend their work day and not be compensated? Thats truly unfair when theirs jobs are being threaten yearly with standardized testing, and low performance by students. So reach in your pockets and pay the teachers!! The only students that suffer are from poor at risk communities!!!!
I'm sure that Mr. Broy
I'm sure that Mr. Broy doesn't have children in CPS. This is why Broy and the other coporate education reformers are loving charters because they make money from the charter craze.
Logic
What parent would not choose a better option like a charter for their child(ren)? If you are one of the many unfortunate, like myself, who found themselves in a neighborhood with a public school that was well known for violence, drop outs, and trouble...why wouldn't you want to do anything in your power to find another option...? To a parent, it is about choice and about safety and security and certainty that your child will be able to succeed academically. If you could choose between your neighborhood public school and a charter or a private school, I highly doubt you would willingly send your child(ren) to an underperforming neighborhood public school.
CPS can not afford many things
Mr. Broy is an extremely astute man and he is fully aware that CPS consistently argues it lacks funds. CPS lacks the funds to implement the Gates Compact, which is currently increasing funding for charter schools which I support because charter schools operate on the fiscal margins even with the support of outside funders. Charter school teachers should get paid more and I would like to see more charter school teachers unionize. But did CPS this year have the money to fully implement the Gates Compact, it could easily be argued that they did not.
CPS makes choices in its budget process, one of those which most people support is putting more money into early childhood education, another was promoting the longer school day. But the fiscal reality is the Gates Compact, early childhood expansion, and the longer day all have costs and there was no money for those choices. Several years ago CPS decided it was going to the Illinois General Assembly to delay paying more money into the pension fund and now that deal is almost over, but that was a choice too. I went to Daley plaza today and it was more than obvious the CTU is psychologically prepared to strike in another week.
The current CTU/CPS salary plan is marginally competitive with many suburban school districts. It is much better than most downstate teachers could ever dream getting. For the most part it is much better than what charter teachers with several years of experience are getting paid. There is nothing fair in how teachers are paid within Illinois because it a district by district system. If you don't like what the CTU is getting please don't look at what teachers are getting in Lake Forest.
One thing is very clear teacher unionists in Chicago are willing to trade some salary expectations in return for CPS agreeing to yield some of its power granted to it by SB7. Up to now CPS has refused to move on these issues and it is illegal for the CTU to formally strike over these work rules. Legally the CTU can only ask for more money in order to force CPS to deal on these other issues. Mr. Broy knows this and he is fully knowledgeable about what SB7 says. if CPS wants to reduce the wage pressure it can yield some of its power on the work rules front. CPS does not have to be forced into bankruptcy in order for it to make a two year deal with teachers.
Rod Estvan
The Board can Make a Deal Whenever it wants
The Board of Education is in the best position to resolve the bargaining issues that will force the CTU to go on strike. Compromise on the non-economic issues and the rest will fall into place. The longer the Board of Education continues to disrespect its workers, the longer the enmity is certain to last. It's well past time Mr. Brizard or Mayor Emanuel sat down at the table with President Lewis and worked out a reasonable compromise that leaves everyone standing. President Lewis has been at the table for 10 months. Neither the Mayor nor Mr. Brizard have participated for an instant. Enough is enough.
As the Mayor heads to Charlotte to speak to the Democratic National Convention, it seems ironic that he would speak of defending the Middle Class when he hasn't negotiated a fair contract with the backbone of Chicago's middle class, the teachers.
Broy's Opinion
Broy,
First, how much were you paid to throw out that opinion. Second, based on your opinion about how broke CBOE Is, tell me how smart was it for CBOE to purposely give away 70 million dollars to the police department rather than taking that 70 million dollars and placing it towards CPS's overall deficit.
I challenge you to give an opinion not pre-approved by the Mayor!
Rod is a God
I love the way that Rod in his graceful, thoughtful manner basically calls Broy a duplicitous piece of crap.
Broy knows exactly where he is being deceitful in his post. I wish Catalyst would point that out their own analysis. Broy is happy to get rich off of charter magic while he tears down those who really are putting everything on the line for the kids.
The only thing worse than a liar is a liar who intentionally hurts children in lying.
Logic
It's great that there are school options, however, take in the fact that most struggling community schools truly lacks immediate resources at many levels. I have witnessed this current school a school under turn around, you would not believe the money and the human resources being made available, why are we waiting for a schools to be turn around status before applying effective resources.
If you are fortunate enough to send your child somewhere "better", thats great, however, I continue to challenge you and others to continue to fight for failing schools in your community by way of the LSC and other organizations. Let's demand that our children from our communities get what they deserved outside of being a turn around!
Rahm at DNC
It's Rahm Emanuel right to speak at the Democtratic National Convention, but when are we as a Teacher Union going to say something. Maybe we have.....but it doesn't seem like much has been officially posted on the CTU website. I think it shows Obamas character if he surrounds himself with the likes as Rahm and Duncan? How, much has been covered on the AFT site? they gave a little blurb of solkidarity, but didn't even mention Rahms Name?? Shows that they still cowtow to Obama.....makes me a bit sad. I suppose it's politically prident to side with one party ....but???
If I must admit, I voted for Obama...and I may again. I know Obama has bigger fish to fry, but Rahms dicisions have greatly affected 25k union members. I think it warrents a word from President Obama. Rahm was literally his right hand man...I am sure if there were a UAW problem, the President would be at their meeting talking about workers rights and the dying middle class. Well Mr. President, the middle class is under threat in Chicago. Mr. Obama seeem to show little concern about out middle class jobs. I didnt see Obama coming to the CTU side after the SB7 passed very restrictive rights for UNION workers in Chicago...lets remember his speech:
"And understand this: If American workers are being denied their right to organize and collectively bargain when I’m in the White House, I’ll put on a comfortable pair of shoes myself, I’ll will walk on that picket line with you as President of the United States of America. Because workers deserve to know that somebody is standing in their corner."
Obama 2007 Rebublic Windows Strike Speech
Again, I cant see myself voting for Romney....but Obama??? It's still a toss up! I may just not vote! Seems teachers dont deserve Comfortable Shoes????
All for a vote
This mess is just for votes. Teachers get 45minutes for lunch and a 1 hour break. They are not at school teaching. Someone else at the school is playing or recessing with the children at that time. School could have remained the same. Remember. No teaching each day at this time. Poor teachers have to hang around the schools for nothing. so, if you look at it; they are still tallying out the same time. Good thing though. Because teachers would be so burned out. This will be burning every one out. Having a longer school day is a very bad idea. Crime is pitiful in Chicago. Every day. Now it will be dark when the children try to go home in crime ridden Chicago. This is going to be dangerous. Who wants their children trying to come home through dangerous territory. Kids on the playgrounds can be attacked. They are out in the open. Because of crime; was why the day was shortened. Now crime is up; they are placing the children back out in harms way. As far as striking; other school districts do it. No complaining. Trying to make the teachers look like villians. Chicago teachers were nice over the years; and let Chicago Public Schools slide. Now CPS does not want to fulfil their promises. They want to take the money and run. They have to money. Doing a lot of spending. Principals at some schools have a lot of money. They illigeally unsatisfied their tenured teachers and locked the doors in their faces. Said it was for economic reasons. Well; low performing schools with these principals who are not fair; should be closed or turned around. they want to lay the blame on tenured teachers. Those poor teachers lost their jobs; and they can never be replaced with their wisdom. They were good teachers and were framed by some some terrible principals. It's a sad day for Chicago teachers.they Need to fight for their rights. It really should be given to them on a silver plctter.
School Day
Clearly the strategy was to get students back in school with the longer day. That's aiming to somehow eventually have more instructional time. Rahm has said he's influenced by Noble. Just about all the major changes that upset people currently are roughly based on practices in that charter.
But Rahms not a particularly philosophical guy. He's not following some anti-union crusade, or pursuing a fundamental belief that one way of organizing schools is always superior to alternatives.
He has a plan to improve schools that's bigger than the CTU contract. Maybe that plan will make things worse. But there's always a plan. He's not just adding time to the school day to make a future claim of improvement.
Catalyst publication of Andrew Broy op-ed
Several commenters have questioned why Catalyst would publish this op-ed from Andrew Broy and whether or not Catalyst truly supports public education because Mr. Broy is a charter advocate. Catalyst welcomes op-eds and Letters to the Editor from all sectors--which includes teachers, administrators, policy advocates and public officials. We have published op-eds that are supportive of charters and also highly critical of them. Publishing them does not signal that we agree--or disagree.
Be happy you have a job!
Be happy teachers you have jobs! With so many professionals out of work- and no raises for me and taking furloughs once a quarter...I'm not complaining. Stop your nonsense and get back to work and be grateful for what you have! Drives me crazy to think a teacher can't even embrace the thought of having a job when people ate struggling just to put food on the table! Pathetic!
Wait and I don't get an 45
Wait and I don't get an 45 minutes for lunch not an hour break, no pay for when I have to catch a flight at 4am, nor time off if I work on the weekend, oh yeh, I don't prep time to plan my week ahead and don't get paid when I work past my 8-6 work hours..wow and here we have teachers complaining...oh did I also tell you I only get 2 weeks vacation? Get a grip teachers, open your eyes and enjoy what you have.
WOW!
I feel terribly bad for you, to put in all of that uncompensated time for recognition that you'll never receive ( I even bet that you sneak around with co-workers to quietly gripe about your situation), to only have your company send a small arrangement of flowers to you funeral. Companies will KILL you if YOU allow them.
Money Diverted and Wasted
When CPS radically accelerated payments to the police dept. for the sole purpose of depleting funds so as to deny teachers a contracted 4% pay raise they lost what little credibility they still had. They have been looking to cut pay to teachers from the very beginning to make more money available for charters and other false reforms like their bogus test based evaluations. Depleting the budget is just another part of this charade. This is what Blizzard was trained to do by the SCUM at the Broad Foundation. The author of this tripe article is not clueless, he is presenting false, diversionary solutions on purpose. http://www.ctunet.com/blog/cps-lies-about-police-dept-payments-to-void-t...
Actually "Dad:- I don't gripe
Actually "Dad:- I don't gripe to any co-workers- so please refrain from jumping to conclusions. I actually love my job and know how to embrace the situation that comes about- I am happy and grateful for a job.... I'm simply stating- that again, stop your complaining about raises and funds and be happy with what you have..that's all I'm saying. I simply stated the facts about my current job siutation- I don't need praise sweetie- I do well and work hard and to me my self-worth is much bigger then begging for someone to pay me more..because I love what I do....and a job is better then not having one at all.
And actually "Dad" my company is actually good at funerals so get out of your small town mentality ...not all companies are evil- obviously you've never worked in the corporate world..or if you have never for a good one.
Again, simply stating- despite challenges my company faces, what any company faces, what teachers might face- it's time to stop complaining and BE HAPPY you have a freaking job! Pretty darn simple...now get back to work and embrace your happiness for having a job and embrace the real reason you became a teacher! Not the money..but changing the lives of children! D- O-N-E! You choose your career so stop complaining! If you don't like it then change career paths- but note- please don't come to the corporate world- we wouldn't have the patience for you!!!!
And you are obviously a well
And you are obviously a well educated alumni of Chicago Public Schools. (Sarcasm)
I refuse to
I have a higher calling than just being "happy I have a job". I am a teacher. I will not accept substandard conditions for my students.
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