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Re: District moves first day of school to Tuesday; Union says it won't return without an agreement - Kent Reporter

leavingKSD — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:28:13 -0000

I posted this on another thread too. Sorry for the redundancy if you already read it there.

Laura,
This has been a topic of discussion on the KEA blog. Here is what they are telling us, taken directly from the KEA's blog:
"The simple answer is that an amnesty clause could require the District to go before the judge and basically say, 'They have returned to work, so you can lift the fines.' That is what has happened in all previous strikes where fines were imposed for defying an injunction."

And:
"The judge could conceivably deny the District if it petitioned to drop the fines as a result of an amnesty clause, but why would she do so? No other judge has ever done that. If her previous decision was based on precedent, then I doubt she would defy precedent in this case. This is not WEA’s first rodeo, partner."

For what it's worth, I am a teacher who crossed the line on Tuesday, the day that the first court ruling said to return to work. I have never been able to logically believe that we wouldn't have to pay these fees, but many of my colleagues do. They have been so easily been swayed by the union rhetoric. It is truly unbelievable! I have also been told (by the union) I won't be paid for the days I crossed---that they will actually bargain for me and my fellow law-abiding teachers to NOT be paid. They have also said we will get 4 cents a day for every day we crossed, while they continue to collect union dues from me. And, I have heard THEY could fine me for crossing. Needless to say, I am very upset at the entire situation. I feel I did the right thing by returning to work, but realize there will be consequence from my colleagues, etc, but I WON'T have to pay court fines and will be looking for employment in another district next year!

Re: Kent school district turns down union contract proposal: Read proposal - Kent Reporter

leavingKSD — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:13:55 -0000

For what it's worth, I am a teacher who crossed the line on Tuesday, the day that the first court ruling said to return to work. I have never been able to logically believe that we wouldn't have to pay these fees, but many of my colleagues do. They have been so easily been swayed by the union rhetoric. It is truly unbelievable! I have also been told (by the union) I won't be paid for the days I crossed---that they will actually bargain for me and my fellow law-abiding teachers to NOT be paid. They have also said we will get 4 cents a day for every day we crossed, while they continue to collect union dues from me. And, I have heard THEY could fine me for crossing. Needless to say, I am very upset at the entire situation. I feel I did the right thing by rreturning to work, but realize there will be consequence from my colleagues, etc, but I WON'T have to pay court fines and will be looking for employment in another district next year!

Re: DEVELOPING STORY: Striking Kent teachers rally Friday, still no contract - Kent Reporter

leavingKSD — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:59:05 -0000

johnsmythe-
YES! I am a teacher in this district and have NEVER been intimidated by the mention of charter schools and vouchers. You wouldn't believe how many bad teachers I have seen protected by the union. It infuriates me that my dues go to defend them. I have never used the union and HAVE to pay the $67 a month to them-regardless of what I believe. The system is out of date and needs to be changed.

Re: STRIKE UPDATE: Teachers ordered back to school by Monday; union delivers new contract - Kent Reporter

leavingKSD — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:03:29 -0000

KEA has been telling us (us meaning its members) all along that publishing proposals is not considered "good faith bargaining". Many of us have asked to see recent proposals and have been told just to "trust" them. I leave you to form your own opinion about that....

Re: STRIKE UPDATE: Teachers ordered back to school by Monday; union delivers new contract - Kent Reporter

leavingKSD — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:53:04 -0000

foo8foo,
You have articulated my thoughts exactly. I am a teacher in the district who did cross the lines and return to work on Tuesday. There are others in my building who did so as well. I am extremely surprised at the level of 'brainwashing' the union has been capable of. It is astounding to me to see so many highly respected, intelligent educators willing to be herded like sheep. I whole-heartedly agree with the cause and do believe this district has a large number of serious issues. And, I do believe we need total reform and restructuring. However, this is not the appropriate action to make that happen. This strike will not change laws, and that is how I feel our members are considering it. Both sides are extremely dishonest and deceitful and I have questioned the rhetoric from KSD and KEA all along. I know the truth is in the middle somewhere. The most unfortunate part is that this has become a test of wills and both sides want to win. But, aren't we both on the same side? We still all have to work together once this is 'settled' and I am concerned how that is going to happen. No one is going to win.

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

leavingKSD — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:46:55 -0000

Actually, I believe her daughter was in one of my colleagues classes at Mill Creek. Blindman, I can see where your name comes from. You are obviously blind to some of the best schools in the KSD with the most hardworking and dedicated teachers. Before you form opinions, perhaps you should spend time in one of these buildings you speak of.

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

leavingKSD — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:52:21 -0000

Gee, unbeliever, do you by any chance work in the district admin? I personally would be fine with the KSD not spewing their rhetoric in the local paper.