Thursday, August 21, 2008 12:24 PM EDT
Board may hire labor pro for talks
 School Committee taking first step to bring in outside representation for contract negotiations. |
The School Committee is taking the first step to bring in an outside group or individual to represent it in upcoming teacher contract negotiations.
But the board is still some time away from deciding whether to actually contract an independent negotiator.
Schools Superintendent Thomas DiPaola said Wednesday that a request for proposal (RFP) — or invitation for outside groups or individuals to submit price, company history and other information — is nearly completed.
School board members agreed they want to see the completed document before it is put out to bidders. DiPaola said he would bring it to the board at its next meeting on Sept. 3.
Negotiations with the Westerly Teachers’ Association union have in the past been done by a team comprised of the superintendent, school finance director, three school committee members and the schools’ solicitor.
The idea of hiring an outside negotiator has been raised by some members of the public for some time.
The concept has come up not only at school board meetings, but meetings of a subcommittee tasked with bringing a $30 million bond for renovations at Westerly High School to the public.
DiPaola said he assumes part of the rationale is that an outside negotiator would provide the school board with the best resources to negotiate the best contract.
The current, three-year contract is set to expire on Aug. 31, 2009. Negotiations for a new contract would typically begin this fall, DiPaola said.
School Committee Chairwoman Nancy Burns- Fusaro said approving an RFP does not automatically mean that the school board will hire an outside contractor. She said the request will provide cost information the board will use to make its decision.
“This is the first step,” she said.
DiPaola said the school board must go out for an RFP because the cost of contracting an outside negotiator is expected to exceed the $5,000 threshold specified in the town charter. However, he said he did not have a projection on the final cost.
School Committee member Louis Sposato said he strongly favors putting out an RFP, which should call for background on the firm or individual.
“I want to know what other contracts this individual has negotiated and I want to see those contracts,” he said.
Board member James Murano Jr. agreed they should seek a negotiator with “proven experience.”
And board member David Patten called for innovative and outside-the-box thinking in a negotiator.
But the board is still some time away from deciding whether to actually contract an independent negotiator.
Schools Superintendent Thomas DiPaola said Wednesday that a request for proposal (RFP) — or invitation for outside groups or individuals to submit price, company history and other information — is nearly completed.
School board members agreed they want to see the completed document before it is put out to bidders. DiPaola said he would bring it to the board at its next meeting on Sept. 3.
Negotiations with the Westerly Teachers’ Association union have in the past been done by a team comprised of the superintendent, school finance director, three school committee members and the schools’ solicitor.
The idea of hiring an outside negotiator has been raised by some members of the public for some time.
The concept has come up not only at school board meetings, but meetings of a subcommittee tasked with bringing a $30 million bond for renovations at Westerly High School to the public.
DiPaola said he assumes part of the rationale is that an outside negotiator would provide the school board with the best resources to negotiate the best contract.
The current, three-year contract is set to expire on Aug. 31, 2009. Negotiations for a new contract would typically begin this fall, DiPaola said.
School Committee Chairwoman Nancy Burns- Fusaro said approving an RFP does not automatically mean that the school board will hire an outside contractor. She said the request will provide cost information the board will use to make its decision.
“This is the first step,” she said.
DiPaola said the school board must go out for an RFP because the cost of contracting an outside negotiator is expected to exceed the $5,000 threshold specified in the town charter. However, he said he did not have a projection on the final cost.
School Committee member Louis Sposato said he strongly favors putting out an RFP, which should call for background on the firm or individual.
“I want to know what other contracts this individual has negotiated and I want to see those contracts,” he said.
Board member James Murano Jr. agreed they should seek a negotiator with “proven experience.”
And board member David Patten called for innovative and outside-the-box thinking in a negotiator.
Re: Joe Bradford Parent wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:39 PM:
" WOW! Smooch, Smooch! "
north ender wrote on Aug 26, 2008 4:44 PM:
" do I know teachers have "down time" built in???
ummmmmm, YES.
They get a free prep period to make copies, make lesson plans, call parents, meet with parents, etc. etc.
Combine all that with only a 20 minute lunch and you would see that there is NOT much down time. "
ummmmmm, YES.
They get a free prep period to make copies, make lesson plans, call parents, meet with parents, etc. etc.
Combine all that with only a 20 minute lunch and you would see that there is NOT much down time. "
Joe-Bradford Parent wrote on Aug 26, 2008 1:54 PM:
" Wow. There sure is a lot of hate with those who live here in Westerly. It is amazing how fingers point at the teachers' union or the school board or the superintendant. The last time I checked, these schools are where our children go to learn. Do we want quality teachers? Yes. Do we have to pay them? Yes. Should they be paid fairly? Yes. What is fair? Well, fair is whatever is agreed to. If we, the citizens, do not like how things are running, we make our changes via voting or speaking out at committee meetings. If we feel the school committee is a joke, do re-elect them. If the Superintendent is not meeting your needs, talk to him and figure out why things are the way they are. To say that a teacher cannot take a break is absolutely rediculous. We all choose our occupations and they chose theirs. Keep this in mind, these teachers probably spend more time with your children than you do...that is while you are at work taking your "legal breaks" or heaven forbid, 20 illegal smoke breaks. "
Re: North ender wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:38 AM:
" Did you forget that the teacher's contracts have daily 'down time' built in to them so that they can get a break during the day?
I've been around for quite a while and I know how much effort the majority of the teachers in Westerly put into their jobs. There is absolutely NO WAY that you are going to snow me with how hard a teacher works and how underpaid they are, NO WAY!!!
They are WELL paid for their effort. So much so, that it has thrust the town of Westerly into a finacial crisis.... because of contractual agreements with the teacher's union.
"
I've been around for quite a while and I know how much effort the majority of the teachers in Westerly put into their jobs. There is absolutely NO WAY that you are going to snow me with how hard a teacher works and how underpaid they are, NO WAY!!!
They are WELL paid for their effort. So much so, that it has thrust the town of Westerly into a finacial crisis.... because of contractual agreements with the teacher's union.
"
Re: Re: north ender wrote on Aug 25, 2008 3:25 PM:
" sorry, but you are a liar. NO teachers spend most of their day in study hall or teacher's lounge. it is impossible. thanks for trying to give teachers a bad rap, though. "
Re: North Ender wrote on Aug 25, 2008 3:17 PM:
" You are absolutely correct! I AM a moron, an idiot and a dope! I definitely made a very poor choice when I chose to work in the public sector instead of working in academia. Just think of it, I could have been a teacher. Instead, most of the time, I work 8 to 10 hour days all year round, and I am expected to be available by telephone, email and fax at all times, even at home and weekends. Vacations are interrupted with electronic communications and talk about education! Well, let me tell you, I have to take courses, as well, to keep up with the latest in my field, which can change on a regular basis. Can you imagine? Boy, you teachers have it tough! I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO YOU. We critics should just keep our mouths shut, go to work, and just keep-on a-payin' without any questions asked! RIGHT???? RIGHT!!!! "
Re: North Ender wrote on Aug 25, 2008 10:50 AM:
" I'm a teacher too and let me tell you, after working in the private sector, Teaching is the easiest job I've ever had. Most of my day is spent in the teacher's lounge or study halls correcting multiple choice papers. While I do spend some time 'after school' (which by the way is about 2 hours to make my day a complete 8 hours) planning for the next day, it's not that hard. We are paid ridiculous $$$ for what amounts to a part time job. 12 weeks of vacation snow days, if you're a parent, you're on the same schedule as your children. MAKE NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, teachers got it EASY. Go down to Seaside Beach Club in the summer, doesn't look like teachers are underpaid to me!!!! "
Feinstein is a fool wrote on Aug 24, 2008 9:36 AM:
" Another example of elitism in our community. If this fool was a gentleman, he'd put the check in an envelope, send it to the town with assurances it would be spent in the school system and wash his hands of it.... To seek out new places to have his name plastered all over is the ultimate sign of arrogance, I'd rather suffer trying than to be beholden to this guy until the end of time for quite frankly, a pittance of a GIFT. TAKE YOUR MONEY AND SHOVE IT, WESTERLY CAN'T BE BOUGHT! "
north ender wrote on Aug 24, 2008 8:55 AM:
" As a teacher, I would like to reply to some comments. People think they know when teachers "actually" work?? I don't think so! Those that think our work ends when the last bell rings are sadly mistaken... many hours of work follows us home every night and every weekend. Most companies offer workers incentives ($) to further their education... teachers spend their own $ during the summer on classes to keep up with their certifications. Finally, if teaching is that good a job, you that complain are the real morons... YOU could've been a teacher, too! Come see how easy it is! You'd never last! "
waste of money wrote on Aug 24, 2008 12:04 AM:
" Outside negotiator will mean a strike or a sick stoppage- everyone thinks a new lawyer will save the tax payers money by having the teachers contribute more, work longer hours and make less pay- keep dreaming- the collective bargaining laws favor the unions- if the superintendent cant represent the tax payers or managment then it is time for him to leave- lets not pay some high price out of area lawyer big bucks knowing at the end the contract will look the same. Dont be fooled- the trade off is always hidden- you might think the teachers pay more but they get it somewhere else. The savings will occur if Providence has the guts to change the laws- I dont think so- most state reps are union members or behold to the unions for money
Get rid of Murano, Sposato and all of the old guard- time for new people and new leaders with new ideas and budget experience "
Get rid of Murano, Sposato and all of the old guard- time for new people and new leaders with new ideas and budget experience "
Rebate Check wrote on Aug 23, 2008 9:02 PM:
" Get 2000 residents to donate $500.00 each through fundraising. Or, find the money through some other means of fundraising. Thanks, but no thanks, Mr. Feinstein. "
Buyer Beware wrote on Aug 23, 2008 4:22 PM:
" Once a man places a caveat on a gift, he is no longer giving, instead he's attempting to strike a deal. I would hope that the School Committee can see that Mr. Feinstein's one million dollars are not worth the purchase. A "gift" should come from the heart without any reward. This is NOT a gift. Where is the generosity in expecting something in return for a so-called gift? "
Not in Westerly wrote on Aug 23, 2008 10:12 AM:
" BEG TO DIFFER!!! Westerly teachers are paid much more than most people employed in the public sector, especially taking into consideration the number of days and hours they actually work, and the key word is "ACTUALLY." Even if they worked all year round, their pay is right in line with or higher than most of us in the public sector. Sorry, but many businesses and corporations are having to tell their employees to pay more toward their benefits, and if we want to continue to work, that's exactly what we do. Let's not put teachers up for sainthood quite yet. While they do a good job, so do many other people working in industry who contribute to this country in so many different productive ways. And, oh, by the way, in the public sector, we MUST pay into social security. Are teachers required to do so? Take a ride around Town and look at some of the homes in which these "underpaid" teachers are living. Teachers underpaid? NOT IN WESTERLY! "
Private Sector Peers wrote on Aug 22, 2008 7:15 PM:
" Don't get 12 Weeks of paid vacation "
Feinstein wrote on Aug 22, 2008 7:14 PM:
" I'm sure the Sun left the Feinstein article out of the talkback section for a reason.....
Send this guy and his $1M packing, there are hundreds of locals who would deserve to have the Middle School named after them! "
Send this guy and his $1M packing, there are hundreds of locals who would deserve to have the Middle School named after them! "
Son of a teacher wrote on Aug 22, 2008 1:12 PM:
" Providing teachers with paid healthcare just brings their total compensation package closer to that of the equivalent job in corporate America. We can't ask them to incur a cost for healthcare without bringing their salaries in line with their private sector peers.
It's cliche but teachers truly are underappreciated and underpaid. "
It's cliche but teachers truly are underappreciated and underpaid. "
Unpopular view wrote on Aug 21, 2008 7:38 PM:
" The Teachers Union must accept the fact that escalating health care costs and pension contributions are a drag on the finances of Westerly.
The teachers in the community should bear more responsibility in providing for their own healthcare, just like the rest of corporate America.
"
The teachers in the community should bear more responsibility in providing for their own healthcare, just like the rest of corporate America.
"
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