Thursday, March 25, 2010

Rodeo Clowns in the MRTA

Please do not post comments to this article. Blogger has blocked comments to this article due to a vandal who tried to crash the site through spam. All the comments that were previously posted to this article, can be downloaded here.

The MRTA’s latest antics and utter incompetence would be comical if they weren’t so tragic. In the face of massive layoffs, the Matawan Regional Teachers Association, which represents nearly every fulltime school district employee below the administrative level, has chosen to antagonize the only people on the planet who could actually save their members’ jobs, namely the Matawan-Aberdeen School Board.

The union has orchestrated political theater from heckling board members at a public meeting to frightening the community into believing the district will replace our beloved custodians with pedophiles.

All this to distract the public and the union membership from the simple truth:

  • Every cent of the 2% tax increase has been budgeted for staff salary raises
  • A 2% tax increase isn’t enough to fund their raises so the custodians are being outsourced
  • The district has to terminate another 30 people to cover a $1.5 million increase to their Cadillac health insurance plans
  • The union has not offered any concessions or suggestions on how to cut costs and save jobs
  • Union officers receive full pay for a reduced workload to permit extra time for union activities
  • The union has filed a slew of grievances demanding extra pay which, if victorious, will result in more job losses
  • Our high-end teachers are among the highest paid in the state
At this past Monday’s board meeting, there was such overcrowding from union members and their friends that we had to change venues after an “anonymous” former board member contacted the police.

Once the meeting reconvened, the battle lines were drawn when school board president Charles Kenny refused to give MRTA president Carl Kosmyna any special consideration and Kosmyna refused to give his home address (as every other speaker did) when addressing the board, instead using the MRTA’s office address.

Of the approximately 32 people who spoke, three-quarters were district employees, all unanimous in recommending a 4% tax increase. Among local residents not on the payroll, four speakers (counting a married couple as two) supported a 4% tax increase. (4% is the legal maximum excluding waivers.)

To give a sense of the circus atmosphere, the union members cheered a young mother who was scared of being unable to provide for her children in the face of rising taxes. They cheered again when Dr. Gambino recommended the entire district take a pay-freeze even though they were refusing to do exactly that.

When Kosmyna was asked what he had done to reduce layoffs, the Lion of Matawan declared he had sent board member Ruprecht an email and the dastardly Ruprecht hadn’t fully responded. That’s right. Confronted by scores of union members losing their livelihoods, Kosmyna sent an email. I exert more effort returning spoiled food to Shoprite.

Mr. Kosmnya also stated the union was prepared to make concessions in exchange for a written guarantee of no layoffs, as if that were a possibility with a $7 million shortfall.

Remarkably, nobody from the union spoke about the 43 other employees who would be losing their jobs, half being teachers.

As for the board, many (if not all) of us were wondering at what point the union would offer a concession that would allow us to save jobs. We were equally amazed that people trying to convince us to save jobs would be so disrespectful. (The union could learn a thing from Ms. Collins who spoke beautifully about custodians going above and beyond for the students and staff.)

Matawan-Aberdeen hasn’t approved a tax levy increase since 2001 and it’s unlikely they’ll do so again during a deep recession and housing crisis. Once details of the board meeting hit the papers, the community will probably be even less likely to vote for the budget, thereby placing more jobs at risk.

The latest union gambit is to complain the board refuses to negotiate as if that would make a dime of difference even if it were true. All Kosmyna needs to do is offer concessions in exchange for jobs and the board would leap at the opportunity.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to us at the time, during the school board meeting, New Jersey approved a bill requiring all public employees to contribute 1.5% of their salaries towards health benefits once their current contract expires. The contributions will save the district about $500,000.

What will the school board do with that newfound money? Pay down debt, use it for tax relief when the budget fails, or preserve jobs? Will the union try to strong-arm the board again? Is that the only way they know to negotiate?

As every rodeo clown knows, you can distract the bull, deceive the bull, and avoid the bull, but stick around too long and you will get trampled. The union leadership can no longer distract, deceive or avoid the public. Or its membership. >>> Read more!

161 comments:

Anonymous said...

Governor has asked all public employees to freeze any wage increase. Show of good faith Dr Omalley and the teachers should freeze any wage increase if it will save jobs. And please do not tell me anything about a contract my wages were frozen last year so it can be done... I stand up for our new Governor but it must start at the top. No public employee should make more than the Governor of New Jersey. Key word here is Public employee this is not wall street.

Teachers need to ? N.J.E.A. said...

The reality of the N.J.E.A. and its powerful lobbyists are to blame for most of the tactics you describe. The N.J.E.A. is unquestionably the most powerful and influential organization in the State of New Jersey. The most telling fact of their outward frustration is that Governor Christie has shined the light on them for the damage they have done to our entire political and economic structure. An organization that takes in over 120M dollars a year and which has spent the great deal of that money with little accountability of that total amount of money to its membership needs to be questioned from the top person down to the man who sweeps the floor. For example where did the other moneys in membership dues collected from 200,000 teachers go last year? We know they spent 2M dollars against Christie so where did the other money they collected from their members go last year? If i was a teacher paying dues to the N.J.E.A. that is the first question i would ask.

Anonymous said...

"They orchestrate political theatre" Ha! Everybody wants to put on a show! That's what this blog is! You know it, we all know it. Irregardless of the serious issues involved, you can't complain when what goes around comes around and you get back some of your own "showmanship"

JP Cliffwood Beach said...

Why hasnt the adm. taken a pay cut? Why is it that the teachers, the bus drivers and the custodians are the first to go. We need to cut some of the fat. The fat is as the top not at the bottom! Why are we cutting the people that make the least instead of the ones who make the most. If anyone wants to view employee salaries district wide go to 101.5 fm. Mr. Warren.... When is the next meeting.

Anonymous said...

Can you please tell me what the Coordinator Substance Abuse person does? Why the district has two and why is one at Lloyd Rd.

Aberdeener said...

The substance abuse coordinator arranges counseling services and drug abuse programs. It doesn't need to be a stand-alone position.

As for the admin pay, that's in discussion but even with a pay freeze it won't be enough to save more than a couple of jobs. Admins only comprise 5% of the workforce.

Anonymous said...

A good leader would establish a pattern to show that the sacrifice should be shared by all. The administrator pay freeze should be the starting point for everyone else to follow even if it doesn't save that many jobs. It stops the finger pointing and may force others to step up. This is major league hardball perhaps being handled by a minor leaguer. This would show his commitment to this district.

anon said...

It is so interesting to read your interpretation of the other night's board meeting. I think it seriously misleading to leave out some of the board members' and the super's remarks, or efforts at intellectual remarks, and actions as part of the orchestration of political theater.

Also, you omitted those people who were not district employees who may not have said explicitly that they supported a four % increase but they wanted the citizens to be given the right to decide between a 2% and 4% increase. Together, those groups added up to more that 4 people.

Furthermore, I can remember at least two people (not district employees) who mentioned librarians and teachers who would be losing their jobs.

Hopefully, those people who did not attend the board meeting who are reading your account on this blog will not assume that you speak the whole truth, but rather one tainted by your incredibly obvious negative view of those who attended the meeting.

Your bias is so incredibly evident that I have a hard time imagining you being able to assess the township's educational issues objectively. Such intense disdain oozes from your words. wow.

Aberdeener said...

Anon,

I kept notes on almost every single speaker so my numbers are accurate. If you're working from memory than you probably have confused several locals who also work for the district.

When I said "nobody", I meant nobody from the union.

As for my "educational" record, feel free to have a look and judge me on the merits. I think you'll find that a former board member who's currently running has no record at all despite her six years.

Anonymous said...

No one has to work from memory. The meeting can be viewed at marsd.org. It was a circus with any acts performing.

Anonymous said...

•Every cent of the 2% tax increase has been budgeted for staff salary raises

Those are your words. So you are saying that if the district employees (staff) decide to accept a pay freeze and forgo their raises next year, 'every cent' of the 2% tax increase would not be necessary?

Aberdeener said...

No, I'm saying if the staff accepted a "pay freeze" that money could go towards job preservation.

Anonymous said...

A pay freeze may not save all district jobs, but how about cuts in pay? Just curious how much in pay cuts would be needed to keep all jobs. Seriously.

Also, the 1.5 % is still a bargain. In corporate America employee contribution is a % of the cost of medical (like 30%). And medical is increasing faster than salaries.

anon said...

again, misleading. Because if the teachers agree to pay freezes and therefore don't get any pay raises, we're still going to vote on a 2% tax levy. You are educated, you know that in a budget one doesn't designate a dollar as "the" dollar that makes it go out of whack, to use laymen's terms. Yet, you choose your words to further your bias. It's not actually true. And, yes, go watch the tape, because again some of what you said is just incorrect. I'm not writing this as tit for tat, just trying to give another layer to the truth because the truth you present is not complete.

Anonymous said...

Even if base pay increase is zero, there are still the other things that make up the pay package. Like pension contributions and health care increases - even w/ 1.5% contribution.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener, I think the "wage" increase is $3.5M. Whatever it is, can you break that down by base salary, health, pension, etc?

Also, do raises kick in at the beginning of the budget year or sometime mid-year? If the latter than building in the full year impact of last years' increase should be included in the breakdown.

Thanks

Anonymous said...

Everyone should really look at other board meetings. I went to two this week. Not once did I hear ridicule, smart remarks, rude comments, etc. from any board member and especially the superintendent. Actually the statements were completely opposite. Some superintendents are saying give me suggestions, call me, email me, we are in this together as a community, and we need your help. I did not once here any remorse for what is happening in our community, and I could see they did not want any suggestions when “we the people” were trying to suggest some.

Times are though everywhere and for everyone, but listening to the people of the town is the first thing to do. This is education. This is not business. I have been in both worlds. Our superintendent needs to understand education, live in our town, come in our schools, become a taxpayer –stop mixing the worlds because you are dealing with our children. Also, being prepared and showing the public the correct figures, accurate charts, etc. would be more reliability. Someone needs to show credibility before we can put our trust in them. Respect needs to be shown.

BARZA KOSMINO JOEL G. $$$ said...

I JUST WATCHED THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AFTER GETTING HOME FROM WORK THIS MORNING. WELL IT LOOKED ALOT LIKE WHEN THEY WANTED TO APPROVE THE FOOTBALL FIELD MILLIONS EXCEPT THIS TIME INSTEAD OF HAVING LITTLE POP WARNER PLAYERS WITH CUTE LITTLE FACES THIS MEETING WAS ADORNED WITH ANGER ON THE FACES OF EMPLOYEES WHO COULD LOSE THEIR JOBS. I WOULD BE NO LESS ANGRY I CAN ASSURE YOU.

WHO IS TO BLAME THOUGH. NOT THE EMPLOYEES WHO WORKED HARD AND LONG IN THEIR JOBS. NOT THE UNION WHO REPRESENTED THEM AND NEGOTIATED THEIR CONTRACTS. NOT THE FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS WHO SHEEPISHLY PLEADED FOR RESTRAINT AND FOR CUTS TO BE MADE ELSEWHERE IN THE BUDGETS. WHERE.

GET REAL PEOPLE WILL YA. HALF OF THE BARZA TEAM WAS THERE AND SPOKE OUT CONVENIENTLY FORGETTING THAT SHE WAS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS THAT OUR SCHOOL BUDGET HAS INCREASED BY OVER 20 MILLION DOLLARS JUST SINCE QUINN AND BARZA TOOK THEIR ARROGANT AND DIVISIVE CONTROL OF THE SCHOOL BOARD. O'M HAS HAD TO WORK HARD TO FIX THAT MESS AS WELL AND SHOWED THAT LAST NIGHT BY NOT GOING TO THE MAXIMUM TAX AMOUNT ALLOWED BY LAW HE IS WORTH EVERY DOLLAR WE PAY HIM. THAT WAS ALWAYS THE KOSMINO AND ZAVORSKIS SOLUTION WITH NO SURPRISE AT ALL. JUST TAX THE RESIDENTS TO THE MAXIMUM SINCE THAT HAS WORKED FOR THEM FOR TOO LONG AT OUR DIRE EXPENSE. TRENTON IS CHANGING AND THAT IS WHY THE TEACHERS UNION IS BLAMING THE GOVERNOR WHO HAS THEM IN HIS SITES. ITS NOTHING PERSONAL ITS JUST BUSINESS. THE DAYS OF POLITICAL PRESSURE AND TOO COSTLY INFLUENCE OVER THE NEGOTIATING PROCESS IS OVER. THANK GOD.

THE SYSTEM IS A MESS AND MANY OF THOSE WHO DEFELECTED BLAME OR LIKE KOSMINO WHO BY THE WAY LOOKED LIKE A DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS WHEN JERRY D RECOUNTED HOW IN 2001 JERRY TOLD KOSMINO THAT THIS GRAVY TRAIN MUST STOP. THAT TRAIN DESCRIBED IS THE TOO RICH CONTRACTS ALMOST HANDILY GIVEN BY SCHOOL BOARDS FOR TOO MANY YEARS. KOSMINO AND THE UNION LEADERSHIP IN TRENTON KNOW IT AND THE TEACHERS UNION WON'T GIVE ONE INCH. TO RELINQUISH ONE OUNCE OF CONTROL IS NOT THE UNION WAY YOU SEE.

BY THE WAY ANYONE SEE CANDIDATE DEMAREST OR GATTIS SPEAK LAST NIGHT. THEY STAYED AWAY FROM THAT MEETING. THEY WILL OF COURSE TELL YOU HOW THEY WILL FIX EVERYTHING AFTER THE BUDGET GETS VOTED DOWN. BULLSHIT I SAY TO THAT AND TO THEM.

FINALLY TO BARBATO THE SNAKE DONT THINK NO ONE COULD SEE YOU ON THE PHONE SLITHERING IN AND OUT OF THE CAFETERIA WITH YOUR STUPID MUSTACHE. YOU ARE STILL LURKING IN THE DARK AND TRYING TO HOLD ON TO CONTROL.

FINALLY THE ASBURY PARK PRESS HAS THE LATEST FULL PAGE AD FROM THE MONMOUTH COUNTY TEACHERS UNION BLAMING EVERYONE FOR EVERYTHING AND TELLING US HOW MUCH THEY HAVE OFFERED TO HELP WITH THE FINANCIAL TROUBLE SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE IN. ITS A LITTLE ROUGH TO USE BUT IT GOES DOWN THE TOILET EASIER THEN THE SEARS GLOSSY PAGES IF YOU GET MY DRIFT. THAT IS WHAT THAT FULL PAGE AS IS GOOD FOR IN MY HOUSE.

KEEP BLAMING O'M AND THE SCHOOL BOARD. THAT WILL SAVE THE JOBS OF THE JANITORS AND TEACHERS. CALL KOSMINO AND ASK HIM FOR SOME OF THAT UNION MONEY THAT IS SITTING IN TRENTON. THEY MAY NOT NEED IT TO GREASE POLITICIANS ANYOMRE SINCE THEY ARE ALL WORRIED ABOUT BEING CAUGHT BY CHRISTIE THE CORRUPTION KING. THEY ALL KNOW HE IS NOT IN NEWARK LOOKING FOR THEM NOW HE IS IN THE SAME BUILDING.

I FOR ONE SAY GOD BLESS CHRIS CHRISTIE FOR HE IS DOING WHAT HAS NEEDED TO BE DONE AGAINST THE TEACHERS UNION FOR A LONG TIME NOW.

82% OF THE SCHOOL BUDGET IS BENEFITS AND SALARIES. OUT OF A 64 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET WHERE WOULD YOU CUT 7 MILLION DOLLARS MR. KOSMINO. THE 2% DEAL WITH O'M IS A DEAL HE WORKED WITH THE TOWN COUNCILS SINCE THEY WILL HAVE TO RAISE TAXES TO IN ORDER TO PAY THEIR OWN TOO COSTLY PROFESSIONALS LIKE JOEL G. JUST LIKE JOEL G AND OTHERS THEIR PROFESSIONALS DO EVEN LESS. THAT DEAL IS DONE AND THAT IS TO POSSIBLY ENSURE THAT WHEN THE BUDGET GETS VOTED DOWN THAT THE CUTS THEY WILL MAKE WILL BE MINMIAL. THAT DEAL I UNDERSTAND. THE DEAL KOSMINO DOES NOT WANT TO MAKE TO SAVE JOBS I DONT UNDERSTAND.

Anonymous said...

I think it's high time that if the school board wants to cut costs, when the next teachers contract is negotiated, they should insist that the health & pension benefits be provided thru the union. I was a part of a Teamsters union in NYC at one point in my life, and our health & pension benefits were administered by the local. A few of my family memebers are current or retired longshoremen, and they too receive their benenfits thru their union. If it's good for unions in the private sector, then it's good for unions in the public sector as well!

Anonymous said...

I wasn't suprised one bit by the DISGUSTING manner in which the members of the MATA conducted themselves at Monday's school meeting, which aired last night on ch 15. They conduct themselves like a bunch of animals and sadly these are the same people that are with our children every day.

That being said, I think all employees, from Dr'O Malley (whom I admire very much) on down through all administrators, teachers, aides etc, should take a pay freeze or pay cut, to save the custodians jobs and programs in the childrens classrooms.

I am not in favor of a 4% tax levy, and those from the public who spoke at the last meeting (mostly union members) do not represent me! 2% tax levy is ENOUGH! (And I'm sure some townspeople can't ever afford that.) It's time these union members sotp acting like such thugs!

Anonymous said...

sorry typo, I meant, STOP acting like such thugs!

Anonymous said...

Mr Warren you are a very self centered person thinking of how much you have to pay for tax because you will send your kids to private school and dont care if the classes are over crowded or poorly equipt an or good instruction. So lets not wear the sheep skin and hind come out as the Big Bad Wolf that you are . The union has already taken a concession by 1.5 imposed by the govenor that is enough to save custodial jobs so now that is at your feet and the boards. As any parent I would spend as much as possible on my kids education all you look at is my kids wont use it so I dont want it thats the truth . Yes we need to watch cost but remember you cant make bricks without straw remember that story The Govenor is pissed that he was not supported and said they tried to defeat me not true they supported there canadate as provided by the law , any next time maybe we can get the instruction on how to use a microphone a hint turn on the button that says on - off glad Joel was there to help you he earned the raise you gave him

Aberdeener said...

I pay more in taxes to our school district than I do for my 5-year-old's private school tuition.

Interesting that you don't care how much your neighbors have to pay for your child's education.

Perhaps you should re-read my piece "Bill My Neighbor".

Reality bites said...

Mr Warren and many others do not have children in schools and there are many who pay private educational costs in addition to their taxes. There are many who do not have children and will never utilize the school system. these are unrefutable facts and actualities.

The disgraceful display of the all too familiar union type presence coupled with the leeches that were and that still hope to regain control of John B and Cathie Z only spoke out or attended to placate their base.

The union mouthpiece never offered what he would do on a recorded broadcast, as he like the njea down in Trenton are waiting to see who blinks first. It will not be the new governor. The njea will wait, deny, accuse and implicate everyone but themselves as the root cause of the problems our school districts and taxpayers face statewide.

That is what the school board needs to ensure that the unions ante up their fair share. Public opinion will go against the njea and it will not come back if they do not take the step towards equal pay and benefits more in line with the average workers who they have unjustly abused for too many years. The FD and PD folks are next as they too enjoy a far more beneficial package far removed from that which the average taxpayer could ever hope to enjoy. Christie is dead on and we all better get behind him. It is time that influential unions and there political leeches see the writing on the wall. It reads that the

TAXPAYERS COME FIRST FROM NOW ON.

Anonymous said...

As "Mrs. Bill" said, It takes a village, Buster! LOL! NO, I mean, your property value is going to go down as low as ours will when the quality of education in in this town goes down. So you definitely have a dog in this race too! Even if you frequent a different track! (ok...sorry....went a little metaphor crazy!)

Anonymous said...

The quality of the education was ALREADY DOWN! The majority of members on this school board and O'Malley are trying to FINALLY raise the quality of education of this district.

Our home values have ALWAYS been lower than most of the surrounding towns. My guess is, the other towns, always had better school districts. And yes, I'm comparing our town to towns such as Holmdel, Middletown, Marlboro, Manalapan... Why not compare ourselves to better towns, why not aspire to be better? ANY town can compare itself to Keansburg and claim their district is much better!

Now I wish Governor Christie would take aim at removing tenured teachers and administrators that are purely DEAD WOOD!

Anonymous said...

As far as not caring how much my neighbor pays , not true but and as far as people that live here they have a choice its called adult community , sombody paid for those people when they went to school now its pay back time , agan the district will receve concessions by the 1.5 % Christie implamented ( 500,000 )you can save custodians its at your feet now . What a sad case the kettle calling the pot black , you acuse the union of bad tatics but the board is holding custodians as a hostage saying the union do this or we will execute the custodian staff , good try playing one against another as a tax payer you will get what you pay for , and agan you can use the public school system to educate your child and save money you chose not to and now you are worried about yourself nobody else.

Aberdeener said...

The 500K isn't enough to save the custodians because we're also relying on savings in the following years which can go up to $1 million.

Anonymous said...

To the person that said remove tenure dead wood I agree but that takes effort witch there supervisor needs to persue , the Gov dont need to do it the school administrators can fight and get bad teachers out but instead they punish everyone for a small majority. Administrators do your job and develope your workers

Anonymous said...

Counting on future sayings is not practicle what happens if the outsource people unionize or the owners want more money and we find that we didnt save now we are in the hole agan I am counting on stocks to rise so I can retire its a gamble, stop giving to abbott district and have everyone pay fair share

Aberdeener said...

The savings would be much higher this year except for severance payments. That's why we'd have higher future savings.

Anonymous said...

Asbury par has less students than us a bigger budget and spends 24,000 a child , are we getting our fair share no , the board should go after the state legislators and stop giving our money away to Abbott districts , Asbury is also looking not to getting outsourced custodians and have stop taking bids, To all you christie supporters tell him stop throwing money to towns like asbury instead of picking on custodian and fine teachers in our town

Anonymous said...

o to Aberdeener talking about not caring about what our neighbor has to pay we are paying for asbury kids 24,000 a child spent , go after Trenton and leave working people along

Anonymous said...

"practicle"

"develope"

"implamented"

"persue"

"equipt"

(These are not typos, they're from morons trying to spell "big" words)

...maybe the teachers are right, it looks like we do need better education in this community.

Actually, I'm pretty sure most of these errors were typed by the teachers themselves...

Fire them all and start from scratch. Anyone who went to community college can do their jobs. They've intentionally overcomplicated the profession to make it seem like they're worth the exorbitant salaries we pay for ten months work...

On and on and on, the public sector leeches keep "classifiying" and "intervening" and "counseling" and "responding" to student "issues." What a joke. Not one teacher in the MARSD teaches anything more complicated than calculus or chemistry from a book that explains it on a 6th grade reading level. And most teach elementary schoolers how to add/subtract and tell time...

Well, the time has come to stop paying the mediocre students from our own high school graduation classes $85,000 a year to teach our second grader to multiply. It's time we stop paying these leeches more than the civil engineers who designed the new Driscoll Bridge, or the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

It's time to take our community back from the MRTA-leeches, most of whom do not even live or pay taxes in our community...


P.S. Hey fat-boy cops, you know you're next, right?

Anonymous said...

There are fine teachers in our district, but sadly the terrible teachers leave a much bigger impression in the minds of all.

Moreover, terrible teachers do much more damage to our children. A child only needs to experience one bad teacher to change how they feel about school in general. A child only needs to be made to feel bad about themselves once by a teacher, for them to give up on participating in the class.

And if you think this behavior doesn't go on in this district, you are fooling yourself. There are teachers from the elementry schools through the high school that don't teach, ridicule students and are only there for the paycheck. Go ahead, get involved, volunteer, keep your eyes and ears open to see and hear how they treat some of these children.

My children have had wonderful teachers, my children have had terrible teachers. Get rid of the terrible teachers, the stink is affecting them all.

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener, please clarify this for me. The 1.5% that Gov. Christie passed for the teachers to pay, is that 1.5% of their salary, or 1.5% of the cost of their health insurance plan? And would you know what the average cost would be for a teacher?

To the union said...

That expensive full page add in the APP was a waste of money. It changed nothing. It didn't explain your position any better and reinforced Christies. Step up and do the right thing. Our public schools are not great and you are not our partners.

Paul M said...

Quite simply, the state is out of money. So Gov Christie isn't laying off anyone. It's up to the local school board to determine whom if anyone gets laid off.
If the Union would let the teachers vote to freeze raises for 1 year and contribute 1.5% (around $700 on avg)/year towards medical benefits (less than private employees) very few if anyone would have to be laid off.
Furthermore, the BOE should look to eliminate unneeded, duplicate, overpaid positions in school admin. There are something like 20 or more positions in the district office making greater than $100k/yr (3 asst principals at the HS alone!). Go to http://www.app.com/datauniverse/ for details.
Here are a few in the district office alone:
Details MONMOUTH MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE SPELLS WAYNE Masters 30 $124,710 Elementary School Principal 0 Map
Details MONMOUTH MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE IRONS SUSAN Bachelors 18 $119,889 School Business Administrator 0 Map
Details MONMOUTH MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE REIGELSPERGER LAURA Masters 13 $84,220 School Social Worker 0 Map
Details MONMOUTH MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE STACKHOUSE-KE SARAJANE Other 38 $107,250 School Psychologist 0 Map
Details MONMOUTH MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE RAPPAPORT HELEN Other 30 $124,710 Supervisor Special Education 0 Map
Details MONMOUTH MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE ZITAROSA CELESTIN E Masters 15 $120,710 Director Elementary Education 0 Map
Details MONMOUTH MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE LUKENDA ELAINE Masters 28 $104,750 School Psychologist 0 Map
Details MONMOUTH MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE GLASTEIN JOEL M Masters 33 $151,892 Assistant Superintendent Non-Business 0 Map

Aberdeener said...

The contribution is 1.5% of salary. That would be about $800 for the average teacher. The top earners would be paying about $1,200-$1,500.

FYI said...

While I appreciate and applaud the Governor’s goal to cut state spending, I have serious concerns that his proposed cuts to school aid are having drastic, unintended consequences.

Governor Christie’s proposed cuts to school aid total $1 billion statewide. In addition, last month the Governor cut $475 million in aid to school districts, cutting almost $1.5 billion to our schools.

Governor Christie’s cuts to school aid is a direct cut to one of the most valuable forms of local property tax relief the state can provide us. As a result of cutting this property tax relief, middle-class taxpayers across the state will see their property tax bills skyrocket.

In addition, Governor Christie’s school aid cuts will have immediate negative effects on the quality of education in our schools. Many schools, including ours, will be forced to lay off teachers, increase class sizes, cut valuable services and eliminate school athletics and other programs, among other serious consequences.

Over two years ago, the Legislature passed the School Funding Reform Act of 2007. The legislators supported this legislation because it increased school aid for SUBURBAN school districts that had historically been shortchanged under the previous system. The state Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of this law, approving the progress it represented for suburban districts.

Governor Christie’s proposed cuts jeopardize the Supreme Court’s ruling, risking a return to the days of the inequitable Abbott funding system—further shortchanging many suburban school districts and property taxpayers. The possibility of returning to an unbalanced school funding formula, a decline in the quality of our children’s education, and significant property tax increases is precisely the type of outcome we must voice our concerns about.

The Legislature must now consider the Governor’s proposal and pass a budget by the constitutional deadline of July 1, 2010. These cuts will be front and center during this debate.

Contact your legislator and voice your concerns!

NSectionJoe said...

While I watched the typical "layoff vote" type meeting with the expected results last night. There were a few surprises however. I too saw John Barbato at the meeting and knew he would say nothing as he lurked in the background. I thought it quite nervy of Ms. Zavorskas to say absloutely anything in light of the mess, arrogance, divisivness and worse that she allowed on the school board during her tenure.

Someone before me has pointed out the increases in our school budget that will haunt us into the future during the Zavorskas era. Quinn left his mark also but at least he is smart enough to hide from public view and keep his mouth shut from his $190,000.00 job.

As was suggested before I too wondered where the candidates were from that nights meeting. It speaks volumes that neither Ms. Gattis or Ms. Demarest were present and neither will get my vote for their complete and total absence from school board meetings this past year. Now all of a sudden they want to get involved. To just show up now is typical just before the vote and it is insulting to every taxpayer.

You can all be sure that the PTO lists are ready to go and a frank reminder of the past years of BARZA will keep the phone lines busy with tales of gloom and doom at the hands of Dr. O'Malley. He is the man trying to fix the financial disaster they left and tackle the new fiscal nightmare that is statewide.

You can bet the phone chains will not mention that the candidates have not been an active presence. It will all be about lying about the supposed good old boy network with the typical, woe is me, type of Zavorskas crap that she used to leave the board when she did after not get her way and being on the recieving end of being ignored like she ignored many others.

This is a serious time and for the teachers union representative to say he sent two e-mails in regards to meeting with the negotiating commitee is all too telling of their reluctance to share in the responsibility or the solution that our district and every district in the state needs now more then ever.

The gravy train is indeed over. Teachers are our most valuable resource except that their leadership is still lying to them and to the taxpayers. They do not want to negotiate or save the janitors jobs. They want to just blame the school board for the financial reality and decisions that must be made to stop the gravy train and overwhelming costs. 80% is incredible and it does not leave many places to cut despite the pleas of many who think some miracle can happen that can save jobs.

Anonymous said...

Does that 1.5% of salary include stipends and all other pay? How is it deducted? Does the district get the money up front or is it deducted with paychecks as a percentage each week? That money should be put towards tax relief since they have been and will be paying the increases for Cadillac health care for years to come.

Anonymous said...

ATTENTION FELLOW DRIVERS

IT HAS COME TO THE ATTENTION OF A FEW OF US THAT THERE HAVE BEEN LIES TOLD TO US BY KOSMYNA. IT HAS COME TO OUR ATTENTION THAT THE DISTRICT HAS TRIED TO WORK SOMETHING OUT TO SAVE THE CUSTODIANS, TEACHERS AND OTHER STAFF MEMBER JOBS! IT HAS COME TO OUR ATTENTION THAT EMAILS EXSIST SHOWING THAT KOSMYNA TRIED TO GET AN INCREASE WHEN CUSTODIANS WERE ON THE BLOCK. IT HAS COME TO OUR ATTENTION THAT THE DISTRICT ASKED IF THE UNION WOULD BE WILLING TO WORK SOMETHING OUT 3/10. WE ALSO NOW KNOW THAT THE BALL WAS IN KOSMYNA'S COURT SINCE THEN. WE NEED TO CALL KOSMYNA ON HIS SHIT THIS MONDAY! HE HAS LIED TO US AND TRIED TO MAKE DEALS FOR SOME WHILE THE REST OF US SWEAT IT OUT. KOSMYNA HAS TO GO IF HE WON'T LISTEN TO US THIS TIME! STAND UP!

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener your reply to me about future savings will be more because of severance given the first year , I investagate that serverance you talked about is not exsistant , here is your reply witch is a lie

Aberdeener said...
The savings would be much higher this year except for severance payments. That's why we'd have higher future savings.

There is no serverance pay or are you offering it

Anonymous said...

Why the hell are bus drivers, janitors, etc. in the teachers union anyway? Of course they are going to throw you guys under the bus (pun intended) if they can gain from it. What did you expect? Join the Teamsters, or CWA or something if you want to be in a union. Its the same thing with some of the PDs letting brass in the PBA, I don't get it.

Anonymous said...

To the person calling people morons that are tring to use
big words you are correct my board of ed opted to cut the budget and we had 42 people in a class thats why we need to invest in children education so that people like me would be more literate thanks for pointing out what will happen if education is taking a back seat to budgets , we all were not born with a silver spoon in our month but for sure you have more than a spoon in your month MMMMmm O Malley in your mouyh

Anonymous said...

NSEC- again you know nothing.
Mrs. Demerest was at the meeting. She arrived just before 8pm and could not get into the Board room along with many others who were in the hallway. When the meeting moved to the HS she was at the back of the room for the entire meeting-as was Mr. Barbato, Ms. Zavorskas and many other non union parents who sat near me. Ms. Zavorskas asked the administration to lead by example and take the same wage freeze that Mr. Warren wants the teachers to take. Something that even Mr. Christie is now suggesting. The mess we are in is because our state and local governments misappropriated funds.
All teacher contracts were nogotiated and approved by past and present members of our boards of education representing YOU- not just BARZA- . What the teachers got, you approved by voting for those board members. Every school district is in the same boat so don't look for one scapegoat...there are a lot more people than the teachers and their union who are responsible for the mess NJ is in. A good example is that teachers contribute to their pensions but the state has not. How can that even be legal? Blame belongs everywhere.
Now apologize to Mrs. Demerest.

Anonymous said...

ASK KOSMYNA WHICH MRTA OFFICER HE WAS NEGOTIATING FOR WHILE ALL YOU TEACHERS, CUSTODIANS, BUS DRIVERS, SECRETARIES HAVE BEEN AT HIS MERCY.

Anonymous said...

You won't need a phone chain to pass the budget. Dr. O. is going door to door again this year. Hey Joey Warren are you going too?

Bus drivers and custodians go to the meeting on Monday and learn the truth about the negotiations. The truth is not on this blog!

The truth is full negotiations have not even started yet. Carl better get any consession guarantees in writing or the Board will go back on their word. I wouldn't put it past them to make employees take a wage freeze and then still outsource custodians and bus drivers.

Anonymous said...

BOO!!!!! BOO!!!!! That's what Demerest gets! screaming at the fire marshall on the phone like a lunatic in the parking lot....such class as always--NOT!!. Holding court in the back of the room with BARZA....NO! NO APOLOGIES!! ONLY BOOOOO! Go away and stop crawling back like the roaches you are!! You all were in bed with Quinn and his spend like no tomorrow bullshit, now we are SCREWED! So, BOOOOOOO to you, Demerest! You aren't welcome here anymore, now take your new patsy Gambino and go back to your hole!BOOOOOOOOO!!

Anonymous said...

How can it be fair for a teacher who makes $70000 to pay more for the same health coverage as a teacher who makes $50000? Don't the individual polices cost the same? Shouldn't all the teachers be paying the same amount for the same coverage?

Anonymous said...

bullshit negotiations haven't started yet they started back in febuary when there was plenty of time to do something about all the people being cut you are probably one those a-hole liars in with carl just trying to keep everyone from knowing the facts. jig is up we know you all stood there and made jerks out of us monday with your stories of no one from the dcistrict will talk to us bullcrap the truth is out you all are dealing for an increase when you know that gaurantees we are gone you a-hole liars

Anonymous said...

Whats the matter Aberdeener got your foot in your mounth , So where is that severance pay claus in custodian contract so I can understand where the future savings are, agan you have no interest in the kids or school services you dont need or want very self centered you will not run unopposed any more.

Anonymous said...

Warren's EGO showing again?

MARSD Employee said...

To the intelligent person calling teachers "A-Holes" and to Mr. Warren calling them "Rodeo Clowns"- these are the things we try to teach the students not to say to others. I guess you both failed the class.
For anyone who ever worked a job- union or non-union. When it's time for a contract to be renewed or a raise to be given the negiotiations begin. You ask high, the boss says low. You meet at a mutually agreed upon decision. Marlboro teachers settled on a 4% contract recently. 4% was historically given to teachers state-wide in good times. These are not good times. If negotiations were begun in February that was before Christie cut billions from school districts. Mr. Kosmyna represents all of the workers in the Union. He is not negotiating for just the teachers. He cannot save the custodians, bus drivers, teachers, etc. by just taking a wage freeze. That would be too easy. He needs to get guarantees in writing that anything the workers voluntarily give up to save jobs, will actually save jobs. Otherwise the staff will give up things and the Board will terminate them anyway. The teachers love the custodians, bus drivers, support staff, etc. and are on their side. The board and some members of the community (especially Chris Christie)are trying to divide the union members which isn't going to happen. The posts by "drivers" could actually be posted by Mr. Warren himself to begin to drive a wedge. Negiotiations of the full team has NOT begun where everyone sits down at a table long into the night to work out a contract. Mr. Warren and Mr. Christie have written that if teachers (now administrators, too) take no salary increase and pay 1.5% of their salary just this year ALL jobs can be saved. Is it really that simple? If teachers give up raises and benefits and the custodians still lose their jobs then who is the liar, Mr. Warren?
You have hinted in this blog that no guarantees can be given, yet in others you hint that you could save an individual custodian's job. Which is it? Is privitization a done deal with or without a contract settlement/give backs? Fess up.

To Mr./Ms. A-Hole Writer and Mr. Warren- I will work harder on your children so that they learn some respect for others. Disagreeing is fine-name calling is not.

Anonymous said...

Here is a link to see how unfair the state school funding is done Trenton has people in town fighting with teachers and others when we need to fight Trenton towns like Neptune, Jersey city ,Asbury get there school funded well over 3 to 4 time more than us we get 22% and others are getting 63% funding or in some case 89% for school by state funds, Tell O Malley and our town counsel to fight with trenton on these school funding reforms issues, agan people not paying fair share check it out.

http://www.state.nj.us/education/guide/2010/k-12.pdf

Matawan Mom said...

The previous post about unfair funding of schools is only part of the problem. It is naive to believe the budget deficit the state is in is because of teacher's salaries. It is because of fiscal mismanagement for many years in Trenton. The teachers are being the scapegoats dujour. If they agree to all that Governor Christie wants them to give up and give back it will still not balance the budget. I find it hard to believe that a one year salary freeze is the ultimate answer to my property tax woes. Who will he go after next? It seems certainly not the rich. I don't really see him doing anything to bring in businesses either. It seems like we will be needing a lot of them to absorb all the state employees that will be losing their jobs according to the newspapers. Everyday there are more and more school districts like ours who are in the same financial distress so it seems unfair we are blaming OUR teachers for the lack of state aid. The state has always guaranteed some funding and we became dependant upon it. It's horrible to see that we will be losing staff and programs. I'm sure class sizes will rise and this is the biggest detriment to a good education. I don't believe privitization is the answer either-it negates the meaning of "community". It's horrible to see some Board members trying to divide our community when now is the time to come together. Isn't it the goal of the school board to want to pass the budget? All the negative opinions will guarantee that it will not pass. What we are losing sight of is that we have great schools, caring staff, sports, activities and community involvement that we need to preserve. My children received a great education in the MARSD and if you are a partner in your child's education, you will too.

Matawan Mom 2 said...

I agree with the sentiment of Matawan Mom, now is the time for us to rally together for our children and community. The job of the board is not an enviable one in a situation such as this. It does not help, however, to stir the pot or insight people by encouraging devisive behavior. I was deeply disturbed by much of the behavior I witnessed at Monday's meeting.....on all sides. It is clear that once again the adults are losing sight of the most important thing...educating our children and fostering a strong community to be proud of. Finger pointing now does nothing but make it worse. The union needs to face facts, if they want to keep jobs and preserve a quality education for our children, they must take a freeze. Community members must face facts, if we want to get through this with the least amount of disruption to our children, we need to pass the budget and bare the cost that, although none of us want, is necessary now. Administration and board members need to face facts, they need to freeze their salary too and the board needs to be better about restraining thier obvious frustration with personal attacks. None of us would have done well in the face of the mob that took over monday's meeting either. I was very disturbed to see educators behave in such unkuth ways. It also seemed to me that at least one board member had insighted some members of the public to come and behave so aborantly, I noticed head nods and the like which gave me pause. Particularly from this board member, who has not been very positive all year. Ultimately, the message needs to be that we are all part of a community, that community centers largely around our children and schools, therefore it is to ALL to tighten our belts, make sacrifices and come together for the children and the schools. It is not right to always put adult wants, needs and drama ahead of them... lets stand together for once.

Anonymous said...

After the way the teachers acted at Monday nights meeting they deserve no respect because they didn't show any. This was the taxpayers meeting and all the teachers did was whine about how the taxpayers should pay for their raises. Not one asked for the person representing them to do the right thing and save some of their own. Their usual response was get more from the taxpayers and did it in a mob mentality way. The tables have turned and you better start showing some respect if you want some in return. If anyone from the custodians would have had any guts they would have gotten up and publicly asked Kosmyna to save their jobs, as he is the only one who can at this point.

Anonymous said...

Any comments on the bill to cap school administrators salaries? Assemblyman Dave Rible introduced a bill to limit school administrators to $5,000 less than the Commissioner of Education makes. Under this bill, school administrators salaries would be capped at $136,000 since the commissioners current salary is $141,000. Is this why Dr.O extended his contract early?

Matawan Dad said...

Anon at 11:27 missed the point of both MOMS. What happened in the past meeting has got to stop. Admitting that it is wrong should put an end to not a "but he did it first".
Take those pointing fingers and wrap it around a pencil and come up with a settlement that all can live with...for the kids.
And once this is over let's take a look at the resources we have and become progressive in how we raise funds to keep the staff and programs we love. Our school district should become the model of community/school cooperation.

Apologize to Demarest NFW said...

You want NSECJ to apologize to Ms. Demarest ands you point out how she was holding court and ratting out the unexpectedly crowded meeting to the FD, and you want him to apologize. NUTS to you I say. The fact that Joe pointed out that these former school board members sat there and with the exception of CZ said NOTHING. They were and are part and parcel to the problems and overwhelming costs Dr. O has to deal with. Joe should apologize for what(?) being right and pointing out the criminality of a person who wants back on the school board so bad they can taste it. I say they since if just one other low life barza clown gets back on the board we are in trouble again. Barbato and all the rest need to realize that their train has left the station. Does Demarest have another kid they need in one of the high tech high schools so she wants back on the board to make that happen. Keep it up Joe.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Matawan Dad and Moms there is a board member that really has excited people with his blog and made things worst , I believe in the strenth and character of the people in the community to pull through this.

There should not be blame but rather some Brain storming there is at least 3 people who have doctrines on the board , I would think that there could have been more creativity than there was , Buyouts to people that are ready to retire possible having kids have more periods in a day so in there senior year instead of getting out at 12 pm we could have an excelerated high school where a student can have a full schedule and graduate in 3 years , possible have some teachers work an tuesday to sat so we can have kids in a excellerated graduation program.
I am talking out loud with ideas , but instead we have people just worring about them selfs board members and Supers , we are AMERICAN "yes we can " Stop having saturday detention where we have to pay people stipens to work , if a child is a discipline proplem have them do community service such as working in school libary so we can possible share resources instead of just firing the librarian have a reduction through attrision , I know I am not a smart man but lets all dig in and get er done

Anonymous said...

DRIVERS,TEACHERS AND CUSTODIANS!

MARSD EMPLOYEE 8:51 AM IS WRONG! WARREN DID NOT MAKE THAT POST YESTERDAY. MARSD SOUNDS LIKE MATTERN TO US. MATTERN WOULD WANT TO BLAME WARREN FOR TRYING TO SHOW THE LIES OF KOSMYNA SINCE SHE IS TRYING TO GET HERS. WE KNOW THE TRUTH NOW AND WE INTEND TO SHOW EVERYONE YOU ARE SCUM. STOP PLAYING GAMES. WE KNOW THAT YOU COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING SINCE 3/10 AND DID NOTHING!!! WE ARE GETTING THE PROOF TO SHOW EVERYONE WHAT YOU DID NOT DO FOR US! DON'T SAY YOU CARE ABOUT DRIVERS AND CUSTODIANS OR EVEN NEW TEACHERS YOU JUST WANT YOURS. WELL, YOU WILL GET IT BUT NOT WHAT YOU THINK.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous @ 11:27: I don't understand. What exactly bothered you about the public comment at the last meeting? I watched the podcasts and wondered where all the circus atmosphere I heard tell about was! I saw only heartfelt, respectful and sincere comments. NO ONE hurled insults or expressed contempt the way they do on this blog. There were No smirks. NO snears. NO snarky attitudes or angry diabtribes. Just people who are concerned about the welfare of our custodians, expressing how they felt about it and asking that something be done to save their livelihoods.

Anonymous said...

Calling out that there was a potental for people to get trapped and possible trampled and or burned should hardly be called a RAT. The person in charge should have reconized there was an occupancy problem and delt with it, I hope that RAT always calls so inocent people are not hurt and imagine the bill for the law suit if someone was killed we have to layoff the crossing guards too.

embarrassed for all said...

Anon 12:39 must watch a lot of jerry springer and WWF Wrestling. If you did not see and hear the circus mob behavior as outrageous, you have to be out there! As somone who sat through ALL of it, at both locations, I can honestly say it was horrible. worse than any reorg meeting ever was and I thought those were bad. There were only two or three respectful commentors in the 2 hours of insanity. I truly hope I never see something like that again.

So many ??????????? said...

People are possibly going to lose jobs so who do people blame? Do they blame past administrations who doubled our school budget in less that nine years? Do they blame the teachers union and the pro negotiators they hire to do the dirty work? Do they blame Klavon and Quinn for the mess they left all of us?

Who do they blame? They blame the people who have to make very tough and costly decisions in order to fix the mess. They blame Big Joe and Mr. Warren because Warren stands up for many who pay taxes and have no kids or for the seniors who had kids long ago in the schools and still pay an extreme cost, that sometimes forces them out of the town they love.

Kosmina can granstand all he wants since he is a union thug. His union time and contract monopoly in this state is coming to a close. Maybe not this year but soon enough. Who will the Kosmina types blame then?

Anonymous said...

This is just union busting. They want to put a wedge in between its members and it seems to me its working. I mean how can a super lay off his entire support staff and still run the school?I guess the principals will have to answer the phones and open the doors. The parents will have to drive there kids to school? This is ridiculous and so counterproductive. Get the two sides together and start negotiating already! And everyone make concessions to make it work

Anonymous said...

Not for nothing but in the city the union membership would have blown up a BIG RAT at Carl's house by now. Just happen to have his address. One Central Ave, Old Bridge. Good Luck!

JP from cliffwood beach said...

Mr Warren I have wrote 3 statements and none of them were published. I haven't said anything wrong.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren can you please tell me if Matawan signed the Race To The Top Memorandum? Where we could possible get some of the 400 million dollars from the Fed Gov.

Anonymous said...

MARSD did apply for Race For The Top-- against the MRTA wishes-- however unfortunately, NJ is no longer in the running for the grant.

Aberdeener said...

JP,

Sorry, but I only have one prior comment from you. Please post your comments again. I assure you I have not removed any comments to this post.

As for the anon asking about severance pay, it's my understanding the custodians will be offered severance pay and that's the reason expected savings are lower for this year than the following year.

Also, nobody has been fired yet and the custodial jobs can be saved up to the point we sign an outsourcing contract.

Concerned Student said...

I'm a student at Matawan Regional High School and I personally think that Governor Christie's cuts are not only affecting teachers, but students. The average class size, for me, despite what Dr. Omalley's false records may show, is up to almost 30 children. They're laying off 43 staff members from our school district & that does not include the bus drivers or the custodial staff. They're getting rid of summer school, and even the librarians. When Mrs. Eovino, a librarian at the High School, asked the superintendent how he expects to run a school with no librarian, Dr. Omalley responded "We're going to run it like Hazlet." MRHS has one of the best libraries I've ever seen, filled with tons of books. How is our library going to be run like Hazlet if Hazlet has no books in their library? Are they going to cut those too? Mrs. Ruiz, a lunch aid, has been working in the district for over 25 years. They're laying her off. Freshman football is being cut after we've just won a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. The teachers, that we've come to love are being laid off because of Christie's bogus budget cuts. I don't believe they'll be hiring pedophile custodians, but these budget cuts are total BS.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous @ 4:08: Not for nothin, but a union member who tries to pull the legs out from his negotiator during a negotiation is probably, at the worst, planted as a counter agent, or, at the very least, dumb.

Anonymous said...

Not for nothing, I am a union member and if my "negotiator" has ignored what the members want and now it sounds like even lied to his members about what he is NOT doing for his members, he should have his legs pulled out from under him. He should be embarrassed and kicked to the curb so we can put someone in who will do what's right to save as many jobs now as possible. You are damned right, blow that RAT up and lets get a new negotiator!

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren, You mention that "it's my understanding the custodians will be offered severance pay and that's the reason expected savings are lower for this year than the following year". Please elaborate on the severance pay. I would like you to provide more detail as to exactly how many custodians will receive severance and in what amount (two weeks pay? one month's pay? etc.). Are you instead referring to the money that the custodians will receive for their unused vacation time as opposed to severance pay? What becomes of the unused sick time that has accrued throughout the years? Will the custodians get paid for that unused sick time or will they lose it? In addition, by calling members of the MRTA "Rodeo Clowns", aren't you in violation of your own Comment Guidelines..."We don’t convince people of our viewpoints through name calling or demonstrate our position’s superiority by scaring others from voicing their opinions. If we’re ever going to improve our community, we need to engage as many people as we can and work together towards our mutual benefit". Shouldn't people, including members of the MRTA, have the right to voice their opinions in a public forum such as a Board of Education Meeting without being labeled as "Rodeo Clowns". Granted some of the opinions were expressed passionately. However, if you were losing your job, through no fault of your own, wouldn't you be frustrated, upset and angry? Would you be silent and go out quietly or would you yell and fight. I know I would yell and fight to make sure that my opinions were heard.

Aberdeener said...

Regarding custodians, I don't have the details you're requesting.

Regarding my reference to the MRTA leadership as "rodeo clowns", the union leadership has proven itself impervious to either logic or compassion. All I have left is the power to expose.

The only thing that will save jobs is for the membership to force the leadership to offer concessions. The custodial positions can be saved.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren,

How can you post a comment about severance at all if you do not have the details? Who does have the details regarding severance? It is my understanding that the custodians will NOT receive any severance.

I can see from the recent board meeting that the board no longer wished to discuss any concessions from the MRTA. Has that position changed? Are the board members willing to talk to the MRTA again about possible concessions that could save the jobs of the custodians, aides, bus drivers, and teachers?

I understand the custodians received termination letters in the mail, via the US Postal Service, the very next morning after the board meeting. That sends a clear message to me that you already had your minds made up to layoff staff prior to the meeting. The board appeared to be closed minded and unwilling to answer simple questions at the meeting. It is little wonder that attendees were getting frustrated.

You also come across as closed minded by stating, "the union leadership has proven itself impervious to either logic or compassion". So does that mean your mind is made up, or are you willing to readdress this issue with the MRTA before it is too late? By the way, name calling is not exposing. It just makes you look bad. I would expect better from a person in your position.

I would like to see the financial records which prove where the savings will be and what this severance package consists of. To quote a line from the movie Jerry Maguire, "Show me the money!!!" As a taxpayer, I want to know the financial details before anyone loses their jobs. I hope this information will be available in the very near future and posted in a public location for all taxpayers to review.

Anonymous said...

Joey Warren sounds an awful lot like Bob Czech.

Anonymous said...

Joey Warren sounds an awful lot like Bob Czech.

I wonder if he got negotiating tips from that scumbag.

Anonymous said...

Serverance pay is negoiated so why are you already putting a 500,000 savings # in first year , sounds like you are not negociating in good faith but premeditaded actions , what happens if the serverance negociated eats up the 1,000,000 savings the second year . Where do you get that money taking the kids lunch money like a bully , you already putting terms of a proposal by the board, of serverance pay is being offered at a fix #. Thats not negociating in good faith

Living in the real world said...

Port Washington teachers agree to forgo raise (L I Newsday)
Originally published: March 24, 2010 9:16 PM
By JOHN HILDEBRAND

Amid widespread anxiety over potential job losses, a second Long Island teachers' union has agreed to forgo a contractual raise for a year.

Port Washington school authorities and teacher leaders announced Wednesday that the 500-member union would take a zero percent raise for the current year. In exchange, the district has promised that jobs will be eliminated only through retirements and resignations - avoiding a threat of layoffs that has rocked other communities.

Christine Vasilev, president of the Port Washington Teachers Association, said Wednesday her union voted overwhelmingly for its new five-year contract "in the face of threats of layoffs in other districts.

"We're taxpayers, too," she said. "We realize the times are difficult."

Geoffrey Gordon, the district's superintendent, described the agreement as a "win-win contract."

The last four years of the contract provide annual raises ranging from 1.75 percent to 2.95 percent, plus annual "step" increases. Salaries now range from $53,135 for a beginning teacher with a bachelor's degree, to $124,867 for a teacher with a doctorate and 25 years' experience.

Last week, neighboring Roslyn announced that it had signed a new five-year teachers' contract including no raise in 2010-11. Port Washington and Roslyn evidently are the first Island districts in more than four years to negotiate contracts without annual raises each year.

However, Roslyn also negotiated a six-month freeze in annual "step" increases that are built into teachers' contracts and average about 2 percent a year. In contrast, Port Washington teachers continue to get their normal "steps" each year.

"It's nice to get the zero in year one, but the hidden problem in these contracts is the step schedule," said Peter Wezenaar, vice president of the Port Washington Educational Assembly, a taxpayer group.

Port Washington officials note some other aspects of their contract are less generous than Roslyn's.

Across the Island, more than a dozen districts have acknowledged they may have to lay off teachers next year to cope with cuts in state school aid. In Albany, meanwhile, state lawmakers have indicated those cuts could total hundreds of millions of dollars statewide, though not necessarily the entire billion-dollar-plus reduction proposed by Gov. David A. Paterson.

"It should be very clear to everybody that this is a very difficult situation the state finds itself in," said Richard Iannuzzi, president of New York State United Teachers, a statewide union group.

End of article

My opinion follows on the next post

Living in the real world said...

And my personal opinion & appeal...

If other teacher's unions can make this happen, it's time for the MRTA to step up and show the same courage and commitment; you have the ability to save the jobs that are at risk. Do something meaningful. Do something outstanding.

For all the times that you've been treatly fairly, respectfully and beyond that measure of what might be considered reasonable. You have been extremely fortunate in getting raises and salary increases well beyond those in the private sector...where most of this community goes to work.
Raises beyond the means of the average middle class worker, retired senior, homeowner and renter that is responsible for close to 78% of the payment for a over $50 million dollar school tax bill.

I believe a wage freeze would be a reasonable and responsible action and it must come from the MRTA membership very soon. The current economic climate dictates the need for concessions and for reasoned understanding for those that are not as fortunate to have the level of salary increases and premium benefits package that your union has demanded and retained for it's membership.

The demands of the MRTA are unsustainable and you should know that. You should feel that.
Do you think your family, and their well being, is more deserving than those of the families that surround you in this community? I don't think my family is any more deserving or any more entiled that those of my friends or my neighbors.

You can't take what's not there.
It isn't fair to continually demand more from a community of our geographic size and our non-significant ratables.

The taxpayer in this community can't do it anymore. And, I find it insulting that your union leadership (and it's membership) thought it was necessary to increase the tax rate from 2% to 4% just so this struggling community can continue to keep you living in the lifestyle that you've grown accustomed to. It is greedy and contempuous to realize how little you care about those that live in my middle-class world. A world where I pay commuting costs of over $350/month to commute to work. My out-of-pocket medical, dental, prescription and vision care costs (for co-pays, deductibles, mandatory contributions, etc. )exceed $5,000 dollars per year. Yet, I considered my situation very fortunate because not everyone in the community is blessed to have any coverage whatsoever or has coverage that is no where near as generous as your cadillac health care plan.

You're membership needs to appreciate what it means to be the "HAVES" in this situation and think about the "HAVE NOTS" that live in the community where they are employed.
For as much as you think you deserve better or you think you deserve more that your fellow man, I say to you...there are so many others that wished they had what you have. And there are so many more hurting and living on the edge of financial ruin. Do you realize this? Do you care?

It's time to pay it forward...

Anonymous said...

EVERYONE READ THE ASBURY PARK PRESS TODAY OUR GOVERNOR HAS A WORD FOR ALL. NO SUP SHOULD MAKE MORE THAN THE GOVERNOR AND THERE ARE MANY WHO ARE. FIRST THING DR'OMALLEY SHOULD RETURN HIS SALARY INCREASE THIS YEAR. AND TRY TO WORK AS ADULTS WITH THE UNION TO SAVE JOBS. THIS NEW GOVERNOR WILL NOT BE BULLIED.
AS FOR MR. WARREN ARE YOU A PRIVATE CITIZEN OR BOE MEMBER. YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALOUD TO MAKE ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THE UPCOMING CONTRACTS ON THIS BLOG. ALL COMMENTS SHOULD BE MADE AT THE BOE MEETING ONLY.

Anonymous said...

To living in a real world dont blame teachers keansburg spends 20,000 a kid to educate in there school , we spend 13,000 the difference is the state is funding Keansburg 75 % state 3 % federal and the tax payer 22 % , We are being punished here in Aberdeen by Trenton , we fund school by 78 % homeowner 22% state , we are not getting our fair share O Malley and others need to fight TRENTON to stop this crap, if you look at others Asbury , long Branch , Neptune , Jersey City , Salem they all are funded highly on our state tax we pay every week ,

Tell the new Gov lets be fair , instead he cuts our aid and we pay for our kids and everyone elses too

Aberdeener said...

The MRTA presented concessions? I must have missed that. As for the letters, anybody who could possibly be terminated received a letter, as required by law. Nobody's been fired yet and there's still time to save jobs. But that window of opportunity is closing.

Anonymous said...

So nice to see that Kosmyna and Mattern are busy doing some deflective damage control. Give up the bullshit! We are all tired of the pointing fingers at O'Malley over this thing! He told us last week that he would stand together with us and give up his raise if that's what we all chose to do. Kosmyna was there so cut the bullshit. Listen up! We want to keep our jobs! Everywhere around us is a nightmare just like ours and other unions are doing the right thing. This is all self preserving bullshit and you "negotiators" ain't listening. We want our jobs and are willing to do what it takes. Stop trying to sell us out for a raise that gonna happen and your fat NJEA paychecks!

Anonymous said...

Its plain and simple. Christie and his conservative cohorts are using this economic crisis as an opportunity to union bust. Its known as disaster capitalism. It might work for them now. But it won't stick for long. You see, teachers are educated, they have learned from history. And so they know that united they can stand again, divided they will become just like the rest of us jerks, all going it alone, hardly making enough to raise a family. Struggling, sometime failing, to pay the mortgage, with never anything left over to buy the goods which might stimulate our dead as a door nail economy! "Trickle down economy" my eye! P I S S E D on is what we've been. This recovery needs to come from the bottom up! Let's all join unions!

Living in the real world said...

I know of which you speak.
And good luck trying to get that major undertaking done in less than one month. How will you go about fixing it?

When my first child started kindergarten, I became involved in my school and helped where I could. It was then that I learned about the State's Robin Hood approach in funding the Abbott schools. Thing is, the middle class school district got the shaft in this one, as it is because of court rulings that we have the situation we live with in Trenton.

So, unless you want the MARSD to reverse the dream of acheiving educational excellence, and rather aspire to become an Abbott school district...so we can count on the state to throw 80% of the funding our way, and get $20,000 per student, I don't see how your statement fixes anything in time to address the issue that needs to be worked out in less than 3 weeks.

Do you think that a governor, with just two months in office, can fix decades of mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility...in time to fix the school funding crisis we have to address? And,tell me how you will reverse the court imposed response to funding Abbott districts? Answer me this, do some research and tell me how decades of providing the highly disproportinate funding, in the Abbott districts, has equated to reaching the educational goals or milestones it was meant to fix?

When you dig deeper, you will see just the opposite. You will find that throwing billions of dollars, over decades, has not "bought" significantly increased academic success. In fact, it has been an economic failure in terms of waste and continued mismanagement of state and taxpayer funds.

The thing is, unless the average NJ taxpayer can master the art of lobbying and gaining favor with our elected officials, we don't stand a chance of gaining back control of of our government and our future. Sure, we can vote them out and replace them with others. But, as long as their campaigns are funded by special interests and lobbyists (like the teacher's union and etal), then what you said means nothing and will fix nothing.

Tell me, what's your plan? I had a plan once. At least I did go to Congressman Pallone's office and speak with him directly...at one of his condescending public "meet and greets". As soon as I mentioned the words "I want to discuss the inequities in funding school districts", he looked at me...then rudely looked beyond me, as he was more interested in a conversation going on nearby. His inept, but in a typically true politician answer, was ...."that is a hot topic issue" "how would you fix it?" I mentioned possible education revenues from taxing proceeds from gaming/gambling (casino / lottery earnings) and proportionally raising state income tax levels (those that earn more, pay more). He smirked and remarked "wouldn't that go over well" and he told me "it would be something he'd think about". And, he moved onto to the next constituent.

I left there knowing two things. One, he was nothing more than a rude, smug politician.
Two, he would not do a thing to offend/deter those who contributed to his campaign coffer.
Frank Pallone is concerned with Frank Pallone.
And, you know what, so are the full lot of them.

So, until the taxpayer can buy back their politicians and until such time that "the powers that be" realize that this Robin Hood approach to funding school districts is unfair and a failure at acheiving it's objective, realize that this district will be paying 80% of the bill for the next decade and beyond. And, with this being the case, we have to fix that of which we control. We negotiate with the teacher's union. We've made them, on average, the highest paid teachers in Monmouth County. Isn't it enough already? When does the greed for more stop?

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren- You said, "The only thing that will save jobs is for the membership to force the leadership to offer concessions. The custodial positions can be saved."
1. What do the members of the union need to give up to guarantee that the custodians will get their jobs back?
2.What do they need to give up to get all the jobs and programs restored?
3.And last, what do the taxpayers need to do to keep programs, clubs and sports, technology, keep class size down and maintain the staff we have now?

P.S. Anon @ 12:34 is exactly what we need- brainstorming by people with the common agenda to make our district and community the best it can be. I hope he/she runs for the Board next time. We need forward thinkers and he/she would have my vote (if they live in Matawan!)

Been There said...

Anon at 2:31. Your comments are better served being mailed to Mr. Kosmyna and not displayed in this blog. Mr. Warren, Chris Christie and others are counting on the union to split over the threat of potential job loss. They are feeding your brain propaganda that the union wants only raises with no regard to the community that supports them. Please say you are not falling for those tactics- after all, you are teachers and should be smarter than that. Mr. Warren says jobs can be saved with concessions. He has not said what those concessions are and what guarantees come with the concessions. How will you feel if you pressure your negotiators to give consessions for job security and then the Board still lets you go? Don't feed the monster on this blog- go to your union reps and voice your opinions there.

Aberdeener said...

Prior Anon,

Everything needs to be negotiated but looking strictly at the numbers -

1) Sticking with the current salary guide would be enough to save the custodians
2) A pay freeze would save more jobs
3) Moving from NJ Direct 10 to NJ Direct 15 would be another couple hundred thousand dollars worth

Through terminations, we're saving about $3.2 million. The above measures added to the $500K in health contributions would cut that number by about two-thirds.

Anonymous said...

What about the other 1/3? Where would that money come from?

Would your proposals save ALL jobs/programs/athletics/technology that are slated to be cut?

There is a custodial privitization company that lists the MARSD school district as a client-doesn't that mean it's a done deal?

Union lied to the members? said...

All this whining and crying now that the sins of the past and the overwhelming greed has caught up with the union and its members. Too bad? NOT! You trusted your union in the good times now all they do is blame everyone else. Typical union bullshit. I say good for you. It also seems that much more in the way of doubt and ???? are coming out about your negotiator not telling the truth to his membership. Wow anyone suprised? After all it is page one in the njea union playbook.

Ken A hear anything lately said...

And Kosmino looked so antagonistic on the showing of the meeting this week. You could tell that union people were being riled up by instigators who never came to the microphone to open there big mouths and be identified. Too easy to sit in the background for such SNAKES. Snakes all of them are. You too BAR-ZA the supposed bad asses in the shadows pulling the strings and sucking up to there base. NEVER AGAIN i say to anyone of the BAR-ZA idiots getting on the school board.

I am calling this week to Trenton to find out where they are on the ethics complaint against Rubino.

Hey Ken A. did you hear anything lately about the ethically challenged Jan R.?

Anonymous said...

You guys are funny. the podcasts are at the BOE site for all to see.

Hit button once next time said...

Try hitting the button just once genius.

The children suffer said...

The reality is the too generous contrcats all these years have allowed a sense of entitlement. It is similar to generational welfare and similar social programs. The union tells them everything under the sun and the truth of the cost to the taxpayers is mysteriously absent. 80% of the school taxes is salaries and benefits. There is something really wrong with that. If you don't thing so you live in Deisneyland. But never forget its for the children. Whose children?

heartsick parent/taxpayer said...

Reality check:

Ruxbury- agreement to freeze top bottom

Upper Freehold Regional:tempory freeze

West Windsor-plainboro:91%voted yes pay freeze, admin union

Booton:3/24 freeze top bottom

Montclaire: approved forgoing raises, all central office employees making over $75,000 pay freeze agreement

West Essex: all 4 unions and all non union employees agreed to freeze

Hammonton: all admin staff agreed to freeze, teacher's union still refusing

So.Orange: No pay raises across the board allowed for in budget passed by 7-0

Red Bank: 7-2 vote of board no salary increases for anyone

Bridgewater-Raritan: 3/24 admin union and super voluntarily gave up raises/freeze; union said "no way" until 11th hour 3/25 when union agreed to freeze all salaries for at least one year

Princeton Regional: admin union freezes for one year, in talks with teachers for same, agreement expected soon

Lawerance: in talks for concessions, acroos the board freezes expected

Maplewood: freezes from top down agreed upon 3/25

Cranbury: major concessions agreed to at 11th hr.

Toms River: expected to talk after springbreak following a straw vote of 90% staff willing to take freeze

Barnegat: expect to reach agreement following springbreak

MRTA do you stand for ALL as you say? or are you going to throw the "little guy" under the bus and continue to dig in your heels? we want our teachers to stay and as many others as possible...let's hope you haven't waited too long to saved their jobs.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren THERE IS NO SEVERANCE PAY!!! ALSO ALL SICK DAY’S, WILL BE LOST. DO YOU HAVE A COPY OF THE CUSTODIAL CONTRACT? THIS MAKES ME WONDER WHY YOU ARE MISS LEADING EVERONE!!!

Liars w initials Mr. K. said...

Well I see not to much support for Kosmina on here lately. Are the teachers and others represented or as may be possible they may be realizing that they are being mirepresented? Finall waking up teachers, janitors and bus secretaries? We shall see? TIME IS RUNNING OUT for Mr. K if his membership sees through his lies!

No it was not that Mr. K. The teachers negiotiator is not the liar from Injustice Lane. Although he is a BIGGER LIAR. Maybe it is an initial thing?

Anonymous said...

TO living in a real world I agree I too help in schools and found out about the robinhood effect , answer it will take a lot of money to fight it as an individual and yes I have asked representives and no one wants to challenge maybe I should move to a abbott distrct. Or maybe we should not strive to have good educators what is the insentive for a teacher to do a good job and a town to manage its money none , we are being punished and are stuck , unless we can get political power , teachers here do a good job and they are being punished we are doing a good job as parents and being punished , and as a school district we are being punished something is very wrong with the system. Like I said I agree with you maybe we need to get some tattos pull out our teeth and get a harley then we will get the fair share we deserve , no incentive for doing the right thing

Just an idea to be fair said...

Anyone notice that moron and steal is very quiet on all of this. Do they see the changes soon to impact their protected and very overfunded programs. Equality may be coming to sports and activities if they try this idea.

Mommy and Daddy want junior to play football the taxpayers will pay half and the parents pick up the rest.

Maybe O'M should think about that one. Come up with a fair dollar amount for an across the board activity and charge the parents for the overage. Sounds fair to me. What does it cost to have a student participate in baseball, basketball, cheerleading, bowling, yearbook and finally football. Is there and average cost that anyone sees broken down in a budget proposal that we could look at.

Just a Mom said...

That is a good idea. Schools seem to put too much of an emphasis on extra caricular activities and sports rather then the 3 r's. If a student wants to play a sport or other activity come up with a formula that is fair across the board and the extra is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. That is a very good idea.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Warren,

Why are you lying to everyone about severance pay for the custodians? THERE IS NO SEVERANCE PAY!!! I would like to know where you came up with that one. Since there is no severance pay, where is the extra money ($500,000.00) for the first year really going? Inquiring minds (taxpayers) want to know.

Aberdeener said...

The difference in the budget between first and second year custodial outsourcing is money budgeted for severance pay. You're correct the district is not contractually bound to give severance pay and, if we don't, the first year's savings will be much higher.

Anonymous said...

Where are the priorities in this school district when it comes to athletics and academics. Most schools are eliminating the entire freshman programs to help with cuts. This district cuts $50,000 of a 1 million dollar budget for sports and lays off teachers and makes cuts in the clasroom. Somethings wrong with this logic.

Anonymous said...

Giving severance pay to the laid off staff members would be a stand-up thing to do, especially in this current economic climate. After all, it is through no fault of their own that they will lose their jobs.

I hope that the school board members come through on this, if or when the layoffs occur. I think we owe them at least that much after their many years of service in our community.

Anonymous said...

Carl,

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, TIME'S UP!!!

Anonymous said...

Maybe something promising can be realized this week; a BOE meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31st at 7:00 pm.

Anonymous said...

Many more districts are announcing that top administrators, and administrator and secretary bargaining units are accepting wage freezes. Not ours. It is actions like the refusal to accept the pay freeze by anyone including the MRTA that give them all a bad name in these times. Show your discontent at the polls for these greedy, self serving, pigs at the trough.

Anonymous said...

heard the district has been in talks with the admininstrators union since last week and a freeze agreement is expected. Any truth, aberdeener?

Aberdeener said...

I've heard the same thing. Fingers crossed.

NSectionJoe said...

For the sake of the staff and those threatened with layoffs I cartainly hope an agreement can be reached to save all of the jobs threatened with cuts. What we all must remember is that the decisions, generous contract awards and more that has brought us to this point was long in coming and for the most part ignored by many involved in the process. This was very evident over eight years ago when Gerry Donohue warned the MRTA leadership that the gravy train was out of control. Did anyone listen to the warning Gerry gave? Obviously not as contracts awarded since then did not address health care costs, personnel contributions and more.

The financial problems that plague all levels of government at present is still sadly exemplified by the recent grandstanding health care bill signing. An item signed into legislation with much cajoling and backroom deal making all in a single effort to put some points in the win column for President Obama and his administration. I find it just to be a continuation of our failed and very questionable governmental leadership whose arrogant thinking is that they know what we want, even when the greater majority says we don't want it loud and clear. It is very expensive political fodder that generations will be paying for just to put something in the win column.

Our school board situation is no different unfortunately, and it is obvious far easier to blame Dr. O'Malley or on a grander scale Governor Christie, who are just two men merely trying to tackle a governmental process rife with corruption, insider deals, self congratulation and far worse that the past leadership has ignored.

The most recent example of a government that cares little for its failures is exemplified in the Wall Street mess. A financial collapse of monumental proportions caused by our governmental watchdogs who failed in their responsibilities, who now we are expected to trust that exact same people who are trying to tell us they can fix, that which they failed, miserably of course to prevent in the first place. It has been and continues to be far too easy to just continue to throw money at the problem. But where is the money coming from to try all of these quick fixes and radical ideas in the face of an untrusting populus that does not trust the leadership they elected to do right by them even as they cast their vote.

The solution is out there and it is men like Governor Christie who I feel will take us there. It will be painful and unfortunately it will be costly. It is like going to a mechanic and paying for a car repair to keep the car you need so badly on the road, only to have it breakdown again for the exact same problems you just paid to have repaired. That far too often is our governmental leadership at most every level. They do not listen to the people.

I for one am left to wonder if Dr. O'Malley went to the staff and the janitors for cost saving measures? Such workers always know where the money is wasted. The best example I have seen in our school leadership is when they put Attorney Gross to the curb, a move to date that has saved over $100,000.00, in the past year alone. I applaud that decision and others that have been made since the cuts started under Dr. O'Malley. There are more Gross's that should be shown the curb rather then cut integral staff.

That is you Joel just in case you are wondering who else needs to be shown the door.

Anonymous said...

Mr Warren is this meeting on the 31st. open to the public?

Anonymous said...

It must be so easy for people with good health coverage to begrudge those without it. And be proud to proclaim it to one and all as well!

Anonymous said...

It goes both ways the begroging people who dont have ,want to take away what people have , we have a bad mine set we all should be fighting for good health care together for everyone , corporate america has got us brained washed they steal bailout money in forms of bonuses.
Where are the tax payers then to fight to take away congress great perks and pay , these guys walk away with millions in Tax dollars of the middle class worker . Instead they have us fighting with each other while they pick your pocket a common thief trick use a deversion then pick there pocket. Districts should form coalation and fight the way money from the state is distributed , we in Aberdeen are being pick pocketed while other districts spend like drunken sailors with no results in test scores and high drop out rates on Aberdeens Dime, Dr O M should investagate what gov said that he has flexability on how money is distributed to district that comply but all must give back Dr O M and Sue and Joel walk the walk set the example Dr O M

Anonymous said...

The meeting is executive session no action will be taken.

Anonymous said...

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District Board of Education has scheduled a Special Meeting for Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the Board of Education building at One Crest Way, Aberdeen, New Jersey. There will be an Executive Session for contractual matters.

Anonymous said...

People should avoid making sweeping generalizations. Every local teachers union is different. They elect their leadership. Matawan must vote the old, protect-the-top-of-the-salary-guides types out. Come on teachers in year 5-10...its your union too.
As for you, Mr. Warren: You should avoid name calling and insults. The very title of this post is a prime example of why you are a better blogger than board member. Your tactics are reckless and will hurt our children in the long run. I hate the fact that you are part of the negotiations committee. We will be in a stalemate for a long time, which much bitterness in the air for a long time, with you at the table. I for one can't wait to see you up at the mic and back blogging, where you belong. There is a place in process for pot stirrers and fact finders, its just not on the board of ed.

njoe missed one thing said...

The one thing njoe left out was the fact that our government who has never had a program really run effectively. Recently they did not address the fraud, waste and abuse of the entire healthcare, Wall St. or governmental system in Wash. D.C.. That is the true crime of our government when they tell us what they will do for all of us, except when it does not work we get to pay to fix their mess. It happens over and over again and we let it.

Anonymous said...

Checked with my township rep on boe-- meeting will be entirely exectutive session following the pledge of allegience, no point in public attending as no action will be taken. Board required to give notice though.

Anonymous said...

The teachers and the union must accept the salary freeze now that Christie has offered more state aid to school districts next year if accepted. Last chance to save yourself and this district, Carl.

Anonymous said...

Geeze, first Wall St rapes our economy, now Mother Nature is getting into the act. New Jersey's coast line is getting pounded again as I type this. Our poor beach is never going to be the same. What's next? An extended draught with a dust bowl, no doubt!

Anonymous said...

"The teachers and the union must accept the salary freeze now that Christie has offered more state aid to school districts next year if accepted."

Where is the state aid money coming from next year? Sounds like extortion to me.

Anonymous said...

If the School Board had the best interest of the students and tax payers in mind they would follow the lead of the Central Falls School District in Rhode Island. If you have not read or heard about this, they fired everyone, 77teachers, principles and other administrators for a total of 93 people.

Fortunately for the Board, the union contract was presently under negotiation and the Board did what they had to do in the best interest of the students and tax payers.

Our arrogant teachers and union reps think they are untouchable and if all the teachers were fired there would be a line out the door to fill their positions within the hour of their dismissal.

Start from scratch with a new breed of teachers that have not drank the Kool Aid of the union reps and watch the test scores rise and the taxes decrease from the new lowered salaries that are more in line with other districts. Why would tenured teachers feel the need to work hard when their jobs are protected under tenure.

I encourage everyone to insist the ALL the teachers be fired when their contract comes up for negotiation and follow the lead of these other districts not allowing unions to push them around like in our district. These individuals are expendable and I find it hard why people don't seem to understand this and deals with the strong arm tactics of the union. This goes all the way back to Ms. Vass and the rest have followed suit. Send them all packing for the sake of our children and pockets. It is the union that is taking food from our children's mouths and cloths off their backs, no one else and don't let them tell you otherwise.

Anonymous said...

For the first time ever I agree 100% with Mr. Warren. In a room packed with teachers who drank the Union Kool Aid, he said what the majority of people in this town feel is true. What bull crap that the teachers Union gives a hoot about the custodian staff. If they did they would have demanded their Union make conssesions. The head of the Union sent an email to negotiate!? Are you kidding me!The facts are that all the Union had to do was freeze their wages and the custodians would have kept their jobs. Instead they show up to the meeting and act like they are their friends. They think we are too stupid to know what the truth is. Typical Liberals! They know what is best for us and our country.

I'm mad as hell and ....... said...

The beach you speak of is being kept together by the hard work of our public works workers. These storms are taking hold and taking sand as the storms leave. I am anxious to see what Old Bridge has left with all of the improvements middlesex county gave them when they took over there beaches. I remember not to long ago that Sen. Kirillos came to Cliffwood Beach and took some pics with our local leaders. Since then nothing. Some would say that is typical election year garbage. Then our last dem campaign flier showed the candidates with there backs facing the camera and looking into the bay. Our beach needs to be more the election pictures and promises.

Anonymous said...

Why aren't we looking at cutting all of the sports programs at the middle school.

MinD said...

Times are tough all over. People have to realize that our schools can't be everything for every student.

Anonymous said...

Hey, anonymous @ 11:56! I hope, for your children's sake, that your sources of income are not as cruel and cold hearted as you appear to be. I wouldn't wish the cold chill of a heart like yours on my worst enemy.

Anonymous said...

I don't know what the scientific word for it is. But our little beach, and Whale Creek, is the inlet for a surge of water that, in bad enough storms, would badly flood all the way over Route 35 and continue through those back channels where they want to build the low income rentals all the way, submerging the parkway over there by Cheesequake Park. The sides of the Parkway near exit 120looked like Lake Erie earlier today. There's a good reason why no trees grow in those areas, they've been flooded many times over the millenia, I have no doubt. The county should help us to shore up our beach with dunes. Hell, so should the State! And I thank our town workers for the great job they've done there so far. Its very important work they are doing.

Sports-clubs+ are extras said...

Face the reality we all want everything and we cannot have it. It is a 7m defecit. Where would you cut. Math, English, Science. Football and ceramics do not make the grade. Cuts have to be made and what needs to be maintained is anything and everything integral to learning. Extras are just that E X T R A S.

Anonymous said...

Tell the truth, Mr. Warren.

Anonymous said...

Tell the truth, Mr. Warren.

Anonymous said...

Tell the truth, Mr. Warren.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Tell the truth, Mr. Warren.

Anonymous said...

Childish behavior meant to silence the truth. Grow up idiot.

Anonymous said...

Tell the truth, Mr. Warren.

Anonymous said...

Tell the truth, Mr. Warren.

Anonymous said...

Why do comments now have to be approved?

Anonymous said...

Wow!! Can we say childish.

Anonymous said...

Some idiot has a lot of free time on their hands~

disgusted parent said...

so nice to see the MRTA is behaving with such maturity. Way to go! I am filled with confidence having your membership as the guardians of my child's character and educational instruction for 6 hrs a day! Can anyone say HOME SCHOOL?

Anonymous said...

what an asshole

inquiring mind said...

Add Wall district to salary freeze list-- 39% reductuction in salary and benefit costs. 47% reduction in capital spending and the taxpayer will still be paying about $273 more on tax lexy. why is it no one in our town understands how bad it is out there?

Anonymous said...

Childish is an understatement!
I guess 400 repeated posts by the same person (or persons), saying nothing, shows how unwilling the union and its spokespeople are to deal with these important issues.

Anonymous said...

"Living in the Real World" speaks intelligently and realistically. However from the hundreds of posts to try to silence the truth, and complete unwillingness of the union to address this in a fair manner, I have to agree with the poster that said FIRE THEM ALL, AND START FROM SCRATCH!

BARZA Clone? said...

Childish but creative. Ignorant and divisive. Must be a BARZA clone.

Teacher with Ethics said...

Nice of "disgusted parent" to assume it was a MRTA person to spamm Mr. Warren without proof. I just hope they are never called to jury duty!

Anonymous said...

Tell the truth, Mr. Warren.

Anonymous said...

Tell the truth, Mr. Warren.

Anonymous said...

Tell the truth, Mr. Warren.

Anonymous said...

What happened to all the comments?

Anonymous said...

Where r the comments?

Aberdeener said...

test

Anonymous said...

Aberdeener, are you going to be able to re-post all the comments?

Anonymous said...

The state leadership of the teacher's union has found a way to spend a portion of the proceeds from the dues collected from their rank & file.
Have you seen the latest TV commercial, where one of their own is telling Governor Christie to stop hurting teachers, staff and bus drivers with his budget cuts?

Rather, their spokesperson tells the governor exactly where he can find the money needed to fund education throughout the State of New Jersey. They tell the Governor he needs to pick the deep pockets of the wealthy.

Gotta love the mentality of the teacher's union. ----
Their collective brain works this way ------
We want...what we want...when we want it...and we want it now.
We must have it. We deserve it.
And, in order to get what we want, somebody's gotta pay for it...Yes, we say you need to tax the wealthy. They have what we need. They have money and we want it.

It's like those budget signs, "For the kid's sake" or "Kid's Count". Yeah, I believe that. Really, I do. Actually, what I really believe are signs that read "For teacher's sake" and "Teacher's count". Teachers are counting the dollars that they want going in their pockebooks and wallets, and they want those dollars to come from someone else's pockets. Makes me sick!!