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Boston Teachers Union
e-Bulletin
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#27
(2009-10), 03/01/10 |
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Good Day.
The BTU Membership has voted to hold a rally at 26 Court. Street on Wednesday, March 24, at 5:30, at the School Committee's annual budget approval meeting. That evening, the mayoral-appointed school committee will be taking a vote to approve a budget that is $32.5 Million short of where it needs to be to provide adequate resources for our schools and students. Our members have voted to attend the meeting to voice our strong opposition to any budget that doesn't fully meet the needs of our students and our schools. The FY 2011 budget that is up for approval is but the latest in a string of yearly budgets that have been insufficient to adequately fund needed programs in our schools. We will also rally to protest the takeover of 14 so-called underperforming schools, which have been under-funded for years.
The fiscal climate, while not good, is much better than it was at this time last year. The projected city deficit is less than half of what it was one year ago. Further, the city has $100 million in reserves, and there are many other untapped revenue sources. The city has neglected, for example, to take a hard look at getting non-profits (colleges & universities, museums, hospitals and foundations, and so on) to pay their fair share of property taxes. An estimated $100 million to $140 million in potential property taxes PER YEAR could be garnered from non-profits. The statutory exemption from taxation that non-profits enjoy is 180 years old. Some states are actively revisiting these archaic laws, and it is time for us to do the same.
Rally to Protest Budget Cuts
Wednesday, March 24, at 5:30
School Committee HQ
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In other news...
 Diane Ravitch will be speaking at the BTU on Monday, April 5, at 4:00. She will be signing her new book, which is now the top-selling education book on Amazon . Diane is one of the more distinguished education historians of our time. This promises to be an excellent event, and we are expecting a good crowd. Refreshments will be served at 4; Diane will speak at 4:30, and will be available for a book signing afterward.
On ELL Category Training ...Nothing has changed. All training is voluntary. Take the training if you wish. Do not take it if you don't want to or don't have time. Here's the skinny on this issue: The school department is being chased by both federal and state officials for non-compliance on two fronts, both of which began under Supt. Payzant in the post-Unz era. One issue involves the hiring and deployment of ESL teachers; the other, the completion of the four category training levels. Bluntly, the school department sat on its hands for six or seven years until the regulators began closing in. Finally, a few weeks ago, the school department recognized that it had better act, and thus made a bargaining proposal to the BTU. The proposal is now in negotiations. In the meantime, our advice is the same: The training is voluntary--take the training if you wish; don't take it if you don't want to. As developments occur, we will inform you.
Last week we held a neighborhood meeting with State Representative Brian Wallace . Over 35 teachers and paraprofessionals attended this house gathering, and we all got a chance to discuss many relevant educational and political issues with Rep. Wallace. We are looking for more volunteers, as we expect to hold these gatherings with each local state rep and state senator. If you would like to volunteer to house an event, please email here . We will work with you to organize your event. Thank you.
On staff excessing : Many of our members have called asking if they should sign an agreement limiting their work in a school to three or four days per week in order to avoid excessing. DO NOT SIGN ANY SUCH AGREEMENT. Instead, call either Michael or Caren at the office at 617-288-2000.
By now, many have heard of the firing of every high school staff member, 93 in all, at the Central Falls High School in Rhode Island. Please see here to get more information and to sign a petition opposing these wholesale firings. Here's another place to read more of the national implications. This is a story with widespread ramifications, and it is sure to play out in Boston, as well as in other urban areas, where the state has targeted school districts for unilateral change. We note with disgust Fed Ed Secretary Arne Duncan's comments : "I applaud Commissioner Gist and Superintendent [Frances] Gallo for showing courage and doing the right thing for kids." Applaud?. Sec. Duncan--Instead of pouring gasoline on this, wouldn't it be better to try to work this out?
The negotiating package will be mailed out to BTU Building Reps at the end of this upcoming week for distribution to all of our members in your building or RC Center. The final package is subject to membership approval at the March 10 membership meeting. BTU Reps--we will use the mailing address we customarily use for B Rep e-bulletins. If you want us to use another address, please email Jeannie Turner .
The BTU will be hosting a seminar on Robert's Rules of Order on March 11 with parliamentarian, Henry Robinson, at 4:00 PM. Henry is the former president of the BTU and is well versed in parliamentary procedure.
Our COPE procedures for political endorsement have now changed, in accordance with a by-law passed by our membership last week. Long story short, all candidates will now have to respond to a detailed questionnaire prior to receiving a BTU endorsement. Thank you to the COPE Committee and the Executive Board who spent many hours developing this new process.
Beginning in June, we will hire a new co-editor of the BUT newspaper. The new co-editor will take the place of Mary Glynn, who has served us very well for four years as co-editor. Mary, recently retired, also serves us on our Executive Board, and in a host of other leadership functions, many relating to Special Education. We will miss her work as co-editor, but she will continue to serve us in a variety of capacities. Mary, good luck, and thank you for all of your hard work.
The co-editor's job is to work with the other co-editor, Garret Virchick, and publish ten yearly issues of the newspaper, plus special editions if needed. The position involves gathering news, reporting and covering events, taking pictures, editing, and managing the newspaper. The salary is $17,660 per year. Send resume and a letter of interest to Richard Stutman by 4/1/10. All candidates will be interviewed. |
Dates and deadlines
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- March 8--job share meeting at the BTU, 4-6
- March 15-=-Dal Lawrence, former president of Toledo Federation of teachers Comes to discuss the Peer Assistance and Review Program, 4:00
- March 19, 3-8, Rosie's Place Fundraiser
- March 25--Retirement Seminar at 4:30, hosted by Michael McLaughlin
- April 5--Diane Ravitch speaks, 4:00
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Pay Raise Information--Bump for Many to Take Effect This Friday
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This school year all BTU members will receive a 1% pay raise mid-year, in addition to the 3% pay raise earned on 9/1/09.
Teachers
- with 22 checks--paycheck on 2/5/10
- with 26 checks--paycheck on 3/5/10
Paras
- 21 Checks--paycheck on 2/19/10
- 26 checks--paycheck on 3/19/10
Cluster subs, and all other substitutes
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| PD for BPS Science Teachers |
The BPS Science Department and the Boston Science Partnership are excited to offer an intense professional development and leadership opportunity for all K-12 teachers of science by offering up to 23 Science Education Fellowships for the 2010-2011 school year. The Science Education Fellowship program is funded through the National Science Foundation and is designed to foster teacher and leadership skills for those who have three years of teaching experience and are committed to staying in a Boston Public Schools classroom for the next two years. Applications are due on March 26, 2010. To request an application or receive more information, please contact Allison Scheff at 617.287.5632. |
| Boston Writing Project |
The Boston Writing Project at UMass Boston announces its 30th annual Summer Institute in the teaching of writing. The institute will run four days a week, from July 6th through July 29, 2010, and invites teachers from all grade levels and every subject area. Participating teachers will receive a stipend of $600 with the opportunity to receive another $150 during the school year. In addition, they may choose to receive up to 6 graduate credits tuition free (fees still apply). For more information, visit the project website at, or contact Peter Golden , site co-director. |
| Labor Guild School of Labor Relations to Hold Workshops |
Classes are held here at Labor Guild Headquarters - 85 Commercial St in Weymouth Landing. Tuition remains $100 total for both time frames. Scholarships are available. See Labor Guild's School of Labor Relations for more information. This is a terrific program for those who wish to learn more about the world of labor.
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| Opening Reception for the BPS Annual Visual Arts Exhibition |
AFTER HOURS, the Boston Public Schools' 13th Annual Visual Arts Exhibition features artwork from BPS Visual Arts Specialists District-Wide and invites you to attend.
- March 3, 2010 - March 31, 2010
- Opening Reception, March 3, 2010 5 -7 p.m.
- Boston Arts Academy , 174 Ipswich St., Boston
Please join the BPS Arts Department as we celebrate the important work of BPS Arts Specialists. Featuring art work from twenty four BPS Visual Arts Specialists representing twenty-five BPS schools.
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| Haitian Relief Efforts Continue |
The M.E. Bradley School students and staff raised $850.00 for Haiti by holding a pajama day. Money was donated to UNICEF.
The Student Council of the BTU School sponsored a raffle that raised $642. Funds will be donated to Partners in Health to aid in the relief and rebuilding efforts in Haiti.
Thank you to all!
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| Fundraiser for F.D. Roosevelt |
On Tuesday, March 16th, the Roosevelt K-8 will hold its 1st Annual Arts Night from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. The event will include dinner, raffles and a silent auction (featuring student artwork as well as a wide range of items and services donated from local businesses), and musical performances by FDR students and adults. It will be held at the Upper Campus (95 Needham Road, Hyde Park). Tickets will be $10/family at the door. Please come join the Roosevelt School to spotlight the arts and work to build funds for continued enrichment programs.
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| Climate Action Workshops |
The Mayor is hosting workshops on climate action over the next few weeks, the first one is for High School students on Feb. 27 at 11am. The rest are for all residents. The City of Boston is developing its second Climate Action Plan and we need your input.
To sign up, visit the workshop website . Come to one of five interactive community workshops you will:
- Learn about how climate change is already affecting Boston and what we can do about it
- Give feedback on new climate action proposals, which include actions related to housing, transportation, and beyond, using keypad
- Meet and talk with other Boston residents who care about climate action
- Learn about Renew Boston, the City's program to link residents with practical resources to start saving energy and reducing greenhouse gases right away
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| Simmons CAGS Program |
Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to earn your master's degree or CAGS in Educational Leadership with generous scholarships for Boston teachers!
When: March 17th, 5:30pm Where: Simmons College What: Educational Leadership Program Open House Who: Roberta Kelly, Program Director, roberta.kelly@simmons.edu RSVP or call 617-521-2915
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| Hopes for a Speedy Recovery |
Our thoughts and prayers go out to John Brennan, retired from West Roxbury High School. John has been at the Brigham, and we wish him well. |
| Retirement Parties |
Shhh.... It's a surprise
- Joanne D. Nieves at the Burke
Retirement party on June 16th from 6-11
Lombardo's Randolph
$35 to Juan Nieves, c/o Linda Tate
PO box, 240797
Dorchester, Mass 02124
surprise--don't tell her when you see her. We'll keep the secret as long as possible
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- Val Shelley from Charlestown HS
Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 6pm
Venezia Waterfront Banquet Facility
20 Ericsson Street, Neponset Circle, Dorchester.)
The cost is $65.00; RSVP by March 19, 2010
Check payable to Charlestown High School, 240 Medford Street, Charlestown, MA 02129
Questions: Please contact PattyAnn Woods @ 617.635.9914
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- Mattahunt Retirement Party for Marva Martin and Gloria Blakeley
Quincy Marriott Hotel
$50.00 (includes gift)
Contact Donalee Dixon 617-318-7215 or make check payable to Donalee Dixon and send to Mattahunt School, 100 Hebron Street, Mattapan MA., 02126
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Sincerely,
Richard Stutman
BTU President
richardstutman@comcast.net (home)
rstutman@btu.org (work)
617-288-2000
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