Above the line...below the line Part 2

Even though there wasn't a vote at last night's meeting, the big news is that the Board listened to the students' presentations last week and will be moving the community service coordinator's position to "Below the Line." (BTL)

Eliminating one elementary school teaching position has been added to "Above the Line" (ATL)

Is anyone keeping track of the different line items mentioned BTL?

The District website states that an updated list will be posted this week.

An additional comment by Josephine Posti at last night's meeting: She remarked about the community input regarding this year's budget is greater than any other year. You don't suppose this blog had anything to do with that or the fact that people are trying to save their houses, do you?

Above the line...below the line

Josephine Posti explained that entire "list" is confidential out of respect to the staff cuts below the line. I guess there is no respect for the 13 staff cuts above the line.  I did hear that one elementary school only has 239 students, while another school has over 400 students.

It seems as though that $900,000 grievance is not a one time thing. If the MLEA wins the grievance, it will be a recurring cost, until all 16+ steps are covered.  The board was hoodwinked.  Dan Remely, as other board members, was under the impression that the grievance was a one time cost.  Mr. Peterson had to explain that the grievance includes long-term subs who started at Step 1.  The District's exposure to this grievance includes 100 teachers. It could be a recurring cost for 14 or 15 years.

I am still watching the meeting, but I understand that Jennifer Kline, as well as the other students who spoke, did an excellent job.  These comments can be heard towards the end of Part 2 of the podcast.   I hope the school board understands how important the role of the community service coordinator is to the students.

Update March 28, 2012 1:04 P.M. Almanac article, "Mt. Lebanon eyes staff cuts"  (saved in Google Docs)

A group of about a dozen students also turned out in defense of high school community service coordinator Judith Kolko, presenting a petition with more than 800 signatures.

"Her contributions to the school and all of Mt. Lebanon are immeasurable," explained high school student Jennifer Kline. "Many students were visibly confused and outraged that this option is even on the table."

The audio clip of high school student Jennifer Kline's comments can be heard here. Yes, Jennifer, the school board priorities need to be reexamined!  Bravo on getting signatures from half the student body for your petition!!!

We're civilized here.

Police were called at a school board meeting in West Middlesex, PA when teachers were given a 2.6% increase starting the second year of a six year contract.  Yes, 2.6% increase.  http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11088/1135539-100.stm Our board passed a 4.15% increase in August.  On Josephine Posti's Center Court blog, she wrote:

 In order to control this expense, there may be a reduction of several positions created by retirements with no new staff reflected in this budget. The second way we addressed this issue was by negotiating a cost-efficient contract with our teaching staff. The Board approved this five-year contract in August; it provides reasonable salary increases to the teaching staff. http://jposti.blogspot.com/2011/03/2011-12-budget-information.html 

Now we are going to have larger class sizes, fewer teachers, and a nice, new sports facility.  Love it!