Here's an idea if the school board wants to save money, why not stop paying for administrators to get thier PHD's. They make 100g a year and yet they get a free PHD? Why don't one of you two (John E or Greg) figure out how much they have paid in the past ten years to educate the leaders on the taxpayer dime. Then see how that correlates with student acheivement? I will do the last part for you. It doesen't. People are all about blasting the people that directly impact YOUR kids instead of getting at the real issues.

It's interesting. Times are tough. As a teacher who has bargained contracts with a school board in another area school district, that's always the attitude. When times are good, teachers got less. When times are bad, they should take less. When do they get increases?
Maybe the Gazette should lower its subscription rate to help the economy and show sympathy.

With the the budget issues the schools are facing and the recession. NO they should not get a raise and I am sick and tired of them expecting to get one. However administration should not be getting raises either.

How we love to pick on teachers, when it comes to salary. How about the bevy of City, County and State employees who also draw their pay from the tax payers. Few, if ever, suggest lowering their pay. When the QEO law came into effect, years ago, it only effected teachers. Other tax supported jobs were totally ignored and went on with normal salary negotiations unbridled by the limits of QEO. Now we suggest teachers take "the fall" again. This burden should be shared equally across tax supported positions.

COMMENDATION and GRATITUDE for another very meaningful, relevant, appropriate and poignant editorial! I have now read and re-read the editorial. I have also double-checked that it is posted on THE WHEELER REPORT (www.thewheelerreport.com) which is "The Bible" for all persons involved with and following WI State Government. I encourage readers to get acquainted with The Wheeler Report.

I dare to hope that with this editorial on The Wheeler Report, it will be reprinted here and there throughout WI to influence public policy in local school districts. It is totally legal (note: QEO, at the behest of WEAC, was repealed effective immediately - July 1, 2009 as WEAC had been advocating for years using propaganda/misinformation about the QEO to mislead property taxpayers), appropriate and, as I see it, NECESSARY that every local school board, including Janesville and, LET ME ADD, MILTON, propose a compensation freeze at least for 2009-10. Why not through 2010-2011 parallel to Governor Doyle's PAY FREEZE for ALL WI STATE EMPLOYEES in his 2009-2011 budget?

I have expressed and will continue to advocate that a compensation freeze become the public policy of every local school district throughout in WI. Citing the situation for ALL WI state employees, including the PUBLIC EDUCATORS of our UW system, YOU buttress the case for fairness and appropriateness for a FREEZE policy. Thank you.

Gratefully & Respectfully! John

In spite of rough, difficult times employees - teachers included - always expect they are worth more than being paid.

The real question is -- should teachers GET a raise.

The answer is not today, not tomorrow, and maybe not for the next three to five years. At least not until the economy improves and the incessant draining of taxpayer dollars stop!

Samuel; OMG, apparently youve been busy getting your classroom ready and havent heard of the health care debate. Wheather you agree with Obamacare or not, I dont think you could deny that the system we have now is in need of repair - point is, we have the most expensive health care in the world yet we're ranked #37th (per the WHO) - money apparently doesnt necessarily buy the "best".

How about performance incentives?

When times are good they should get a raise. When times are bad they should get what the city can afford and maybe even a freeze. The economy ebbs and flows and so should raises. The problem with the automakers was that they didn't ebb and flow and now they're bankrupt. Now, I find it troubling the money seems to be such and issue with teachers posting here. They make good money and have great benefits. As a teacher who wants to inspire children to learn I would think these questions would be more relevant than wages alone:
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Where can I make the biggest impact?
What type of community is it?
What type of systems are in place?
Is there accountability at upper levels?
What are the drop out rates?
What are the student test score averages?
What is community involvement like?
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If money is the only factor for a teacher considering a job, then he or she has picked the wrong line of work. Money should never be the only reason someone is inspired to teach.

No, with everyone either lost their jobs or took a pay cut, why would they expect a pay raise. The economy here is bad enough without having another tax increase.

Yes, because of the QEO (Qualified Economic Offer)law. The law prevented teachers from getting striking to rally for more than 3 point something percent and teachers also had their salaries capped. Now, by law, teachers are entitled to that same 3 %.

The question you should be asking is: "Do you want the best teachers in Janesville?" How much did of a raise did Edgerton teachers recieve? Beloit Turner? Blackhawk Tech? Parkview? As a good new teacher, why would you choose a district with a freeze over a district that invests in teachers and education. In time of economic stress, the best way to overcome the challenges is to INVEST in education.
---- a teacher

Oh. No. Why did you open that can of worms?
Do they deserve a raise? Yes, of course.
Is it possible to give them one? Maybe not.
It is all negotiated per the union, so that leads us to ask what will they get in return?
Keep in mind these are people who are with YOUR kids. It is your kids' future you are talking about here just as much as the teachers' salaries.