Unjust war on teachers continues

I don't blame the teachers for not removing the clause, which would have chronically absent students count on their evaluations. Basically, they are saying, you can't evaluate the academic progress of students who are never in class. The state and the Buffalo News are saying, just go along with it, we need the money.

That's not the teachers' fault. Students who are chronically absent should not count against their evaluations. And I don't feel it's the teachers' job to get them in school (like some are saying). It's the parents' job to get their kids to school...


The Buffalo News editorial in favor of counting the absent students is another one of their all time classics. Apparently written by one of the failing students themselves, the title of the editorial is Absentees Should Count.??? I love this excerpt, where they tell the teachers to count the absent students because it will only count towards 20% of their evaluation...

For one thing, this part of the state's new evaluation template accounts for only 20 percent of a teacher's rating. That's not an insignificant amount -- nor should it be -- but that still leaves 80 percent based on other factors. Indeed, 60 percent is to be based primarily on classroom observation.

20% isn't a significant amount? Tell that to someone who just lost their job based on an evaluation. I think most statisticians would disagree. 20% is very significant. I wouldn't vote for counting absentee students if it counted towards 1% of my evaluation. Buffalo teachers are not responsible for the district's fiscal woes. Amber Dixon's threatening of layoffs is way too predictable. How about focusing on getting these students in school and having them not act like animals when in the classroom? Do that and you won't need any more money.
Absentees should count

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Union member sheds light on cosmetic rider

The real people to blame for the plastic surgery among Buffalo teachers are the fools who negotiated their contract years ago. As I've said before, Buffalo teachers have it very difficult. They've been taking an undeserved beating in the local press lately.

Here, a union worker presents their side to the debate. Thanks for the comment...

Mike,

I know the cosmetic rider sounds ridiculous but here is some information, as explained to me by union delegates ( applies to teachers, cops, and fireman). The union contracts, as agreed upon by the city and unions, call for 4 health care plans. ( I know, sounds like alot, but of you look at the salaries of other area teachers, fireman, cops you'll see Buffalo is paid alot less ). The city used to offer two plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield and two from Independent Health. In recent years the city, without negotiating ( illegally) began offering these workers only two plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield. One of the Blue Cross plans includes a cosmetic rider. None of the unions negotiated specifically or fought for this rider.

Blue Cross threw in the cosmetic rider ( probably because they knew they could charge the city tons of money for it). The city should have never agreed to this health plan during negotiations, since it was a non issue for the unions ( possibly a pay off to high ranking officials from blue cross???). Unfortunately, the cosmetic rider is a benefit offered to these workers. Why should they give it back when a politically appointed state control board froze their wages for 3 years? Please place the blame where it belongs.


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In case you missed it...

CNN did a national story on the Buffalo teachers Cosmetic Rider in their health care plan. In case you didn't know, this is the ridiculous benefit allowing them to get boob jobs, liposuction, and tummy tucks at no expense (except to the taxpayers). Police and firefighters and their spouses also get this perk.

School teacher Linda Tokarcz (in this clip) looks like Joan Rivers with all the plastic surgery she has received. Dr. Kulwantt Bhangoo says the teachers have "paid their dues" and deserve this benefit. Of course he says that! The 2004 South Buffalo Irishman of the Year is the quack all the teachers are going to for their botox injections and fake breasteses.

Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore argues in this piece that the teachers are willing to give up this benefit if the school board comes to the table to negotiate their contracts. Until then, Buffalo, the 3rd poorest city in America will continue to be looked at as a laughingstock because of ridiculous stories like this. Memo to Buffalo school teachers: Don't listen to a word Lou Petrucci says. Watch this clip and you will know he is not on your side. He is known to talk out of both sides of his mouth and will not negotiate in good faith. Fortunately for you, he's a terrible liar and will be easy to figure out. Don't take anything at his word, or you will live to regret it...
Video: A school district offers teachers free plastic surgery.
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FBI looking at teachers' cosmetic rider

The FBI is now looking into the cosmetic surgery costs for Buffalo School teachers. They're trying to figure out how the costs went from $1 million to $9 million in one year. What's next? Are they going to get to the bottom of Phil Rumore's female stockings and heels purchases?

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Dr. Scammer

Dr. Kulwant Bhangoo. An early frontrunner for the South Buffalo Irishman of the Year. What a scammer...

You've done it again sound clip Cartoon Miscellaneous sound clips

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