February 1, 2005
I was encouraged to read about the Governor's remarks to Superintendents, as reported in the 1/28/05 Boston Boston Globe. These concerns are being stated again and again by many, including sources that are surprising like the Boston Globe columnists and State Legislators.
In the 1/31/05 Boston Globe was a Commentary by Jarrett T. Barrrios (MA Senator: Middlesex, Suffolk, Essex):
"Where will the governor start his crusade? The real discussion many hope for should not begin with money. The hopeful among us know that existing money can be redirected from one program to another within a school district with better results, but at times the bottom line must be increased. Instead of starting with cost, the governor must start with values - the value of viewing reform through the lens of our children's civil right to a quality education"
In the 1/28/05 Boston Globe was a story about Gov. Romeny's meeting with MA School Superintendents:
"The governor's proposals raise thorny issues for superintendents. Romney urged them to take a strong role in changing public schools, such as resisting pressure to sign contracts they cannot afford. As a role model, he singled out New England Patriots' coach Bill Bellichick as a leader who gets things done."
As Bridgewater-Raynham begins the process for the 2005-06 school district budget, keep that thought in mind - not to sign contracts you cannot afford. The top pay for teachers has increased from $75,360 ($73,360 top step plus $2000 in longevity bonus) to $82,561 ($76,561 top step plus a maximum of $2000-$6000 in longevity bonus).
On November 24, 2004, I posted an analysis of the contract WITHOUT the effects of the Longevity plan. My estimate was that the contract would cost $682k more in fy06 over current year budget. I have also heard of others also estimating teacher salary costs increasing by about $700k next year; so my analysis may be right on target.
So... did the School Committee and Administration sign a contract that they cannot afford? I believe that we did, and voted against the contract. The five votes in favor were Patti Roland (now retired), Linda Dillon, Lou Pacheco, Ursula Garfield and Don DeLutis (Mark Oliari and Susan O'Brien were not at the vote).
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
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