Disqus - Latest Comments for colbyseaman

Re: Message from Kent School District superintendent, board president about budget crisis - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:42:29 -0000

I am not sure about Mike McNett but anyone with kids in Kent elementary schools are getting ready for the entire music and physical ed. programs to be slashed, and this is unfortunate for the students, especially those without a lot of support and opportunities outside of school. Hopefully we can get through this with volunteer support from parents and community members.

Re: Kent school top brass finding new jobs, retiring: Why? - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:11:51 -0000

Teachers have been bailing out of the district for years because of mistreatment of teachers. I am not sure the public is aware of the turnover rate. It is no surprise some of the leadership is leaving. Vargas is very difficult to work for. Cleaning house in district administration is my best hope as a parent (and spouse of an ex-teacher) in the district. I have renewed hope for a properly managed school budget some day.

Re: After three decades in Kent schools, Hanks retires, but not ready to sit around - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:04:33 -0000

This is the best news students and parents of the Kent school district have heard for years. She did great disservice to the district. Now, if we could just get rid of Vargas all would be well.

Re: Kent School District ends year with $22.6 million balance, Kent Education Association cries foul - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 16:29:11 -0000

Jerry. Good point. What kentdadof2 does not understand is that, regardless of whether there was money left at the end of the year or not, I have personally witnessed the KSD waste significant dollars on many things that did not benefit students, such as $300 motel rooms for staff traveling to conventions while student books and essential staff have been cut. Excess money or not in the budget does not matter when District staff spend irresponsibly.

Re: Kent School District ends year with $22.6 million balance, Kent Education Association cries foul - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 16:25:42 -0000

Kentdadof2. It looks like you understand budgets pretty well it is unfortunately you have been blind to the poor leadership and mismanagement of funds in Kent when the money was actually there in the past. There is substantial waste, in the KSD and other governments. If you cannot recognize this then you are clearly misinformed. The issues with the KSD are way beyond finance. Management, from the school board on down have demonstrated they have no concern for the welfare of teachers and students. Your defending the management of the budget is clearly an indication that your support bureacracy (i.e. you previous staunch support of the Supt.'s outrageaous travel fund) and not our kids and teachers. But, I guess to you, protecting money hoarders like John Knutson takes precedence over integrity in our schools and allegience to taxpayers. Don't worry, though, you can sleep well because Knutson and Supt. Vargas have job security regardless of their poor performance. I know you will disagree with me but that is the beauty of free press and speech.

Re: Coalition threatens to try for recall of Kent School Board members Berrios, Davies - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:50:43 -0000

As a Kent resident and father of a student I appreciate the difficult tasks that the school board members are charged with day after day. It is important for parents in the Kent community to voice their concerns about the welfare of schools and the mechanisms that impact them. The facts are that 1) the school board has worked diligently over the past few years, 2) they locked out parents in a time of crisis and need in a public arena, claiming that there were no issues requiring immediate action during a strike 3) school board Vice President Jim Berrios was rude, disrespectful and vulgar toward parents and other community members. I would like him out and will sign a petition to do so.

Re: Second mediator called in to Kent teacher talks - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:38:08 -0000

kentdadof2. Here is a fact: I just confirmed that not a single NEA union official has come to Washington State, they merely sent a letter of support. There is a difference between WEA, NEA and KEA. I guess you were incorrect, but I understand. No one is perfect on this earth. However, in the future, when you make accusatory statements indicating insufficient facts, please support your argument with your own.

Re: Sen. Claudia Kauffman: Finger pointing won’t resolve Kent teachers’ strike - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:23:35 -0000

kentdadof2. Whether the union is influencing the teachers or not is a non-issue for me because the conditions in kent schools are far worse than ALL other districts of comparable size. Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane (and even smaller districts such as Olympia, Auburn, etc) have been doing right by their students and teachers with class caps, increased salary, etc. This does not sound like a union or legislature issue, but local district management who refuses to give up power. Sounds like there was extra revenue to compensate teachers who crossed the picket line. You should have an issue with that: using our tax money to pay teachers extra to simply obey the law. Didn't you state earlier that we should all be expected to obey the law? Why is compensation needed. And why do you fail to address the issue of the union offering a proposal that costs less than the district's most recent one-yet the district will not agree. Do you have an answer for this? Because my repeated emails and phone calls the district headquarters has not resulted in a response to it.

Re: Sen. Claudia Kauffman: Finger pointing won’t resolve Kent teachers’ strike - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:34:42 -0000

The teachers were just waiting for a pony to come along since the district left them stranded years ago, miles away from any food or water. You still believe the "union" is a few people in suits but those are just the elected people and most are actually employees of the employment organization which they represent. The exception is the executive union employees, who recieve salary. These people work for what is called the NEA and, to my knowledge, none of them have even visited the area since the strike, but I am not certain on this.

Correct me if I am wrong, but it sounds as if you feel teachers enjoy being on strike and would prefer the picket line to the classroom anyday? It also sounds as if "the union convinced" them to do many things. Is the "union" simply leading the teachers around while the latter have not autonomy to make their own decisions. Oh, that's right, 100 teachers crossed the picket line so apparently they do have autonomy. Please clarify your position on these issues.

Re: Second mediator called in to Kent teacher talks - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:26:43 -0000

kentdadof2, looks like only about 100 out of 1,700 kent teachers are "good" by your analysis. You may want to consider moving to the Renton District.

Re: Second mediator called in to Kent teacher talks - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:25:14 -0000

me_sanchez. Most parents are not confused about the issues. The teachers did not simply wake up one day and say, "let's begin fighting for a good educational environment." They have been struggling with these issues for YEARS, not months, and are fed up. They are desperate.

For all the parents who are confused or unclear, teachers can no longer teacher under the impoverished conditions that currently exist in the district. Whether parents are angry or not, this is the way it is so please try to be part of the solution. Other districts already have what has been absent in Kent for many years. There is plenty of money to meet these requirements but managers simply do not want to give up control. I know this for a fact. It is not about money. It is about power. Why do you think 7 other districts up north resolved their strikes in days. Because our 1,700 teachers are uniquely demanding? Because they are just crazy while all the other strikers who returned to school are reasonable? Doesn't sound likely, does it? If 1700 teachers are completely out there, or are brainwashed by a handful of union officials, then I think there is something in the kent water system.

Re: An open letter to teachers’ union - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:58:35 -0000

Robert and Kent Community, not only does the union have no obligation to provide any disclosure regarding the budget to the public, the district does and has not. You pay Kent School District Administrator salaries (not to mention the highest in the region in relation to direct service staff) and they have an obligation, not only to fully explain the details of each proposal but to explain to the public why each proposal is not feasible in order to justify court-ordered penalties for teachers. Further, when is the last time the leadership in Administration held a public forum, speech, presentation or shown any type of allegiance to taxpayers, students, etc. Oh yeah, it was the speech in which Superintendent Vargas announced court action against teachers and failed to respond to any questions by community members. He even shoved his lead counsel to the podium in the face of her visible resistance. Public officials have a duty to communicate with the public-THEY ARE OBLIGATED. But they have been hiding behind their website. It should also be noted that the school board has locked out the public indefinitely and will not hold public meetings. This is illegal and unacceptable. We, as parents and community members, are entitled to hear from-and question-our public leaders. The union has no obligation to the public, only to its members. Obama must have given 3 speeches in the last week. This is leadership.

So, Kent Community, let us please try to keep our eyes on the ball: how can the terms of the strike be negotiated? What are the details of the current negotiations? What is the intent and perspective of the District? What is the prognosis for an overall agreement? No one can answer these questions because the district is invisible. If they were not, perhaps many more community members would be in support of them. I have sought knowledge from the district on numerous occassions but they repeatedly refer me to their website. I would like to question my public leaders, please. Thank you for listening everyone, especially if you disagree.

Re: Sen. Claudia Kauffman: Finger pointing won’t resolve Kent teachers’ strike - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:09:26 -0000

I care about the kids but irony is caring about the kids and being against the teachers. They have the same interests and are bound by the same conditions, rules, etc. They are in separable so don't pretend you are supportive of students. You are against them having teachers with resources that every other district has provided for many years. Kent is behind.

If Vargas were worth his pay, and actually doing his job, he would give what is considered minimal standards-that ALL other teachers in adjacent districts have been given years and years ago. The facts are that kent teachers merely want those minimal standards but Vargas refuses to give it. Yes, one must pay for quality managers, leaders, etc. But it is important that when those managers do not produce (i.e. teachers and students still not being in school), that the pay is reduced.

Re: Second mediator called in to Kent teacher talks - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:55:18 -0000

According to you, kendadof2, it looks like teachers with "moral fibre" only make up 25 percent of the entire kent district. Pretty discouraging. Though I do not really think that is the case.

If you don't think teachers are the union, you are gravely misinformed. The union officials cannot strike by themselves and have no power on their own without the dues being paid and all members acting in concert.

Re: Sen. Claudia Kauffman: Finger pointing won’t resolve Kent teachers’ strike - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:18:28 -0000

It is important to bring this discussion back to facts rather than personalized opinions and speculation. As stated a couple times previously, the salary of Dr. Vargas is well above the higher end of the standard rate in the current market and in comparable districts. However, comparable districts pay their distict staff much less and their teachers more. Sounds like their priorities are in order. Kent has by far the largest disparity between management and teacher salaries. Overall, district staff salaries represent an unfair portion of the budget. Secondly, if Dr. Vargas was performing as well as comparable district superintendents, and he clearly is not as other teachers are back in school with no court order, then a high salary could be justified. However, the facts speak for themselves. He cannot produce and has not.

In regard to my comments on Dr. Vargas' communication style, picketers have had to come to his home because he has been-and continues to be-invisible. The public needs to hear from him, not from a script. That is unacceptable.

Finally, in regard to executive compensation packages. Most good companies-and even government agencies-require performance from executives as a condition of maintaining their position and salary. Superintendents have little or no accountability and can earn what the board decides.

Re: Second mediator called in to Kent teacher talks - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:02:24 -0000

The union asked for a pony for their birthday and the district said maybe and they cannot necessarily celebrate on the actual birthday day and will decide when the birthday comes. The birthday came and no response-total silence. The union came again on the birthday date and waited outside the district's door to see about the pony. No answer. It would have been nice, though, if the district had been clear about the birthday celebration at least.

The union's proposals actually presented very specific and management dollar amounts ACCORDING TO THE CURRENT BUDGET but the district simply does not want to give up any control of spending, even if the new spending approach makes more sense for students. You are not interested in this logical solution, however, as you are focused on whether the strike is illegal. You fail to mention that it is illegal for public officials to mismanage taxpayer money and use it more for their salaries rather than for classrooms. Not only this, the district charges student clubs to use kent school buildings for club activities that are done voluntarily-sometimes as much as $1,200 per day-for a school building!

Since you clearly do not care about the teachers-who are the union-why are you so concerned about the ethics of the union members?

Re: Governor Gregoire seeks to help quell Kent strike - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:32:09 -0000

Update here. "Vargas did not return a request for comment on the phone call by press time." The public needs leadership, especially the Kent District. Dr. Vargas, what is your perspective on the negotiations and analysis for district-teacher relations and the future of negotiations?

Re: Second mediator called in to Kent teacher talks - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:27:18 -0000

The union is not only bargaining in good faith but are often left waiting at the locked doors for hours and even days. Additionally, the unions proposals-as shown on the websites of the district and WEA-are very specific and have dollars attached, while the districts responses are often delayed and evasive as to the money associated with the proposals. The union has researched the budgetary specifics and laid out reasonable plans for funding, while the district has avoided funding strategies and continues to regurgitate responses that are the current practice. This does not appear to be good faith on the part of the district. In the headline, district spokesperson Becky Hanks fails to tell the public that their response on class size completely ignored the practical "put your money where your mouth is" issues the union presented as solutions on class size.

Re: Kent teacher's viewpoint: District contract - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:08:24 -0000

Suzanne. Yours is the single best post I have seen on the Reporter since the crisis in kent schools began. Thank you for your concise and accurate statements. They are refreshing. Please do not be discouraged because government management generally have the advantageous position in the media. They will have the strongest voice. But yours has been heard.

It is clear to those of us who are informed on the issues that compensation is a distant third on the priority list. Teachers receiving the tools to actually teach students is number one.

Re: Sen. Claudia Kauffman: Finger pointing won’t resolve Kent teachers’ strike - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:57:15 -0000

kentdadof2. I would think that as a tax payer and father of 2 that you would be interested in the fact that the superintendent is using $2,000 of your hard-earned dollars every month simply to cover his transportation costs when he is earning a quarter million per year-also out of your hard-earned money. If you are not concerned, perhaps you are doing well financially. If that is the case more power to you. But those of us working hard for our money would like it to be spent more wisely. I think the travel allowance is worth mentioning and I assert that it is not trivial because it is a significant waste of the working person's money.

It is important to continue our debate, and especially in times of crisis. I thank you for your contributions, kentdadof2, even when I adamantly disagree. Please try to endure through these trying times with the strike. I mean this sincerely because I appreciate your conributions on the Reporter. Please offer your perspective on how the travel allowance is a responsible use of taxpayer money. Thanks.

In response to your repeated comments about the short tenure of Dr. Vargas. Indeed he has nothing to do with class size last year but he has clearly demonstrated (through action, mind you) that he is unwilling to put money where his mouth is in regard to class size this year. His bargaining team continues to insist that they have class size limits, but it is not backed up with dollar signs. In other words, overloaded classes were largely ignored during the past school year. Money talks.

Re: District and teachers' union: Start acting like educated people - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:32:57 -0000

livfinne. You're statement regarding only 59 cents of every dollar making it to the classroom-as well as the legislature pouring money into public schools-are perhaps the crux of the issue pertaining to the plight of Kent Schools. Unfortunately, the community geniunely believes district staff have managed money effective and that there is simply a shortage. This is not the case. Mismanagement of funds is a common denominator across most government budgets, both small and large. Until there is some formal accountability written into policy that mandates specific use of district funding, ensuring it goes directly to students, any discussion on improvement of school conditions is futile. This is why the district has been repeatedly unable to come to agrreements on the biggest issue of class size. They simply do not want to put their money where their mouth is. They want power to use "their" money as they deem fit (not on students) and not as taxpayers assume it is being spent (on students).

Re: DEVELOPING STORY: Legal decision on Kent teachers' strike is imminent - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:38:53 -0000

I second kentdadof2's comment on the Reporter. This is an excellent forum for community members to dialogue even if there is a high level of controversy. Thank you to the Kent Reporter for encouraging this exchange. I also thank you, kentdadof2, for your passion and for causing me to engage in a serious discussion about our schools. I even read the districts website in its entirety. I found it enlightening.

Now, some thoughts on the foundation of unions, their functions and the basis of their power. My post here is primarily in response to kentdadof2's commentary on unions in his post below. Firstly, unions do not necessarily benefit from strikes or formal union action. They draw their power almost 100 percent from union dues. That is, money. Just like most other entities in a capitialist economy. Without the dues, the union would be greatly disempowered. Secondly, one cannot differential the teachers from the union because the teachers comprise the union. They are the union. As a group, teachers simply elect union officers, shop stewards, treasurers, presidents, etc. Lisa Brackin-Johnson is not separate from teachers. She is a teacher and is merely one of many teachers who are organizing. She simply is the primary voice because she was elected by teachers to be that voice.

Secondly, it should be clarified that the union does not necessarily "benefit from the strike." If anything the strike is more likely to reduce the unions strength due to increased stress on its members and more potential from crossing the picket line, division of members, etc. What strengthens the union is solidarity-the members acting in one unified interest. This is why the strike has caused such a huge response, not because their is potential for lawbreaking. But their is power in the strike because it is a unified force that compels district staff to seriously evaluate how policies are being implemented and how the money is being spent. It also pushes other information that has been concealed by the district due to their inherent control of the media. I am certain that more of the public is aware of the issues facing kent schools than ever before, whether they agree with the strike or not.

Another important point, which has been a common theme in this time of crisis in kent schools. I have repeatedly heard statements referring to the interests of teachers being different than those of students. This is a widespread assumption which stems from shortsightedness. Because teachers in kent (and in general) are presumably not in the profession for money or other forms of social status, it is clear their goals and interests are totally parallel with those of students. As a community, we cannot pretend that teachers want things that are separate from the best interest of students in the big picture. Indeed, one can argue that the strike is clearly not in the interest of student education, but this is the shortsightedness I refer to. The strike is temporary and is geared not toward the benefit of teachers while void of any concern for students. What the teachers have is what the students have. If teachers are not in class, neither are students. If teachers cannot teach effectively, students certainly will not learn as they should. And I sound like a broken record in these pages, but Dr. Vargas is the key. Because he is the top of the food chain, he has the most impact on the outcome. If he chooses to throw in the towel and court order teachers back to class, then he has that power. I do not deny the value of the order to get everyone back in class, but it should come in conjunction with leadership, communication and sincere support for teachers having the tools to teach successfully. Well, he has the court order but we will wait to see if the rest of these crucial ingredients will be included. With respect, thank you for listening.

Re: KENT STRIKE: Big rally Friday; no contract yet - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:53:53 -0000

kentdadof2. I am obligated to ensure you have the facts regarding Dr. Vargas' response to the strike and to teachers in general since he has assumed his position. Teachers have been adamantly trying to address their grievances from inside the classroom at lower levels for several years, but their voices have fallen on deaf ears. This is a personal observation, now for some facts. Not only has Dr. Vargas refused to meet directly with union members and teachers on several occasions-both before and after the strike began-but after questions were diplomatically directed to him at the recent press conference, he was unable to answer them without simply repeating statements from his prepared statement. After 2 or 3 questions he simply deferred to his legal counsel-in the face of her notable hesitation. To her credit, she did what he was uncapable of doing. She responded to questions directly, based on the individual content of each question. Although I have seen some improvement in his ability to lead the district, I and still concerned as to whether he can regain the confidence of the public.

In my review of this opinion section, I can see that I am not the only one who can see merit is critique of our laws. History has shown that intelligent questioning of the powers that be has reaped benefits for citizens of this country, as I believe it will for students who are growing up within it. If teachers merely "lie down" in the face of unacceptable school conditions, they are teaching children to accept whatever norms are in place, regardless of whether they are right or wrong. It is important to teach students to think critically, and to question their environment. In short, to think for themselves by evaluating what comes their way. Raising robots is not in our best interest as a community or as a nation. As a law enforcement professional, I am more empowered when I am questioned because it establishes a foundation for enforcement of regulation. The substance of rules and governing regulations not meaningful if they are not enforced according to the spirit of why they were created. Laws must withstand critique if they are to have merit.

Nonetheless, a strike may not be the best option, nor would it be my approach (as I have stated), but I can empathize with the desperation of teachers after conventional means have proven futile. Educators and administration MUST try to diffuse emotions as much as possible in attempt to move forward. After all, as difficult as the conditions in kent schools are, the kids must return to school as soon as possible.

Re: Praise of unions not merited - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:12:28 -0000

Bob. Taxpayers did not have to bail out GM and Chrysler because of unions. Boeing did not move out of state because of union activism either. These things occured simply because those in control of the money wanted to control how it was distributed. In a nutshell-greed. CEO's and managers get as much as possible from workers frequently in non-union workplaces but we simply do not hear about those because the working people lose out because they have no support or or power to assert what is rightfully theirs-a fair portion of the profits of their labor. Unions are a necessary evil in a competitive capitalist market because managers can rule without a fairness requirement. Those of us with job security simply don't experience it.

Re: Teachers need support...and a song - Kent Reporter

colbyseaman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:55:35 -0000

Yes, thanks Tabitha.