Equitable Cuts Across the Districts

As we face budget cuts of historical nature, both Ogden and Weber Districts must make tough decisions of where the cuts will come. Weber School District has proposed (we have not finished negotiations yet) a cut of 1.5 quality teaching days, cuts in district administration (moved an administrator from the district office to a Jr. High), and other classified cuts. In Weber, insurance decisions are close to being finalized that will share the increases (made smaller by decisions of the committee) in premium across all employee groups. Steps and Lanes for teachers in Weber have been preserved. Yes, teachers will fill the pain, but the pain has been lessened by financial decisions the district has made over the past few years (mill levy increases and conservative budgets) . You don't have to look very far to see districts losing many or all of their quality teaching days, freezing steps and lanes, raising class sizes and cuttting staff. Your WEA negotiations team is meeting Thursday to look at policy changes and work to finalize negotiations. Both the legislature and our State Supt. have counseled the districts to make the cuts as equitable as possible. At least in Weber, we have seen the effort to do just that. Rick

Jazz Bear to visit Valley Elementary

Valley Elementary School in Huntsville will have a special treat today as the Jazz Bear will visit as a result of the UEA Celebration award that three of our teachers received.

Again, I hope everyone enjoyed their "Great Harvest Coupon" to show you our appreciation for your hard work and dedication. You can use them at any Great Harvest store. Teri Maxfield even used her in Michigan. Let us know if you have any trouble using them.

Thanks Rick

Walter Williams Column in Deseret News 5/8/09

Walter Williams (not one of my favorite conservative economist writers) makes his case that colleges are inflating grade points. You can read the entire article on http://www.deseret.news.com/ (May 8 Opinion). He quotes data showing that average grades have increased. He also takes a shot at our history teachers with a survey of Americans that showed a lack of historical and government knowledge. His bottom line: "to approach truth in grading parents and employers should lower the average student's grade by one letter, and interpret a C grade as and F." That is an example of the criticism public and higher ed receive on a daily basis. I am not saying that there are shreds of truth in these attacks, but there is an anti public ed sentiment that shines through in Williams's words. Thanks for reading. Rick

Matthew Patterson, Weber Teacher of the Year

Congrats to Matthew Patterson, Earth Science teacher at Orion Jr. High, for his Weber Teacher of the Year award. Matt is an energetic teacher who makes learning fun for his students. Linda Carver, Asst. Supt., even dressed up for his presentation. Matt is representative of the teachers in Weber district.

New Administrative Assignments in Weber District

At Weber School Board last night the Matt Patterson, Orion Jr. High, was honored as Weber's Teacher of the Year. Congrats!!!

The following admin assignments were also made:'

• Bill Grilz Two Rivers
• Don Tanner South Ogden
• Kevin Sederholm Bates
• Lori Rassmussen Pioneer
• Shelly Roberts Midland
• Dave Gerstheimer Hooper
• Marilyn Runolfson Green Acres
• Quinn Karlinsey Uintah
• Darlene Bell Marlon Hills
• Rick Proffer Freedom
• Brent Wayment Intern
• Shirley Passey Intern
• Linda Smith Intern

Congrats to the Ross Moore, Susan England, Elaine Jensen, and Randy Rounds on their retirements.

Rick

USA Today (Yesterday) "To Deal with Sexting"

Tuesday, May 5, USA Today's editorial talked about the growing problem of teenagers using cellphone texting to send explicit photos, often of themselves. To read the entire editorial go to www.usatoday.com . One national survey showed that 22% of teenage girls had sexted their own picture and 29% of teens have received such pictures third-hand. Utah is one of a few states that has legislated a punishment of juvenile-law misdemeanor for the offense rather than a felony conviction. This is just another problem that we face in an every changing world.

Sorry no blog contest this month. Thanks for reading. Rick

Sorry no Blog contest this Month

I am sorry to say that we won't have a blog contest this month as reported in our Link newsletter. That is my fault. We appreciate everyone who has followed our blog and I hope the bits of info have helped keep you somewhat informed.

The Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission is looking for members. Three positions of three year terms are now open until May 22. Contact jean.hill@school.utah.gov if you are interested. Our own Christine Heslop, OHS teacher, is a member of the commission. This group rules on licensure issues and hears complaints. They recommend to the State School Board revocations or suspensions of teaching licenses.

Thanks for reading. Rick