The Pike County board of education passed a budget amendment resolution by a vote of 4-2 at the Feb. 9 meeting. The resolution will reduce teacher pay for the remainder of the school year, extending state budget cuts from earlier in the year. Lori Ann Turner, Roger Green, John L. Wynn Sr. and April Byrd voted for the resolution while Dr. William Bell and Fred Blackmon voted against it.
Members of the BOE discussed a policy for cutting teacher jobs if funds from the state are reduced again next year. No action was taken to cut any teacher jobs.
Comments
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 - 11:24 AM
At some point, although I doubt it will be in the near future, people like Mr. Mickle are going to realize that co [...]
Tue, Jun 18, 2013 - 09:35 AM
Oh, I'm sure Mr. Asher will give you all the credit for his eloquence....which is what I was complimenting.
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 - 09:38 AM
Yes Lynn, I taught Jim well. He was in classes I instructed @ GPSTC in Forsyth. Not sure Jim certified all the PCS [...]
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 - 04:40 PM
Mr. Mickle, thank you for acknowledging the service that I and all my brothers and sisters in law enforcement and [...]
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Mr. Duncan himself is overpaid. He makes $30,000 more than the Griffin-Spalding Superintendent. To see the difference, Mr. Duncan has 700 employees, whereas Griffin-Spalding has right at 2,400. Why do we pay he and his cronies so much? They're costing us scarce tax dollars. It's time to trim some of that Clayton County Pirate's fat.
Pay attention Pike County! The Commissioners get too much attention while the Board of Education gets a free pass. These people let Mr. Duncan spend over 50% of our tax bill as he sees fit.
The problem starts with the State, specifically, your Governor, who would prefer to continue cuts to school systems instead of cutting out "Go Fish Georgia". ALL school systems have taken it on the chin over the last several years and next year State funding will be worse, not better. It is like a conspiracy at the Gold Dome to kill public education.
It is a real shame that the school board did not first look to see who would not be returning to Pike before notifying teachers that they would not have a job next fall. Fayette got a lot of heat last year for reducing teaching positions, but they had a recall pool where all non-renewed teachers were eventually offered jobs after someone else left. Has the Board thought about doing that?
And I agree, raise the millage rate a bit if needed. I would happily pay a few hundred more if my neighbors did not lose a job.
Dr. James Turpin, our former Superintendent who helped build the fine system Junior Duncan is now dismantling, spoke at length. Dr. Turpin explained to the board of the consequences of cutting into an already paper-thin budget and the numerous effects it will have system-wide. Mr. Duncan tried to interrupt him, stop him. Mr. Duncan failed. Not even the great Greg Green could shut him up! I'm willing to bet Dr. Turpin has enough spunk left for a little fisticuffs if need be.
In the end the BOE voted for Mr. Duncan's cuts. BOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Two Board members voted in opposition. They were Dr. Bell (the Board's only Educated member) and the Rev. Blackmon.
Teachers will take a big hit this year as they did last year. Their insurance and retirement benefits? The BOE failed them. They failed in keeping teacher-student ratios manageable by reducing the county's number of teachers. The same goes for teacher's assistants. The Pirate Duncan's cronies from Fayette and Clayton get to stay because of a simple contract timing scheme. He gets to keep them and dump some good, young teachers.
Some of you might say that teachers cry about having to teach. You say their complaints are unfounded. Have you ever spent an hour, let alone a day with a classroom of young children? I know that's what they're paid to do, but I can't understand why they would! I think they deserve to make more than Mr. Duncan. Most of them are saints already. Now we expect them to silently sacrifice even more this year? How much more will they tolerate before they decide to take their experience to another system with greater respect for them?
What did we get to retain in this year's budget? The central office staff gets their supplement pay. No sacrifice there, especially with the Head Honcho, Mr. Duncan, or his Paid-More-Than-The-Sheriff Handyman. Yes, we got to keep the coaching staff. Thank God for that! I can always go to a football game to see a guaranteed win, right? Athletics will get my kid through college and life for sure, right?
I have to ask about the long-term effects. How much will this cost to fix in five years? Ten years? Can we get back to the standards of education to which we've grown so accustomed? In the short-term we have teacher morale and, possibly, a modified curriculum. What? Oh, the "average" kid will be taught, regardless of everyone else's learning progress. I know the economy is bad now, but we have to find a way to afford a better way.
Two BOE members are up for reelection. If we don't remember in the polling booth, then we, too, are failing our children. It's time for someone to work for us. We citizens have to be more mindful of their performance since they work for us.
Where was CFA? Where was their outrage? Why weren't they all over this? What a bunch of talkers, not walkers. FROM OUR PARENTS AND STUDENTS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND PRESENCE AT THE BOE MEETING, CFA!
Many people have lost their jobs - and many of these people must still pay taxes.
Pike County isn't the only school system facing financial challenges. I believe most of them are having to make tough decisions that impact many facets of the process - including the educators themselves. I personally know of a young woman with stellar academic credentials (who has a masters degree) who would gladly accept a teaching job in Pike - even with cutbacks. There are many people looking for jobs, and many are qualified to teach.
I daresay these three days (non-classroom time at that) will impact students years from now. Most students who excel have a strong a home foundation and parental support. That isn't even part of the budget.
We have had a fine school system for many years, lets put the folks out who are taking it away!
Fight to save our teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't, our children will pay. They don't have a voice, but we do. Also, I didn't see it mentioned that our class sizes are going to once again increase. Our scores will drop and we will have children unable to compete in colleges and for jobs. I don't know how the school super can even sleep at night.
Plese go to this link open.georgia.gov ; where you can look up the salaries of our school leaders. This is public information. Make sure to take notice of the increase in salaries of leaders from 2008 to 2009. The site does not include paid benefits or vehicle allotment. They had knowledge of the budget and took a raise anyways. I demand an audit of where our tax dollars are going. I beg from the bottom of my heart that everyone start showing up at these meetings and utilizing what our soldiers are fighting for, our freedoms.
Mr. Duncan needs to share the cuts. He and all his cronies need their salaries reduced proportionate to the rate that teachers and other employees have suffered. One of some of them might could be cut altogether. They all need to be paid at rates similar to systems of our size. Mr. Duncan sure doesn't need to make more than Griffin-Spalding's Superintendent.
"Please accept my apologies. I am not in the District this morning and the spell check option on the machine I am borrowing is wacky. I am attempting to give you some timely updates, but it is not working out so well. My previous message should read.
The Pike Journal Reporter is reporting that the BoE voted to eliminate teaching jobs for next year. This is not accurate. I have been very forthcoming about the possibility of staff reductions for next year, but the final decision about staffing levels has not been made by the Board.
Dr. Duncan"
That's strange! They've already started making "staff reductions." Duncan's not only letting good teachers go. He's also wanting to keep it quiet. Why?
Teacher get 6 days pay taken away
Everyone else with the exception of bus drivers get 8 days pay taken away
Bus drivers get 1 days pay taken away
Now is that so hard to understand?
Nothing but hard to swallow!
I grew up in Pike and attended Pike schools before moving to other places. Grammar and speech are essential skills for anyone who seeks a professional career.
I think "Boo hoo" is in order on this issue- welcome, teachers, to the world of every other state employee that is paid by the tax payer and here to serve children or the public- find a job in a private business if you are in it for the money
"Did you know America ranks the lowest in education but the highest in drug use? It's nice to be number one, but we can fix that. All we need to do is start the war on education. If it's anywhere near as successful as our war on drugs, in no time we'll all be hooked on phonics." ~Leighann Lord
In accordance to your numbers, she IS at the upper end of the poverty level.
Net Monthly Income Eligibility Standards (100 Percent of Poverty Level)
Household Size 48 States 1 Alaska Hawaii
1 $ 903 $1,128 $1,039
2 1,215 1,518 1,397
3 1,526 1,908 1,755
4 1,838 2,298 2,114
5 2,150 2,688 2,472
6 2,461 3,078 2,830
7 2,773 3,468 3,189
8 3,085 3,858 3,547
Each Additional Member +312 +390 +359
The 2009 Poverty Guidelines for the
48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia Persons in family Poverty guideline
1 $10,830
2 14,570
3 18,310
4 22,050
5 25,790
6 29,530
7 33,270
8 37,010
That means that 1st year teachers, provisional teachers, etc., will be the first to face RIF. That's not Dr. Duncan being out to get good teachers; that's just how it works. It sucks, but that's what it is.
I don't like losing my pay and some of my benefits, but I am happy to have a job. Some of you hold certain memebers of the school board in high esteem. Have you asked them if they are rescinding their salaries? No, it wouldn't solve any problems; it wouldn't be even a proverbial drop in the bucket, but it would be a good will gesture to the educational community.
The solution doesn't come from slamming Duncan; it comes from voting at a much higher level than in Pike County. If you really want to make some changes, you vote in November.
Job Title: Teacher
Salary Plan: Teachers Salary Plan (2080) (TCH)
Pay Grade: T4 Salary Minimum: $42,456.60/yr
Job Title: Social Serv Case Manager (Child Protective Services)
Pay Grade: 013 Salary Minimum: $29,399.50/yr
Job Title: Juvenile Probatn/Parole Spec 1
Pay Grade: 011 Salary Minimum: $24,322.01/yr
Job Title: Probation Officer 1/2
Pay Grade: 013 Salary Minimum: $29,399.50/yr
Job Title: Counselor Substance Abuse
Pay Grade: 012 Salary Minimum: $26,672.14/yr
Job Title: Trooper
Pay Grade: 014 Salary Minimum: $32,418.30/yr
Job Title: Special Agent 1 (GBI)
Pay Grade: 015 Salary Minimum: $35,569.36/yr
Most starting teachers start as a T-4 at E123. The scale goes up with experience and more education. County Supplements vary from county to county some paying more like Clayton and Dekalb and smaller counties paying less.
Please, let's get back to the point here, THE CHILDREN of PIKE COUNTY. If we lose these teachers, then the teachers left will have to absorb the extra students. Are you fine with cramming your children into a room the size of a sardine can? Well, I'm not! If that were the case, then maybe I should have moved to Clayton. Without a proper education, our country has no chance of a future. People move to our county because of our schools. Soon, people will only be moving to our county to avoid some street lights and enjoy the scenic route of repossed homes and some cows.
Get a grip people.
Oh by the way, who do you think educated all those people in the other job professions.....tada.....TEACHERS!
To get back on topic, my own personal complaint is that the BOE wants to cut teaching jobs, increasing classroom size. They consistently blame their problems on higher authorities - the state and federal government. The Board has not, however, made cuts to the "fatty" Central Office staff, where most of the supplemental pay resides. Adjustments there could save many teachers' jobs. A whack to equalize Mr. Duncan's salary alone could save one teacher's job or almost three parapros'. The Overpaid Handyman? That would be a little bit more money in the budget for teachers and, thus, our children.
http://www.thecitizen.com/node/35941
The starting state salary for a teacher with 0, 1, 2 years of experience is a little over $32,000.
Pike's local supplement to our salaries is around $1000.
http://public.doe.k12.ga.us/DMGetDocument.aspx/SalarySchedule08.pdf?p=6CC6799F8C1371F6969CE5FB66C9A0BAC9DD54703ADEC3B893CD96EBE6DAEA18&Type=
I think I am well paid as a teacher in GA b/c I've worked in states where I wasn't paid close to this. However, if you want to say that GA teachers are overpaid, at least get your payscales correct. You are comparing 10/11 years of experience with beginner level salaries in other areas.
Okay, let's think about the repercussions of letting go these teachers. Well, that means teachers that stay will be moved around into those positions. Ususally, if a teacher lets say teaches primary, but is also certified to teach middle grades, most of these teachers are going to be upset when they are moved there because that is not really their forte. When that happens, many times the teacher is going to be very rusty in that area, sometimes have problems with discipline, and probably not be passionate about that area. That is what makes a good teacher, passion.
Another scenario may be that teachers are moved into positions that they are just not qualified. This can happen by having the person be placed provisionally. Where does that leave us? It leaves us with a teacher that is not highly qualified.
This is part of the problem with letting people go based solely on tenure and not performance. If you are going to let people go, shouldn't we be looking at the performance of each teacher to maintain what Pike County is known for, our schools? Just a suggestion.
Reminder- Nobody (meaning teachers) is saying any one particuliar job is less or more deserving of salary/job cuts. This is why American government is so unstable. If people can't ever unite for a cause, then nothing will ever change. It's not the teachers that are important here, it's the children. Trust me, they will suffer the consequences of all this.
Feed the kids cereal at breakfast and PBJ at lunch.
There are no hungry kids arriving at our schools and there are certainly none leaving hungry.
Hell, you'd be hard-pressed to find a skinny kid.
There are many children in our county who receive proper nutrition only while they're at school. On any given day some of them receive their only meal from their school. This has been the case for years. If you don't think that we have poverty in Pike County, you need to do a little research. Did you know that 12% of our children live below the poverty line? With the economy things are only getting worse. Just ask the local foodbank workers, educators, religious leaders, and social counselors.
I seem to doubt that you've ever observed a number of our students system-wide. Determining actual health cannot be done by a simple visual inspection anyway. "Fat" kids might be getting the wrong food since it's often cheaper, thus lacking the proper intake of "good" content. Did you know that a child with a potbelly can be a good indicator of malnutrition? Besides, there are a number of "skinny" kids. Some of them are well-fed, but some are not.
When you do get the chance to observe, go eat at one of the cafeterias while you're at it. The food, while nutritional, isn't the best in the world. Many kids bring their own lunches. The others eat it. If you watch closely (very important) you'll see that many of those who get trays wolf down their food. Healthy appetite? Malnutrition? If you're a little smart you can figure it out yourself.
I have 30 students in a classroom. Out of the 30 students, probably half of them have some sort of "extra" need that I am required to do, whether it be a behavior plan, academic plan, or just a demand from a parent, I have to do it. I am not teaching a group of 30, but 30 students with individual needs and I am expected to give the very best education to ALL 3o of these students. It looks good on paper, but is truly impossible.
I am "in school at work" from 7:30 to 4:00, but during that time, my planning time is used for parent meetings or other required meetings, not for my planning or grading papers, etc. My lunch time of 30 minutes is cut down to about 13, once I get the kids settled in the lunchroom and attempt to find a restroom. My after school time is spent in meetings and dealing with parents who do not think I am doing all that I can for their child. This means all of the papers that need to be graded, lessons that need to be written, etc must be done in the evening and on the weekends on MY OWN TIME. I do it because it is my job and I knew it when I went in to education.
So will more money make me work harder? No, I just ask for enough to be able to make ends meet and maybe enough to go to a movie once in awhile. What I need are for parents to help....be more concerned about helping their child at school than at the ball field. Take responsibility for your child and when I ask for you to help them at home, please do it. When I ask you to assist with behavior issues, please help me. I am not God, I cannot do it all without help. I understand the economy, but what I don't understand is the lack of support when we need it most in the classroom. There are MANY things a parent could assist with to make our days in school flow better, so we can provide a fantastic education to our students.
I know I will have responses to this that will probably be ugly and hateful, because that seems to be the norm. I will read them and give them thought, but please, try to use correct punctuation and spelling. Don't give us more reasons to believe that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
I believe you have a grammar problem with "extra need I am required to do" - a need is not something you do, it is something you meet.
Also, "what I need are for parents to help" should be "need is"... So take your insults against my parents and me back please
Many of us have to do more with less and some no longer retain the jobs we think we were promised to be there forever. Businesses no longer value employees and the bottom line is the dollar, or lack thereof.
In my opinion, it’s a joke to fuss over pay and holidays to the extremes that are posted on this issue. Just look what our service men and women get paid for what they do. Think they complain as much? Thank God for their courage and sacrifices so we can sit home and argue about all the injustices that are happening to us. Say a simple prayer for them, one for yourself and family, and even one for our local, state, and national leaders. Hardships are part of our lives. We just have to have faith, pick ourselves up, and continue to the follow the path that has been place before us.
http://www.audits.state.ga.us
UH, wasn't there an article here the other days stating they ARE cutting teachers jobs? What?!
live within your means, prepare for recessions and rainy days, never expect that you will get a raise every year, appreciate what you have, do not abuse credit, and do not complain about the BOE's decisions when the entire country is suffering
I think that Mr. Duncan can share a little pain. The Superintendent's pay is up by $20,000 since 2005. The Glorified Handyman can share some pain, too. You only have to cut some of his supplement. At least reduce it to the point that it accounts for less than half his salary. Others can have their share of cuts. Central Office staff can be cut. Duties can be split.
Come on CFA and everyone else. Get involved. More than 50% of your tax dollars are in play here.
Thank you for what you do. Please do your best to keep everyone in a job so they can support thier families. Please hold your heads up when you have to make a decision that causes you to be attacked.
Pike Co. Citizen
But do you want your kids in classrooms with as many kids will fit in there? Is that what Pike County has become? Remember, Pike County schools didn't get the reputation they currently enjoy by paying the most. They got it by caring the most. Duncan is not an invested citizen here. When we had Turpin, Crayton, McKibben, no matter what faults you could find, the fact remained that they were people who had a stake in the community.
As long as the BOE continues to try to play the big time and hire outsiders with big reputations, we will not have administrators who truly care about our community. Thank you Dr. Bell and Rev. Blackmon for continuing to stand up for Pike County children.
Knowledge is Power
I don't know where the state jobs are that don't require some form of a college degree-- other than the clerk and secretaries and you can bet that their salaries at retirement will never top the salary of a starting teacher.
I haven't had a cost of living raise for years so I'm not crying for the teachers at all-- but I am concerned about how this impacts classroom size which is already way too high.
Go check out all the administrators salaries and tell me why a Principal or an Asst Principal makes those high salaries? And those are only a drop in the bucket compared to central office salaries. I know of Program Admininstrators who are over programs for 12 counties and on call 24/7 who don't even come close to those salaries-- with lots more employees they are responsible for and they also have advanced degrees.
Teacher pay raises do not come from the county, they are determined by the state. There is nothing Pike's BOE can do about that. There has not been a raise for a couple of years, by the way.
Pike's local supplement is the worst I have ever seen. I get a $5,200 supplement in Griffin right now. My husband, who has the same years' experience, was getting $1,000 in Pike before they cut it out completely. If I worked in Henry County, my local supplement would be almost $8,000.
You people need to get a life and do something constructive rather than bash good people.
“We have to give local systems the ability to manage through this,” said Cox. “There is no way they can manage their budgets with what the state is giving them and what has happened to local revenues. They have to able to move money around and raise class size. There is no way around it. Do we want them to go from where they are now to 40 or 45 kids in a class like they are doing in parts of California? No. But they have to have some flexibility.”
Explaining that 80 percent of education spending goes to teacher salaries, Essig said there are very limited ways to save money, including pay teachers less or have less school.
He criticized the Legislature’s stubborn insistence on holding the line on new taxes, saying most states have not made cuts as deep and wide as Georgia because they were willing to take the political heat and impose increases in fees and taxes. Yet, Georgia is among the top 10 states in the size of its deficit
Please stay in Spalding.
The first is a state law enforcement officer. He is a supervisor who works rotating shifts and manages about a dozen employees. He is expected to share his workers' duties. Due to budget cuts and work environment this state employee has a moderate to high level of stress.
The other is a teacher. She teaches/supervises 25-30 young students. The teacher fits in her administrative work as best she can and carries her work home every day and weekend. Lunch is eaten at her desk most of the time. Her day is hectic and stress level moderate to high.
I am not saying one is better or has more work stress. They both have much. I just wanted to give everyone a comparison of salaries and workload. Oh, neither expects a raise or help with their workload for YEARS. The funny thing about both of them? No matter how their employers treat them, they both say it's their life's calling to do their jobs. They love their jobs and will continue to do them regardless of what comes.
Some professionals are responsible for the lives of children and supervision at times. Both jobs are important.
For the comment about seeing a "client" once a month, this is not accurate. DFCS Case Managers respond to any random number of reports a week for an investigation. They have to see Parents (mom and dad whether in same home or not), children, foster parents in some cases every month including talking to school staff, doctors and therepists once a month. They have to take children to doctors, therapists, hospitals, go to court regularly, go to schools, meetings for the child, maintain a case record of every call or contact, etc etc etc. They are on call 24 hours at a time and do not get overtime pay, take work home, etc etc
Both are required to have a four year degree with Masters preferred
As for teachers, they are special, caring people in most cases and we all know what they do because ??? ....we sat in classrooms for most of our lives. Yes, we know what teachers do. I have had good ones and a few bad ones. The frustration comes from a hard working 35ish year old that is EDUCATED and advancing in his career in a similar profession and then he runs into his High School buddy he learns who is a teacher making $50,000 a year and the other guy is only making the high 30's. The starting pay is higher and the step raises, and the raises when other state emp's are not getting one and the education incentives causes a huge disconnect in the two guys' salaries. It is not right. THis is not new- Gov. Barnes did this to us and the one before him, etc. We just want to earn what we deserve that's all, not hating on anyone
Again, however, I must stress that the people I have described make almost exactly the same salary. The law enforcement officer has actually been employed a few years less. They're both paid by the state and have two totally different jobs.
DFCS case manager while they may have a big case load are usually only required to see their client once or twice a month. So if you have 30 on your case load then you only have to phone or see them once or twice.
Police officers put their lives on the line everyday and they should be paid more period but they really spend most of their time waiting for something to happen and the same goes for fire fighters.
Teachers see their "clients" everday. They usually have 20 clients. They have contact with said clients at least 5 hours a day for a 180 days a year, not to mention conferences and preperation time. One can not compare apple and oranges unless they know what the apples do and what the oranges do. I applaud all the government workers but when other government workers are tired of their clients for that contact time thier clients are easily dismissed. Teachers can not just walk out on their classes. I would also venture that fatalities due to work related incidents with teachers are just as high if not higher than other professions (see Columbine and Rockdale County).
Some professionals are responsible for the lives of children and supervision at times. Both jobs are important.
For the comment about seeing a "client" once a month, this is not accurate. DFCS Case Managers respond to any random number of reports a week for an investigation. They have to see Parents (mom and dad whether in same home or not), children, foster parents in some cases every month including talking to school staff, doctors and therepists once a month. They have to take children to doctors, therapists, hospitals, go to court regularly, go to schools, meetings for the child, maintain a case record of every call or contact, etc etc etc. They are on call 24 hours at a time and do not get overtime pay, take work home, etc etc
Both are required to have a four year degree with Masters preferred
Who do teachers call when they have problems with a child???
I have been a student in large classrooms. They're impersonal and poor learning environments. I didn't retain as much as in a less crowded environment nor did I care as much. I just wanted to make it through and hoped no one asked questions. It was a learning assembly line.
Once upon a time I was also a teacher. Small classes are just better for teachers. They can better see the results and gauge their effectiveness. Interaction is the norm because students and teachers are more comfortable due to the smaller number of people in attendance. I don't think I have to mention the administrative workload involved. In a large classroom I simply felt like a lecturer trying to make it through the content.
Even as a parent I would support a strike and be happy to get through the childcare issue. I think it would be a good statement and be beneficial to my children.
While other states may be cutting their education budget, Georgia appears to be giving its teachers a higher salary when compared to neighboring states, including some pay increases scheduled for next week, according to one state senator.
In an opinion piece that appeared in the Savannah Morning News, state senator Tommie Williams talked about how the Peach State cares about education and making sure its teachers are well taken care of.
"We have done an excellent job in Georgia at making education a top priority, particularly in light of our current economic situation," Williams wrote in the column. "The proof is in the numbers."
According to the state Republican senator, teachers working in Georgia make an average of approximately $8,000 more than their colleagues in Alabama. The same can be said with other neighboring states as well.
Georgia's average teacher salary is more than $3,000 higher than in North Carolina; about $4,000 more than those offered in South Carolina and Tennessee; $5,000 more than Florida; and more than $7,000 in Louisiana.
Furthermore, the senator pointed out in his column that Georgia teachers received a 2.5 percent pay raise in 2009, as well as step increases for training and longevity. Math and science teachers are also scheduled to get a salary increase for the 2010 year, thanks to new legislation.
"Times are tough for everyone, but the numbers speak for themselves," Williams concluded in his piece. "Georgia legislators care about teachers."
Teaching careers have remained popular, despite the weakened economy. Many unemployed people have looked to getting into the classroom as instructors as a second career. Some states, such as California, have programs specifically geared toward bringing in experts in certain fields to bring their knowledge into the state's classrooms.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job opportunities for teachers in the decade between 2006 and 2016 are estimated to be good to excellent. The bureau said this is because retiring teachers will have to be replaced and that more teachers will be needed to meet demand.
I find it strange then that one of the platforms on which Mr. Williams runs and holds office is that of education. He has mentioned that the education of our children is a “sacred trust” and supports “(t)raditional classroom teaching.” In keeping with his longtime relationship with the Southern Baptist Convention, however, he finds the possibility of homosexual teachers abhorrent no matter how good of teachers they might be.
I found his comparison with Georgia educator pay with that of Alabama especially troubling. Alabama’s educational system ranks 49th in the country. I believe that we have been a higher ranked system only because of lower teacher/student ratios. Our state needs to do more and more to better the quality of education we offer our children. Remember, Pike County has for years had the highest ranked small system ranking in Georgia. We might soon be competing with our western neighbors.
I found this through Google. Don't believe me? Here are the links:
http://www.career.uga.edu/DYNAMIC/maineventsdetailsnew.cfm?recordID=1504
-and-
https://uga-csm.symplicity.com/events/students.php?_so_list_from0fdb8c6a3bb5c59ce9ca0e11a07ca0f5=20&_so_list_from0fdb8c6a3bb5c59ce9ca0e11a07ca0f5_page=2
Now with that being said, I used to be one of those who thought teachers have it made...decent salaries, summers off etc. Then I had my own child who is now in the elementary school. I attend every function possible ( PTO, dances, meetings, class activities etc ). For those that are basically saying teachers should just suck it up and deal with it, I submit that you must not have a child attending school and/or you are not very active at the school and if you do, then shame on you for those comments. I turn my most prized possession over to a teacher(s) every day and expect them to educate him and keep him safe and secure and at this point in his young education, they have done an outstanding job and deserve every penny of their salary and some. The state mandated cirriculum is tough and they have @ 30 children in a class. They try to meet the curriculum, make sure our children enjoy learning, keep them safe and for many children, give them love they are missing outside of school. They many times purchase supplies and extra stuff for their classes from their own money. They are often at the school for activities done after hours, take work home and often talk to parents after hours and I've never been to an aftershool function that Mrs Bell was not in attendance for.
The teachers that I've encountered are not complaining that they have to take a cut in pay or are being furloughed...they are upset that they are losing good teachers and that their class sizes will now have to increase as they fear they will not be able to adequately help those children that need the extra attention. I do not know the details of the school budget, who makes what, who to blame etc etc...although I do intend to educate myself on these matters. I do want to say however, THANK YOU teachers of Pike County. Your devotion to our children and each other is noticed by some and greatly appreciated
Dr. Duncan is paid over $100,000 per YEAR. Teachers are paid on average 40 to 50,000 in our county. Dr. Duncan is not facing any pay cuts or the threat of losing his job. 20 teachers will be losing their jobs this year in addition to pay cuts and furloughs. Classes throughout the school system will be maxed out next year to about 35 students per class. The High School will be forced to move to a schedule with 7 or 8 periods in the day to accommodate for the lack of teaching positions. This will cause even higher fail rates than what are already occurring with the state standards. We need the teachers in our system now more than ever with curriculum constantly changing. It's funny how out of over 16,000 people in the county only five show up to board meetings but yet you seem to "care" so much about this now. Do you not get it? Once you read about it, it's too late. You didn't go to the board meeting and try to stop this from happening because you didn't even know board meetings existed. You were sitting on the couch watching the Olympics and then decided to pitch a fit because the board did something before they asked you. Guess what? They tried to ask you at the meeting, but you weren't there. This makes me angry too but if everybody is so pissed off at the board then I have a crazy idea. In November, get off your lazy ass and go vote against the idiot that voted for your child to fail his/her classes. Don't say you care if you don't even care enough to vote.
Maybe you should take your pathetic life and head to facebook or twitter where you can live vicariously through something else.
Don't you want to be informed about how your child's education is going to be impacted by the decisions of PC superintendent and the board? What do you think the impact will be of losing teachers? Well, I can tell you it won't be more remediation to help students with their weaknesses due to the growing number of class sizes.
I just don't understand how they are cutting jobs of the lowest paid teachers and keeping jobs for those high paid people that are not even in direct contact with the students. Just 1 of those job cuts could save 2-3 teacher's jobs. I also can't believe the lack of support for the future of our children.
I am writing this as a parent and I am worried, really worried. I don't like want I am reading about the decisions of what our board is making. It is always stressed that it is about the children. Is it still in PC?
Quit this stuff and unite for our children's future.
Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
Teachers do not make good schools. Neither does the BOE or the administration. They can contribute. But without parents who are concerned with their children and who actively participate in their education there can't be good schools. No amount of spending will overcome a bad parent.
I believe we have good parents in PC and that is why we have good schools. Having to reduce costs is a fact of life in these times. I have to do it at home and the BOE, BOC and Sheriff will have to as well.
My response was to the person and/or person's who constantly come on this site and because they can't present a logical argument tell everyone they are stupid.
David, I have to agree with you about your response to my comment. Logic is what these comments should be made on. Oh, and yes, I do agree that we do have good kids in this county for the most part, but if you only knew the number of parents that are unfit and not involved.
I have noticed that the teachers at our school are some of the most kind hearted, Christian people that go above their call of duty. This is not to say that other teachers don't have these qualities, but we have an abundance of them that transfer ethics and morals to our children. I have had experience with other school systems, and have met some of the most unfit teachers. To me, the teachers in our county have been a true blessing to my children. I feel good turning my most prized possessions over to them. I do believe that our county is blessed with the educators we have. I just wish others would be a little more appreciative of them.
That is the situation with teachers. No one dislikes them personally but each state agency is important and WE tax payers are suffering for the continued spending on teachers salaries, bonuses, admistrative costs etc when all other state agencies saw the tough times coming and tightened their belts in 2007. That is the only point being made, don't take it so personally
Maybe the ones that will suffer are the children for not being able to compete with other college applicants.
I bet you also gripe about our government. Well, without an educated future of our youth, there will never be change. Remember, they will one day be making the decisions for you.
"Explaining that 80 percent of education spending goes to teacher salaries, Essig said there are very limited ways to save money, including pay teachers less or have less school"
We simply do not have the money to give these step raises, supplements, and extra incentives anymore. It's the proverbial turnip not having any blood in it to squeeze.
BOZEMAN,LESA B GRADE 2 TEACHER $58,840.04 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
BROOKS,SANDRA GRADE 2 TEACHER $46,691.34 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
BUFFORD,KATHY J GRADE 2 TEACHER $44,399.78 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
CLOY,AMANDA R GRADE 2 TEACHER $41,379.26 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
COX,DEBORAH M GRADE 2 TEACHER $49,206.20
$0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
FAGAN,LINDA L GRADE 2 TEACHER $58,690.04 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
HOLLEY,JENNIFER GRADE 2 TEACHER $45,554.68 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
HUBBARD,KIMBERLY B GRADE 2 TEACHER $63,977.40 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
JONES,HEATHER G GRADE 2 TEACHER $9,428.13 $83.27 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
LANDGREBE,CAROL GRADE 2 TEACHER $47,430.32 $76.05 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
MCABEE,NANCY B GRADE 2 TEACHER $47,780.56 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
MUCCILLO,KAYE W GRADE 2 TEACHER $56,097.18 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
NARAMORE,TONI W GRADE 2 TEACHER $58,690.04 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
NAUCK,ANGELA GRADE 2 TEACHER $45,273.30 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
RICH,TOMASINA M GRADE 2 TEACHER $53,498.14 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
SMALLWOOD,GLORIA A GRADE 2 TEACHER $51,577.70 $0.00 PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2009
I do not teach for the money, but it surely does help pay the bills. I am not complaining, but will probably never see another salary increase for the rest of my days in education. I am not asking for your pity, but I am asking for your support. We need to pull together in these difficult times, instead of pulling each other apart.
#1. We endorse the Compensation for National Board Certified Teachers in Georgia Petition to Governor Perdue.
Read the Compensation for National Board Certified Teachers in Georgia Petition
2758 Total Signatures
#2.The Professional Association of Georgia Educators, the state’s largest teacher group, has filed a lawsuit against the state for cutting the 10 percent salary supplements going to about 2,500 National Board Certified teachers
You have to take in the realization that sometimes you have to go to the next step," said Harp. "The next step is eliminating jobs."
Harp estimates layoffs could number 5000 of the state's 70,000 workers. For now teachers and the University System are off limits.
"I'm not picking on public education, but we have teachers int he $100,000 range," Harp said. "If they would retire, you can replace that person with a $30 to $40-thousand dollar employee."
"While the Lt. Governor would not endorse Harp's estimation of 5000 layoffs statewide, he did concede that the state cannot fill the holes it has without reducing its work force."
Yes 5000 people are losing their jobs possibly.
Take responsibility for your children and if you can't afford to pay the cash money that you expect someone else to pay for you get off your duff and do some form of labor for the school system that replaces the need for money from someone else to pay for your child or cut out that trip to the nail salon and hair style you get once or twice a month. Life is not free
and it is not right for anyone to expect others to carry their load via the tax system. It robs money from property owners and makes you no better than a freeloading bum. With proper conduct teachers can teach 40 students per class. Yes they can it is done in other places under open pole barns, so quit crying and stop depending on the property owner's. Work hard and get your own.
You indeed sound like a bitter person.
Excellent journalism, Mr. Collins.
This comment had me laughing so hard!!! I would love to see you try! MAYBE if teachers had a way to discipline kids unstead of no recess, there would be less behavior issues. MAYBE if parents of the students who are causing issues would discipline their kids at home, you could do this.
The 40 kids being taught in pole barns are kids who really value an education and who really are there to learn. A lot of kids today do not value or respect the idea of education, therefore even the greatest teacher wlil have problems.
When my child was in Ms. Linda Fagan's class, I asked on the first day of school if I could volunteer anytime she wanted. She told me she didn't want parents of the children in her class, I could ask to volunteer in another class.
She was very good at calling me a lot about my childs learning problems. But that all stopped when I tried to get help thru special ed. No more calls,notes, letters, nothing.
Not long after this I pulled out to homeschool. Best thing I ever did.
We started homeschooling because the school fought me when I tried to get help for her.
SHe is doing much better in homeschool.
You are right taht I shouldn't have posted her name. But none of it was her fault.
She receives no local supplement pay, though her peers in other systems receive their's. It is often substantial by percentage. The Glorified Handyman running Maintenance receives almost $40,000 in local supplement pay. That's more than his actual salary. Is that fair?
There are more such shining examples. Just check the BOE website for them.
58,000 for 180 days is equal to 74,000 for 230 days. A reasonable salary for 20 years experience in my opinion.
I don't think teachers are overpaid or underpaid. I think they are paid reasonably. I'm not sure about the administrators. 147,000 seems to be a bit much especially when compared to other's in surrounding counties.
I guess I don't get your point. People with less experience make less money.
It's sorta the way the world works.
1. We are in a recession and teachers continue to get raises, supplements, etc.
2. Other state agencies (you mentioned)were prepared for this crisis in 2007 and began furloughs, layoffs, etc while DOE continued to give out the money they didn't have
3. Teachers make more starting (see #39) than most other professions equal to theirs
4. TEachers get raises almost every year and far surpass other state employees by the time they have 20 years because other agencies do not give out raises when they cannot afford to
5. Teachers work "part time" and are paid for year round as much as others
6. "choices" to join a profession because it pays much more with equal education is a dangerous thing because it can attract people for the money and not for the work
DOE and teachers must bare the affects of the recession like everyone else. The cuts must happen somewhere and the pay may be an option in order to KEEP TEACHERS IN THEIR JOBS so the teacher/child ratio remains. A true, loyal teacher will not quit teaching if the pay is not raised every year. Your comment is scary and offensive... JUst Sayin
Danny - I've worked for DOL and DFCS and boy do I agree. However, my comparison was to an excellent administrator in one of the surrounding school systems who overseas a system that is 3.5 times the size for less money.
I don't think we will find a better administrator for less, that's all I'm saying. You might find a better administrator for more. You might find a lessor administrator for less. I also hate to see us compare ourselves to Griffin/Spalding. Please pick a better benchmark than the schools that are immediately adjoining Pike. (No offense to the other counties, but everyone knows Pike is the best government school, that's why there is Flint River, Westwood, St. George, etc. as options for the elite of the other counties). I don't want to be like the other schools, not when comparing the caliber of parents/students/teachers or even administrators. We need to keep above those that surround us; not strive to be similar.
We simply do not have the money to give these step raises, supplements, and extra incentives anymore. It's the proverbial turnip not having any blood in it to squeeze