Fairfax public schools - pay freeze for teachers again?

[Anonymous]

My spouse is a teacher in Fairfax and took a pay freeze this year (both cost of living and step increase) due to budget shortfalls. The budget for 20010-11 looks just as bad, if not worse. We found it reasonable to accept a pay freeze this year (as an alternative to staffing cuts) but there is talk about another pay freeze for next year. I understand that everyone has to make sacrifices and the budget needs to be balanced in some way - but I hope this doesn't happen -- not just for my family, but for all the other Fairfax Co. teachers. I'm wondering why the County isn't offering buy-outs as an alternative to pay freezes for a 2nd year in a row? Or maybe that will be part of the next proposal, who knows. I wonder what others think? Do parents think teacher pay freezes for two years is reasonable? Do parents think cuts should be made in other areas first? Would we be willing to see foreign language programs or sports cuts as an alternative?

[Anonymous]

No, I don't think that foreign languages or sports should be cut in place of pay freezes. I feel bad for the teachers, but I would rather have them have pay freezes (which is happening all across the job spectrum) than cut what is offered to students.

[Anonymous]

I am a teacher in FCPS and while it stinks not to have gotten a raise or step increase this year, I am OK with it. It seems that cuts are being made throughout the county with regard to various programs, so I am just going to suck it up for the time being. And honestly, while the raises are nice, they are never really that huge (maybe $200/month after taxes) so as long as I watch my spending, it is not too much of a hit for me to not have that pay increase. Now if the economy really starts to improve and we still are not getting a raise, that is a different story. But right now I am just happy I have a job because there are many out there who are not as fortunate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a teacher in FCPS and while it stinks not to have gotten a raise or step increase this year, I am OK with it. It seems that cuts are being made throughout the county with regard to various programs, so I am just going to suck it up for the time being. And honestly, while the raises are nice, they are never really that huge (maybe $200/month after taxes) so as long as I watch my spending, it is not too much of a hit for me to not have that pay increase. Now if the economy really starts to improve and we still are not getting a raise, that is a different story. But right now I am just happy I have a job because there are many out there who are not as fortunate.

Don't sell yourselves short. Various programs should be cut and fees implemented. . Roll back full day kindergarten for everything but schools with specific demographics. This county ignored input from last year's community budget meetings. Lead teachers should get stipends. The debt service is huge for bond projects- some of which should never have been built and others should have been reduced in scope. FCPS should go back to traditional contract lengths with summer school as a stipend. Boundaries should be changed to maximize efficiency and good teachers should be paid. No South County Middle School, get rid of IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My spouse is a teacher in Fairfax and took a pay freeze this year (both cost of living and step increase) due to budget shortfalls. The budget for 20010-11 looks just as bad, if not worse. We found it reasonable to accept a pay freeze this year (as an alternative to staffing cuts) but there is talk about another pay freeze for next year. I understand that everyone has to make sacrifices and the budget needs to be balanced in some way - but I hope this doesn't happen -- not just for my family, but for all the other Fairfax Co. teachers. I'm wondering why the County isn't offering buy-outs as an alternative to pay freezes for a 2nd year in a row? Or maybe that will be part of the next proposal, who knows. I wonder what others think? Do parents think teacher pay freezes for two years is reasonable? Do parents think cuts should be made in other areas first? Would we be willing to see foreign language programs or sports cuts as an alternative?

Lots of people didn't get raises last year (or had their pay cut), and won't get raises this year. Why should teachers be exempt?

And you have got to be kidding with the question re: foreign language programs and sports. No, they shouldn't be cut. Cut programs for children (many of whose parents aren't getting raises) so teacher can get raises (not keep jobs, or continue to provide essential services)? Come on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a teacher in FCPS and while it stinks not to have gotten a raise or step increase this year, I am OK with it. It seems that cuts are being made throughout the county with regard to various programs, so I am just going to suck it up for the time being. And honestly, while the raises are nice, they are never really that huge (maybe $200/month after taxes) so as long as I watch my spending, it is not too much of a hit for me to not have that pay increase. Now if the economy really starts to improve and we still are not getting a raise, that is a different story. But right now I am just happy I have a job because there are many out there who are not as fortunate.

Don't sell yourselves short. Various programs should be cut and fees implemented. . Roll back full day kindergarten for everything but schools with specific demographics. This county ignored input from last year's community budget meetings. Lead teachers should get stipends. The debt service is huge for bond projects- some of which should never have been built and others should have been reduced in scope. FCPS should go back to traditional contract lengths with summer school as a stipend. Boundaries should be changed to maximize efficiency and good teachers should be paid. No South County Middle School, get rid of IB.

NOt all schools have full day kindergarten. Those with "specific demographics" are the ones that have it, currently. Modified calendar schools are being cancelled next year (even in the schools with the demographics that I think you're referring to).
Which boundaries do you think should be changed?

"The debt service is huge for bond projects- some of which should never have been built and others should have been reduced in scope." That's neither here nor there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a teacher in FCPS and while it stinks not to have gotten a raise or step increase this year, I am OK with it. It seems that cuts are being made throughout the county with regard to various programs, so I am just going to suck it up for the time being. And honestly, while the raises are nice, they are never really that huge (maybe $200/month after taxes) so as long as I watch my spending, it is not too much of a hit for me to not have that pay increase. Now if the economy really starts to improve and we still are not getting a raise, that is a different story. But right now I am just happy I have a job because there are many out there who are not as fortunate.

Don't sell yourselves short. Various programs should be cut and fees implemented. . Roll back full day kindergarten for everything but schools with specific demographics. This county ignored input from last year's community budget meetings. Lead teachers should get stipends. The debt service is huge for bond projects- some of which should never have been built and others should have been reduced in scope. FCPS should go back to traditional contract lengths with summer school as a stipend. Boundaries should be changed to maximize efficiency and good teachers should be paid. No South County Middle School, get rid of IB.

NOt all schools have full day kindergarten. Those with "specific demographics" are the ones that have it, currently. Modified calendar schools are being cancelled next year (even in the schools with the demographics that I think you're referring to).
Which boundaries do you think should be changed?

"The debt service is huge for bond projects- some of which should never have been built and others should have been reduced in scope." That's neither here nor there.

I am the teacher poster. I agree that there is a lot of waste all throughout the school system on various things, but that is a big issue that will not be resolved easily. And teaching at an IB school, I don't think getting rid of IB is a good solution! I feel like right now we all have to sacrifice a little and just realize that things are bad for a lot of people throughout the U.S. Of course I would love my $3000/year raise, but we all know teachers don't go into teaching for the money, so not getting a raise for a couple of years is not going to kill me.

[Anonymous]

Lots of people didn't get raises last year (or had their pay cut), and won't get raises this year. Why should teachers be exempt?

And you have got to be kidding with the question re: foreign language programs and sports. No, they shouldn't be cut. Cut programs for children (many of whose parents aren't getting raises) so teacher can get raises (not keep jobs, or continue to provide essential services)? Come on.

This is OP. I knew I would get this sort of response - that everyone is sucking it up and teachers should too. We actually moved here from Cleveland because my spouse was laid off due to budget restraints several years ago, so we were absolutely on board with keeping staff at the sacrifice of salary increase last year. But are those the only choices?

Am I being serious about the idea that maybe we should consider maintaining at least a cost of living adjustment for teachers this year and proposing pay-for-play sports, for instance? Yes, absolutely. Why should non-academics be given greater value than paying teachers at least the equivalent of what they made in 2007-2008? Teachers are public servants. If schools were run by the federal government and not the state, I don't think their salaries would be placed at a lower value than the track team, for instance (although I suppose that is a whole different topic of discussion). I work for the federal government and we haven't had to forego step and cost of living increases...

[Anonymous]

I am a Fairfax County parent. I don't know what the solution to this is, but I think it's sad if our teachers have to go another year without raises. Yes, lots of other people are losing jobs or foregoing raises too, but that doesn't make me feel good about not our teachers not getting raises. All of the teachers my kids have had so far (we're still in elementary) have been wonderful and we really appreciate what they do for our kids. In our particular school, parents volunteer and try to help out a lot to partner with the teachers and show our appreciation, but that's not the same as monetary compensation. Our school did not get full-day K as scheduled and that directly impacts me (including financially as my kindergartner will not be able to full-day next year so I need to continue paying for childcare), but I understand it's just not possible to implement it now in the current environment.

Again, I don't know what the solution is but I just wanted to say there's at least one parent out here who really appreciates our wonderful Fairfax County teachers!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a Fairfax County parent. I don't know what the solution to this is, but I think it's sad if our teachers have to go another year without raises. Yes, lots of other people are losing jobs or foregoing raises too, but that doesn't make me feel good about not our teachers not getting raises. All of the teachers my kids have had so far (we're still in elementary) have been wonderful and we really appreciate what they do for our kids. In our particular school, parents volunteer and try to help out a lot to partner with the teachers and show our appreciation, but that's not the same as monetary compensation. Our school did not get full-day K as scheduled and that directly impacts me (including financially as my kindergartner will not be able to full-day next year so I need to continue paying for childcare), but I understand it's just not possible to implement it now in the current environment.

Again, I don't know what the solution is but I just wanted to say there's at least one parent out here who really appreciates our wonderful Fairfax County teachers!

OP again. I don't really know what the solution is either. I just hope that some other alternatives are considered this year. Thanks for your support of teachers in Fairfax County! I just wanted to sympathize -- I can also relate to your disappointment (but understanding) of the halt to the full-day kindergarten expansion --our school was supposed to go full-day last year when our child was set to start kindergarten. We were, like you, affected monitarily. Also like you, we understand the need to make cuts and sacrifices. I sure do hope things improve in 2011-2012.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Lots of people didn't get raises last year (or had their pay cut), and won't get raises this year. Why should teachers be exempt?

And you have got to be kidding with the question re: foreign language programs and sports. No, they shouldn't be cut. Cut programs for children (many of whose parents aren't getting raises) so teacher can get raises (not keep jobs, or continue to provide essential services)? Come on.

This is OP. I knew I would get this sort of response - that everyone is sucking it up and teachers should too. We actually moved here from Cleveland because my spouse was laid off due to budget restraints several years ago, so we were absolutely on board with keeping staff at the sacrifice of salary increase last year. But are those the only choices?

Am I being serious about the idea that maybe we should consider maintaining at least a cost of living adjustment for teachers this year and proposing pay-for-play sports, for instance? Yes, absolutely. Why should non-academics be given greater value than paying teachers at least the equivalent of what they made in 2007-2008? Teachers are public servants. If schools were run by the federal government and not the state, I don't think their salaries would be placed at a lower value than the track team, for instance (although I suppose that is a whole different topic of discussion). I work for the federal government and we haven't had to forego step and cost of living increases...

Regarding cutting programs, your original post suggested cutting foreign language programs, which most certainly are academics. With respect to sports (and other activities), school is about more than just academics, in my opinion.

You didn’t actually address the “everyone is sucking it up and teachers should too” point – why is it that you think teachers should get raises (or COLA) when others aren’t? You imply that since federal government employees still get increases, and since teachers are public servants, teachers are entitled to raises, even when others in the private sector aren’t getting raises, and even if it means cutting programs for students. That’s going to be tough sell to lots of parents/taxpayers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
You didn’t actually address the “everyone is sucking it up and teachers should too” point – why is it that you think teachers should get raises (or COLA) when others aren’t? You imply that since federal government employees still get increases, and since teachers are public servants, teachers are entitled to raises, even when others in the private sector aren’t getting raises, and even if it means cutting programs for students. That’s going to be tough sell to lots of parents/taxpayers.

OP again. I'll admit, I'm not well informed enough to suggest what programs should be cut. I have 2 kids in school, so I'm not thrilled about any cuts to be honest. They have a fantastic Spanish program -- I'd be sad to see it go. Sure I understand that many people are experiencing job loss and salary cuts and I certainly don't think teachers or anyone else should be exempt from making sacrifices in hard times. I'm not trying to imply that teachers are "entitled" to anything -- nor do I think us government employees should be "entitled" - in fact, I'm very surprised we haven't had to forego salary freezes too (maybe that's to come still). That was a state vs. federal funding issue I was trying to make, but I shouldn't have opened that can of worms - another day/another topic.

I guess I just never understood why so many parents won't even consider program cuts and automatically conclude that teachers should have to make all of the sacrifices. I'd like someone to tell me why we taxpayers and parents should pay for football instead of giving teachers a COLA after having already had a pay freeze for a year?

[Anonymous]

I guess I just never understood why so many parents won't even consider program cuts and automatically conclude that teachers should have to make all of the sacrifices. I'd like someone to tell me why we taxpayers and parents should pay for football instead of giving teachers a COLA after having already had a pay freeze for a year?

Because some level of sports program is a very important aspect of the overall school environment. As it is, from what I hear, parents need to pay fees in many places for kids to play sports or to pay for school uniforms. I agree with PPs that it will be nice when the economny is back on track and most people are getting raises and so teachers can share in that good fortune. BUT, no one is talking about actually cutting your salary, only not increasing it. Only in the world of government/school jobs are raises broken out into "COLA" and "raises". If you get more money, it's a raise. And most people in the private sector are not getting any more money at all and in fact for many it's quite the opposite. So in that environment, no, I don't think it's unreasonable that teachers go 2 years in a row without getting raises. Yes, I think that's preferable to gutting important programs such as full day kindergarten, languages or sports.

[Anonymous]

Spouse of FCPS teacher here. What everyone has to remember is that teachers never get to take advantage of the "good times." Teacher pay is atrocious all the time, even when everyone else's bonuses are rolling in. Don't make teachers make yet another sacrifice. That is why the teachers are getting out of the profession. Parent should consider who they want teaching their kids. It is hard to afford to live in this area on $60,000 a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess I just never understood why so many parents won't even consider program cuts and automatically conclude that teachers should have to make all of the sacrifices. I'd like someone to tell me why we taxpayers and parents should pay for football instead of giving teachers a COLA after having already had a pay freeze for a year?

Why should the kids have to suffer? I'm not a huge sports fan myself, but I understand that for some kids it is very important and what makes school bearable for them. Not to mention, how would you decide which schools would take the cuts and which would get to keep them? I'm not stupid, this would not be an across the board cut.