August 6, 2006
Dear Editor:
Representing the 249 members of the Canton Teachers Association, I would like to rebut the August 2 article, “Teachers union reject School Committee’s latest proposal.”
School Committee Chairman John Bonnanzio’s characterization of teachers has reached a new low in the campaign to denigrate us both on a personal and professional level. Single-handedly, Mr. Bonnanzio’s comments have hurt the goodwill that exists between the CTA and the school committee. “Best friends” don’t do that. Never have the teachers of Canton “considered [ourselves] ‘better or more special’ than other town workers who agreed not to take a cost of living increase this year”. Those are Mr. Bonnanzio’s words, not ours. Canton teachers believe that all town employees deserve an increase in their pay this year. Canton is a desirable town in which to live, work, and raise families thanks in large part to its’ dedicated town employees.
While on the subject of other town employees, let’s look at the facts. In addition to the CTA, there are other town unions who do not have agreements. While many of those who settled did agree to a one-year contract with a zero raise, there were other economic considerations made. While we are supportive of our union brothers and sisters, it must be noted that teachers are never provided with the opportunity to earn overtime pay as other municipal employees are.
Mr. Bonnanzio’s inaccurate statements regarding step increases and lane changes would lead one to conclude that these are unique to every teacher, every year. Salaries for most town employee include step increases. While other town employees reach the top step after five years of service, teachers must wait 12. Other town workers also have an opportunity for lane changes, the difference is that instead of calling it a “lane” change, it is referred to as “re-classification.” Teachers are required by law to earn a Master’s degree. Once completed, they are moved from the Bachelor’s to the Master’s lane and successive lane changes require an additional 30 graduate credits, all paid for with personal money.
Mr. Bonnanzio erroneously states that even without a negotiated pay raise, Canton teachers will, in fact, get a raise amounting to more than 3% due to step and lane changes. The truth is that more than 50% of Canton teachers do NOT have a step or lane change because they have completed their self-funded education and have been teaching in Canton 12 years or more. The twelfth step is the final step.
Teachers have consistently cooperated with the town. In addition to the countless hours of volunteer service the teachers provide, the CTA in 2005 made a health insurance concession that, over time, has saved the town $1.2 million. Added to that, 20 of our colleagues chose to retire this year, many of whom did so despite their desire to continue working in jobs they love in order to preserve jobs for others. This unprecedented number of retirements was a generous gesture that helped to restore programs and classroom teaching positions targeted for elimination due to the failed override.
The townspeople vote annually on the school department budget. It is at the sole discretion of the school committee to decide how much money will be allotted for various accounts. A brief perusal of the 06/07 and 07/08 school budgets shows that teachers’ salaries – the account earmarked to pay for those who provide direct instruction to children - were cut drastically while other areas were level funded. Isn’t that the very essence of what schools do? Don’t the schools belong to the families and children of Canton?
Due to the failed override, 22 positions are now gone. For those remaining, especially at the elementary level, this has caused increased workloads. One 5th grade teacher explained that last year her class had 21 students, next year she is expecting 31. That means more parents to be touch with, more students to prepare for, more papers to grade, etc.
Mr. Bonnanzio states that CTA may decide to “work to rule” which the article defines as “refuse to provide any unpaid services.” Would any other municipal worker in this town agree to work for free? Would the town expect these employees to do so?
The latest offer from the school committee is not an incentive to attract and retain highly qualified teachers. The total offer for the year, when added to the annual take-home-pay for each Canton teacher, would equal less than what an uncertified, substitute teacher makes for one day of work. The funding source targeted as a “way to get longer tenured teachers some money” was the retirement incentive program, a benefit that many of these same senior teachers would now lose!
The CTA’s goal is attract and retain excellent teachers who come to work every day to give the children of this town the best education possible. Reasonable and competitive salaries help to keep the system in high regard. The teachers would like to continue with the cordial and civil discussions that have characterized past sessions with the school committee, and for both sides to keep the specific details of these meetings private. We, the teachers of Canton, are optimistic that an agreement will be reached.
Sincerely,
Katherine Swanson, President
Canton Teachers Association