As reported in the Connecticut Post, the Fairfield teacher’s union has rejected a proposal by the Board of Education to help close a $3m gap. The Board proposed a furlough day for all teachers that would have saved about $375,000.
The Union proposal included cuts to capital spending, car leases for administrative officials and reinstating fees for student parking at the high schools.
While the Union’s proposal has merit, their lack of flexibility in their own payroll will ultimately lead to teacher layoffs.
At last nights BOE meeting, Fairfield Education Association Chairwoman Marilyn Ferenac stated her feeling that the Union wasn’t treated properly, IIRC she said they were treated “rudely”. It’s starting to sound like the union rejected the plan based on emotion. She asked that the BOE consider being “partners” with the union moving forward.
One furlough day? Either the Union is out of touch with the Town or the Union leadership is out of touch with the teachers. Which is it?
Connecticut Post Article
Fairfield Education Association Website
In answer to your question “Which is it?” allow me to suggest it may well be both!
David Cullen