Comments on Our Loudoun Schools: More Light, Less Heat

I had no idea the LCPS had 22 steps (increases) fo...

2008-04-02T10:45:00.000-04:00

I had no idea the LCPS had 22 steps (increases) for teachers - that is unbelievable. You are guaranteed a step increase, plus possible COLA virtually EVERY year you are a teacher just based on years served. I won't get into what an absolute scheme this is, but I'd love to know how this compares to surrounding jurisdictions. Mr. Stevens, do you know what the step/pay scale is for FFX and perhaps

Mr. Stevens,

I just don't understand how yo...

2008-04-01T23:19:00.000-04:00

Mr. Stevens,

I just don't understand how you think you "may have overstepped." May?!? Does that mean you think there is some appropriate time to use the PTA to pursue a political agenda? A skeptic might say that you are only contrite now because you were called on your breach.

Even so, the attempt at an apology is appreciated. I hope you will remove the caveats when you

Think of the pay scale like a ladder. The bottom r...

2008-04-01T19:20:00.000-04:00

Think of the pay scale like a ladder. The bottom rung is Step 1, starting salary, no experience. In the second year, you move to step 2, which is about 2.5% above Step 1 (it varies a little depending on a number of factors but averages mid-twos). Currently there are 22 steps, so once you've been around for 22 years you're at the top.

COLA raises every step, including the starting salary

I'd like the distinction between COLA and Step ela...

2008-04-01T18:45:00.000-04:00

I'd like the distinction between COLA and Step elaborated. What is the difference?

I'm guessing a yet to be hired employee wants whatever raises the bottom rung. Don't both Step and COLA do that? I'm also guessing a senior level employee wants a COLA since STEP raises stop at some point or are dependent on one-time events like getting a Master's degree which they already have.

Thanks for clarrifying the Forbes study Edmund.

2008-04-01T08:33:00.000-04:00

Thanks for clarrifying the Forbes study Edmund.

The methodology Forbes study was a measurement of ...

2008-03-31T16:55:00.000-04:00

The methodology Forbes study was a measurement of SAT data and graduation rates -- per dollar spent on education. It focuses on counties with populations greater than 65,000 where more than half of school funds come from property taxes.

I question the rigor of the methodology a bit on this study, but it was good news in a narrow slice of data.

Sorry about the URL not coming through. Go to www...

2008-03-31T15:59:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the URL not coming through. Go to www.forbes.com and search for:
best and worst school worst school districts for the buck

Everyone is hyperventilating about how inefficient...

2008-03-31T15:56:00.000-04:00

Everyone is hyperventilating about how inefficient LCPS is, but according to Forbes Magazine (hardly a liberal "mouthpiece"), it's the 11th most efficient district in the nation.

http://www.forbes.com/2007/07/05/schools-taxes-education-biz-beltway_cz_cs_0705schools_2.html

Freezing increases in salaries, whether it be step...

2008-03-31T13:19:00.000-04:00

Freezing increases in salaries, whether it be step or COLA, is completely acceptable in this and several other situations. This measure has been utilized numerous times in other jurisdiction, for several years a stretch no less, due to economic downturns and fiscal emergencies.

I think the teacher's beef is with the School Board, not the general public. If they want to allocate nothing

As far as salary increases not being justified...t...

2008-03-31T11:51:00.000-04:00

As far as salary increases not being justified...this is nonsense. The step increase is always justified for a teacher who completes the previous year with satisfactory reviews.

I can understand the COSA being controversial in tight years.

By not even allowing a step increase is basically telling us teachers that we are not appreciated for all the 'extra' that we are not

I agree with Lee J., this is the beginning of seve...

2008-03-31T11:38:00.000-04:00

I agree with Lee J., this is the beginning of several years of budget funding in a substantial economic downturn. Mr. Stevens can lead and shape the discussion on the future by fighting for fiscal restraint now, not fighting for salary increases that are not justified or warranted in the current climate.

I will add you should of been fixing the budget pe...

2008-03-31T11:23:00.000-04:00

I will add you should of been fixing the budget perhaps instead of shedding light on the budget for five months. Try that next year.

When I see people take a step back especially afte...

2008-03-31T11:22:00.001-04:00

When I see people take a step back especially after some heated rhetoric to raise the school funding. Something most of happened over the weekend far more then just reflection.

That aside Mr Stevens I would be starting right now on how you are going to deal with next years budget and find innovative ways to cut and back and find other sources of money to fund our school system. This

When I see people take a step back especially afte...

2008-03-31T11:22:00.000-04:00

If I am using the rhetoric of years past, then I w...

2008-03-31T11:06:00.000-04:00

If I am using the rhetoric of years past, then I will apologize for it. I'll review my comments here and elsewhere, but I make a strong effort, every time I post, to avoid doing that of which you accuse me, and offer a hand for an alternative way.

My hope was always to encourage broader thinking that will in the end help both taxpayers and children -- and in the end -- our society.
<

Mr. Stevens, This budget is indeed a 38 m. cut to ...

2008-03-31T10:59:00.000-04:00

Mr. Stevens, This budget is indeed a 38 m. cut to a request that was bloated and unfair to the taxpayers, but it has not gone far enough. Self congratulation because there was a cut to a hysterical budget is only self serving. This type of rhetoric, along with the deliberate deception over the (COLA vs. step)salarie increase that is going to happen in the current budget, is just plain politics.

Edmund, it is because I think of us as being frien...

2008-03-31T10:20:00.000-04:00

Edmund, it is because I think of us as being friendly compatriots that I can say this: your criticism here is unwarranted and I do not accept it.

First, I have spent five MONTHS shedding light on the LCPS budget. I spent five DAYS bringing heat.

Second, past School Boards have held out for 100% of their budget requests until the bitter end. I am pulling for a $38M cut to that

John, I'm reminded of the now tired phrase: trying...

2008-03-31T09:55:00.000-04:00

John, I'm reminded of the now tired phrase: trying to put the toothpaste back into the tube.

You've spent a lot of energy on the "heat" side of this equation and now you want to step back and claim you are now for "light"?

Sigh.

I used to put you in the category of smart, fair-minded politician that was genuinely interested in looking for new approaches, but my

Comments on Our Loudoun Schools: More Light, Less Heat

I had no idea the LCPS had 22 steps (increases) fo...

Mr. Stevens,I just don't understand how yo...

Think of the pay scale like a ladder. The bottom r...

I'd like the distinction between COLA and Step ela...

Thanks for clarrifying the Forbes study Edmund.

The methodology Forbes study was a measurement of ...

Sorry about the URL not coming through. Go to www...

Everyone is hyperventilating about how inefficient...

Freezing increases in salaries, whether it be step...

As far as salary increases not being justified...t...

I agree with Lee J., this is the beginning of seve...

I will add you should of been fixing the budget pe...

When I see people take a step back especially afte...

When I see people take a step back especially afte...

If I am using the rhetoric of years past, then I w...

Mr. Stevens, This budget is indeed a 38 m. cut to ...

Edmund, it is because I think of us as being frien...

John, I'm reminded of the now tired phrase: trying...

Mr. Stevens,

I just don't understand how yo...