FCPS Superintendent Jake Dale’s contract is up for a vote. In question is the length of the contract being offered, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years.
What do you think about Dr Dale's performance?
Let your School Board member know what your opinion is by going to www.fcps.edu.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Remarks of Leonard Bumbaca, President, Fairfax Education Association
To the Fairfax County School Board July 23, 2009
Good evening Ms. Smith, members of the School Board and Dr Dale.
Tonight you are considering the renewal of the contract of Superintendent Jack Dale. The Fairfax Education Association and its 7000 members, employees of Fairfax County Public Schools, would like to express our thoughts on that decision. At issue is the both the question of approval of continuing the contract as well as the duration.
The economy and the resultant effects on our school system have dictated almost every decision the superintendent has made. The tenure of Jack Dale, much like my own tenure as president of the Association, has occurred during exceptionally difficult times. We all “drew the short straw” fated to work as best we can with shrinking resources and demanding stakeholders, all of whom have legitimate claims and expectations that are proving impossible to meet.
While we can all agree that the system remains a place of quality education, to what extent is this unsustainable as overburdened educators reach a breaking point? “Breaking point?” Yes, indeed, we are especially concerned about the possibility that we have already passed a point of no return. Employees are sustaining the results of decisions initiated by this superintendent. No COLA, no step, elimination of the redlining provision, no relief on teacher time, etc., despite the arguments of necessity, do not sit well; and you should not expect them to sit well with your employees; and you should not expect them to sit well with the larger community either. Nevertheless, a superintendent is hired to provide leadership and improvement despite the economy.
Now, in the quiet interlude of a little noticed mid-summer night, you are considering a contract extension that represents a long term commitment, an extended promise to a staff member that provides insulating guarantees and favorable terms that no other staff member enjoys. Even if a case can be made, will it be accepted? Is it enough?
Our members and the community ask, “What standards of accountability are you measuring? Doesn’t the community need to know and be allowed to have input?” A principal is evaluated by surveys and community input by regulation. You have not even solicited community input on this decision, with no provision for public comment until the day before this meeting.
To be clear, my concerns are focused on the process and the message of this decision. We are all mindful of the “Gatehouse II” experience where FCPS lost control of the message and underlying opportunities came across as crass opportunism in the face of public outrage in this current environment. In the face of this bitter headwind, you as a board proceeded with a tin ear to the sensitivities of the community. You focused on the outcome you wanted and not on the response of key constituents. The result was a public relations disaster.
Nothing has changed in the environment; why should you expect anything else but an equally passionate response from the community? This will be made even worse by the sense that this is a decision made in the “dead of night.”
I am not here tonight to argue the merits of Dr Dale’s continued tenure. I do question the wisdom of approving an extended contract in a time of uncertainty when the tests ahead of us may prove even more trying than those we have already faced. It would be imprudent to make either a long term commitment or a rushed change of leadership at this time. It would be foolhardy to ignore the political lessons of the Gatehouse II experience.
Renew the contract of the superintendent? I think the answer has to be yes. To extend it for four years and encumber the next school board with a contract it may not want? I think you have to think long and hard about that. Is it really your decision to make?
FEA recommends that you provide an additional two years and leave to the next board decisions about future extensions. Thank you.
To the Fairfax County School Board July 23, 2009
Good evening Ms. Smith, members of the School Board and Dr Dale.
Tonight you are considering the renewal of the contract of Superintendent Jack Dale. The Fairfax Education Association and its 7000 members, employees of Fairfax County Public Schools, would like to express our thoughts on that decision. At issue is the both the question of approval of continuing the contract as well as the duration.
The economy and the resultant effects on our school system have dictated almost every decision the superintendent has made. The tenure of Jack Dale, much like my own tenure as president of the Association, has occurred during exceptionally difficult times. We all “drew the short straw” fated to work as best we can with shrinking resources and demanding stakeholders, all of whom have legitimate claims and expectations that are proving impossible to meet.
While we can all agree that the system remains a place of quality education, to what extent is this unsustainable as overburdened educators reach a breaking point? “Breaking point?” Yes, indeed, we are especially concerned about the possibility that we have already passed a point of no return. Employees are sustaining the results of decisions initiated by this superintendent. No COLA, no step, elimination of the redlining provision, no relief on teacher time, etc., despite the arguments of necessity, do not sit well; and you should not expect them to sit well with your employees; and you should not expect them to sit well with the larger community either. Nevertheless, a superintendent is hired to provide leadership and improvement despite the economy.
Now, in the quiet interlude of a little noticed mid-summer night, you are considering a contract extension that represents a long term commitment, an extended promise to a staff member that provides insulating guarantees and favorable terms that no other staff member enjoys. Even if a case can be made, will it be accepted? Is it enough?
Our members and the community ask, “What standards of accountability are you measuring? Doesn’t the community need to know and be allowed to have input?” A principal is evaluated by surveys and community input by regulation. You have not even solicited community input on this decision, with no provision for public comment until the day before this meeting.
To be clear, my concerns are focused on the process and the message of this decision. We are all mindful of the “Gatehouse II” experience where FCPS lost control of the message and underlying opportunities came across as crass opportunism in the face of public outrage in this current environment. In the face of this bitter headwind, you as a board proceeded with a tin ear to the sensitivities of the community. You focused on the outcome you wanted and not on the response of key constituents. The result was a public relations disaster.
Nothing has changed in the environment; why should you expect anything else but an equally passionate response from the community? This will be made even worse by the sense that this is a decision made in the “dead of night.”
I am not here tonight to argue the merits of Dr Dale’s continued tenure. I do question the wisdom of approving an extended contract in a time of uncertainty when the tests ahead of us may prove even more trying than those we have already faced. It would be imprudent to make either a long term commitment or a rushed change of leadership at this time. It would be foolhardy to ignore the political lessons of the Gatehouse II experience.
Renew the contract of the superintendent? I think the answer has to be yes. To extend it for four years and encumber the next school board with a contract it may not want? I think you have to think long and hard about that. Is it really your decision to make?
FEA recommends that you provide an additional two years and leave to the next board decisions about future extensions. Thank you.
Friday, May 15, 2009
STANDARDS OF MEDIOCRITY?
The Standards of Quality (SOQ) establish the foundation for public education in Virginia. The Standards of Quality are state law, adopted by the Virginia General Assembly. These standards:
Set pupil - teacher and other instructional ratios.
Mandate the subjects and skills that school divisions must teach and the services divisions must provide.
Require the Standards of Learning assessment program.
Are the basis for calculating most state funding to local school divisions for public elementary and secondary education.
Fairfax County Public Schools, apparently unbeknown to the School Board are abandoning the SOQ's. This is occurring despite several loud pronouncements about how FCPS is a "world class school system."
The Standards of Quality are not benchmarks. These standards are only minimums below which divisions must not fall.
Now in several areas FCPS has unilaterally decided to ignore the SOQ's in favor of "site based staffing" (Fail to remember when the School Board adopted that).
This policy places staffing completely in the hands of the principals.
Take library assistants for example.
Principals have the "right" to not fund these positions. This occurs despite the fact that the SOQ’s DEMAND a library assistant in the event a school houses over 700 people.
There is no directive that in the event that these positions are not funded the program MUST be scaled back accordingly.
No, we will pretend that everything is as usual. We will give ourselves labels.
Does anybody care about what is actually going on in the schools?
Be one of the first 10 people to read and respond to this blog and win a pair of movie tickets Email sbeasley@fairfaxea.org
Set pupil - teacher and other instructional ratios.
Mandate the subjects and skills that school divisions must teach and the services divisions must provide.
Require the Standards of Learning assessment program.
Are the basis for calculating most state funding to local school divisions for public elementary and secondary education.
Fairfax County Public Schools, apparently unbeknown to the School Board are abandoning the SOQ's. This is occurring despite several loud pronouncements about how FCPS is a "world class school system."
The Standards of Quality are not benchmarks. These standards are only minimums below which divisions must not fall.
Now in several areas FCPS has unilaterally decided to ignore the SOQ's in favor of "site based staffing" (Fail to remember when the School Board adopted that).
This policy places staffing completely in the hands of the principals.
Take library assistants for example.
Principals have the "right" to not fund these positions. This occurs despite the fact that the SOQ’s DEMAND a library assistant in the event a school houses over 700 people.
There is no directive that in the event that these positions are not funded the program MUST be scaled back accordingly.
No, we will pretend that everything is as usual. We will give ourselves labels.
Does anybody care about what is actually going on in the schools?
Be one of the first 10 people to read and respond to this blog and win a pair of movie tickets Email sbeasley@fairfaxea.org
Thursday, May 14, 2009
SALARY INCREASE BEING KICKED TO THE CURB
If Jack Dale and Kevin North were working as hard to find a solution to paying FCPS employees more as they are to defeat every idea and concept that is being offered we could have a step and a COLA. They continue to repeat that YOU DO NOT WANT A RAISE!
Fortunately, there are several School Board members who are beginning to question the facts and figures which are being tossed around.
Strategic Governance is based solely on trust. You must trust the reports the administration is providing.
More and more information being provided by staff is full of holes, not complete, or diversionary.
Let's hope that the School Board can find 7 votes to help the FCPS staff.
What kind of raise is the Superintendent contractually guaranteed this year? Does he have the same health insurance programs as FCPS employees?
Fortunately, there are several School Board members who are beginning to question the facts and figures which are being tossed around.
Strategic Governance is based solely on trust. You must trust the reports the administration is providing.
More and more information being provided by staff is full of holes, not complete, or diversionary.
Let's hope that the School Board can find 7 votes to help the FCPS staff.
What kind of raise is the Superintendent contractually guaranteed this year? Does he have the same health insurance programs as FCPS employees?
Friday, May 8, 2009
TRANSPERANCY IN SUPERINTENDENCY?
The Superintendent's evaluation is up for consideration next month
Some of the School Board members believe the evaluation should be done in open forum.
Some of the School Board believes that it should be done behind closed doors.
What do you think?
In the era of strategic governance the School Board receives reports from the Superintendent. In turn the Superintendent is accountable to the School Board for the overall operation of the School system.
As one of the highest paid public servants of Fairfax County it seems only fair that the community has its opportunity to have input into the evaluation and possible contract extension.
If the School Board has decided to leave the total management of the school system in the hands of the Superintendent, then the community MUST hold them accountable for the person they are putting all their faith in?
Unless we know how they are viewing the Superintendent, how do we hold the School Board accountable?
We think the process should be absolutely transparent.
CEO's across the country are coming under increased scrutiny.
You are being held accountable.
Why not Jack Dale?
Some of the School Board members believe the evaluation should be done in open forum.
Some of the School Board believes that it should be done behind closed doors.
What do you think?
In the era of strategic governance the School Board receives reports from the Superintendent. In turn the Superintendent is accountable to the School Board for the overall operation of the School system.
As one of the highest paid public servants of Fairfax County it seems only fair that the community has its opportunity to have input into the evaluation and possible contract extension.
If the School Board has decided to leave the total management of the school system in the hands of the Superintendent, then the community MUST hold them accountable for the person they are putting all their faith in?
Unless we know how they are viewing the Superintendent, how do we hold the School Board accountable?
We think the process should be absolutely transparent.
CEO's across the country are coming under increased scrutiny.
You are being held accountable.
Why not Jack Dale?
FATHER KNOWS BEST
The Fairfax County School Board passed the proposed changes to the 403(b) program last evening ignoring the voice of literally hundreds of FCPS employees who told the School Board they DID NOT WANT THE CHANGE.
This issue is just one of many this year where the School Board is provided a single source of information on a topic they are not familiar and rather than question the administration and make a decision of valid information, they instead blindly follow.
This is NOT FCPS money that is being invested.
This is your money that YOU earned and YOU are responsible for investing.
Once again, FCPS knows what is best for you.
You need to thank the members that supported YOU and your ability to choose and let the others understand you are not happy with their decision.
This is how the School Board voted:
This is how the School Board voted:
Daniel G Storck – Chairman Nay
Judith (Tessie) Wilson Yea
Elizabeth T Bradsher Yea
Brad Center Yea
Stuart D Gibson Yea
Martina A Hone Nay
Kaye Kory Nay
Ilryong Moon Nay
Phillip A Niedzielski-Eichner Yea
James L Raney Yea
Kathy L Smith Yea
Jane K Strauss Yea
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
TIME TO RALLY
It is time for all FCPS employees to come together around a single proposal that will provide increases in salary for next year. There are certain times when issues are so large and so important that we must put our differences aside and work for the common good.FEA is making a modest proposal to the School Board. We are asking all FCPS employees to support this effort for the good of all!
FEA PROPOSAL
For FCPS employees receiving a step increase for next year their contract will be reduced by two days only. These days will be taken on non-student contact days as scheduled by the individual work sites/schools.
Employees NOT scheduled to receive a step will continue to work a standard contract. No reduction of contract length will occur.
Employees who work ONLY on student contact days will NOT have their contract reduced.
The School Board will examine the full restoration of the step, budget considerations pending, during the normal deliberations next year.
26,000 Employees, One Voice
Call or write your School Board members today and let them know you support the FEA proposal.
Chairman, Daniel G. Storck, Mt. Vernon District, 571-423-1086, daniel.storck@fcps.edu
Vice-Chairman, Kathy L. Smith, Sully District, 571-423-1085, kathy.l.smith@fcps.edu
Braddock District, Tessie Wilson, 571-423-1088, tessie.wilson@fcps.edu
Dranesville District, Jane K. Strauss, 571-423-1087, jane.strauss@fcps.edu
Hunter Mill District, Stuart D. Gibson, 571-423-1082, stuart.gibson@fcps.edu
Lee District, Brad Center, 571-423-1081, brad.center@fcps.edu
Mason District, Kaye Kory, 571-423-1083, kaye.kory@fcps.edu
Mt. Vernon District, Daniel G. Storck, Chairman, 571-423-1086, daniel.storck@fcps.edu Providence District, Phillip A. Niedzielski-Eichner, 571-423-1084, pneichner@fcps.edu Springfield District, Elizabeth T. Bradsher, 571-423-1080, elizabeth.bradsher@fcps.edu
Sully District, Kathy L. Smith, Vice-Chairman, 571-423-1085, kathy.l.smith@fcps.edu
At-Large MembersMartina A. Hone, 571-423-1089, martina.hone@fcps.edu
Ilryong Moon, 571-423-1090, ilryong.moon@fcps.edu
James L. Raney, 571-423-1091, james.raney@fcps.edu
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