I have spent the better part of my time since last Friday morning in rather
heated exchanges with Dr.Wallace,and some of my colleagues. Everyone
insists that their perspective is the preeminent one!!
Today, added to the mix of conversations, has been a steady stream of
emails…angry…pleading…encouraging. I've responded to some, and
shared the all with the MTA Leadership.
Rhetoric and emotions aside, the members of the Maine Teacher Association have recognized and acknowledged the financial situation of District 207. Our research teams spent two months this past fall pouring over district financials and impact data.
Yes, the District overspent and under budgeted. They are wise to adjust their spending patterns. Our request to the Administration has been to slow down their cost reduction plan. We suggested they use their fund balance, that, perhaps they cannot reasonably hold on to an eighty million dollar plus account.
MTA has never suggested the District deplete the fund balance…that wouldn't serve anyone well!! We ask that they use the fund balance as it was intended, as a savings to get over those rough times, such as we currently face.
Dr. Wallace alluded in his comments to the press that the Board spent down the fund balance due to pressure from the community and MTA. Timing is everything!! MTA has for years suggested the District sped those taxpayer monies. Unfortunately, they chose to do so, to spend on large ticket items during a major recession.
Members of the Association recognize that we are imbedded in terrible economic times. We, too, are raising children, paying mortgages and college tuition, we're single parents making ends meet, caring for elderly parents, have a spouse who lost their job, and we pay taxes…just like everyone else.
We are not immune and we are not insensitive. MTA Leadership will discuss the Board's latest proposal, and develop plans for how to best address their challenge.
However, these discussions, which will eventually involve our entire membership, will take time. The Board's proposal was sent to the media last Friday morning, prior to notifying MTA Leadership. That strategy left me very little time to organize an appropriate response. That strategy also left me with a very angry membership, who sees this behavior as a statement of fundamental disrespect for bargaining unit members. That strategy left me with a membership wondering if the Board is truly acting in good faith, wondering why the Board would choose to put forth a proposal in public that was worded like a ransom note.
I would encourage the Board tonight to make a sound decision regarding the proposed reduction plan. If you have identified two million dollars that you can spend for the schools, then do so. Do not hold that money hostage.
If you have identified two million dollars that can be spent for the students, then do so. Do so because it is the good and right to do in and of itself.
My Leadership teams will continue to meet this week, and we will be meeting with the Administration to discuss options.
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