Worthington Teachers Accept Pay Freeze - Not the Reason to Vote for the Levy

For the record, teachers in Worthington deserved every hard-earned penny of their raises. Let's hope the economy improves and we can all return to a state of reason. The big question is: Will  the naysayers be mollified?

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Worthington teachers accept pay freeze

Monday,  September 14, 2009 11:59 PM

By Dean Narciso

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Worthington school board members voted 4-1 tonight to approve a one-year wage freeze for district teachers, calling the concession "very much appreciated" and "a good first step." The freeze affects the base salaries of more than 700 teachers in the district and will save $2.4 million next year. That's half of the $4.8 million shortfall expected even if a Nov. 3 operating levy passes.But the union deal does not change the "step" increases intended to encourage younger teachers to remain in the district, said Pete Scully, president of the Worthington Education Association.
Roughly 60 percent of Worthington teachers receive step increases, which average almost 2 percent a year, said Jeff McCuen, the district's treasurer.
McCuen, along with Superintendent Melissa Conrath and several dozen other administrators, agreed to salary freezes earlier this year, saving the district about $95,000 a year.
If the Nov. 3 levy fails, the district plans to make $15 million in cuts, including eliminating busing for high-school students, cutting 125 teachers, administrators and support staff members, and ending field trips and some other programs.

If the proposed 6.9-mill incremental operating levy is approved, it will raise taxes in three phases: 3.9 mills would be collected in 2010, an additional 1.5 mills in 2011, and another 1.5 mills in 2012. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $119 more in taxes in 2010, then an additional $46 in each of the next two years.
Asked if the wage freeze - the first for teachers since 1995 - was more symbolic than sustainable because of the November levy and uncertain economy, Scully replied, "For us to be in session Aug. 24 and have a ratified package on Sept. 1 is a pretty clear indication that our membership felt like something should happen."
Board members agreed.
Member Julie Keegan called the concession "an acknowledgement that we're all in this together."
The decision is one "that we as a board will never regret," said Charlie Wilson.
"It's a good first step in looking at long-term expenses," said board member Jennifer Best.
But board member Marc Schare roundly rejected the agreement, stating that contract decisions shouldn't be rushed.
"To say that this action has not been thoroughly vetted would be an understatement," he said.
Board President David Bressman answered some critics who said teachers are overpaid by noting that spouses of teachers have lost jobs and are suffering.
"It will never be enough for some folks," Bressman said. To them, "it will always be something else."
Superintendent Conrath applauded the union's move.
"It takes a collective effort to make the budget cuts that we have had to make," she said. "I'm very proud of that cooperation."

dnarciso@dispatch.com

(I am not a teacher nor am I married to one. I just know that most teachers work incredibly hard at their jobs.)