You forgot to mention winter vacation, spring vacation, every holiday, and they only work ten months per year.

MadinNj, I hear what you say and although it may seem that I don't agree, I do feel the frustration about spending and the union. My numbers can be wrong, but I believe the teachers have to pay about $750 a year for union dues. If they choose not to be part of the union...they have to pay $730 a year. I believe there is a feeling of hands being tied. Many of these teachers are hard working people with mortgages and families and are just doing the best they can at a job they love. I feel these frustrations but it just saddens me when we lash out at the easiest targets rather than real problem.

You are right, it is not Th teachers we should be angry with. I have no fault with anyone trying to get all they can. I am angry with the school board and anyone else who signs the union contract. The union does not belong in government because the elected officials have no restrictions on giving the unions everything they want.

"Regardless of how we pay for education" means everything. You have to decide which is the most onerous tax and then approach how we pay for everything we feel is an important service and what is a just compensation for that service. People need to take a look at their property tax bill and separate those from other taxes and people just don't do that. They lump all taxes together. Which one is worst and how to we effect that particular tax. What is a fair wage for a police officer, fire or EMT responder. How much should a teacher who gives up a life in the freemarket for a life of public service make.
Our problems have nothing to do with the contracts made with public employees which are now being broken and everything to do with promises of tax cuts begun with the Whitman administration and carried forward by every governor since. Our problems in NJ come from the hidden corruption tax and the incompetance and dishonesty of the Legislature. You want to reduce property taxes? Then begin by substituting a broad based tax for funding education. That begins to attack the 65% of the property tax bill and shifts it to a broader base for paying that bill. We don't need attacks on public workers. We don't need to behave as if these people that do the work of society are the enemy.

With all due respect, Mr. Prignano, you are either unaware of some mistaken conclusions or deliberately being obtuse:
- A prep period is not time off. Teachers use that time to -- wait for it -- PREPARE. That means lesson planning, grading, calling parents, etc.
- Time with students that does not include instruction, like standardized tests, homeroom, duty period, field days, is still work. Teachers are responsible for the safety and well-being of 25-35 children during those time periods, no small duty.
- I have never known a single teacher who finishes his or her day when the final bell rings. Countless hours are spent planning, grading, communicating with parents -- outside of the school day. Where are those hours? Or do you only think direct instruction counts? If you don't think those other responsibilities are worth compensating, than perhaps they shouldn't be part of the job.
- There are numerous existing curricula, but what does that have to do with the hours spent? You seem to think that a written curriculum includes a completed lesson plan that teaches itself. I'm afraid that's not how it works. Districts have existing curriculum. Teachers spent countless hours figuring out how to best implement it for their students.
- I'm not sure how the issue about "teaching to the test" has anything to do with the implied argument that teachers are overpaid.
- Just a random thing that I found amusing: "co-ed gym" -- what decade are you in?

John,

Great Post! It clearly shows our public educational system is failing, because clearly it failed to teach you! Regardless, if teachers have it so good, there are tons, yes tons of open positions in tons of schools right here in NJ, probably even in your hometown. Why don’t you apply and get one?

What is the point of a contract ? Show me where a teacher is required to do anything during their FREE period. Also,West Orange High School provides THIRTY DAYS less instructional time than Montclair. In one District, the School Board has asked for more instructional time. Their request would raise instructional time to County average. The Board has offered 5.5% raises for 3 years . The teachers want 8.5% for 3 years, but they will settle for 7.5% if the Board drops it's demand for more instructional time. " "We come early and stay late, and we go above and beyond " Of course. That's why there are a dozen completely contrived and unjustified early dismissals built into the schedule,and the hours lost because of early dismissals and late starts due to bad weather are never made up. No person who is sincere about educating children would stay involved in this garbage. More and more non- core curriculum mandates added every year,{ next up ; a 9/11 curriculum and unpaid community service as a requirement of High School Graduation.} and instructional hours have been REDUCED. Public school teachers put their children in private schools at a ratio of 2 to 1 to the general public.Why not, they've got more than enough of the public's money to do it . Before you try selling me this crap, try selling it to yourselves and your peers. But for other people, " If you don't earn, you can't learn" They fight tooth and nail to keep poor children trapped in horrible schools.

Oh dear, Mr. Prignano. Teachers are not required to work during their "free" period, but in most schools teachers don't HAVE a free period. The expectation is that they are preparing during their prep period: lesson planning, grading, calling and meeting with parents. Or heaven forfend, going to the bathroom.

You're missing a fundamental point: salaried employees aren't getting paid by the hour. They get paid based on completing their responsibilities, just like any other salaried job. That often does include working at night or on weekends, and most teachers don't have a problem with putting in that extra time as long as they are given a decent salary and benefits. Take those away and you've got problems.

Could you provide a shred of evidence that West Orange has a school year that is 30 days less? It's a state law that every school have at least 180 days. I suspect Montclair doesn't have a 210-day year.

Contrived early dismissals? Do you think teachers make the schedule??

Do you have a citation for the 2:1 ratio? First I've ever heard of it.

It is okay Mike, things will work out.

You see, teachers have Bush, Obama, Byrne and Christie to thank, because in a year or two they will be making double what they make now. Bush, Byrne, and Obama, all started programs that forced anyone going into teaching to have a list of degrees and certifications a mile long. Then thanks to Christie, all the older teachers retired in mass, before he could screw them out of their pensions or health benefits. Leaving us the State of New Jersey, with a serious teacher shortage no one wants to talk about!

If you don’t believe me, just browse through this!!!! http://jobs.nj.com/jobs/results/keyword/teacher?radius=0&sort=score+desc&rows=20

Now as much as taxpayers hate this, the laws of supply and demand pertains to teachers also, and what that says is teachers are in great demand and because of that their salaries will be raising faster than most others!

Now don't blame the union, the teachers the school boards, or even the buss drivers. You see this is what happens when you leave a serious problem to a washed out DJ, and a bully of a governor to solve!

Out of curiosity, Mike, what is the barometer you used to determine the $10/$8 wage. How did you determine that those are suitable figures? I pay 15 year old babysitters that amount and I would hardly compare a baby sitter or a Walmart greeter's profession to that of an educated professional.

Wonderful note. Thank you.

staci bohr 3 million New Jerseyans earn $34,300 or less, and their take- home pay is shrinking. 30% of employed people rely on food stamps, up from 19% in 1990. 75% of all the new wealth created in the past decade went to the top 20% ; families earning $132,000 or more. But in many cases, it's not "new wealth " . It's simply the same amount of money being transferred from one group to another .Families earning $132.000 or more- School principals, 2 teachers, department heads,Superintendents, etc. staci, do you see a connection between the haves and the have nots? 21% of all jobs lost during the retraction that began in 2008 paid between $9.50 an hour to $13.50 an hour FIFTY - EIGHT PER CENT of all jobs created since the retraction pay those wages..The number of retail sales positions { $10.97 an hour} and food preparation workers {$9.04 an hour} have each increased by 300,000 since June, 2009. New Jersey has an unemployment rate of 9.8%. The number of children living in poverty in New Jersey is soaring. But staci, if your happy, I'm happy.. staci, one question; Why do public school teachers put THEIR children in private schools at a ratio of 2 to 1 to the general public ?

Wow. You didn't take logic when you were in school, did you?

See my comment above about salary vs. hourly wages.

The overwhelming majority of teachers I know do not work a second job. But based on your comments here about "taking jobs from parents of the children they're preparing," I'm gathering you're just a troll. No serious person interesting in having a discussion would make that argument. And from there descend to attacking every last teacher? Sure, there are some crappy teachers out there who take advantage of the system, but you do legitimate criticism a disservice with this ugliness.

I've never once complained about my salary, but I earn every penny. Coaching and advising are paid activities, but if you want to play the hourly card, they come out to about $2 an hour. You act as if advising and coaching don't have merit and are some kind of money grab. Through those activities, I've had a tremendously positive impact on hundreds of students over the years, in addition to the role I play in the classroom. I do those activities because they are personally rewarding, but of course I expect to get some compensation for it. As for my salary, ask my wife how many hours a day at home I spend on lesson planning, grading papers, writing college recommendations. How much work did I do on my family vacation? Count those hours and my compensation is entirely reasonable.

Oh, and just for fun:
I've used on average two sick days a year and I don't get longevity pay.

staci Public school teachers are hypocrites.Why would so many public school teachers send their children to private schools? Because they know the product they're selling is garbage.Why do public school teachers feel they're not overpaid,but send their children to schools that often pay their teachers a fraction of public school teacher salaries. and don't have nearly the number of "vital and wonderful" non- instructional professionals as public schools.Those are Tax Dollars being used by the same self- acknowledged over - compensated { private school compensation is fine with them, and I'm sure many of them would be upset about a tuition hike based on higher salaries } people who fight tooth and nail against vouchers and school choice and charter schools and even a longer school day and year for their students who can't afford private schools.DECADES of abyssmal failure .Why? Educrats say there is a direct link between poverty and educational outcomes.THEREFORE, the billions and billions of dollars being sent to urban districts are clearly not intended to educate children.The money is sent specifically and solely to create affluence for the employees of those districts. Is this great strategy or what ? More people becoming impoverished in large part because of government spending run amuck, which of course creates more and more "uneducable"children.To hell with the economic data.Teachers"need" and dammit, they "deserve "nice raises". staci, if you're happy, I'm happy.

John, I don't think that many teachers send their children to private schools. The one I know who does, does so because she teaches in the town where she lives and she doesn't want her children to be known as Ms. So and So kids!

I can't say I blame her, given you outright hate of all teachers, I'm sure wouldn't want my child sitting with yours at lunch. Parents do rub off on their children you know!

Also John, just what is it you want from the teachers? To make more money than them, or is it really for them to make less than you?

I know a couple of (über-religious) teachers who send their kids to religious schools. I've heard MANY parents say the rigor at public schools is greater (at least in suburban public schools). A friend worked at St Patrick's in Elizabeth and said the kids were great because the principal took no sh*t from them (or their parents); he ran a tight ship.

Edward and Bob- September 14, 2012 "Almost 40% of Chicago teachers send their children elsewhere to learn.Chicago teachers make $71k to $76k a year, and they turned down raises of 16% -$11,360. These teachers have zero confidence in their own respective school system. Second, it shows that Chicago teachers are aware of the serial failure within the system. Chicago teachers instruct less than any large metro area in the country. .This union strike is about what most union strikes are about; give, me, more." Thomas B. Fordham Institute ,2004 - "12% of the public send their children to private schools, but more than one in five public school teachers send their children to private schools. Many high- profile politicians who are opposed to vouchers send their children to private schools ". A noted educator said, "If you want to improve violent, failing schools, just make the teachers put their children in those schools.You would see education and security overnight like you wouldn't believe" Lord, you gave them eyes but they will not see.

That's why many districts are going months or years with no contract - because the Boards of Education are in the unions' pockets and give them anything they want.

You're technically right (that the Board members could give away the store), but unless the voting populace is THAT ignorant, the elected officials would not get re-elected and I'd guess might even get sued if it was discovered they "gave everything" in exchange for something. BTW, AFAIK, BoE members are rarely, if ever, paid.

John, Your posts are falling the logic test, but passing the hate test. How is it, at least according to you, hundreds of teachers making $100,000 a year for just a couple of hours a week of work, are also out in the workforce busting there behinds to make, according to you again, $9.50 an hour, on top of their teaching job?

They must just love to work, because frankly John in your scenario , most of the money they would make from those "low - skilled" jobs you claim they glob-up would be taken form them in the form of higher income taxes they would have to pay.

John, turn off the Hate Radio Shows, step away form the radio, and breath a breath of fresh air, you'll live longer and happier.

Robert, your last comments are great .People trying to improve their situation is fine with me. But what happened to "A fair days work for a fair day's pay ? " Instead of a longer school day,to meet the greatly increased demands placed on the system, the School Boards have allowed the teachers to CUT classroom time instruction time dramatically. You're right.In West Orange, Board members don't know what to do to reward teachers for more and more inferior results.Want more money, better benefits? Great, But we've put so much money into failed preparation, there's nothing left to prepare the children for.

staci, I wanted to ask you, if you don't feel public school teachers putting their children in private schools is any of your business,why don't you ask all the wonderful, wonderful educators you know why it's any of their business if there's a voucher program and school choice for public school students, especially those students who are economically disadvantaged and are forced to attend failing schools. I mean, that's their business how ? Do public school teachers always want what's best for the children? Not if it jeopardizes their jobs and the public school monopoly. Sadistic.

Go on the computer! My numbers are researched and documented .Oh Lord, you gave them eyes yet they will not see. Home- schooled ? Who you know or who you don't know is irrelevant .I know a West Orange teacher . She was absent 22 days+ and sleep - walked through the day. Her son went to Seton Hall Prep and Holy Cross.She lived in West Orange. My niece and nephew are public school teachers - Queen of Peace, Saint Peter's Prep. Saint Casimir's, Mount Carmel... Richard Codey is a HUGE advocate for public schools . His 2 sons went to Montclair Kimberly. Now Robert, your school dropped 25 points in New Jersey Monthly ! We know it's not YOUR fault . Socio - economics, disaffected students, uninvolved parents, underfunded schools etc.etc. Madison High went from 15 to 6.... and the English and Math scores went DOWN. What's that tell us? No one , NO ONE sincere about properly educating children would stay involved in this travesty..

You keep sucking me back in, but I simply have to point out a few things. You conveniently set up arguments to benefit your position, and building conclusions off of either incorrect or arguable premises. It's a classic ploy, repeating something as fact enough times that your opponents cede ground instead of calling you on your nonsense. You've said numerous times that teachers put their kids into private schools at a rate of 2:1 compared to the rest of the public. I asked for your source on this and your response was that I should look it up. That's not how debating works. You're making a fairly outlandish statement, it's on you to prove it. Show me an unbiased source and I'll admit I'm wrong, but until that time I believe you're either misinformed or deliberately misrepresenting reality.

I'm not sure what vouchers have to do with this discussion, but I can tell you why I opposed them. Vouchers don't benefit the people who are the worst off economically as they would only pay a portion of private school tuition. In addition, what do you do with the kids who are still left behind in the failing public school? You know how it's the business of teachers? Because we care about education, we care about kids, and obviously we know more than you do about how it works.

Another claim you make is about all the teachers who are "moonlighting," a term that's about as out-dated as "co-ed." Do you have a single statistic to backup your claim? I can reel off statistics too. 98% of public school teachers do not moonlight. 103% of teachers are awesome. Kind of silly, right? Ask me for my sources and my response will be "Go to the computer! My numbers are researched and documented."

I left something out. State Senator Richard Codey is a big supporter of public schools. Both of his children went to Montclair Kimberly .Senator Codey's wife is a teacher in the West Orange Public School System

Dick Codey is a big supporter of Public School Teacher Unions. He's never done a thing to cross them, and if he's ever elected governor you can be sure he'll give them anything/everything they want. Tenure Reform - Gone, Property Tax Levy Caps - Gone, Health Care and Pension Reform - Gone, School Funding Reform - Gone.

He keeps complaining about "the Bosses," but he fails to tell us the Real Truth - The NJEA is the Biggest Boss of All, and he is 110% beholden to them.

Time4Dick2go You are correct !!! Dick Codey had some of the lowest performing public schools in New Jersey in his old District. He never said a single word about it ,lest he offend the Teacher's Union.He does not care about the students. Could you imagine Dick Codey of all people supported the implementation of a mandated Character Curriculum for the public schools.This should be the entire curriculum;" I'm Dick Codey. Carefully observe my behavior and then do the exact opposite". He's also a huge advocate for several hours of unpaid community service as a requirement forHigh School Graduation .He's made lofty statements about the life lessons it will teach students .What it will really do is give students great insight into their futures; Being coerced to work for the State for no pay.Time4Dick2go, you're right about him and his nonsense about "Party Bosses" He wants the uninitiated to believe that "Dick Codey has the guts and integrity to fight back against the corrupt political machines and party bosses that are destroying his beloved home State" He's absolutely shameless.How about his career as an undercover operative? That was beyond words.The damage he has done to New Jersey is beyond estimation.He's the most wasteful, callous, self- absorbed special interest puppet I've ever seen,bar none.Time4Dick2go, great post

What Dick isn't a supporter of is his tax paying constituents.

The municipalities in his district are probably the most overtaxed people on Earth. They pay almost 100% of their own school districts' costs, and then state takes all their Income Taxes and ship them off to all the "former" Abbott districts, rather than back to them in the form of aid or rebates, as was originally intended when the Income Tax was passed.

Dick was there at the Birth of the Income Tax. He was there, time after time, when the NJ Supremes ruled again and again that there was NO amount of money that was too much for the 31 Worst Districts in the state.

Why did they fail, not enough money. Give them MORE!

Codey should be ashamed. By then again, why should he. The lemmings in his district keep electing him. Not sure how anyone in Millburn, Livingston, West Orange or any of the other suburban voters/taxpayers in his Essex and Morris county district can look at their Income and Property Tax bills and not vote for ABC - Anyone But Codey.

It is . . . Time 4 Dick 2 Go!

Codey's biggest legislative accomplishment when he was serving as acting governor - Passing and signing "legislation that provided that a person who serves as Acting Governor for a continuous period of at least 180 days will be "Governor of the State of New Jersey" for official and historical purposes. This law was made retroactive to 2001, covering Codey's service."

What a guy. Had to make sure that he'd get his own oil painting in the state capitol.

Stacie I'm sorry I misspelled your name. Do you feel the word hypocrite should be eliminated from the English language? You too judge teachers, but you use superlatives while I use pejoratives. Like I said, if you're happy, I'm happy. Every time someone shows terrible economic numbers,we hear, "Teacher DESERVE a raise " "Bashing teachers lowers their morale, we need to show them how much we appreciate them, and not just in words, but in their paychecks." "If we don't pay more and more, Districts that do will get the best teachers " "We mustn't put a price tag on education " Some people do. It's called private school tuition. Now if someone accepts as fact the economic wasteland of hard data I've described and still thinks they should get ANY raise at all, then I think they really stink on ice. Great education, lousy education, Stacie, EVERYBODY'S BROKE !.What do their employers "deserve?" Having their employees put them on the unemployment line via moonlighting in the private- sector? For all intents and purposes, there is no "High- tech, hyper- competitive, 21st century global economy " to prepare students for.. 58% of all jobs created since 2009 pay between $9.50 an hour and $13.50 an hour..Stacie,can you make a connection between the rise of the employees to the decline of the employers? Out of about two dozen close family members,over a dozen were or are in public education. As to personal examples, those are for me to know and you to find out. P.S. Delbarton is one word

Shocking isn't it? The real sin about administrators positions is that there is layer upon layer. And don't forget 100 plus K per year janitors too.

This may not be a popular thing to say but I don't. Multiple degrees and certifications, years and years of working their way up...what is wrong with that? I hate to sound like a broken record but one of our closest friends is an administrator and my opinion is not based on the "love" for the family. I see, first hand, what he does...it is not sitting behind a desk twirling a pencil. He, specifically, is "on call" on a very regular basis. He works his butt off during the "school" day, is present for pretty much anything and everything involving the kids, is a mentor to many, and takes a lot of time away from his family to effectively due his job. And you know what...I have never heard him complain about it. So, no....$156k is not exhorbitant for someone who has dedicated their life since graduating from college in a profession that they do well and are extremely effective in.

That's all good, Stacie, but what I want to know is: Are the administrators in West Morris Regional THAT MUCH better than the administrators in all the other districts? Do they work THAT MUCH harder? What is it exactly that makes the West Morris Regional administrators worth so much more than the administrators in ALL the other districts? And in many cases, a *LOT* more. If other districts can hire effective administrators at an average salary of $100K or $120K, why does WM have to pay $156K for the same thing? And remember, that's the AVERAGE, so some are making more than that, and some are making less.

Stacie I wasn't calling YOU a hypocrite

Stacie West Orange High School has about 210 professional educators.40 of them teach a total of 3 classes.West Orange spends over $21k per student. . Madison High School has 82 professional educators..25 of them teach a total of 27 classes.Fifteen teach a total of zero classes,eight teach three classes each,one teaches one class, and one teaches 2 classes.Teaching has always been considered a "Calling " My line is " Few are Called, many more are chosen". West Orange hires Administrators right off the street, or promotes people with no teaching experience.OFTEN ,they are not even Highly Qualified. Stacie, we are drowning in a sea of highly compensated,non- supervisory coordinators, various curriculum coaches and specialists, consultants,counselors, substance abuse coordinators, in school suspension officers, department heads,ad infinitum NONE of whom teaches a single class.Why is that? The now retired head of the guidance department was also a university professor. So he taught on days West Orange High School was in session, just not at West Orange High School. Maybe he needed to supplement his $1,000 a day compensation package. All of these people I've listed can teach at least a few classes a day. Madison High is no different. $21k+ a year per student. I looked at about 20 Districts. Of those 20 Districts,.West Orange has the lowest ratio of students to administrators, and OF COURSE the largest average class size.Teachers teaching, a radical concept who's time has come .

Happy Sunday, John! First of all...my opinion is not purely subjective as I knew this now friend before and had an objective opinion. Quite fankly, my opinion is still objective and that is why we are friends! With regard to what my children want to pursue...I will encourage them to pursue whatever the hell they want to! Now let me ask you a question....if your children chose a career in public education, would you forbid them from doing so? Again, it's just my opinion, but that would be WRONG. I encourage my kids to do what ever they want to do as long as they are honest and proud and work hard to attain their goals. I don't leverage them or who we associate with in any way. I respect the hard work my kids do and am pretty hopeful that what ever they choose to pursue, they will get there on merit and through hard work. JUST LIKE MY FRIEND DID!

Stacie I never saw anyone who literally deifies public school educators like you do, who wasn't looking for a job or jobs in the system, either for themselves or family member{s}. .The words "friend" and "objective" don't work in the same sentence. Every time a politician hires someone close to them and someone accuses them of cronyism, they respond in this fashion; "He may be a close friend, but he's highly qualified and does a great job" I heard that from someone years ago regarding the Town Attorney. Not long after,the attorney was disbarred and forced to make restitution to clients he had stolen from.This same individual appointed his son Police Chief. The son had a poor track record.The son went to prison for tipping off drug dealers about an impending raid.My wife's nephew told his sister he hates people..He told my aunt the parents give him nothing but grief. He is a poorly educated, self-pitying,self-absorbed individual with no leadership skills whatsoever { just ask his wife }. But he has a very close friend in a high place, so last year he became the principal of a K-3 grammar school. He beat out 20 other applicants for the position .That's just not garden variety cronyism, that's an example of sadistic behavior.

Steve Thanks Here's what's going on around me right now ; A licensed realtor is working in a school cafeteria and she can't get full time. A friend just lost her job in the insurance industry after 20+ years..My son made 6 figures in car sales his first year.His second year he sold the same number of cars as his first year, but his commissions were cut by 30% - $70k.Year 3 was as productive as his first 2,but his commissions were cut by over 40%,so he made $40k. He and the dealership parted ways.A certified welder is stocking shelves at a supermarket. A friend is a college graduate.One day we got a phone call A woman from personnel wanted to ask us some questions; Is she reliable? Is she punctual? Is she courteous? etc. She got the job - in retail sales for less than $10 an hour That same friend's daughter had a baby. Her boyfriend would walk everyday to his job at the Dollar Store.One day,he just kept walking. In the past year,every single person we know who owns apartments has had to evict at least one tenant for non- payment of rent.My niece was working at a local ice cream parlor.They just folded.These are the employers of the people who "work hard" "who deserve raises" "who go above and beyond" How about their EMPLOYERS? What do they deserve? If, and I say if, they're employed, don't they work hard? Sure they do, but the people who are preparing the students for "The high - tech,hyper- competitive 21st century global economy " WHICH DOESN'T EXIST, couldn't care less.

Steve Many years ago I had a conversation with a School Board member about school spending. She told me about all the unfunded mandates the rising costs of utilities and the Trenton bureaucracy and so on .I asked, " Does the State mandate longevity pay ? Does the State mandate 9 salary steps? Does the State mandate this District's salaries and this District's starting salaries? How about the Rolls Royce benefits package ? Full-time guidance counselors ? Early dismissals? She replied " No" . I said "You do all those things and lots more because you WANT TO." I said "You're not even trying to control costs ". She bristled at that statement. She said "Yes we are ! We privatized the cafeteria services!" I said " Right. Why pay a cafeteria worker $6 an hour when you can pay $5.And why pay teachers $100 an hour when you can pay them $125 an hour" Another year, everybody got a nice raise,...and they fired all the bus- aides. Overt contempt for working people! Millburn has eliminated Hazardous Route Courtesy Busing. Parents now have to pay $580 a year per child, with a cap of $1,160. A parent said ,"What can I do? I can't let my 6 year old walk over a mile to school.I've got to pay it" Other parents said essentially the same thing. Now if that's not a shakedown and a protection racket, what is ? And YES ! All the teachers and administrators got raises.You know why these kinds of things happen with such great regularity? Because they care. I mean they really, really care.. . .

Hi, Steve. This is going to sound like the ultimate cop out and I don't want to be evasive but I won't define my friends position in the system on a forum such as this. It's not my place to do so and it wouldn't be right. What I can tell you is that he is a well educated man. He has devoted his life to his career. Does way more than what one would expect as an administrator or teacher. He is essential in our district and is EFFECTIVE. I have the utmost respect for him not only for his carreer path, but as a human being. I want my kids to be around him and am proud to call him my friend. I am grateful he is integral in our education system. I'm sorry if that doesn't really answer your question. It's not my job to "out" other people to prove my point if you know what I mean.

Stacie You enjoy the rest of your.weekend too. We disagree on this ;YOU are FAIR and OBJECTIVE. All I can do is TRY really,really hard to be fair and objective. However,your comments on tenure once again prove how true the adage is - "Great minds think alike" Stacie,your friend is not fantastic at what he does because of tenure. He's fantastic at what he does IN SPITE of tenure.