Negotiating The RSU Curve
For many, the Governor's administrative consolidation plan appears to have been hastily drawn and rushed to passage. But those who have been paying attention now see how earlier developments foreshadowed the present situation.
For years now there has been a methodical shift from expenditure-driven budget formulas (before 1997), to a guaranteed, adjusted foundation allocation (1997), to the most current essential programs and services (EPS), resulting from LD1137, passed in 1997. There have been many signals that collaboration and consolidation of services would be demanded, under the rubric of guaranteeing student equity.
Taxpayer equity has been a secondary concern.
Recently, the Maine Children's Alliance reported on what they believe are educational as well as financial benefits to school consolidation. Among other things, their report notes that the creation of larger districts will provide more flexibility to move teachers where they will be needed most.
A January 5-6 Bangor Daily News editorial states " The result likely will be fewer teachers statewide, however they will be better paid, which should contribute to higher teaching standards."
How will they be better paid and how will that contribute to higher teaching standards?
Remember the last gubernatorial election? Perhaps in return for the support of the MEA, the Governor promised to increase teachers' minimum salaries to $30,000. He delivered on that promise!
At that time, the Maine Municipal Association estimated that the typical teacher would get a pay increase of $4,000 to $5,000, costing taxpayers $50 million to $75 million statewide.
Even the official Maine State Teacher Quality Action Plan document states, "the raise in minimum teacher salary will lead to subsequent increases in experienced teachers’ salaries due to the resultant upward pressure in local contracted salary schedules."
For years now there has been a methodical shift from expenditure-driven budget formulas (before 1997), to a guaranteed, adjusted foundation allocation (1997), to the most current essential programs and services (EPS), resulting from LD1137, passed in 1997. There have been many signals that collaboration and consolidation of services would be demanded, under the rubric of guaranteeing student equity.
Taxpayer equity has been a secondary concern.
Recently, the Maine Children's Alliance reported on what they believe are educational as well as financial benefits to school consolidation. Among other things, their report notes that the creation of larger districts will provide more flexibility to move teachers where they will be needed most.
A January 5-6 Bangor Daily News editorial states " The result likely will be fewer teachers statewide, however they will be better paid, which should contribute to higher teaching standards."
How will they be better paid and how will that contribute to higher teaching standards?
Remember the last gubernatorial election? Perhaps in return for the support of the MEA, the Governor promised to increase teachers' minimum salaries to $30,000. He delivered on that promise!
At that time, the Maine Municipal Association estimated that the typical teacher would get a pay increase of $4,000 to $5,000, costing taxpayers $50 million to $75 million statewide.
Even the official Maine State Teacher Quality Action Plan document states, "the raise in minimum teacher salary will lead to subsequent increases in experienced teachers’ salaries due to the resultant upward pressure in local contracted salary schedules."
posted by Art | 1/22/2008 06:34:00 AM
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