[Orwell]

This next school year, Paulding Co. teachers will have anywhere from 10 to 15 days. That is approximately 5% to 8% pay cut.
And yes, many still have a job.

Where will these days come from?

This post has been edited by Orwell: 19 April 2012 - 06:29 AM

[dana]

Orwell, on 19 April 2012 - 06:28 AM, said:

This next school year, Paulding Co. teachers will have anywhere from 10 to 15 days. That is approximately 5% to 8% pay cut.
And yes, many still have a job.

Where will these days come from?

I don't know but I hate that for them!

[Papi]

My employees will have 26. Get over it.

[nphswolfpack1]

Papi, on 19 April 2012 - 09:06 AM, said:

My employees will have 26. Get over it.

But to keep this in perspective teachers only get paid for 180 days to start with. I'm guessing your get paid for close to 250. So the percent cut is similar regardless of the number of days

[LPPT]

I am not sure were the days will come from.
I know that the cuts are a function of state and local governments cutting back in response to lower revenues due to the housing crisis and slow economy.
In this day and time raising taxes is political suicide.

Our educators make between 40-55,000 a year. I think that is reasonable for someone making a carer as an educator, they can live off of that. It will severely hurt bus drivers, food service and other supportive occupations in the schools.
People are always the first to be cut when it comes to a budget crunch, so I always think about people rather than Government. So anytime they say cuts I always know they are talking about real people losing jobs or money.
I don't see it getting any better unless they raise taxes, I don't see the housing market making any gains in value, so they will have to increase the rate to generate more revenue or we have more furloughs and no raises for our state and county employees.

[Orwell]

LPPT, on 19 April 2012 - 09:24 AM, said:

I am not sure were the days will come from.
I know that the cuts are a function of state and local governments cutting back in response to lower revenues due to the housing crisis and slow economy.
In this day and time raising taxes is political suicide.

Our educators make between 40-55,000 a year. I think that is reasonable for someone making a carer as an educator, they can live off of that. It will severely hurt bus drivers, food service and other supportive occupations in the schools.
People are always the first to be cut when it comes to a budget crunch, so I always think about people rather than Government. So anytime they say cuts I always know they are talking about real people losing jobs or money.
I don't see it getting any better unless they raise taxes, I don't see the housing market making any gains in value, so they will have to increase the rate to generate more revenue or we have more furloughs and no raises for our state and county employees.

Many teachers have college loans to pay off and then they may have purchased a house, car, etc based on their income. When their income was cut, that created issues with their payments and day to day expenses.

[All I Hear is Blah Blah Blah]

How many did they have cut this year? Is it a significant change?

[Spunkywman]

You hit the nail on the head LPPT. We are the red headed step children of the school system. We don't even make a third of what the lowest paid teacher makes. I am NOT dissing teachers. I would like to see the administers that decide on those furlow days also have to take them as well. Paulding County is losing experienced personal at all levels because of things like this.

LPPT, on 19 April 2012 - 09:24 AM, said:

I am not sure were the days will come from.
I know that the cuts are a function of state and local governments cutting back in response to lower revenues due to the housing crisis and slow economy.
In this day and time raising taxes is political suicide.

Our educators make between 40-55,000 a year. I think that is reasonable for someone making a carer as an educator, they can live off of that. It will severely hurt bus drivers, food service and other supportive occupations in the schools.
People are always the first to be cut when it comes to a budget crunch, so I always think about people rather than Government. So anytime they say cuts I always know they are talking about real people losing jobs or money.
I don't see it getting any better unless they raise taxes, I don't see the housing market making any gains in value, so they will have to increase the rate to generate more revenue or we have more furloughs and no raises for our state and county employees.

[Greatma]

Spunkywman, on 19 April 2012 - 12:11 PM, said:

You hit the nail on the head LPPT. We are the red headed step children of the school system. We don't even make a third of what the lowest paid teacher makes. I am NOT dissing teachers. I would like to see the administers that decide on those furlow days also have to take them as well. Paulding County is losing experienced personal at all levels because of things like this.

The administers do take them, it is across the board.

[LPPT]

Orwell, on 19 April 2012 - 11:17 AM, said:

Many teachers have college loans to pay off and then they may have purchased a house, car, etc based on their income. When their income was cut, that created issues with their payments and day to day expenses.

I totally agree, a lot of folks say at least they still have job, but just you mentioned many have reasonable financial obligations for their pay scale that they can not meet with the cuts.

I am afraid that we have cut as far personal as deep as we can cut and still run the county. I also know the cost of living has gone up on everyone making it even more difficult for those still working to make ends meet.

I am assuming that the cost has also gone up on our local offices, everything to paper and ink to asphalt and utilities.

I suspect that a tax increase is quickly becoming a necessity to prevent even deeper cuts in personnel and services. I saw the budget and I don't see much else they can cut.

I am curious to see what will happen since the increase has to be decided just before the election, This school board and commission gets to look like the bad guys for raising taxes and the next administration gets to look like the good guys getting rid of the furloughs and hiring freezes because they have more money to spend.

[Perry Mason]

Want to talk about who really IS the red-headed step child? That would be State Employees. Folks are under the very false impression that State Employees make a huge salary. Someone mentioned to me just yesterday they thought their pay scale was $50-$60K. Cough, Cough!!! A story was done on local TV that a GARBAGE MAN in Atlanta makes more annually that a SOCIAL WORKER making daily decisions that affect a child (and families) lives. A bit more stressful than riding on the back of a garbage truck.


PLUS.....WHEN (which is not every year) pay raises are given teachers ALWAYS get a much higher rate than State Employees. For instance teachers usually get in the 8% range while State Employees get around 3.7%. The pay scales are no where near equal. Our county, state and country cannot survive without either.


I know teachers work very hard and I admire them for putting up with children of 2012 who have not been taught how to behave or have manners or respect for adults. But, their job is no more important than social workers who also have to deal with those children and who have to pick up the pieces and put the family back together after the parents failed to keep it together.

[workingforaliving]

I accept the cuts, because I don't go overboard with my spending. However, on a typical year teacher have 190 days and students have 180.....which means the kids are getting furloughed too.



For whoever asked. The last few years were 6, 10, 5.

[Riograce]

Orwell, on 19 April 2012 - 06:28 AM, said:

This next school year, Paulding Co. teachers will have anywhere from 10 to 15 days. That is approximately 5% to 8% pay cut.
And yes, many still have a job.

Where will these days come from?

As I recall, teachers' furlough days were taken from preplanning, teacher work days during the school year and postplanning.

[workingforaliving]

Riograce, on 19 April 2012 - 08:14 PM, said:

As I recall, teachers' furlough days were taken from preplanning, teacher work days during the school year and postplanning.

I think the last few years they were also cut from student days.

I wouldn't bet the ranch on the current school start date for fall.

[zoocrew]

Amazing. We all know that the number one indicator of lifelong success is education. The more educated a person is, the more likely to stay out of trouble, be successful, and raise a successful family. The number on indicator of a successful student is an educated set of parents.

So what do we do when things are difficult? We cut education. We cut the one thing that students, families and the next generation needs to most likely be successful.

Think about it. The wealthy will have the opportunities because they are already advantaged. The poor get into a permanent underclass. We cut the very thing that will all but ensure the wealthy stay wealthy and the poor stay poor.

Teachers are working fewer days, with more students, and less pay. And an even bigger work load.

[FitzgeraldFlash]

zoocrew, on 19 April 2012 - 09:58 PM, said:

Amazing. We all know that the number one indicator of lifelong success is education. The more educated a person is, the more likely to stay out of trouble, be successful, and raise a successful family. The number on indicator of a successful student is an educated set of parents.

So what do we do when things are difficult? We cut education. We cut the one thing that students, families and the next generation needs to most likely be successful.

Think about it. The wealthy will have the opportunities because they are already advantaged. The poor get into a permanent underclass. We cut the very thing that will all but ensure the wealthy stay wealthy and the poor stay poor.

Teachers are working fewer days, with more students, and less pay. And an even bigger work load.

What does being "wealthy " and the "poor" have to do with this discussion? Sounds like you are a participant in the class warfare game. I know that school teachers, bus drivers and staffs in the schools are some of the most hard working people in the system.

[Greatma]

zoocrew, on 19 April 2012 - 09:58 PM, said:

Amazing. We all know that the number one indicator of lifelong success is education. The more educated a person is, the more likely to stay out of trouble, be successful, and raise a successful family. The number on indicator of a successful student is an educated set of parents.

So what do we do when things are difficult? We cut education. We cut the one thing that students, families and the next generation needs to most likely be successful.

Think about it. The wealthy will have the opportunities because they are already advantaged. The poor get into a permanent underclass. We cut the very thing that will all but ensure the wealthy stay wealthy and the poor stay poor.

Teachers are working fewer days, with more students, and less pay. And an even bigger work load.

And a heck of a lot of behavior problems, that they have to deal with. If these
folks would teach their kids to behave and get a education, maybe those that
want one could get it. Plus the teachers and administration could concentrate
on what they are supposed to be doing.

[Captain Rhett Butler]

The Board of Education needs to stop the furloughs. Give employees a decent raise and stop screwing over the little guy. Adjust the mileage!

[TrapperJohn]

LPPT, on 19 April 2012 - 09:24 AM, said:

I am not sure were the days will come from.
I know that the cuts are a function of state and local governments cutting back in response to lower revenues due to the housing crisis and slow economy.
In this day and time raising taxes is political suicide.

Our educators make between 40-55,000 a year. I think that is reasonable for someone making a carer as an educator, they can live off of that. It will severely hurt bus drivers, food service and other supportive occupations in the schools.
People are always the first to be cut when it comes to a budget crunch, so I always think about people rather than Government. So anytime they say cuts I always know they are talking about real people losing jobs or money.
I don't see it getting any better unless they raise taxes, I don't see the housing market making any gains in value, so they will have to increase the rate to generate more revenue or we have more furloughs and no raises for our state and county employees.

First through fourth year teachers do not make over 40, just to let you know. While I am making a living, and not complaining and SUPER happy to have a job that I enjoy just wanted to let people know the reality.

[LPPT]

TrapperJohn, on 20 April 2012 - 07:45 PM, said:

First through fourth year teachers do not make over 40, just to let you know. While I am making a living, and not complaining and SUPER happy to have a job that I enjoy just wanted to let people know the reality.

Is that 1st-4th grade or years on the job?
Just so you know I don't begrudge teachers a penny of what they make.
I know that teachers put in a lot of hours, with grading and planning lessons.
I know I have also received plenty of phone calls and emails over the years from concerned teachers trying to help my child.

[Animal]

Now these cuts are also on the federal level too. We go through a thing called augmentation. Your replaced 2 days a month. Next year I think it is at 1 day a month. This past year was rough.

[zoocrew]

FitzgeraldFlash, on 20 April 2012 - 08:20 AM, said:

What does being "wealthy " and the "poor" have to do with this discussion? Sounds like you are a participant in the class warfare game. I know that school teachers, bus drivers and staffs in the schools are some of the most hard working people in the system.

I really don't think you understood my post. It had nothing to do with the employees whatsoever. Nothing. My point was about how education leads to an upwardly mobile class, verses cuts in education producing fewer educational opportunities. My post had NOTHING to do with the work ethic of the employees.

[Spunkywman]

I am not a teacher. I am a school bus driver. We work when kids are in school and don't when they are not. That has always been worked in to our base salary. That being said for the last few years the furlough days have been deducted from our salary every month. On top of that the insurance premiums have skyrocketed, the county used to pay for the dental insurance of the employee(ors only not family members) which has been taken away. No cost of living raise. I don't have a husband whose salary helps keep food on the table. There are been many times where I have had to chose a utility over food. The employees of Paulding county School system are not living high on the hog on your tax dollars just trying to keep our head above water.

Perry Mason, on 19 April 2012 - 03:58 PM, said:

Want to talk about who really IS the red-headed step child? That would be State Employees. Folks are under the very false impression that State Employees make a huge salary. Someone mentioned to me just yesterday they thought their pay scale was $50-$60K. Cough, Cough!!! A story was done on local TV that a GARBAGE MAN in Atlanta makes more annually that a SOCIAL WORKER making daily decisions that affect a child (and families) lives. A bit more stressful than riding on the back of a garbage truck.


PLUS.....WHEN (which is not every year) pay raises are given teachers ALWAYS get a much higher rate than State Employees. For instance teachers usually get in the 8% range while State Employees get around 3.7%. The pay scales are no where near equal. Our county, state and country cannot survive without either.


I know teachers work very hard and I admire them for putting up with children of 2012 who have not been taught how to behave or have manners or respect for adults. But, their job is no more important than social workers who also have to deal with those children and who have to pick up the pieces and put the family back together after the parents failed to keep it together.

[ejjlj]

Many of our teachers make much, much more than 40-55,000 per year and some don't. Just go to open.georgia.gov and find any teacher's salary. Also, most parapros make 15,000 or less but are still REQUIRED to attend 10 professional learning classes every 5 years at approximately $130 per class! That's TWO months of bring-home salary for some!!!

This post has been edited by ejjlj: 21 April 2012 - 09:40 AM

[ejjlj]

TrapperJohn, on 20 April 2012 - 07:45 PM, said:

First through fourth year teachers do not make over 40, just to let you know. While I am making a living, and not complaining and SUPER happy to have a job that I enjoy just wanted to let people know the reality.

Sure they do! I know many elementary teachers that make over $65,000, some even over $75. Of course, most have been teaching more than 5 years.

[TJB]

I work in a neighboring county and they're cutting the alternative program, so that means I don't have a job next year. Because we're considered a "program" and although we write the same lessons, are subject to the same county rules, and receive a paycheck from the same BOE, we don't fall under traditional RIF(reduction in funding) policy, so we won't be moved and length of service means nothing. I have enrolled in nursing school and will do everything in my power to expose the lousy treatment that I've received in my 6 years of employment in my school system.

[zoocrew]

ejjlj, on 21 April 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

Sure they do! I know many elementary teachers that make over $65,000, some even over $75. Of course, most have been teaching more than 5 years.

Not unless they have advanced degrees. My link

And been teaching a LONG time. The pay scales are public.

This post has been edited by zoocrew: 21 April 2012 - 10:33 AM

[jmea]

LPPT, on 20 April 2012 - 07:52 PM, said:

Is that 1st-4th grade or years on the job?
Just so you know I don't begrudge teachers a penny of what they make.
I know that teachers put in a lot of hours, with grading and planning lessons.
I know I have also received plenty of phone calls and emails over the years from concerned teachers trying to help my child.

That's years on the job.

[isitmemorex]

ejjlj, on 21 April 2012 - 09:40 AM, said:

Many of our teachers make much, much more than 40-55,000 per year and some don't. Just go to open.georgia.gov and find any teacher's salary. Also, most parapros make 15,000 or less but are still REQUIRED to attend 10 professional learning classes every 5 years at approximately $130 per class! That's TWO months of bring-home salary for some!!!

The county does a really good job of offering classes at no expense to paras. They don't get professional days like certified does so the classes are in the evening. The only professional day they get is for HELP training that I know of. I feel the biggest issue is the county is top heavy. The "good ole boy" system still has hold of the county. It has it's advantages and disadvantages. I think we are reaping the disadvantages at this point.

[isitmemorex]

ejjlj, on 21 April 2012 - 09:44 AM, said:

Sure they do! I know many elementary teachers that make over $65,000, some even over $75. Of course, most have been teaching more than 5 years.

They are talking about years of experience not grade level. On paper it may show they make that much but in reality, after furlough days they don't. For the ones that do, kudos to them. I know several teachers that have gone back to school to get specialists endorsements, masters, and other add ons that have raised their salary to compensate for furloughs and insurance increases.

[Rodie445]

isitmemorex, on 21 April 2012 - 02:00 PM, said:

They are talking about years of experience not grade level. On paper it may show they make that much but in reality, after furlough days they don't. For the ones that do, kudos to them. I know several teachers that have gone back to school to get specialists endorsements, masters, and other add ons that have raised their salary to compensate for furloughs and insurance increases.

Yeah, and what a mistake that was. We are all so far in debt it is unreal. Our raise was basically non-existent due to the increased insurance premiums and furloughs. We can't pay our loans back. It is just ridiculous and MANY good teachers are considering new careers. In the end, it's the kids who are getting hurt. People have to make a living and teachers ARE getting fed up!

[hotwheels]

Spunkywman, on 21 April 2012 - 07:58 AM, said:

I am not a teacher. I am a school bus driver. We work when kids are in school and don't when they are not. That has always been worked in to our base salary. That being said for the last few years the furlough days have been deducted from our salary every month. On top of that the insurance premiums have skyrocketed, the county used to pay for the dental insurance of the employee(ors only not family members) which has been taken away. No cost of living raise. I don't have a husband whose salary helps keep food on the table. There are been many times where I have had to chose a utility over food. The employees of Paulding county School system are not living high on the hog on your tax dollars just trying to keep our head above water.

I am in the boat with you, Spunky. As a co bus driver, and single parent, for the first time EVER in my life, I have had to go to local food banks several months this school year in order to put food on the table for my child and me. My son qualifies for reduced lunches and there have been days he didnt get a lunch at school because I had no money to send with him. Yes, the school will provide a sack lunch to him, but as a high schooler, he would NEVER be embarassed by the stigma and attention that goes along with having to ask for that, so he doedn't eat. I also see other non-certified school system employees at the food banks when I am there. Some don't realize just how low down on the totem pole us "classified" employees are.

[Orwell]

I have heard of former teachers getting jobs on the sales floor of Lowe's and at restaurants and after a short period of time, they were making more then they did as teachers. They were smart enough and diligent workers so they were rewarded for their efforts and therefore their pay went up.
All that time in college to be a teacher was wasted as far as applying it to the teaching profession.

[workingforaliving]

Orwell, on 22 April 2012 - 06:08 AM, said:

I have heard of former teachers getting jobs on the sales floor of Lowe's and at restaurants and after a short period of time, they were making more then they did as teachers. They were smart enough and diligent workers so they were rewarded for their efforts and therefore their pay went up.
All that time in college to be a teacher was wasted as far as applying it to the teaching profession.

Lowes won't give me the summer off.



I like being a teacher and the idea of trading that in to do something I don't love is far more skery than furlough days.

[Spunkywman]

It is embarrassing to ask for food. Especially when you work to support yourself and cant. I make less this year driving a school bus than 9 yrs ago when I started. We are the ones who are responsible for the very lives of the students on our buses. Their Lives!! That's not just driving but medical emergencies as well. I have had to care for a student having a seizure, severe asthma attack, diabetics with low blood sugar and so much more. Yet we are treated like we don't matter.

hotwheels, on 22 April 2012 - 12:08 AM, said:

I am in the boat with you, Spunky. As a co bus driver, and single parent, for the first time EVER in my life, I have had to go to local food banks several months this school year in order to put food on the table for my child and me. My son qualifies for reduced lunches and there have been days he didnt get a lunch at school because I had no money to send with him. Yes, the school will provide a sack lunch to him, but as a high schooler, he would NEVER be embarassed by the stigma and attention that goes along with having to ask for that, so he doedn't eat. I also see other non-certified school system employees at the food banks when I am there. Some don't realize just how low down on the totem pole us "classified" employees are.

You are an exceptional teacher and person as well! You are someone who was born the teach.

workingforaliving, on 22 April 2012 - 10:18 AM, said:

Lowes won't give me the summer off.



I like being a teacher and the idea of trading that in to do something I don't love is far more skery than furlough days.

[Orwell]

workingforaliving, on 22 April 2012 - 10:18 AM, said:

Lowes won't give me the summer off.



I like being a teacher and the idea of trading that in to do something I don't love is far more skery than furlough days.

If I am correct, teachers will have six weeks off this summer. Also, in most businesses, you can get more time off with more years in the business.