Augustine

Sun, Sep 6, 2009 : 1:57 p.m.

People see teachers' salaries in this part of the state and sometimes seem shocked that teachers are making as much as many are, especially when they get off the number of vacation days that they do. But, hey, as others have said here- this is a PROFESSION, with professional credentials and should have professional compensation! Since it is funded by taxes, should we expect teachers' salaries to hit the heights as are seen in some professional fields? Probably not. If we do not have adequate salaries, will we attract competent people to teach our children? You know the answer to that one. Many who are trained in the social sciences, language, and arts areas seem to be of a type of personality that are attracted to teaching, but it is more difficult to get people in the science and math fields to teach when they can often make much better money (especially with an equivalent amount of training) in areas outside of education. I've talked to many people who say, 'You couldn't get me to teach for anything! I just couldn't take all of that.' Fortunately there are plenty of good, committed people out there who are willing to do it and who can do it well. Sure, as in any field, there are poor teachers- but I haven't met all that many around Ann Arbor. And what about all those days off in the summer? I have a good friend who had been in marketing for about 15 year and changed careers, going into teaching. In marketing he had a three weeks paid vacation during the year. When he switched to teaching, he tracked all his time spent in the classroom, at home, and on weekends doing schoolwork. It turned out that as a teacher he was putting in almost the exact same number of work hours per year (even with all that summer vacation) that he had in marketing with a three week vacation. And some years he spent much of the summer taking course work required to maintain his certification. Sure, lots of others put in a lot of overtime as well, but I think people are quick to point the finger at teachers' summers off without generally realizing the time that teachers do put in, much of it simply out of a strong commitment to kids!

PJ

Fri, Sep 4, 2009 : 6:30 a.m.

The list is pure salary. School districts have contributed between 14 and 17 percent to the retirement fund over the past couple of years. The rate is set by the state. I would venture a guess that the health benefits cost between 6,000 and 9,000 per employee - maybe more - depending on which union they are in. Ask your district to review the union contracts - it is all spelled out pretty clearly in there - what stipends, etc. the members receive. Usually quite enlightening.

trading man

Thu, Sep 3, 2009 : 11:23 a.m.

What was stated earlier that the income shown includes all benefits is wrong. This what is shown on their W2. It is their base salary plus any extra stipends they earn, coaching, etc. This is according to David Jesse who wrote the article that is being referenced. It does not include the total benefits given to the teacher. With that being said, I think you can agree they are fairly paid. I think the actual days worked are around 180 days a year, give or take 10 or so to be generous. I will use 190 days. 75000yr./190days worked = 394 dollars per day/8 hours per day = 49.25 an hour. You decide if that is fair or not. I think it is, but I would like to be able to get rid of the really bad teachers and give the good ones even more money. Most teachers say you can fire the bad ones, but the proof is in the numbers, I haven't checked recently, but I am almost certain the number of fired teachers per year would be close to zero. If you counted only tenured teachers I am sure it would darn close to zero. That low rate is not healthy for any organization, you have to be able to clear the dead wood from time to time. Keeping it around poisons the whole organization. Remember, these are 2006 numbers and I think the current contract they are working under gave them around a 3% increase every year. Ms. Margolis, can you tell us how many days they are required to work this year. Thank you in advance. On a side note, it appears Ms. Margolis has been reading this thread and if this information is accurate, why didn't you correct the mis-information stated earlier about the salary numbers including all benefits? Or if this is incorrect information, please let us know.

Val Losse

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 10:02 p.m.

Property taxes are not a good way of raising money for schools or for other funding requirements. Just because a person owns land and a house, which they really don't because of property taxes, doesn't mean that they can afford to pay them due to the loss of their job, a reduction of their pay or medical bills. Retirees live on a fixed income or is flexible due to the stock market going up and down, more down recently. The values of homes have gone up though recently they have come down but property taxes have not. A better way is by income tax because it is based on the ability of people to pay and not on the value of their property which they do not control. With income tax everyone pays based on their taxable income. I believe taxes would go down if everyone paid their fair share based on income and not the house they own.

beachbaby

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 7:15 p.m.

now i'm confused. on the one hand, i'm suppose to support my local business' like blockbuster & coffee shops and on the other hand if i do, i'm a selfish elitist and should be saving that money for a millage?

susan hurwitz

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 6:18 p.m.

FYI, Pioneer Theatre Guild is funded by the school district similarly to the theater programs at the other high schools. We have chosen to do more shows (with the support of our building administrators) to provide more arts opportunities for all kinds of kids; actors (both in musicals and dramatic plays), set and props builders, seamstresses, painters, stage managers, graphic designers, playwrights, improvisational comedians, sound and lighting technicians, etc. In order to pay for these productions, our students sell ads in our programs and we try to do some shows each year that attract good sized audiences. Our parent Booster Club does some fundraising, too, though not on a large scale. It is our ticket revenues that really enable us to offer a variety of educational theater experiences---and the kids' interests have motivated us to do our best to meet their needs. As for Theatre Guild only involving "a select few," TG is the second largest extra-curricular activity at Pioneer, second only to Athletics. Over the past 5 years, we've averaged a membership of 225+ over a school year, with 125 year-round members and many others doing one or two shows. We welcome all interested students with open arms! Last year, we opened our talent show "FutureStars" to all of the AAPS high school students who wanted to participate and that was exciting. We make every effort to be inclusive and fiscally responsible while offering the best program we can. Please check out our website: ptguild.org Susan Hurwitz Co-Program Director Pioneer Theatre Guild

David Jesse

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 4:40 p.m.

PJ: You can get a long list of financial documents on this AAPS page: http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/aaps.about/admin.bussvcs/documents_and_publications. The final numbers aren't in, but the district is projecting to end the 2008-09 school year with $28.67 million in fund balance money.

PJ

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 4:16 p.m.

Jon, I have supported every request in my district for bonds, etc, and I will support this also, my point is I will be closely watching where this money is spent since it will flow directly into the school's general fund. If your 'around town' statement means Ann Arbor, then I would suggest you will find different spending patterns across the county. Ms Margolis, could you tell me what the AAPS fund balance currently is? Wasn't easy to find on your web-site. Thanks.

josber

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 4:07 p.m.

here's a certain disconnect on a guy who's out buying four dollar coffees and getting videos complaining about people not supporting the millage when the Food Gatherers were asking urgently this end of August for more donations because there were so many needy families in the county... Even if it passes, the district will be down a few good million this year, and at least 4 million next year... Serious change is afoot. It's not just people in town that need to support it, but out county, too. I see so many for rent and for lease signs around, I am sure those commercial properties owners dread a 2 mill increase in property taxes.. So the district needs to come to grips with what is asking, and be prepared for a no, and figure out how to keep teaching the kids anyway.

Jon Saalberg

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 2:56 p.m.

Thanks, Ms. Margolis, for clarifying the description of the millage proposal's wording. PJ, you may be shocked to learn that I have been out of work since 11-08, yet I gladly support this initiative to ensure the vitality of our schools. And yes, I do own a home, so I do pay property taxes. In my travels about town, I see plenty of people picking up those videos and re-charging their caffeinated fixes. I think anyone who thinks "enhancements" is about providing luxurious benefits to our teachers is just not seriously considering the proposal.

Liz Margolis

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 12:48 p.m.

The language for this millage is required by state law. It uses the word "Enhancement" but please understand there is nothing "enhancing" about the use of the dollars collected if this millage is approved. The AAPS is estimating that if nothing changes with the state support of public education, for the 2010/11 school year this district will have to cut $15 million - in one year. This millage would be used to augment the years of per pupil funding that has not kept up with expenses, after this district has reduced $16 million over the past 4 years.

David Jesse

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 12:24 p.m.

Trading man: The salaries listed were acquired through a Freedom of Information Act request to all the local districts asking for any and all school district employees that made over $75,000 in wages during the 2006 calendar year.

PJ

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 11:30 a.m.

Jon Saalberg, I mean no disrespect, but pull your head out of the sand - many people aren't using their $4 for blockbuster, or coffee - they are using that $4 for medical insurance, food for the table, etc. You make broad assumptions about the finances of the citzens of Washtenaw county. As a person who probably won't get a raise again next year, who pays for more of my medical premiums/deductibles, etc every year, whose 401K contributions have been elimnated, etc. I will more than likely vote for the millaage, but I (and many of my neighbors) will be putting our school board to task to spend the money on ENHANCEMENTS for our kids - NOT salary and benefits.

Jon Saalberg

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 10:55 a.m.

Two mills is $200 a year on a home with a taxable value of $100,000. So I guess area residents aren't willing to pay $4 a week to enhance our education system, but they're willing to pay $4 for a movie from Blockbuster, or a $4 coffee, or more for a meal out? And the pay vs. work issue is a canard. I know more than a couple of teachers in our school system, and they work far more than 40 hours a week, volunteer for extra curricular activities, and make themselves available for conferences on an as-needed basis that does not correspond to a 9-to-5 day. I'm sure there are people in the school system who do not fit the model of the educators I've described, but they are by far in the minority, and I challenge anyone of you naysayers to proof otherwise. I would say our system's test averages clearly show that our schools are doing a good job, and having excellent educators makes that possible.

trading man

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 10:51 a.m.

David, is the salary reported for the teachers the total amount of compensation which includes social security, etc, etc.

sottovoce

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 10:17 a.m.

I'm a recent immigrant from the Thumb-area, and AA/Washtenaw residents are blessed with a great school system. How many people/businesses move here because of the good schools and well-educated population? At least one. Is the Union too powerful, probably. Should there be more financial changes, probably. Should school employees look around and see a lot of people in economic trouble, probably. But voting against the millage hurts the kids more than anyone else. What's the phrase...cut off the kids funding to spite the government?

Liz Margolis

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 9:46 a.m.

Just to clarify...Skyline did not sit empty for two years. It is now in its second year with 9th and 10th graders as planned. Skylne opened fall 2008 and was completed late spring of 2008. Since the 1980's the district has had an AHERA Federal Government asbestos managment plan. The asbestos management plan ensures that the students and staff are not exposed to unsafe levels of airborne asbestos. If anyone is intested in the details please contact the district designated staff member who is in charge of asbestos management, Tim Gruszczynski at 994.2226.

DebbieDora2

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 7:59 a.m.

Why you may want to click on that link teachers pay I was shocked and that does not include pensions, benefits, retirement and they ask we donated clorox wipes, paper, tissue, balls etc anything whjy I feel scammed. In that year the principals made more and teachers then Todd Roberts, Sure he needs more money. Shocking thanks for posting Shooooooooooooooockkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkiiiingggggggggggg

DebbieDora2

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 7:51 a.m.

For disturbed about teachers: The classes are a tax write off hello you know that Go to "The City of Ann Arbor" water services/taxes and see what exactly is going to AAPS. Where is it going because our school parking lots around her are worse then Clark Rd use to be. Oh ya I forgot it all went to Skyline that sat unused for 2 years while the rest of the students sat in mold infested, asbesto's infected heat exhausting schools built in the 40'w and 50's and a new floor did what??????????? BRING BOB IN TO DO AN AUDIT!ASAP ALOT

Ann Arbor Resident

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 6:55 a.m.

Dear Interested, Teachers are not the only ones who have the joy of continual education (I say joy because I love to learn). Pharmacists need to find a way (outside of their job) to earn continuing education credits, consultants need to keep up with their field, latest technologies and contacts by taking courses and attending conferences on thier own time and dime, musicians will spend long periods of time learning a new musical style, theory, etc without any monetary compenstation, etc. You have made another empty argument.

beachbaby

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 6:50 a.m.

I have no problem with teachers salaries. I just think it is a shame that i don't see teachers' names on that list who i know bust their butt everyday rather than one that i personally see texting during school and relying on the student teachers to do their work. And don't say speak to the principal, schools are like peyton place----much drama amongst the staff. anyway.....lots of valid points on both sides of the issue, i don't think there is any easy solution.

Ann Arbor Resident

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 6:48 a.m.

If (when) the millage is defeated the schools will not close down, the teachers will not leave (where else in Michigan can they get a teaching position?), and the students will not stop learning, playing sports, participating in the arts and being part of other extracircular activities.

Dan Rubenstein

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 6:16 a.m.

Complaints about teacher pay smacks of jealousy. If you think the job is so great and overpaid, go get your teaching certificate and become a teacher! Think, why don't you? The answer to why they get paid decently (hardly extravagantly) will appear before you.

josber

Wed, Sep 2, 2009 : 3:42 a.m.

It's not about fair, or what someone deserves, it is about market forces. It's not fair that the autos went bankrupt, but they did, and many people are struggling. So to ask people who are financially in tough straights to make payments, or have lost their house or job and are wondering what is next, to pay two mills more, that's pretty over the top. So what if teachers didn't get a pay raise, lots of other deserving people didn't either. Teachers are paid pretty well, and yes they work, mostly, but the truth is so do other people, so I am not so impressed with that argument. A big problem is that you save money by cutting staff, and not cutting pay, is that the school experience will suffer. A job will get so that no matter what you pay, it'll be miserable and not worth it, both for the teacher and the students, and while the teachers may not admit that right now, far better is it to be supported in you job with expectations, then to be dumped on with expectations. So the district is going to have to talk about paying these people less, as much as no one wants to hear about it, or just the wishful thinkers who want to just hold on until the storm passes. There are finite reaources and that's the bottom line.

interested

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 11:12 p.m.

I am disturbed by the negative attention to teachers and their salaries. I think many people neglect to understand that in order for teachers to retain their teacher certification, they need to take courses, as teachers are "lifelong learners". These are usually graduate courses that cost upwards of $1000 a credit hour. The amount of courses that are required equates that of roughly a post graduate degree, so teachers go on to get a master's degree because it makes the most sense. Public School teachers are not compensated for having to take these courses. They are required, and one must oblige to take courses or risk losing certification and a job. In addition, roughly 75% of A2 teachers have a master's degree. Much more education than many people receive in their lifetime. If one compares teachers to other professionals with the same amount of education, one will see the disparities in salaries. In order for a teacher to make $75,000 a year, they need to have a master's degree, plus additional credit hours to the existing graduate degree, and roughly 10 years in a school district. If a teacher needs to follows his/her spouse to another city/location, that teacher usually loses his/her years in seniority and this impacts salary at a new school district a teacher has had to move to. Imagine if you had to move to the west coast, for instance, for your husband/wife, and negotiated with your new employer your salary. Most people would expect a salary close to what they made before in the same job with a specific level of experience. So if one made $45,000 at their last job, they would expect to make the same in the same type of position. This does not occur for teachers - they do not have this luxury. These numbers are not exact, just a general idea of what has been explained to me by friends who are educators. People, we all work hard...yet considering the amount of education most of us have and our salaries compared to that of teachers who are more educated, their compensation seems pretty fair if not a bit lacking. Think about it!

Prometheus

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 10:29 p.m.

Doesn't anyone ever consider class sizes. The Ann Arbor high schools are getting less crowded with the introduction of Skyline, yet class size has not decreased at any of the schools. As budgets get tighter, class sizes go up to save $. Currently, the average English teacher has over 150 (some over 160) students in their 5 classes. Let's see here; assign a three page essay and that's 450 pages. How long does it take most folks to read a 450 page novel? Not to mention carefully, slowly, and while making thoughtful comments. Now do that every week (which is barely enough to truly teach kids to write). More $ means smaller class sizes. Smaller class sizes = a better education. It's not about giving teachers more money, it's about giving teachers practical class sizes and the opportunity to successfully do the job they're hired for.

Steve Norton, MIPFS

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 10:04 p.m.

Look, teachers are in charge of educating, and caring for, my kids every work day for almost 10 months of the year. Do I want them to be well-compensated professionals, the best we can find? You BET I do. And while the story came out on a Monday, please note that the tentative agreement with the teacher's union (on which they will vote in mid-September) has a pay and benefits freeze for at least the first year. Plus they are going to talk about how to improve teacher quality. Two mills is not greedy, and I doubt it would pay for public safety services in Ann Arbor. Right now, the only property tax that homeowners pay to RUN schools which stays local is the "hold harmless" millage of about 5 mills. Six mills, plus most of the sales tax, and a third of the income tax, plus more, goes to Lansing. But that money is running dry, and we are likely to see cuts for this school year whenever the Legislature finally hammers out a budget agreement. The projected $15 million deficit for AAPS in 2010-11 is mostly because state funding will fall precipitously when the federal stimulus money runs out. And it is running out much faster than anyone anticipated. The cuts they're talking about would do serious damage to our local schools. Dismantling our schools will not bring businesses, jobs or people to our area. But if we all make a sacrifice, and help our schools to hold on, then we have a chance at attracting the employers and people who will provide jobs and stabilize our property values. Not to mention that a half-generation of children will not be getting second class education. Our schools in Ann Arbor (and across the county) have been cutting, and they will continue to have to find cuts even if this millage passes. But without the millage, things will be very bad. These are definitely hard times, but the cost of the millage still pales in comparison to the cost of eroding our schools.

beachbaby

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 9:42 p.m.

FYI: neither of the gym teachers i was referring to coach after school.

DagnyJ

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 9:06 p.m.

Why should I pay a millage to support a theater program only offered to a select few HS students at Pioneer? Or pay a premium so a handful of kids can go to Community? There's a ton of empty space at Skyline; why not move CHS there so we aren't paying for as many buildings? The schools are full of pet projects, and even though they are public schools not all kids get the same opportunities.

JonesM

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 8:58 p.m.

Yes, the salary list is unbelievably enlightening. I almost fell over when I saw how much some of my kids teachers make. And, that doesn't include the benefits and pensions. No wonder the school district doesn't have enough money. What's really mind boggling is the realization that there are bad teachers making that kind of money. How can the education system possibly say that they care about the kids when there is no correlation between pay and performance. Until the district starts paying for performance and gets the benefits in check, I don't understand how anyone can even think of voting for more taxes. It's crazy. If you want to see the salary list, it's at: http://blog.mlive.com/ann_arbor_news_extra/2007/08/Ann_Arbor_report.pdf

Lynn Lumbard

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 8:40 p.m.

The physical education teachers are on the salary list because they coach your children after the school day.

beachbaby

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 5:17 p.m.

wow, the teacher salary list is enlightening, and it's from two plus years ago! i can't believe both my kids gym teachers are on there!!

MsWebster

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 5:16 p.m.

Not all teachers are on steps, after 15 years or so the only raise a teacher will get is through a salary increase or by coaching or something like that. Of course, there are always benefits - negotiations aren't only for salary, but benefits and working conditions, such as class size and student supervision outside of the classroom setting.

Ann Arbor Resident

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 4:57 p.m.

VOTE NO!

PJ

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 4:25 p.m.

AAPS receives at least $2,000 more per student than the other districts in the county. Most other districts are making due, why not AAPS? Remember, that the money from this millage paid by Ann Arbor tax payers will not stay 100% in AAPS - it will supplement all the other districts. Without FUNDAMENTAL changes at all levels, what will we do in 5 years if we spend this money on salary and benefits and the state has still not changed public school funding? Another renewal I bet. Spend the money on enhancing student education and the rest will have to play out, just like the salary/benefit changes the rest of us have been suffering through for many years. Most teachers ARE hard working, but they also get automatic step raises each year on top of a percentage salary increase, plus the best benefits left in the state. Share the pain.

Chuck Warpehoski

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 3:54 p.m.

One important thing to note is that this is a county-wide millage. One reason that I support it is that it is the only way to get more money to the desperately-underfunded schools like Ypsi, Lincoln, and Willow Run. There's a big back story here about how Proposal A was suppose to equalize school funding but how the State is not keeping its end of the bargain (and as I understand, AA is one of the districts that gets a higher per-pupil allocation under Prop A).

David Cahill

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 3:47 p.m.

Wow, thanks for the poll, David! That was fast!

cook1888

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 3:26 p.m.

Anyone who has had kids in the AAPS in the last 15 or 20 years, please look at the link for teacher salaries. There are some outstanding teachers on there, but there are plenty on there who in no way deserve what the taxpayers are paying them. Let the school district make do in hard times like everyone else. Most of us do not belong to unions and can not vote for or negotiate a raise. NO MORE TAXES!

Barb

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 3:23 p.m.

"Pet Projects" like CHS? And what bothers you more about PHS's theater program? That's it's good or that it isn't offered at other schools? Why kill "pet projects" that succeed? That makes no sense.

a2huron

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 3:15 p.m.

Well guess what, DagnyJ, Ann Arbor already pays for a good portion of the police services for communities such as Ypsi Township. With this millage, it is already clear that a good chunk of the 2 mills that city residents pay will be going elsewhere in the county and not staying in the city.

DagnyJ

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 2:23 p.m.

I would support the millage if the school districts in the county could all show me that they are truly in desperate need. That would mean eliminating all kinds of pet projects (Community HS, Pioneer's overblown musical theater which is not offered at other schools, courtesy busing to kids living closer than 1 mile to school, for example). Have districts collaborated in purchasing agreements for textbooks, supplies, heating/cooling, etc? It would also mean proving that Ann Arbor would receive as much from the millage as is paid by its property tax paying residents. Otherwise, forget it.

treetowncartel

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 2:23 p.m.

I hate to say it people, but the changes you see now are more parent oriented than teacher oriented. Dora, that bullying is allowed by a parent, yes it takes place at school, but the parents need to step up to the plate. You and I may ahve had please and thank you shoved down our throats, but that is not happening as much today as it used to be. Back in the day parnets could step in with other children, now parents typically take offense if someoen points out something wrong their ki has done. so, Society in a whole is probably more to blame than the fact somebody took a gamble and ended up with a decent gig for employment. Oh, and if you don't like it move, its called voting with your feet.

David Jesse

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 2:22 p.m.

We've added a poll. Feel free to cast your vote.

a2huron

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 2:20 p.m.

What bothers me most (besides the claim that teachers are the only ones who have to work evenings/weekends) is that they want us to pay 2 MILLS MORE! 2 mills is a LOT of money that I would have to dole out in extra property taxes. It isn't a trivial amount. They should be ashamed of themselves for asking for so much money. Heck, for that much, every community could pay for full law enforcement services. I guess everyone will have to keep laying off public safety folks while the school districts keep humming along.

DebbieDora2

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 2:13 p.m.

70's and 80's are well over. Schools have slipped.

DebbieDora2

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 2:10 p.m.

I am sorry for the mispelled words but we are already paying 2888.00 winter taxes and 880.00 plus winter taxes the tax department if anyone read received the most deferrments in history. I live in Haisley school district also If it were not for 1 woman we at one time had 1 handicap sign for 12 handicapped adults and many children. The school ois infested read with asbestos, mold and is in need of dier repair. Skyline got all of that. Todd Roberts you should of thought about all of this. This is Michigan 1 in 3 are unemployed. Hello I do not need more taxes, for what?what quality? What accountability, What integrity? What? take it from your packages and shove it Roberts you need to step down and you need an audit from Detroit BOB's firm

DebbieDora2

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 1:59 p.m.

75.000 dollars. What so we can live on the streets. Ann ARbor Schools are bot the best. My child cannot even attended the one in hiis neighbor due to abuse by another student they took lightly. We have 1burned iout nurse 1 burned out school psychologist and I have to pay what tmore traxes for what. a hole bunch of burned out teachers. No quality I fdon't think so. They need to give back alot more

treetowncartel

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 1:50 p.m.

Bravo Ms Lesko. I always ask people if they vote and/or voted before getting into a discussion on something of a political nature. If they did not exercise their sovereignty, which people are dying for on this very day, I won't oblige them.

David Cahill

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 1:48 p.m.

How about adding an AnnArbor.com poll on the millage to this article? Or did I miss it somewhere in earlier coverage?

Patricia Lesko

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 1:38 p.m.

The School District (that collects just about the same percentage of each property tax dollar as does the city) is drowning in pension payments and health care obligations to retired, as well as current employeesjust as are the city and county. These pension and health care plans need to be reshaped for future retirees to reduce the overall obligation. The union, of course, will push back hard against any such effort. However, it must be done, and we have to elect School Board members who will do it. Teachers deserve to be paid well, and the average salary for teachers in our state in well above the national average. I looked at the list linked to in this article months ago, and discovered (to my horror) that the least competent teacher my kid ever had earns more than $70K, and the most competent teacher my kid ever had isn't even on the list of teachers earning $70K and above. In our school district, seniority dictates which teachers are paid more, not competence or merit. This needs to change, as well, as it is in other school districts around the country. Washington, DC's superintendent devised a groundbreaking plan to replace the seniority system there. We can hold the District accountable by running for and voting in the School Board elections. Last May, only about 1,200 people voted to elect the current School Board members who ran.

treetowncartel

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 12:58 p.m.

Hey you critics, pay your teachers nothing and see what kind of talent pool you attract and what impact that has on your property values. I went to AAPS in the 70's and 80's and it was a superior district in SE Michigan then, just as it is now. Maybe all you whiners can convince the U of M employees to pass a hat for the AAPS, since they don't pay any taxes for all those city services they use. (Moderators, please excuse me, it is relevant yet off topic, this I know) It should also be noted that even some of the schools that have kids from the lower end of the socio-economic scale fare well in comparison to other districts or schools in the same ball park. Be thankful for what you have, you never miss your water till your well runs dry.

a2huron

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 12:32 p.m.

Let's see now, the school district needs to "convince" its teachers to support a millage that will result in their not having to take pay/benefit cuts that they might have otherwise, like the rest of us? Use more tax dollars to support this? Must be a really hard sales pitch to make. Where is the News' latest salary survey of school employees? I would like to see the change from 2006 (eons ago, in this economy) to 2009.

A2_Prius

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 12:31 p.m.

It's a side issue to the topic at hand, uawisok, but if one of the Big Three had offered a sedan that got 45+ MPG when last I needed a new car (in 2005), I'd have gladly purchased it. Unfortunately, none were available. Next time around I intend to buy a Ford Fusion Hybrid... which is built in Mexico.

Top Cat

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 12:30 p.m.

Education is too important in this country to allow the government funded education monopoly to continue. No matter how much we spend on this, the education monopoly will always want more money and will refuse to be held accountable for results. This is no reflection on the many dedicated people in education. Monopolies just function a certain way and this is no different.

AAJoker

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 12:06 p.m.

Whoops, it appears I took enhancement too literally; though I stand by my comments. Note it say 200 positions, not 200 teachers as the average teacher wages plus benefits is well over this level. I see the feedback about "countless evening and weekend hours", well this is pretty much expected in any professional job! Teaching is a tough job (as our many), but in the Ann Arbor area teachers are not hurting for either pay or benefits. What I wonder is when the USA is going to wake up and realize we need to have school year around in order to stay competitive?

AAJoker

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : noon

I live near Haisley school and I find such a millage to be a joke as I watch teachers tear up the lawn by driving their cars around the school rather than simply making a couple of trips with a cart. Add to this the chips in the building from hits by the snow plow, gouges on the grass from that same plow and no maintenance of the trees and shrubs and the neglect is piling up! The desire to enhance or beautify the schools needs to first be reflected in the actions of those that work there, as it was during the time of Ms. Louise Ritsema. Until the mindset has changed my vote is no!

uawisok

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 11:25 a.m.

Hope that Prius helps the shrinking tax base of Michigan and it's un-employment rate...nice to see you undermine the local economy.

A2_Prius

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 11:09 a.m.

"Not bad for a 10 month a year job," says uawisok. My wife, who's been an educator for twenty years, has heard all the variations on this snarky, ill-informed jibe. The countless evening and weekend hours my wife has devoted to preparing for the classroom are easily equivalent to working year-round!

David Jesse

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 10:37 a.m.

We did a story a few years ago when I was at the News about teacher pay and the number of school employees making more than $75,000. There were 1,450 in 2006. Here's the link: http://blog.mlive.com/ann_arbor_news_extra/teacher_pay/ (be forewarned. there's a video player that start automatically when you get to this page).

akdms

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 10:34 a.m.

Teachers get paid pretty well (IMO--teachers seem to disagree), but not $75,000 a year. $75k a year is the TOTAL expense for an employee (including employer paid taxes, employee training, medical, retirement, etc), not just their paycheck. Most $50k a year jobs with half-way decent benefits will cost the employer $70k+.

uawisok

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 10:33 a.m.

whoops....that would be $75,000.00...

uawisok

Tue, Sep 1, 2009 : 10:22 a.m.

$15 million divided by 200 equal $75,00.00 per teacher as an average....guess I should go back to school and get my teaching certificate. Not bad for a 10 month a year job...