According to multiple sources, the teachers union is moving forward with its plans to recall three reform-minded board members in Jeffco. For those not following along at home, that’s Ken Witt, John Newkirk, and Julie Williams.
What’s particularly funny about this is that the union, which will claim that it is not behind this recall effort (but, shhhhh! it is), just approved a deal for teacher pay with the district and board. And, sure, who could forget the brouhaha around some of the missteps that the board has made, but those missteps should not overshadow the genuine good that’s come from this board.
Here are just a few things:
- Charter school funding equity – Before this board, charter schools, despite being public schools, were funded at lower levels than other schools in the district. This board equalized their funding.
- Teacher raises – The board gave teachers $21 million in raises over the past two years. The prior two years? Yeah, teachers’ pay was frozen. Guess the other two union-aligned board members who were actually on the board during these pay freezes are the “good board members”. What jerks the reform board members are – giving raises to great teachers.
- Free full-day kindergarten – The board approved free full-day kindergarten for all low-income students who needed it. What bastards this board is – keeping the interests of kids at heart.
- Building a new school – The folks in Northwest Arvada are getting a new school, but Jeffco taxpayers aren’t getting another bill because the board and the administration saved money for this new building. How awful.
So, let’s definitely recall these horrible people before they help students any further. Our prediction? This ragtag crew of recallers will find there’s more support than they think out there for the board members.
Now you've heard what they want you too know… Now go to JeffcoUnitedorAction.com and see the videos of what really happened. Funny that they don't put those links here.
So then, win an election the next time. The recall process isn't for policy position disagreements, that is what ELECTIONS are for.
Have you checked the stats of teachers leaving the teaching profession in general? All over the state — in fact all over the nation ! There is a mass exodus happening nation wide. Please don't try and tell us it is all because of 3 board members from Jefferson County. Look at the federal and state education reforms the last 3 years — with their mandates for unrealistic testing and teacher accountability. Why weren't you parents at the state capitol fighting the student privacy and reduction of testing on students and teachers during the general assembly? I'm sure you genuinely are a concerned parent. Please use your energy to fight the REAL problems in education. It's WAY BIGGER than JeffCo
Laura Leary Boggs You were also on the Jeffco Board of Education at that time. You did not put forth a motion to include Sierra Phase II in the 2012 bond either.
I'm another Jeffco parent not affiliated in any way with JCEA. If you think we're going to sit back and let these jokers disband our school system, you have another thing coming. Oh and by the way there's thousands of parents that feel exactly the same. Get out the gloves, we pay taxes and we're ready to fight!
oops… from your press release – Jeffco United For Action – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — June 26, 2015 Contact: Lynea Hansen — who is she? a "JCEA spokesperson"? YUP; a Strategies 360 employee? YUP; a Jeffco resident ????? a mom ?????
Let's please get the numbers correct – $15.7 million allocated for 2015-16 compensation increases – that's 3% not 1% and it is 82% of the increased state funds. Denver has more because they passed a bond to fund the actual facility needs unlike Jeffco's 2012 bond. The board allocated $18 million for a new school which is exactly what staff said it would take to build a K-6. (and is certainly way less than the $80 million in debt Lesley and Jill proposed). And Sierra should have been part of the 2012 bond just as was promised to that community but Lesley and Jill chose not to include it.
Wendy, please, all one has to do is look at the contact listed on your press release – do we see a mom? — no we see Lynea Hansen "a JCEA spokesperson – oops
http://jeffcounitedforaction.org/
Where can I sign up to support and help out the recall effort in any way possible???
And half built like Sierra Elementary which has yet, in 7 years, to get the other half of their school built!!!
Yep – and I'm one of the other parents who are "behind" the recall efforts. Last time I checked, I wasn't a teacher or a member of the union – what I am is a very concerned parent of Jeffco students watching teachers and staff leave in record numbers for Jeffco – the turnover rate has in fact DOUBLED. And no, we aren't just losing ineffective teachers – we are losing the best and the brightest from our classrooms. I'd echo what Wendy said, but to avoid being redundant, I can tell you that I, personally, have attended virtually every board meeting since 2011 – I'm not taking the union's word – or anyone else's for that matter – for a perspective on the board majority's actions. I've seen and experienced them myself – firsthand – and it's time for them to go – they've caused enough turmoil and chaos. Ragtag crew of recallers? Name calling already? You don't waste any time, do you?
Your "multiple sources" suck. I'm another PARENT (shhhh! I really am) who fully supports this recall effort.
I agree with Wendy; the constant blaming of "the union" is really getting old. (Shhh, it really is). Parents, business owners and community members are paying attention, and we've had enough. We've answered surveys, spoken at board meetings, signed petitions, rallied, and still WNW refuse to hear. Enough is enough.
21 million in raises…. Sounds so impressive until you realize the 1 % raise did not even cover the cost of living increase. The board had a much bigger increase in state funding, which other districts devoted to pay ( like Denver with a 5% raise). Jeffco spent it on a school board lawyer, and contracts with PR firms run by Leadership of the Rockies graduates spouting political spin. They have funded 15 million of a new school… In which there facilities manager said would cost 25 million minimum… The school will be like the veteran hospital… Half built and unfunded. Fiscal responsibility? I think NOT!
I agree with Wendy!!!
Beg to differ, but I am one of the three PARENTS who are "behind" the recall efforts. We don't find this issue funny at all, and though it takes a village, we are most decidedly NOT a part of JCEA. We are concerned parents, business owners and community members. The perpetual blaming of "the union" for all efforts to bring to light the truth regarding Witt, Newkirk and Williams is getting old & tired. There are far more people against WNW than for them. And their "missteps" are egregious and continuing – bullying students; harassing parents; wasting taxpayer dollars. The list goes on. Your readers should get informed and learn the WHOLE story. Not just the "highlights" you have listed.