PCTA Action: December 12, 2007

SCHOOL BOARD CONSIDERS DELAY IN ASSIGNMENT PLAN

Even after significantly slowing down the implementation of the new student assignment plan, the School Board, on Tuesday, failed to adopt a plan, possibly delaying implementation for another year. "This is totally unacceptable," said PCTA President Kim Black. "Our position is that we have to get out of ‘choice' as soon as possible so that we can begin spending the transportation dollars on student achievement, not busing. We have been encouraging teachers to call (588-6300) or e-mail (Board@pcsb.org) with a simple message - ‘We can't afford to delay the new plan any longer. Teachers need to know who and where we'll be teaching next year!'

"The Board is trying to solve every problem for every parent constituency group," Mrs. Black continued. "However, the two constituencies most affected by this, teachers and students, are not being heard. Our students and teachers are amazingly resilient, but the continual delays are frustrating and unnecessary." For more on the Association's position, visit the PCTA web site.

REFERENDUM CAMPAIGN - ONLY 50 DAYS TO ELECTION DAY

In 50 days, on January 29^th, Pinellas voters will decide whether or not to continue to voluntarily tax themselves one half mil to support public schools. That's 50 days to talk with friends and family about the good things the referendum has done and 50 days to tell the public at-large what a difference over one hundred million dollars has made in our schools. And, not to introduce the ‘Grinch' into the holiday season, 50 days to contemplate what it will mean if the referendum doesn't pass.

"Since I became PCTA President, I have had the chance to visit over 50 schools and have spent a full day with four different teachers," said Kim Black. "In every school you can talk with the media specialist, the art teacher and the music teacher and feel their excitement about what the referendum has meant to their kids. What hasn't gotten as much attention (but should) is the thousands of dollars that have gone into teacher paychecks that wouldn't have been there without the referendum. Our community told us three years ago that they wanted highly qualified teachers and quality schools. They told us that they wanted their money spent here. We have fulfilled their expectations."

"This campaign will be different," Mrs. Black continued. "In the last three years, the tax climate has changed and the economy is headed in the wrong direction, yet our polling data says that the public still supports the goals of the referendum. It will be essential that we get the message out to the voters who support us and get them to the polls. This will require a significant financial investment which is why I have asked every teacher to make a contribution to the campaign. It is as simple as looking at Friday's paycheck and asking ‘What would I do if I had to get by on $350 less every month?'"

Contributions in any amount are welcome. The Citizens for Pinellas Schools is the independent committee leading the renewal effort. PCTA Faculty Representatives have contribution information. (Keep in mind that soliciting or collecting political contributions on School Board property is illegal.) Contributions can be made on-line at citizensforpinellasschools.com.

PROBLEMS WITH STATE INVESTMENT POOL RAISES PENSION CONCERNS

Recent news stories about the ‘run' on the state investment pool caused a flurry of phone calls to the district, PCTA and FEA. The problem (for school employees) arose when the media reported that "some districts" might not be able to "make payroll." The noise grew louder when someone suggested that the state pension fund be used to bail out the state investment pool. Now that the dust has settled, here's what happened: Florida maintains an investment fund for the benefit of state and local governments. Everyone from School Boards to small towns can "pool" their money and the state invests it for them. The investments are usually very high grade but a small portion was invested in banks that had a number of "sub-prime" (high risk) loans. This is what caused the panic.

All of the sudden, major plan participants (Hillsborough schools had $500 million in the fund) started withdrawing their funds. Just like in "It's A Wonderful Life," the run was on. The State Board of Administration stopped withdraws which created another problem for places that had short-term accounts. In the end, new rules were put in place, new managers were hired and life went on. At no time was the pension fund in jeopardy. The only relationship it has to the investment pool is that both are under the oversight of the Administrative Board. Florida's pension plan remains the most financially secure in America.

CORRECTIVE ACTION STATUS INCREASES ANXIETY - PROMPTS MEETING

One of the many unfortunate outcomes of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is the threat of ‘corrective action' if a school doesn't make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for a number of years. Because of the over-reliance on standardized tests and the fluidity of sub-groups, schools with large numbers of highly mobile and struggling students often find themselves shooting at a moving target. After a number of years of not making AYP, a school can be placed in corrective action which can range from program changes to complete closings. Naturally, the 16 schools in this ‘status' are filled with anxiety. To alleviate those concerns, PCTA has been working with the district to ‘lower the temperature' by providing more information on what might happen and to communicate that to affected personnel at a meeting on Wednesday, December 12. The goal is to have staffs not worry about possible changes over the holidays when, in all likelihood, the final changes will be minor.

6-12 REDESIGN COMMITTEE CONTINUES TO STUDY SECONDARY SCHEDULES

A group of teachers and administrators has been meeting for the last several months to consider changes in the daily schedule for middle school and high school. While there are many reasons for change, ranging from the classroom class size cap to new state curriculum requirements, the team was concerned that the current six period middle school and 4, 6 or 7 period high school schedules were not meeting the needs of students. "One size never fits all situations," said Kim Black. "Our current structure allows such limited flexibility that we can't provide the electives and remediation that our students need." Middle and high school teachers with thoughts on the current schedule or possible changes should contact the office. "I'm particularly interested in hearing from teachers who have worked in schools or districts that have had success with meeting the diverse needs of their student population."

VOLUNTEER FOR THE REFERENDUM - YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

When school resumes January 7, the referendum campaign will be in full swing. In addition to helping with the funding, PCTA members need to do one (or more) of the following activities listed here.