Just had a chat with my Mom online. The teachers in her district just finished a battle w/ the school board for their 8% COLA. The district called it a "raise," said they couldn't afford it, even thought the $ comes from the state & not out of the district's pocket. At first the district said something like "We'll give you 5%" but the teachers wouldn't have it. District finally caved, but they've gotten away with it before. It's actually not explicitly illegal.
Well, just found out now that the district is now playing games with the aides (which hurts both them & the teachers). Keep in mind, these people aren't credentialed & do not work full time (the district won't have it...they'd have to give them benefits). They just have to pass some basic tests; some are college students, some are retired types but want to stay active & the extra $ doesn't hurt. These are people who are used to grading papers, running copies & sometimes taking small groups aside for about 20 minutes. And up to now, one aide may work in up to 3 classrooms per day, which isn't a lot of time to do much for the teacher.
Anyway, this is part of our conversation.
Mom: They took our aides away-not 5 days a wk for 1.5 hrs. But only 1 hr 2x a wk... I'm Swamped in paperwork.
Me: Criminal. To both the teachers & the aides. How are they supposed to eat?
(Granted, they help a few teachers out in the same day. The aides will still be on campus, but in a different capacity & for slightly less time.)
Me: Sounds like punishment for getting your 8%
Mom: What a mess... Aides who are (now) doing tutoring for big groups were out "sick" today. That's 5 aides, all on the same day.
Me: Hm....Blue flu?
Mom: That's what I said to the VP, but she didn't think so....
Many of the aides are in over their heads, & hate the new setup.
Me: I don't blame them.
Mom: Expected to do real teaching in groups.
Me: Argh.
