Comments on: Arizona gets a D+ on teacher retention

By: Geoff Johnston

Geoff Johnston — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:11:37 +0000

I think those are solid arguments PR Mom. There is no question that people who have jobs in 2009 will do what they can to keep jobs. I have not heard anything about Career Ladder going away but if it does that will be a major setback for districts that have it. At the same time it would level the playing field for younger districts like HUSD.

By: PR Mom

PR Mom — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:56:04 +0000

I disagree that teacher retention will not improve with the current budget crisis. Teachers are simply glad that they even have a job right now. Just look at the sub. lists now. People need jobs…supply and demand. Also, I do not think that Career Ladder will stay around for the long-term in surrounding districts. This will only help our district to be more competative.

By: azfam

azfam — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:38:49 +0000

I am split. Some directors are helping the district. Others, I don’t see how they are improving anything.
I do know that I am not happy that many of them were hired as Director 1, and within months were promoted to Director 2. There also have an “executive Director”- what the heck does he do that constitutes his pay grade? And one sure way to save the district some money is to cut back on all of the admin benefits. Seriously- do they need such high life insurance policies? Can they not pay for their families to be on their medical insurance? Do they need a montly gas allowance? The old board approved all of these “perks” for administators and directors. NEW BOARD, will you please revamp this! I want my tax money being spent better than this!

By: Geoff Johnston

Geoff Johnston — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 01:19:11 +0000

I have heard mixed reports on the Directors that have been hired Katie. Some like you imply they are overpaid and not all that useful. Others think they are extremely useful and help the district tremendously.

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:55:10 +0000

Because of low pay we have a hard time with teacher retention? Perhaps those directors with high, over paying positions would be willing to take a salary freeze this year and forgo a raise themselves in order to retain what teachers we have. That would be a huge step in the right direction. Let’s show the public that we are willing to tighten our own belts to make a difference for the children.