Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You value education? Put your money where your mouth is. Raise taxes. Fund schools.

And respect teachers. Don’t crap on them.

YOU are the problem.

WRONG!

Not the person to whom you are responding.

First, I was a teacher. So, yes, I respect teachers. Most teachers work very hard to do the right thing.
But, here's the issue: the unions don't really speak for the teachers.

The problem is not the lack of funds, the problem is how the funds are spent. I have seen up close the waste in school systems. I have seen Title I money get filtered off by the bureaucracy when I was teaching Title I kids.

Just look at all the waste in FCPS--I'm guessing the money spent on consultants is in the millions. We don't see most of it. Sure, there are some egregious things--like spending tens of thousands of dollars for a speaker for our administrators--when the kids are not even in buildings.

Look at what is going on now with our SB and "Anti-racism." They will spend big bucks on things like "Critical Race Theory" which is a troubling philosophy-and not "scientific." It throws out everything that MLK stood for. And, just watch--our SB will spend lots and lots of money on this. They will also "train" teachers --maybe even hire subs in order to train them.

People need to learn what 'anti-racism" is. It sounds good, but it is anything but not racist. FCPS is drinking the Kool Aid and it will be very expensive Koolaid. It will also damage our society.

Meanwhile, our very poor kids----many of whom happen to be Black and Brown--are suffering at the hands of a Superintendent and School Board that does not have the guts to do the right thing and get the kids back in school.

As for raising taxes--that is a 'simple" answer that will make some people feel good, but it will not fix the problem. The money is already there. It is just not being spent properly. Concentrate on education and the social justice will be resolved. Instruction is the best social justice. Just like a jobs are the best way to help families.

Reduce Gatehouse.
Reduce consultants.
Spend money where it will help students--that happens to be in the classroom.

Look at everything through a value lens--will the money spent help our kids learn better?

Just think of all the kids who have been given computers who already have computers--and, likely better computers than the school ones. Was that a wise purchase? How about ensuring that the kids who don't have computers have the support they need to use the ones they are given? Wouldn't that be money better spent? (Also, has anyone done an audit on those computer contracts? Were they purchased at the best price? Who made the decisions? When I was teaching, I saw how the textbook companies would wine and dine the decision makers. Pretty sure that could happen here, as well. )

No more money or higher taxes as long as kids are at home. The funds should be sufficient--especially since so many are now turning to private or homeschool.

Thank you for proving my point that parents don't really prioritize education. (or anti-racism)

I do agree that large school systems like FCPS are too bloated and seem to have INefficiencies in scale. But that is a different conversation.

Talk about painting with a broad brush. I'm not a PP, but this thread is really depressing.

What I as a parent have taken away from this discussion is that, assuming most teachers don't actually stand for the FEA position and hystronics, they should all join the third and least political union (AFPE, right?) and set that one up as the collective bargaining entity. That would position teachers to best advocate for what they actually need and what would actually benefit students, rather than platforming for political causes.

I think the ultimate issue here is that no matter how much DCUM wants to fantasize about firing teachers there aren't enough people to replace them. Even if you changed licensure requirements there wouldn't be enough.

Anonymous wrote:

You value education? Put your money where your mouth is. Raise taxes. Fund schools.

And respect teachers. Don’t crap on them.

YOU are the problem.

WRONG!

Not the person to whom you are responding.

First, I was a teacher. So, yes, I respect teachers. Most teachers work very hard to do the right thing.
But, here's the issue: the unions don't really speak for the teachers.

The problem is not the lack of funds, the problem is how the funds are spent. I have seen up close the waste in school systems. I have seen Title I money get filtered off by the bureaucracy when I was teaching Title I kids.

Just look at all the waste in FCPS--I'm guessing the money spent on consultants is in the millions. We don't see most of it. Sure, there are some egregious things--like spending tens of thousands of dollars for a speaker for our administrators--when the kids are not even in buildings.

Look at what is going on now with our SB and "Anti-racism." They will spend big bucks on things like "Critical Race Theory" which is a troubling philosophy-and not "scientific." It throws out everything that MLK stood for. And, just watch--our SB will spend lots and lots of money on this. They will also "train" teachers --maybe even hire subs in order to train them.

People need to learn what 'anti-racism" is. It sounds good, but it is anything but not racist. FCPS is drinking the Kool Aid and it will be very expensive Koolaid. It will also damage our society.

Meanwhile, our very poor kids----many of whom happen to be Black and Brown--are suffering at the hands of a Superintendent and School Board that does not have the guts to do the right thing and get the kids back in school.

As for raising taxes--that is a 'simple" answer that will make some people feel good, but it will not fix the problem. The money is already there. It is just not being spent properly. Concentrate on education and the social justice will be resolved. Instruction is the best social justice. Just like a jobs are the best way to help families.

Reduce Gatehouse.
Reduce consultants.
Spend money where it will help students--that happens to be in the classroom.

Look at everything through a value lens--will the money spent help our kids learn better?

Just think of all the kids who have been given computers who already have computers--and, likely better computers than the school ones. Was that a wise purchase? How about ensuring that the kids who don't have computers have the support they need to use the ones they are given? Wouldn't that be money better spent? (Also, has anyone done an audit on those computer contracts? Were they purchased at the best price? Who made the decisions? When I was teaching, I saw how the textbook companies would wine and dine the decision makers. Pretty sure that could happen here, as well. )

No more money or higher taxes as long as kids are at home. The funds should be sufficient--especially since so many are now turning to private or homeschool.

Thank you for proving my point that parents don't really prioritize education. (or anti-racism)

I do agree that large school systems like FCPS are too bloated and seem to have INefficiencies in scale. But that is a different conversation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are not unions in Virginia as it is a Right to Work state. In other areas of the country, the teachers unions negotiate the contract for teachers in that jurisdiction. In FCPS, the County dictates the contract and each teacher signs a contract with the county. In FCPS, benefits like pensions and healthcare are also provided through the county and state and not the union.

The "unions" act as associations in Virginia, but they have no real say in the contract and benefits the county offers the teachers.

You are confusing a "union", which is an organization of workers dedicated to advancing workers' interests, with an "exclusive bargaining entity", which is a legal status a union assumes when an employer choses to or is compelled to bargain with them.

In VA, for now, teachers' unions are not exclusive bargaining entities (laws will be changing in May but it won't be automatic). They are still capable of exerting considerable influence, however. They collect dues, provide benefits to members, donate to campaigns, make endorsements, organize their members to turn out to vote, and if managed well can have a lot of clout in local politics.

It's strange to me. There's a group out there that calls itself a union, that is clearly mobilizing its members against a policy and claiming to speak for them. Yet some people get all bent out of shape when anyone tries to blame the union for the inability to implement a policy that they vocally, actively oppose.

They have VERY little power compared to actual teacher unions in other states. It's funny to hear people complain about teacher "unions" here because they clearly have no experience with real teacher unions.

For the 1000th time. They will be a fully fledged Union in May.

Collective bargaining, backing from NEA national, etc.

Kim Adams speaks for the teachers of Fairfax County.

In terms of influence, Virginia “teacher unions” are inching their way up from the very bottom of the barrel. Once collective bargaining is no longer banned that is a step in the right direction, but they still have a LONG way to go to close the gap on unions with strong influence.
https://nccft.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20121029-Union-Strength-Full-Report_7_0.pdf
Pages 11-12

Anything that raises my salary and reduces my workload is always welcome.

Crazy parents who make 6-7 figures thinking we’re indentured servants refrain from commenting.

They may raise your salary marginally. But it will be offset by marginally larger classes. Those of you who weren’t here for recession budgeting may want to refresh your memories on school funding in a bad economy. They will reduce your workload by instructing you to never lift a finger outside your contact hours. But, they won’t be doing anything tangible to help on that front. You won’t get the right to strike if you reach an impasse.

NOVA salaries are already pretty high. And part of any salary increase will go back to the unions, because dues will be mandatory.

This is incorrect. VA remains a Right to Work state even with collective bargaining. Membership will not be compulsory to employment and dues can’t be collected from non-members (see the Janus Supreme Court decision). Striking will still be illegal. CB doesn’t change those things.

Yes, even if some of the school districts allow collective bargaining (they aren't required to do so), the "teacher unions" will have limited funds and therefore limited ability to shape public policy. They aren't allowed to strike. There is just very little they can do because of VA policy.

VA "teacher unions" will still be very limited in their influence.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

VA is full of people who don’t value schools

FEA is leading the race for those in VA that don’t value schools by a wide margin.

You value education? Put your money where your mouth is. Raise taxes. Fund schools.

And respect teachers. Don’t crap on them.

YOU are the problem.

FCPS spends $16,500 per pupil.

https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps

That’s almost $5000 more than the national average or state average.

https://www.governing.com/archive/state-education-spending-per-pupil-data.html

FCPS is incredibly well funded. I grew up in the South and my mother was a public school teacher. You have no idea.

And I’ve had kids in the system since 2007. I always respected teachers. Until last fall. Respect isn’t something you are entitled to. It’s also something earn and something that can be lost.

OK. VA spends more per student than the crappiest school systems - is that your argument? It still falls behind areas with better schools systems.

Generally, there is very little respect for teachers. And look at how so many parents have treated them during the pandemic. It's revolting.

Virginia does not prioritize education.

Yep.....

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are not unions in Virginia as it is a Right to Work state. In other areas of the country, the teachers unions negotiate the contract for teachers in that jurisdiction. In FCPS, the County dictates the contract and each teacher signs a contract with the county. In FCPS, benefits like pensions and healthcare are also provided through the county and state and not the union.

The "unions" act as associations in Virginia, but they have no real say in the contract and benefits the county offers the teachers.

You are confusing a "union", which is an organization of workers dedicated to advancing workers' interests, with an "exclusive bargaining entity", which is a legal status a union assumes when an employer choses to or is compelled to bargain with them.

In VA, for now, teachers' unions are not exclusive bargaining entities (laws will be changing in May but it won't be automatic). They are still capable of exerting considerable influence, however. They collect dues, provide benefits to members, donate to campaigns, make endorsements, organize their members to turn out to vote, and if managed well can have a lot of clout in local politics.

It's strange to me. There's a group out there that calls itself a union, that is clearly mobilizing its members against a policy and claiming to speak for them. Yet some people get all bent out of shape when anyone tries to blame the union for the inability to implement a policy that they vocally, actively oppose.

They have VERY little power compared to actual teacher unions in other states. It's funny to hear people complain about teacher "unions" here because they clearly have no experience with real teacher unions.

For the 1000th time. They will be a fully fledged Union in May.

Collective bargaining, backing from NEA national, etc.

Kim Adams speaks for the teachers of Fairfax County.

In terms of influence, Virginia “teacher unions” are inching their way up from the very bottom of the barrel. Once collective bargaining is no longer banned that is a step in the right direction, but they still have a LONG way to go to close the gap on unions with strong influence.
https://nccft.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20121029-Union-Strength-Full-Report_7_0.pdf
Pages 11-12

Anything that raises my salary and reduces my workload is always welcome.

Crazy parents who make 6-7 figures thinking we’re indentured servants refrain from commenting.

They may raise your salary marginally. But it will be offset by marginally larger classes. Those of you who weren’t here for recession budgeting may want to refresh your memories on school funding in a bad economy. They will reduce your workload by instructing you to never lift a finger outside your contact hours. But, they won’t be doing anything tangible to help on that front. You won’t get the right to strike if you reach an impasse.

NOVA salaries are already pretty high. And part of any salary increase will go back to the unions, because dues will be mandatory.

This is incorrect. VA remains a Right to Work state even with collective bargaining. Membership will not be compulsory to employment and dues can’t be collected from non-members (see the Janus Supreme Court decision). Striking will still be illegal. CB doesn’t change those things.

You value education? Put your money where your mouth is. Raise taxes. Fund schools.

And respect teachers. Don’t crap on them.

YOU are the problem.

WRONG!

Not the person to whom you are responding.

First, I was a teacher. So, yes, I respect teachers. Most teachers work very hard to do the right thing.
But, here's the issue: the unions don't really speak for the teachers.

The problem is not the lack of funds, the problem is how the funds are spent. I have seen up close the waste in school systems. I have seen Title I money get filtered off by the bureaucracy when I was teaching Title I kids.

Just look at all the waste in FCPS--I'm guessing the money spent on consultants is in the millions. We don't see most of it. Sure, there are some egregious things--like spending tens of thousands of dollars for a speaker for our administrators--when the kids are not even in buildings.

Look at what is going on now with our SB and "Anti-racism." They will spend big bucks on things like "Critical Race Theory" which is a troubling philosophy-and not "scientific." It throws out everything that MLK stood for. And, just watch--our SB will spend lots and lots of money on this. They will also "train" teachers --maybe even hire subs in order to train them.

People need to learn what 'anti-racism" is. It sounds good, but it is anything but not racist. FCPS is drinking the Kool Aid and it will be very expensive Koolaid. It will also damage our society.

Meanwhile, our very poor kids----many of whom happen to be Black and Brown--are suffering at the hands of a Superintendent and School Board that does not have the guts to do the right thing and get the kids back in school.

As for raising taxes--that is a 'simple" answer that will make some people feel good, but it will not fix the problem. The money is already there. It is just not being spent properly. Concentrate on education and the social justice will be resolved. Instruction is the best social justice. Just like a jobs are the best way to help families.

Reduce Gatehouse.
Reduce consultants.
Spend money where it will help students--that happens to be in the classroom.

Look at everything through a value lens--will the money spent help our kids learn better?

Just think of all the kids who have been given computers who already have computers--and, likely better computers than the school ones. Was that a wise purchase? How about ensuring that the kids who don't have computers have the support they need to use the ones they are given? Wouldn't that be money better spent? (Also, has anyone done an audit on those computer contracts? Were they purchased at the best price? Who made the decisions? When I was teaching, I saw how the textbook companies would wine and dine the decision makers. Pretty sure that could happen here, as well. )

No more money or higher taxes as long as kids are at home. The funds should be sufficient--especially since so many are now turning to private or homeschool.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

VA is full of people who don’t value schools

FEA is leading the race for those in VA that don’t value schools by a wide margin.

You value education? Put your money where your mouth is. Raise taxes. Fund schools.

And respect teachers. Don’t crap on them.

YOU are the problem.

FCPS spends $16,500 per pupil.

https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps

That’s almost $5000 more than the national average or state average.

https://www.governing.com/archive/state-education-spending-per-pupil-data.html

FCPS is incredibly well funded. I grew up in the South and my mother was a public school teacher. You have no idea.

And I’ve had kids in the system since 2007. I always respected teachers. Until last fall. Respect isn’t something you are entitled to. It’s also something earn and something that can be lost.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

VA is full of people who don’t value schools

FEA is leading the race for those in VA that don’t value schools by a wide margin.

You value education? Put your money where your mouth is. Raise taxes. Fund schools.

And respect teachers. Don’t crap on them.

YOU are the problem.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are not unions in Virginia as it is a Right to Work state. In other areas of the country, the teachers unions negotiate the contract for teachers in that jurisdiction. In FCPS, the County dictates the contract and each teacher signs a contract with the county. In FCPS, benefits like pensions and healthcare are also provided through the county and state and not the union.

The "unions" act as associations in Virginia, but they have no real say in the contract and benefits the county offers the teachers.

You are confusing a "union", which is an organization of workers dedicated to advancing workers' interests, with an "exclusive bargaining entity", which is a legal status a union assumes when an employer choses to or is compelled to bargain with them.

In VA, for now, teachers' unions are not exclusive bargaining entities (laws will be changing in May but it won't be automatic). They are still capable of exerting considerable influence, however. They collect dues, provide benefits to members, donate to campaigns, make endorsements, organize their members to turn out to vote, and if managed well can have a lot of clout in local politics.

It's strange to me. There's a group out there that calls itself a union, that is clearly mobilizing its members against a policy and claiming to speak for them. Yet some people get all bent out of shape when anyone tries to blame the union for the inability to implement a policy that they vocally, actively oppose.

They have VERY little power compared to actual teacher unions in other states. It's funny to hear people complain about teacher "unions" here because they clearly have no experience with real teacher unions.

For the 1000th time. They will be a fully fledged Union in May.

Collective bargaining, backing from NEA national, etc.

Kim Adams speaks for the teachers of Fairfax County.

In terms of influence, Virginia “teacher unions” are inching their way up from the very bottom of the barrel. Once collective bargaining is no longer banned that is a step in the right direction, but they still have a LONG way to go to close the gap on unions with strong influence.
https://nccft.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20121029-Union-Strength-Full-Report_7_0.pdf
Pages 11-12

Anything that raises my salary and reduces my workload is always welcome.

Crazy parents who make 6-7 figures thinking we’re indentured servants refrain from commenting.

As a parent, I pro strong teacher unions. I’m from an area with top schools and the teachers play a big part in that. Teachers having a voice is better for everyone.

VA is full of people who don’t value schools (when it comes to taxes & spending) and “freedom” types. Fortunately, the population is changing. Hope we eventually prioritize schools as much as other areas do.

You are in this forum and think NOVA (not ROVA) doesn’t prioritize schools. Seriously? Education is a full contact sport here. If anything, we need to take a step back, especially in the TJ feeders and HSs.

Some parents prioritize schools...but generally they don’t want to spend money on them. Look at school budgets and the push to send their kids to public universities. Everyone is clamoring to get into a handful of good schools.

Overall, our communities and state & local governments don’t value education as much as other areas. Look at per pupil spending. Look at how they treat teachers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am teacher and I am so confused about this collective that I am supposed to be a part of. Is it a union or not? What makes an association a true union?
Right now all I know is that some woman I don’t know and who seems a bit ”batscheize” gets to speak “for teachers” at SB meetings. Why does she get to speak? Because nowhere on her Christmas list of demands are the things I would ask for - smaller class sizes, real textbooks, better working conditions (cleaner, ventilated), and unfrozen step increases.

I have a strong feeling this FEA lady gets to speak because she DOES ask for stupid, unreasonable stuff no one wants and she gives Braband an easy target. I don’t know.

I’d like to go back to school and teach. What is the hold up? The concurrent equipment they need so they can accommodate everyone and make everyone equally detest school? The “required distancing” we know they can’t do because, c’mon, my school is overflowing. The vaccines that are stalled?

Apparently, WaPo and the community seem to think teachers are on some sort of “strike” - a strike of LOAs and ADAs. Well, why did leadership grant so many of them if this was going to be such a problem?

Yeah, so I will just go back to teaching through the computer while you all figure this out. I am doing the best I can.

OP, we worked at the state level and locally for smaller class sizes and real textbooks and better ventilation and it was the teacher's unions and the current school board that fought against these or at least wouldn't support them in full. And the republicans wouldn't support extra money although agreed in principle. They wanted other things cut first. Each side likes to use these things as tools/weapons to get their pet projects approved.

Why would “the union” work against you? Who are these people and why do they get to represent “teachers?” What gives them that authority?
We absolutely need smaller class sizes. That would be issue number one on my wish list.

Lol. That would require the union to actually care about instruction. They only care about making it hard to fire bad teachers (I mean, seriously, why is tenure a thing for school age teachers!); obtaining as many “training days” as possible (because you know, teachers are hourly workers - NOT); ensuring high pay (yes they are very well paid here); and generous benefits (hello: pension!).

I say this as someone who is not a member of a union...
1. No tenure in VA. You are on "continuing contract" after three years, but you can be placed on evaluation at any point. Otherwise you do a formal evaluation process every three years.
2. Teachers pretty universally hate these "training days." They are never actually relevant to our jobs.
3. Ha. Our pay keeps getting frozen and health care costs just go up.
4. This generous pension you speak of is no longer in existence for new-ish hires to FCPS. It is now a defined benefit plan like most employers have these days.

Yep. It sucks. We have no real union, and yet we get shit on for what we don’t have. I think i may move to another county.

Or, you could stay here until May when the start collective bargaining on your behalf.

Is that really going to happen? I am just really disillusioned. I feel like I really sold myself short working here, and that is not a good feeling. Plus, I can never get in touch with HR. I guess they are busy processing all those LOAs and ADAs because they haven’t managed to cancel the life insurance policy I asked them to stop FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES SINCE LAST FEBRUARY and for which I now pay 50 bucks a month for. I hate them.

Do you not have electronic access to your benefits to change this on your own?

No, I don’t. i have had to file a form 3 different times. The first time I had to send it directly to the Insurance company. Nothing happened. Then twice again, but this time I was told to give it to HR. I just would like to get it taken care of.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are not unions in Virginia as it is a Right to Work state. In other areas of the country, the teachers unions negotiate the contract for teachers in that jurisdiction. In FCPS, the County dictates the contract and each teacher signs a contract with the county. In FCPS, benefits like pensions and healthcare are also provided through the county and state and not the union.

The "unions" act as associations in Virginia, but they have no real say in the contract and benefits the county offers the teachers.

Catch up. The legislature voted to allow teachers to unionize and have collective bargaining starting this spring.

They voted to allow it - that doesn't mean it is happening. It almost certainly will, but as of right now nothing has changed. The teachers need to select a union, for one thing, and then that union has to be certified to represent them. I'm not even sure any step in that process has happened.

Correct. I’ve mentioned this too. The unions are jockeying, but no other steps have happened.

I mean yes, in the same way Godzilla jockeys with ants.

PS— step one: if you don’t join the union, some crazy parent will sue you personally for something you didn’t do, and we alone can make it better. That’s their opening pitch. It’s BS. But it freaks teachers out and scares them into joining.

All of how many? 4,000? It's not a large percentage.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are not unions in Virginia as it is a Right to Work state. In other areas of the country, the teachers unions negotiate the contract for teachers in that jurisdiction. In FCPS, the County dictates the contract and each teacher signs a contract with the county. In FCPS, benefits like pensions and healthcare are also provided through the county and state and not the union.

The "unions" act as associations in Virginia, but they have no real say in the contract and benefits the county offers the teachers.

You are confusing a "union", which is an organization of workers dedicated to advancing workers' interests, with an "exclusive bargaining entity", which is a legal status a union assumes when an employer choses to or is compelled to bargain with them.

In VA, for now, teachers' unions are not exclusive bargaining entities (laws will be changing in May but it won't be automatic). They are still capable of exerting considerable influence, however. They collect dues, provide benefits to members, donate to campaigns, make endorsements, organize their members to turn out to vote, and if managed well can have a lot of clout in local politics.

It's strange to me. There's a group out there that calls itself a union, that is clearly mobilizing its members against a policy and claiming to speak for them. Yet some people get all bent out of shape when anyone tries to blame the union for the inability to implement a policy that they vocally, actively oppose.

They have VERY little power compared to actual teacher unions in other states. It's funny to hear people complain about teacher "unions" here because they clearly have no experience with real teacher unions.

For the 1000th time. They will be a fully fledged Union in May.

Collective bargaining, backing from NEA national, etc.

Kim Adams speaks for the teachers of Fairfax County.

In terms of influence, Virginia “teacher unions” are inching their way up from the very bottom of the barrel. Once collective bargaining is no longer banned that is a step in the right direction, but they still have a LONG way to go to close the gap on unions with strong influence.
https://nccft.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20121029-Union-Strength-Full-Report_7_0.pdf
Pages 11-12

Anything that raises my salary and reduces my workload is always welcome.

Crazy parents who make 6-7 figures thinking we’re indentured servants refrain from commenting.

They may raise your salary marginally. But it will be offset by marginally larger classes. Those of you who weren’t here for recession budgeting may want to refresh your memories on school funding in a bad economy. They will reduce your workload by instructing you to never lift a finger outside your contact hours. But, they won’t be doing anything tangible to help on that front. You won’t get the right to strike if you reach an impasse.

NOVA salaries are already pretty high. And part of any salary increase will go back to the unions, because dues will be mandatory.