“Real clout comes from being
empathetic, cooperative and communicative.”
From Greater Good by Dacher Keltner

At this time of year it is quite natural to look back over the past year and reflect upon its ups and downs. The interesting thing about the low points–the times of feeling stress and worry, experiencing the contentiousness of others, fielding implied accusations, and viewing maliciously written letters (anonymously sent)–all pale in comparison to the good that has been experienced this year.

We are ending the school year with no outstanding grievances; we had successful collaboration on the District’s PDP committee; we made significant progress with the implementation of the new APPR documents; we have a committee of teachers ready to re-vamp the elementary PALS testing this summer; we have many new teachers joining School Improvement Teams for next year; we have newly elected building representatives coming on board in the fall; and we have twelve members going to the NYSUT Summer Leadership Training.

Our MTA committees that run throughout the year had many new participants—a very good sign of strength and involvement for the future, and we are especially proud to have established what we hope will become a long-standing tradition of recognizing “MTA Members of the Year.”

The MTA has been vigilant in protecting the rights of its members (just one of many examples: “No, we don’t write our own job descriptions!”) and equally vigilant in revealing varied concerns occurring across the district (e.g., over-lapping testing schedules, plagiarism, health and safety issues and attendance policy interpretation).

I have been buoyed by the number of members who have taken the time to come in this year and talk about concerns and ask how to best solve a problem. I have been very grateful for the e-mails and comments from colleagues saying they appreciate the balance I use when directly expressing the truth but without a negative or confrontational tone. Recently, one comment was shared with me that perhaps meant the most. A colleague expressed thanks for the vision the MTA had when negotiating the last contract and although she didn’t see it at the time, she now realizes the benefits of what we did and why. That one conversation solidified for me the reason why the positives will always outweigh the negatives. The MTA is member-oriented. We are here to protect the rights of our members, not just in a given moment or circumstance, but also for the years ahead. It is extremely difficult to represent over 500 members; the reality is that not everyone will agree or sometimes understand why certain decisions have to be made. However, as president, it has always been my intent to act ethically, treat members fairly and with respect, be mindful of members’ best interests and act in accordance for the good of all. That is the path that I have taken for the past five years and will continue to follow as I complete my last term of office as your president.

The quote I selected for this month came from an article (on-line at Utne.com) entitled “The Power of Kindness and Emotional Intelligence.” Professor Dacher Keltner (UC Berkeley), the author of the article, through scientific research, challenges the Machiavellian viewpoint of power in favor of what he calls a “more socially intelligent model of power.” I urge you to make time this summer to read this short and very interesting article. Words I often find myself using such as “respect” and “camaraderie” are found in Dr. Keltner’s work, and on a personal level, it was encouraging to read that research is supporting the benefits of leaders utilizing a model of social intelligence.

As we wind down to the final days before leaving, I would like to wish all of our retirees many happy years ahead. May all of you treasure new paths and fond memories!

Enjoy the summer everyone—travel safely, have fun, relax and refresh!!!

 

Sheila

“We make a living by what we get;
we make a life by what we give.”
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

This is a natural time of year to reflect upon those who have shown a commitment to the MTA by having given time, effort, energy, and expertise to the numerous activities and committees that have run (and continue to run) throughout the year. I am grateful that we have members willing to step forward and give of themselves, thus contributing to making a stronger, more cohesive unit.

This year we have had members volunteer for the following:

•  Teacher Center
• School Improvement Teams
• Restructure Teams
• Professional Development Plan Committee
• Annual Professional Performance Review Committee
• Elementary Principal Interview Committee
• Director of Human Resources Interview Committee
• Elementary Testing Committee
• Elections Committee
• Political Action Mailing Committee
• Candidates’ Night
• Scholarship Raffle Chairperson and Building Chairs
• Scholarship Selection Committee
• Sports Camp Chairperson
• Benefit Fund Trustees

And, of course, we cannot forget our members whop have stepped forward to serve in elected MTA positions as building reps, senior reps, and officers!

The amount of time that members spend in an MTA=related activity is not the main objective. The giving of time is the critical factor and what strongly contributes to our success as a union.

It is never too late to consider giving some of your time to your union. We ask new teachers every year to give 1-3 hours to a union-related activity. Just think if all members gave the same amount of time what a difference it would make in solidifying the efforts of our Association!

My deepest thanks go to Gary Day for conceiving the idea of the MTA Member of the Year Award. We have many wonderful, talented, and dedicated members who consistently give of themselves to this union for the betterment of all. What a special pleasure it is to announce the first recipients of this award. We look forward to honoring them personally at the MTA’s June 18th social. This date would be a perfect time to give an hour or two and come out to a social event that is always a good time. Come thank our retirees and applaud our new teachers who are wrapping up their first year with us. AND…why not take a few minutes to ask our MTA Members of the Year what it means to them to give to their union?

Sheila

“If I have the belief tha I can do it,
I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it
even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
Mahatma Gandhi

We need member who believe they can “do it.” MTA elections are next month and now is the time for individuals to step forward and run for positions open within the union.

It is absolutely understandable that not everyone may feel ready to undertake the duties and responsibilities of an elected position within our union. However, that should not and can not be a barrier to stepping up and becoming involved.

The MTA stands firmly committed to enabling our members to build the necessary skills and capabilities required when assuming a new role within the union. Annually, we provide the opportunity for members to attend the NYSUT Summer Leadership Conference, and, at the beginning of each school year, we provide our own building representative training. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to try on different leadership roles through the varous committees and activities that occur during the year.

Next year will be a critical juncture for the MTA. The negotiations process will begin again in the spring and before the conclusion of the 2008-2009 school year, the union will be electing individuals to fill all four officers’ positions. Now is the time to learn more about your union and commit to acquiring the capacity to work in a collaborative manner in order to effect the changes necessary for progress.

We need members who believe they can do the job even if, at the beginning, they do not possess all of the necessary skills. A positive attitude, a willingness to work on behalf of colleagues, and a desire to assume and learn new roles and responsibilites, contributes to building the collective capacity for change.

Please give serious consideration to placing your name on the ballot for an elected position in May.

Sheila

“Optimism is essential to achievement
and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.”
Nicholas Murray Butler

For some, the age old dilemma is to decide if the cup is half empty or half full. That is where optimism steps in; deciding that the cup is half full creates a profound shift in attitude and outlook. It is courageous when individuals take a differing viewpoint and, in particular, when those possessing optimistic viewpoints challenge the pessimism and negativity of others.

Choosing negativity (or at the least dwelling on it) undermines efforts to build unity, diminishes the hopes of others, deflates the value of gains achieved and discourages those who desire the undertaking of new tasks and challenges.

What is to be gained by holding steadfast to thoughts and actions that serve only to barricade paths to achievement? Negativity polarizes and hinders the positive efforts of others and, in its extreme, negativity bullies and silences others.

This is where unity and collegiality become critically important. The voices of our members not only need to be heard, but received with open minds. Demonstrating support and tolerance toward one another offers the opportunity to recognize differences and similarities while working toward achieving common goals for the good of all. What, exactly, is wrong with being optimistic, hopeful, and focused on positive approaches to solving the problems and difficulties before us?

Our challenge is to encourage those with voices of optimism to speak out and join in the continuous work of building and supporting the strong foundation of courage that leads to progress for the teachers and students of this district.

Sheila

Remember: Spring elections are coming up! Are you willing to help build unity, undertake the challenge of working on behalf of your colleagues, and be a positive voice for effecting change?

An aging Hindu master wanted to teach his apprentice an important factor of living life, and so, one morning, sent him for some salt. When the apprentice returned, the master instructed the unhappy young man to put a handful of salt in a glass of water and then to drink it.

“How does it taste?” the master asked.

“Bitter,” spit the apprentice.

The master chuckled and then asked the young man to take the same handful of salt and put it in the lake. The two walked in silence to the nearby lake, and once the apprentice swirled his handful of salt in the water, the old man said, “Now drink from the lake.”

As the water dripped down the young man’s chin, the master asked, “How does it taste?”

“Fresh,” remarked the apprentice.

“Do you taste the salt?” asked the master.

“No,” said the young man.

At this, the master sat beside this serious young man who so reminded him of himself and took his hands, offering, “The pain of life is pure salt; no more, no less. The amount of pain in life remains exactly the same. However, the amount of bitterness we taste depends on the container we put the pain in. So when you are in pain, the only thing you can do is to enlarge your sense of things. Don’t be a glass. Become a lake.”

(An ancient Hindu parable)

I recently came across the story above and it resonated deeply, causing me to reflect upon where I place the issues and concerns that come before me on a daily basis. I recognized that the “container” I was using for the storage of colleagues’ questions, requests, problems, issues and concerns was far too small, and consequently the accumulation of what I received and stored in this too-small-a-space was becoming more and more compact–ready to burst! These overcrowded conditions contributed to my developing a skewed perspective in addition to experiencing feelings of discomfort, stress, and negativity.

These personal reflections greatly upset me because I value the work done by this union on behalf of our 600+ members. I am proud of the work that is accomplished through this office, and I know that we have extremely dedicated members who always strive to do their best for the students of this district. I also know that due to our size, there will always be matters of concern that are brought to the attention of the MTA and it is our duty and responsibility to respond.

This prompted me to do some research through my mail, phone logs and e-mails.

Over the past few months the MTA has addressed matters involving: legal concerns, investigatory interviews of MTA members conducted by administrators and attorneys, salary problems, missing credits, insurance difficulties, tenure questions, late or missed observations, letters of counsel, maternity/child care leaves, appointments to District committees, problems with testing and scoring, disciplinary referrals with regard to the District’s Code of Conduct, and confidential matters involving a variety of questionable administrative actions. What I discovered was quite a revelation. The positives far outweighed the negatives and much has been accomplished on behalf of our members. It is difficult, however, to reveal particular achievements or resolutions because much of the work is done on an individual and/or confidential basis and our members’ right to privacy is paramount.

All of this leads back to my use of a too small storage container and the subsequent feeling of being constricted; I was viewing matters from a distorted and myopic viewpoint and was missing the bigger picture. This union is comprised of dedicated and hard-working members, and we have been diligent and successful in presenting their concerns. The majority of our members recognizes the structure and function of our union and appreciates the work that is being done for the good of all. For that I am very grateful.

The tasks ahead are not small and items of concern will continue to be brought to the union’s attention on a regular basis. However, I will be viewing things through a much broader lens in order to balance my perspective and not lose sight of the good that is done on behalf of the membership. The difficulties, concerns, issues, problems, and complaints that come my way will no longer take up all the space in my in-box and distort my vision. Rather, I will seek to integrate the strengths with the weaknesses, the positives with the negatives, and the compliments with the complaints. As your president, I certainly will continue to address problems and contractual concerns, and will always work to obtain fair resolutions and ensure that our contract language is upheld.

The work of a union cannot and should not be done by the efforts of a few individuals. The time is coming close for May elections and now is the time to ask yourself where you fit as a member of the MTA. I encourage all of you to take a broader view of what it means to be a union member, try to look at issues district-wide and from the perspectives of other colleagues, recognize what it means to work “for the good of all” and please give serious consideration to running for a position this spring.

Whatever games are played with us, we must play no games with ourselves.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

As we begin 2008, I trust we will continue to work together on issues of concern, and bring about the changes we know are necessary for both the students and the teachers of this district.  In order to accomplish the desired results, the work must be done cooperatively, collaboratively and with an understanding that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.  We must recognize, appreciate and allow for differences of opinion, but we cannot allow individual agendas to overshadow what the union is working on for the good of all.

It was not my intent to begin an article for the New Year with a less than optimistic tone, and on a personal level, I remain very hopeful that the work we have set into motion will obtain positive outcomes for our members on a number of issues.  However, I am increasingly concerned that across a few of our buildings, the discontent felt by some of our members (with District decisions, Central Administrators’ actions, and/or MTA opinions) has led to very serious breaches of professional conduct. This must stop!  We cannot condone members who choose to act against one another or against the union because in doing so serious divisions are created that erode not only the working relationships in individual buildings, but also the work of our union.

We will not accomplish the goals ahead when the membership is splintered. If we have members who think there are gains to be made by ignoring contract language in order to acquiesce to an administrator’s pleas, or who think it is okay to make personal deals, or who individually report to building administrators, central administrators, and/or Board members–they are sadly mistaken, and their actions seriously compromise the rights of their colleagues to have the union represent their concerns.

As mentioned in previous newsletters this year, we must be mindful of how we treat each other and we should strive to follow a code of conduct that establishes an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect; thereby allowing members to feel safe and speak freely.  We must agree to not just listen to each other, but to hear one another’s thoughts and opinions, while recognizing that ultimately, common ground must be achieved and be in alignment with our collective bargaining agreement.

I urge all of you, in the remaining months of school, to try in some way to become more involved with the MTA and learn what it means to be a union member.  Attend an MTA building meeting or come to a Rep Council meeting at the union office–both offer a great deal of information and insight regarding what is taking place district-wide and what your union is doing.  We have a number of ways to participate in very productive MTA activities this spring (Scholarship Selection Committee, Budget Mailing Committee, Meet the Candidates Night).  Come out and meet colleagues from other schools, volunteer an hour or so and get to know your union.

Although games may be played around us, as your union, we constantly work to combat and resolve the accompanying issues, and I know that many individuals have expressed deep appreciation for the time and effort put forth by the union to rectify wrongs or attain desired results.  Many members have benefited from the work done on their behalf and although it is often done on a private and individual basis, the collective gains have been quite positive. We need members who have experienced the benefits of union membership to be speaking up and sharing with others!  We do have strengths to build upon, and it is imperative to have those messages conveyed.

Additionally, we need to be looking toward the future in terms of member participation and leadership, but these are such large topics they must be reserved for a future issue.  However, the planning begins now!  We need members to seriously consider running for building rep positions, attending NYSUT’s Summer Leadership Conference in August, stepping up to the negotiations plate (planning begins in fifteen months), or running for officer positions as they become available.

Our time is too valuable and our work is too important to be consumed by game-playing.  It’s bad enough that it happens all around us–we must not allow it to happen among us.

Time for work; yet take much Holiday
for art’s and friendship’s sake.

–George James de Wilde

For the New Year, may 2008 bring us all:

• more truth and less spinning
• increased teacher autonomy
• a functional method of district-wide communication
• more time in the classroom and less time at unnecessary trainings and/pull-outs
• less testing and more instructional time

and…

• respect and appreciation; respect and appreciation; respect and appreciation; respect and appreciation; respect and appreciation

Finally, I can think of no better wish for all of you than to enjoy the upcoming vacation.  May the time off bring opportunities for rest, relaxation and enjoyment!

Sheila

It doesn’t seem possible that we will be wrapping up the month of September by the time all of you receive this newsletter.  Hopefully, summer has been a time of rest and rejuvenation and is not too much of a distant memory!

We will need our individual strengths this year as well as our collective strength if July, August and the beginning of September are any indication of what is in store for us this year.

I found it necessary to include in this issue the remarks I made at the last Board of Education meeting in August.  Sadly, we couldn’t even get through the summer without major problems that directly resulted from Central Administration’s lack of planning, organization and communication.  It would have been so much nicer to begin the school year with news of positive events and circumstances.  However, if I must begin this issue continuing where I left off last year then so be it.  Telling the truth and revealing the truth must take precedence.

Here we are, barely into the new school year, and we have issues that extend across the district:

• Scheduling of elementary in-service trainings violated contract language.
• The lack of planning and preparation at the High School (yet again)  caused chaos and confusion and contributed to an embarrassing and extremely unsatisfactory start.
• Cross Pointe has once again proven that it cannot handle the scheduling of high school classes.
• No apparent planning for the new 9th Grade Academy was evident when teachers entered school on September 4th and no training was in place nor was there any information to guide and support teachers who were assigned to be a part of this new venture.
• Necessary supplies and materials were not available to teachers– including textbooks that should have been ordered months ago.
• Duty rosters for HS teachers were e-mailed on the evening of Wednesday, September 12th, long after teachers were gone and at the start of a four day weekend (with duties to begin on the Monday teachers return).
• There was no uniform distribution and no standardized training provided on the new Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) document that took the entire school 2006-2007 year to create.  The completion of this document was due in large part to the concerted effort of the teacher majority on the APPR committee.  The committee made clear recommendations to the Superintendent regarding how the document should be presented to both administrators and teachers.  Unfortunately, the correct and appropriate handling of such an extremely important document did not occur as envisioned.

The above list is not comprehensive and serves only to provide some examples of what has been experienced by our members within the first month of school.  The MTA will continue to work on behalf of all its members but in turn we will need your help throughout this year.  Do not be a stranger to this office and please step forward to lend your union a hand when it is needed.

Through unity we build strength and the foreshadowing is evident.  We will need a surplus of strength in this new school year!

With the start of a new school year only days away I think it is important to re-emphasize the MTA’s desire to be a part of a clear and effective system of communication that will only serve to benefit all.   Without clear, consistent, and open communication, the potential for misunderstandings is always a possibility and the ramifications of poor (or non-existent) communication will be frustrating at best and potentially disastrous at worst.

Recently there have been some major communication gaffes directly involving the MTA and it is necessary to bring them to your attention.  On August 14th, interviews were held for the position of Personal Administrator.  It was extremely upsetting and very unfortunate that at 10:20 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 14th both Gary Day and I were called at our homes and notified that the first interview had begun at 10:00.  Neither of us had been notified regarding the interview details—the date was not confirmed, and the time and location were not communicated nor were any other related pieces of information made available (meeting ahead of time to formulate questions, format/structure of interview process, role of each member, etc.).  It was extremely upsetting and very embarrassing to have somehow been left out of the informational loop.

On Monday, August 27th—the first day of New Teacher Orientation, a near disaster occurred.  The schedule of events specifically designed to welcome and introduce new teachers to the district called for our new teachers to board a bus at Monhagen Middle School between 10:45 -11:00 and be transported to the MTA office for the union’s portion of the morning.  By 11:10 when there was no arrival of the new teachers, a phone call was placed to Monhagen to determine if the bus had left.  It was at this point that we learned no bus had arrived and we subsequently found out that no bus had been ordered by the district.  To add further insult to injury, my name was cited as being the person responsible for ordering the bus!  (To the best of my knowledge I have not been authorized to expend district funds!)  As upsetting as it was to have my name falsely linked to this mistake, it was far worse to have 39 brand new employees left to wait under the broiling sun while a series of calls were placed to secure transportation for them.  This was incredibly embarrassing, and it was very frustrating for our newest members who were left for an hour with nothing to do but wait.  By the time a bus was secured (a huge thank you to Mike Tuttle) and the teachers arrived at the MTA office, we had lost over 45 minutes of our well-planned and very detailed presentation for the newest members of our union.

What is most upsetting about both of these examples if that up to this very minute, no apology has been extended for either incident!  No explanations have been offered, nor has there been any acknowledgement of the phone calls I placed regarding both of these occurrences.  I am just incredulous at the lack of common courtesy and the total absence of anyone taking responsibility.  It is extremely difficult not to feel insulted and ignored.  As a member of an educational community, I assume that everyone should model the behaviors expected of our students—taking responsibility, offering apologies, inquiring as to the well-being of others and/or making amends are all examples of  appropriate responses when a mistake has been made.  As teachers, are we not valued enough to be the recipients of courteous behavior from the leaders of our district?

As I have been conducting exit interviews over the summer, many of the teachers who have resigned from the district have mentioned the frustration of poor communication as a factor in seeking employment elsewhere.  And, as recently as today, I have been receiving phone calls from members asking basic beginning of the year questions because they have received no official information from the school district.

With the start of a new school year only days away, we need to know that timely, clear and professional communication will become commonplace across the district.  I am not happy to have to publicly ask for something that should be a natural occurrence.

I believe an August edition of the MTA newsletter may be a first.  Your union office has been busy this summer and the Executive Board felt that it was necessary to get certain information out to you before the start of school.

In addition to planning many future events for the upcoming year, much work has taken place on a daily basis and union activities have not stopped since June.  To date:
More grievances were filed this summer keeping Lois Cronk, our grievance chair, quite busy.

I met regularly with Dr. Eastwood to address items of both old and new business matters.

Work continued on APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review) and hopefully the completed document will be presented to the Board of Education on August 30th.
Board of Education meetings in July and August were attended regularly by union officers and teachers.

Planning and organization took place for the August 27th New Teacher Orientation.
The MTA conducted its own exit interviews with members who resigned since June and a more detailed report will follow in the September newsletter.

Ten MTA members attended the NYSUT Summer Leadership Conference (see related article)

In addition to the above, quite a few members came in to the office regarding matters requiring personal attention.  Issues included insurance matters, hiring practices, possible terminations, step placements, retirements, resignations, maternity/child care leaves and overall district practices and procedures.  Needless to say, the days have flown by since June 22nd!

Please enjoy the rest of your summer.  I look forward to seeing all of you in September!

“In a time of universal deceit,
telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.”
(George Orwell)

Looking back over this past year, and in reviewing my monthly articles, the recurrent theme has been focused on “truth.” Something that should be so simple and a part of everyday life has been a precious commodity this year. Unfortunately, universal deceit has been the modus operandi of the district’s powers that be.

Why is speaking the truth so difficult? With all the spinning this year, it is amazing any of us can still see straight. Maybe that was the plan: Try and keep all of us unbalanced and confound our heads with so much dizzying and contradictory information, that we would not be able to discern the truth.

As our subjection to repeated incidences of deceit and manipulation occurred, it became apparent that there was only one option: We would have to be the ones to tell the truth. That has been the primary focus of my articles and in my monthly meetings with the superintendent. The work of the four MTA task forces has been another avenue through which truthful voices have been expressed, and the MTA appointees to various building level and district level committees have proven themselves to be articulate and honest.

The real truth is that our Board of Education must become educated as to the realities of the district and must be willing not only to ask difficult questions, but to question and challenge the recommendations of the superintendent when necessary. The mentality of some board members who advocate for differing opinions to be discussed solely within executive session is chilling. The clear implication from some BOE members is that every recommendation from the superintendent should receive unanimous support! This is not only wrong but has the frightening potential to lead to disastrous results. Let us not forget what blind allegiance has done to the district in the past.

We continue to experience problems with having no interim Director of Personnel. In a district with over 1,000 employees, does it make sense to operate without this important position for almost six months? How is it even conceivable to think that the job descriptions of two central administrators (the superintendent and the district business administrator) would allow time for them to divide the duties and responsibilities of a personnel director? Then again, how in the world can the majority of BOE members listen to the huge number of parents (the largest group of parents to attend a BOE meeting this year) protest the abolition of the ESL/Bi-Lingual Director’s position and yet still vote to abolish the position? Again, how does it make sense that two other central administrators, with full time positions, can undertake the division of the ESL/Bi-Lingual Director’s job? Who, besides the teachers, sees the disastrous consequences of such mismanagement?

The plan for the Contract for Excellence (CFE) money is of grave concern and the Board of Education needs to sit up and pay close attention to what is going to be implemented. The implications for the future are alarming and we could face a superintendent who is gone, leaving behind an incredible financial mess. A major flaw in Governor Spitzer’s plan is that teachers, parents, and community members are not mandated to participate until year two of the Contract for Excellence. Therefore, the thoughts, opinions and suggestions of many others have gone unsolicited for this year. Next year, how important will the participation of these constituents be when district-selected programs and positions have already been implemented? Does this district really need another administrator (Director of Counseling) or a Career and College Advisor? What are the implications of adding nineteen teachers under the CFE? How will the nine period day be implemented and what will be the construct of the Freshman Academy? How does all of this affect our high school teachers? Where is the open dialogue and dissemination of information? Teachers are leaving in June not knowing what the ramifications will be for them in September. The district plans to significantly upgrade the current state of elementary technology, but what exactly does that mean? Who will be getting what and when? How will this affect the daily lives of our elementary colleagues?

We have teaching assistants, so vital to our students, who may not be here in September. We have the current ESL/Bi-Lingual Director who has clearly proven the necessity of this position and who will not be here to continue this incredibly valuable work next year. We have elementary Community Social Workers who have created integral links with our students and parents yet these positions have also been eliminated. It is alarming that district positions have been abolished while outside consultants remain. How is it that grant money seems to be obtained for services that may be more desired than needed? Something is not right here, but often the critical information needed to formulate insightful questions never sees the light of day. How many new positions have been added over the last three years? How many consultants were hired? How many audits were conducted? What has been implemented with the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant that is completing year one?

Let us not lose sight of the significant problems many of our buildings are experiencing regarding health and safety concerns due to serious deficiencies and malfunctions in the areas of heating, ventilation, and roofing. Why, then, has the district decided that the first priority for the use of Excel Aid funds is to begin with the construction of the high school’s new athletic fields and new stadium? Why is the priority show and façade before health and safety?

Who, besides the teachers, is asking these pointed questions?

This has been an incredibly frustrating and difficult year—a year in which many questions have gone unanswered and many problems have gone unsolved. The summer break is upon us which is a very good thing. It is time to step back, recuperate and revitalize.

Rest, relax, and find joy for yourselves over the summer because in September we need to reconvene with a strong and united sense of purpose. It is evident that we need to direct the future for ourselves and if we need to become more revolutionary in voicing the truth, then so be it.

Go to the people.
Learn from them.
Live with them.
Start with what they know.
Build with what they have.
When the best leader’s work is done,
the people will say
“We have done it ourselves.”

Lao Tzu

The first five sentences in this month’s quote say it all. Isn’t this what we want? Isn’t this what we have been saying for three years?

How easy it would have been to “go to the people.” The world of education, by its very nature, should be people-centered. Taking time to meet and listen to the teachers and staff of this district would not only have been cost-effective, but the returns on such an investment could have been unlimited.

How easy it would have been to “learn from them.” Our ranks are filled with those who have the history, the knowledge, the skills, the talents, the desires, the insights, the energy and the dedication to move this district forward. We do not need to be the southern version of an upstate district; what we do need is to be recognized as capable professionals who understand the needs of our students and the community.

How easy it would have been to “live with them.” Had a positive working environment been established that was based on professional respect and trust, had there been a true attempt to get to know us and what we do on a daily basis, we would have no reason to cast doubt or suspicion upon the actions of central administration.

How easy it would have been to “start with what they know.” Had the time been taken to assess the collective knowledge base of our members; to determine what we knew worked and what didn’t work, how much farther along could we have been than where we are now?

How easy it would have been to “build with what they have.” We have been the foundation, the strong foundation, of this district for a multitude of years. Rather than instituting the systematic elimination of programs and positions, how simple it would have been to recognize our strengths and build upon them. A natural outcome would have been the establishment of an environment conducive to a general sense of well-being and partnership. Instead, feelings of fear, distrust, uncertainty and isolation abound.

The method to achieve success seems so simple and yet the last three years have proven to be some of the most difficult in this district’s history. If acted upon, the first five sentences from this month’s quote should be the keys for any leader’s success. When people have been seen, heard, respected, validated, empowered, and given autonomy, everyone benefits. That is success. That is what we want for all. That is what we deserve.

A note from the President: The article below ran in the April 29th Times Herald-Record as a response to an April 8th My View article by Board President Vincent Crescenzo. Mr. Crescenzo’s article may be accessed through www.recordonline.com —under ‘opinion’ and then ‘My View’ for the board president’s April 8th article entitled “Three years of progress helps students in Middletown.” Many members have asked that my article be re-printed for those who may not have seen it. The Times Herald Record entitled the article “Rosy view can’t change reality in Middletown schools.”

A recent “My View” editorial by Mr. Vincent Crescenzo, president of the Middletown Board of Education, contained a vast amount of information. Unfortunately, his broad brush painted an inaccurate picture and there are areas of blatant distortion in need of correction.

The convenient choice of a three year yardstick is not an accurate instrument by which to measure progress or success in this district. This type of measurement makes it appear that nothing of substance occurred in the years prior to the district’s current administration. This is simply not true. Board minutes from January 22, 2004 reflect Acting Superintendent McLeod’s comments regarding a September, 2005 opening for full-day kindergarten. The Academy of Finance has a long and very successful history in this school district and the seven AP courses are not new and creative additions to the high school course catalog, but have been offered for some time.

The board president’s article misleads the community and gives the impression that certain things are in place when, in fact, they are not. The high school auditorium and Library-Media Center have not been completed. To state that these new facilities are “state of the art” leads one to believe they are operational which is completely false. Neither has opened and we are now in the final weeks of school. It is an atrocity that our high school students have been deprived of both a Library-Media Center and an auditorium. This is not progress. The duplicity and illusion that everything is fine and the students’ needs are being met is nothing but a total disservice to the Middletown community.

Another disservice is stating that that the gifted and talented program “has been expanded to the elementary level.” This would imply that a gifted and talented program is in place somewhere in the district. Not true. What is currently being put into place at the elementary level (in lieu of a true gifted and talented program) is an “enrichment and challenge” English Language Arts block of time. Long gone are the days when this district had a thriving gifted and talented program and virtually every building had an Odyssey of the Mind Team.

This fall, Project Lead the Way, a pre-engineering sequence through Rochester Institute of Technology, will be made available to eligible incoming freshman. It is nothing short of misleading to report that the district “provides” such an opportunity. Again, the implication is that something is in place when that simply is not true.

While it is true that the district has a professional development committee, with a teacher majority (as per New York State Education Law), it is not accurate to write that teachers plan the professional development and advise the superintendent. Both would be quite welcome and given the opportunity to do we would certainly be willing and active participants!

The district-developed comprehensive system of assessment has added yet another layer of testing to our already overly-assessed students. Appropriately developed and judiciously implemented testing is a necessary component in monitoring student achievement and planning for instruction. However, the data driven univision employed by the district deprives our children of a full and enriching academic experience. Quarterly exams, beginning in kindergarten, have been placed atop other mandatory district and state tests. Teachers, many of whom have been told they must follow a strictly developed scope and sequence, or use only clearly delineated materials, have been systematically stripped of professional autonomy. The opportunity to seize a teachable moment, or expand a lesson by utilizing materials other than the ones prescribed by the district, have become like endangered species. The art of teaching has been virtually eliminated and the science of instruction has taken its place.

We all recognize the diversity of our student population and we know the challenges our students face on a daily basis. The teachers of this district are paying attention. We cannot allow broad and misleading statements to inaccurately portray the reality our students and teachers face on a daily basis.

Our school community needs the involvement of the people living within it. This is your school district; this is our school district. Knowledge is power and the key to success. Become knowledgeable—ask questions, visit schools, listen to information and then verify it for yourself. Be visible! Attend Board of Education meetings. Become an active participant. Most of all continue to be advocates in support of our students!

By: Sheila E. Esposito, President of the Middletown Teachers Association

All truth passes through three stages.
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
(Arthur Schopenhauer)
I need to believe that Stage three of Schopenhauer’s quote is on the horizon! Actually, we all need to believe that Stage three is on the horizon! With firm conviction this union has been bringing forth the truth whether it is in monthly superintendent meetings, at the microphone before the Board of Education, in monthly building rep meetings, at faculty meetings, through the published results of our MTA Task Forces, or within this monthly newsletter. There have been times when we have been ridiculed, and there have certainly been times when our professional opinions have been opposed. However, nothing has been able to stop us from expressing the truth, nor will we ever allow that to happen.

Given the size of our membership, it is difficult for everyone to know what is occurring across the district and keep current with what our colleagues are experiencing. Obviously, the truths that need to be revealed are dependent upon grade level, discipline and/or building. Regardless of whether we have or have not experienced the same concerns, we need to understand and support one another because what affects one affects all.

Thankfully, we have dedicated members who openly communicate their thoughts and concerns to those elected to represent them. The following areas of concern (some new and some continuing) have been voiced by members from across the district over the past month:

• Teachers being taken out of classrooms on the days before NYS testing
• Lack of timely response regarding personnel matters
• Undue clerical tasks
• Crosspointe
• Loss of instructional time
• Over testing of students
• Tedious, mundane, antiquated data analysis
• Functioning of restructuring teams
• Attempted use of comp ed teachers as workshop leaders for the March 30 staff development day
• The “Gifted and Talented” pilot program
• The lock step, uniform, no academic freedom approach to ELA instruction at the elementary levels

The truths surrounding all of the above will continue to be voiced by your union. We will not spin, manipulate, deceive or ignore what we know to be true. To reveal the truth is one thing; to have it accepted is another. Clearly, we are in this for the long run and we need the understanding, support and commitment of our members. We must look out for each other, stand united and be ever vigilant in protecting our rights contained in our collective bargaining agreement.