There has been significant dissatisfaction with the School Board's decision to agree to the new contract with the teacher union on 1-20-09. The continued bleak economic news, such as Caterpillar Corp. laying off 20,000 employees today, only emphasizes the need to go back to bargaining with the union over the next few months to arrive at a deal that is fair to everyone. The School Board's display of arrogance or lack of common sense in the face of the public's concerns resulted in the following letter to the Daily Local Editor which was published today.
Monday, January 26, 2009 6:08 AM EST
As a participant in the Great Valley school board meeting on Tuesday evening, in which the board agreed to extend the teachers' salaries and benefits for another four years, I feel compelled to express further dismay with the decision, especially in light of the information that has recently surfaced.
After reading the Daily Local editorial of Jan. 23 and the article in the Business section regarding pay freezes, in both the private and public sectors, it really does confirm my cause for alarm. When our duly elected officials who arrogantly ignore a substantial public outcry in opposition, yet pontifically proclaim they have "worked hard" to reach their decisions and that they have concluded that the affirmation of the pay raises are in the best interests of the community. The Daily Local has it right, the early bird contract does avoid labor issues.
By its decision, the board also avoids responsibility and accountability. For those who acknowledge the possibility of a tax increase, let me make it clear, a tax increase is unavoidable. And for those school board members that stated a mere $30 increase per taxpayer is "worth it." No amount of increased taxes is justifiable in the current economic climate. To allow any increase for an item that represents 65 percent of the total budget does not meet the "prudent test."
To pay a higher price for the same item, one must ask the question ... is there increased value? According to the Department of Education, we are actually receiving less value, not more value, for our dollars spent in the Great Valley School District.
For example: 35 percent of GVSD graduates cannot pass a first-year college math or English course at state universities or community college, while two neighboring school districts show a 15-point advantage using the same statistics. Show me, GVSD board members and administration, where is the increased value?
In addition to many of the objections to the early bird settlement, it has come to light that all school districts in Pennsylvania are facing a 25 percent increase in the cost of retirement benefits, in the current year. Where, GVSD board members, do you plan on getting that contribution?
My last question for the school district is ... what is wrong with giving the teachers' salary contract some extra effort at the bargaining table over the next several months? Is the prospect of spending $100,000 to $200,000 in legal fees as opposed to $1.5 million in additional salary expense in each and every year of the extended contract, present too much of a challenge for the "elected representatives" to endure?
Remember ... let's not get too complicated. Let common sense prevail.
Walter Gillmer
Malvern
