15 responses

1. Nice, pick on the special education teachers that help our kids with disabilities learn. Just because they don’t have their own classroom, doesn’t mean they don’t teach our kids. Just ask my son.

   Reply

2. For the record here, I wasn’t bothered at all by this latest ECT story and my kids also are in Special Ed- (in the Gifted talented special Ed program) but again I took no offense at the Good Inspector. He spoke the truth. There is “Too many Chiefs and far too few Indians- ”

   With that being said, for the rest of the readers here, a Special Ed teacher does NOT teach in a standard ‘norm’ group of ‘ K-12th graders. This is a small and segregated group of students, separate from the rest by both definition and by classification. Like I said-mine participate and I wish that we had far less administrators and many many many more teachers-who educate via teaching-in a classroom.

   I am in full agreement with Eagle Schools teacher Tanya Caruso who wrote the following Vail Daily commentary about
   * our current school superintendent who chose to accept her bonus instead of turning it down like the other school superintendents in CO did, and
   * who decided to keep her annual pay raise too, while congruently forcing our teachers to take pay freezes and cuts–and laying them off as well.

   I recommend you read this as well Yokel-will give you some insight in what the Good Inspector (and the public in EC) is saying here!

   Refer to “Vail Valley Voices: Schools chief won’t share pain”
   http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20100705/EDITS/100709879&parentprofile=search (we, the public say GO Tanya! You pegged it!)

   And btw Yokel–the schools administrative staff advisory committee has the audacity to suggest the schools “need” a TAX hike?

   NO!

   They NEED to fire a bunch of the bloated administrative staff– A school district with less than 6000 students and a list this large is beyond repugnant -it is bordering on a need for a internal investigation of these (supposedly) transparent funding practices of theirs …

   PS
   State of Colorado Dept of Education defined: Special Educational Services; Gifted students, children with disabilities-

   12.01 (15) “Special Educational Services” or “Special Educational Programs” means the services
   or programs provided to exceptional children including children with disabilities and gifted students.

   12.01 (7) “Early Childhood Special Educational Services” means those instructional strategies, curriculum, affective and programming options that nurture and develop exceptional abilities or potential for gifted students, including but not limited to an early entrance strategy or advanced level pre-school interventions

   http://www.coloradogifted.org/grassroots/ECEA%20Rules%20pgs%2098-106%20for%201244.pdf

   Reply

3. Yokel, why did you zero in on special education teachers when this article points out our long list of administrators? Sure didn’t look like the author was targeting special education teachers to me. Nice try at the redirect! Buzzer sounds FOWL PLAY!

   Can you possibly tell me WHY we are paying so many infant, toddler and early preschooler administrators within our school district? What are we taxpayers teaching infants? There are over 20 taxpayer funded administrators in that department compared to four special education administrators. Just sayin.”

   We have need for only “ONE” exceptional student administrator for the entire district? Do we have that few exceptional students? Makes one wonder, WHY? Isn’t ECSD in the business to nurture/create exceptional students?

   What is a *paid bi-lingual parent liason? How much are we paying this person and how many languages does this liason speak? What is this liason teaching? And to whom?

   It would seem our district has lost touch with the reality that teachers are the foundation within every institution of learning. We clearly have too many cheifs and not enough indians.
   It would be interesting to tally the combined salary cost we taxpayers pay all of these administrators…betcha there’d be a rude awakening among the tax payers resulting in some belt tightening.

   Reply

   • Um…if you want to say there are too many administrators, fine. But, take the teachers off the “administrators” list you posted. Special ed teachers are listed as such on your “administrators” list.

     Reply

4. BIG ‘staffer’ list here-wish they attached what each position pays (starting & ending) as well as how many employees are under each listing here- as well as show how many students are enrolled in ECS w/o a SSN, Visa or U.S. birth certificate (“Inspector-PLEASE find out that next- no law against a Head Count nor against turning them over to Immigration immediately per Plyler ruling!”)
   ———————————————–
   * Central Administration (school district office)

   Superintendent
   Assistant Superintendent of Business Finances
   Communications Director
   Coordinator of Special Education
   Director of Early Childhood Programs
   Director of Elementary Education
   Director of Facilities
   Director of Food Service
   Director of Human Resource Services
   Director of Secondary Education
   Director of Technology
   Director of Transportation
   Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) Coordinator

   * District Office Support Staff Positions

   Accounts Payable Accountant
   Administrative Assistant to Business Finances
   Administrative Assistant to Superintendent/BOE
   Communication Specialist
   Custodian – District Office
   Elementary Education Specialist
   Human Resource Specialist
   Human Resource Support Specialist
   Payroll/Benefits Specialist
   Purchasing Card Accountant
   Secondary Education Specialist
   Secretary – Central Office/Human Resources
   Translator/Interpreter

   * After School Program Facilitator

   Health Assistant
   Para Professional II – Highly Qualified
   Para Professional II – Highly Qualified (In House Suspension)
   Para Professional III – Highly Qualified
   Para Professional IV – Highly Qualified
   Preschool Assistant
   Preschool Specialist

   * School Administrator Positions

   Principal
   Assistant Principal
   Certified Teaching Positions
   Athletic/Activities Director – High School
   Counselor
   Elementary Instructional Coach
   English Language Acquisition – Teacher On Special Assignment
   High School Dean
   Master Teacher
   Media Specialist
   Mentor Teacher
   Nurse
   Preschool Teacher
   School to Work Coordinator (SWAP)
   Secondary Instructional Coach
   Special Education Program Counselor
   Special Education Teacher
   Speech Language Specialist
   Substitute Teacher
   Teacher

   * Food Service Positions

   Baker I
   Bakery Manager
   Cafeteria Manager
   Central Delivery Driver – Food
   Central Delivery Driver – Mail
   Cocinero (Cook)
   Cook
   Multi-Unit Cafeteria Manager

   * Head Start/CPP Support Staff Positions
   Family Services Coordinator

   *Custodial & Facilities (Maintenance) Positions

   Conserje – Edifico (Custodian – Building)
   Custodian – Building
   Lead Custodian
   Maintenance III – Carpenter
   Maintenance III – Grounds Care/Irrigation/Plumbing
   Maintenance III – Maintenance Technician
   Maintenance Specialist III – Electrician – Journeyman
   Maintenance Specialist III – Electrician – Master
   Maintenance Specialist III – HVAC/R
   Maintenance Worker I
   Maintenance Worker II
   Park Manager (Maloit Park)
   Service Coordinator – Facilities
   Para Professional/Teacher Assistants Positions

   * School Secretarial Positions

   Athletic Secretary – High School
   Office Manager
   Registrar – High School
   Registrar/Secretary – Middle School
   School Secretary

   * Technology Positions

   Application System Analysts effective 1/1/07
   Electronic Systems Specialist
   Network Systems Engineer
   Network Systems Specialist
   Operational Technology Specialist
   PC Support Specialist
   Student Information Systems Administrator
   Student Information Systems Assistant
   Technical Support Specialist
   Technology Program Specialist expires 12/31/06
   Technology Support Assistant

   * Transportation Positions

   Bus Driver
   Bus Driver – Small Vehicle
   Bus Driver – Special Needs
   Crossing Guard
   Dispatcher
   Driver Trainer
   Driver Trainer – Head
   Fleet Manager
   Fleet Maintenance Specialist
   Parts Purchasing Specialist
   Scheduler
   Secretary
   Vehicle Technician – Mechanic
   Vehicle Technician – Helper

   http://www.eagleschools.net/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=1526

   Reply

5. and from the Co state Board of education;

   C.R.S. 22-20-101 through 22-20-114 (Exceptional Children’s Educational Act)

   These children (and infants and toddlers) can have either a physical disability (Ie vision, hearing ,mobility etc.) or a Cognitive disability (such as; Exhibits pervasive sad affect, depression, feelings of worthlessness; they lie and cheat, they cry, or demonstrate an inability to build or maintain interpersonal relationships or, are unable to
   receive reasonable educational benefit from regular education-etc.)

   Here is how schools and government now control what USED TO BE parental responsibilities-
   When i was in high school-i was in a wheelchair for about 4 months. In my school i was unable to go up and downstairs and they had no elevators–so–my parents paid a school teacher to tutor me at my home.

   “My parents paid” –did you catch that Yokel? NOT taxpayers paid- my parents wanted the best outcome for their on child which was me…so they paid the bill.

   Colorado State Board of Education-

   Special education (allowed) expenditures page 17 pdf

   2.03(1)(a) Salaries of:
   2.03(1)(a)(i) Special education teachers.
   2.03(1)(a)(ii) Home-hospital teachers for students with
   disabilities.
   2.03(1)(a)(iii) Speech/language specialists.
   2.03(1)(a)(iv) Specialty teachers.
   2.03(1)(a)(v) Instructional paraprofessionals.
   2.03(1)(a)(vi) Tutor interpreters.
   2.03(1)(a)(vii) School nurses.
   2.03(1)(a)(viii) Occupational therapists.
   2.03(1)(a)(ix) Physical therapists.
   2.03(1)(a)(x) School psychologists.
   2.03(1)(a)(xi) School social workers.
   2.03(1)(a)(xii) Audiologists.

   et Cetera…. yes, there is more….

   http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeboard/download/bdregs_301-8.pdf

   Reply

6. My son has Autism and we’re grateful for special education. In fact we thank Governor Ritter for changing some laws that Governor Owens put into place.

   I’m mainly on the side of Teachers Unions. However, I think there needs to be changes. I think teachers should be able to be fired and I’m for some kind of performance based pay.

   The situation in the Midwest has nothing to do with salaries or the budget. It’s all about, breaking down Democratic voters.

   I thought the movie “Waiting for Superman” did a great job of laying out what the problems/solutions are in education.

   Those who oppose early childhood are also those who’ve never had a child with a disability. In our case, early childhood played a big part in helping our son.

   Today’s children are tomorrow’s tax payers. Those who see it any other way are those who can’t see past the end of their nose.

   Reply

7. We are in complete agreement BlueBayou re teachers teaching our children in class.

   Here is where our shrinking tax dollars go tho- and its NOT to our teachers!

   Just know I:
   – am in support of teachers–who teach our children.
   -am appalled at our long list of administrators & program directors in ECS
   -understand highest percent recipient of property taxes is schools- and now they want more!
   -know for a fact that infant and toddler daycare is not under the K-12th education duties, nor is being a property owner/landlord under the duties of educating children.

   Next: More facts on ‘How COLORADO schools and our own Eagle County schools spend your money’ – (hint; it is NOT spent on teachers teaching in classrooms!)

   Weld County schools -February 17, 2011-
   “Childcare on the school’s property ”
   Cribs replace the school desks that once lined the room. High chairs and walkers are where computers might sit. The new arrangements in two classrooms at Jefferson High School ….
   Read more http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/2011702179961

   Eagle County schools- January 9, 2009-
   “New schools child care opens in Gypsum ”
   Eagle County School District employees will operate the child care center.
   Read more http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090109/NEWS/901099949&parentprofile=search

   Eagle County schools October 21, 2008
   ” Eagle schools Edwards infant nursery ”
   Students kids are taken care of at elementary school across the street-
   Read more http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20081021/NEWS/810219995&parentprofile=search

   Denver Public schools -August 22, 2010 –
   “School operated Contraceptive Clinics”
   Wellness Centers for sixth grade (age 11 years) through 12th-graders (age18- 21 years) are the first to offer contraceptives, taxpayer funded, on school grounds during school.
   Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/frontpage/ci_15854873

   And so on…now we have Eagle County school CHEFS-plus a Food services director? We have multiple curriculum directors, we have high school DEANS ( what?) we have Guidance Councilors for 5 year olds through 10 years olds– (HUH?) and we have two separate infant and toddler child care facilities our schools operate with paid school staff -from our tax dollars!

   ENOUGH–time to stop this and implement the findings for Arizona schools as we are now receiving AZ residents here., children in tow-

   ———————–
   AZ state Auditor General Debbie Davenport recently conducted a fiscal report – her findings include: “School district spending continues to shift away from the classroom-” Education Funding and Budget Reductions –
   * Arizona schools can use this opportunity to cut the number of non-teaching staff members and lay off ineffective teachers while raising class sizes without hurting student achievement. – Arizona’s state-wide percentage of dollars spent in the classroom has decreased each year for the past 5 years-

   ———————————————————————
   LINKS:
   http://www.auditorgen.state.az.us/Reports/School_Districts/Statewide/2010_February/2010_Classroom_Dollars_Spent_in_the_Classroom_Prop301.htm

   http://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/article/2682

   RE50J Eagle Schools Adopted Budget 2010-11:
   read more; http://www.eagleschools.net/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=5065

   Reply

8. BlueBayou, I can absolutely appreciate your position re’ early childhood considering your son having autism. I agree that there is a need for special education teachers in such a case as your son. Realize please, you are not alone when it comes to a child with special needs.

   But, there is a difference between teachers and administrators. If you do a head count of the administrators on this eye opening list, and had the ability to view their salaries i.e. what we taxpayers are paying them (via transparency in government) I believe you’d find we could do more for kids with less high paid administrators and more teachers.

   I wonder, do you have the understanding to look back over the comments that have been made and consider the opposition you see has more to do with redirecting the money back to the teachers and taxpayers, where it should be. Not sitting behind a desk, collecting a fat paycheck, trying to figure out how much more money can be squeezed out of the taxpayer in order to hire more administrators. See the vicious circle here?

   Reply

9. Um…if you want to say there are too many administrators, fine. But, take the teachers off the “administrators” list you posted. Special ed teachers are listed as such on your “administrators” list.

   Reply

10. Yokel, can you explain your tunnelvision focus when it comes to the special ed teachers on this list?

    Why aren’t you so vociferous when it comes to the ESL teachers on this list?

    Can you tell me who our high school dean is? Last time I visited our high school, I wasn’t introduced to our taxpayer funded dean, were you?

    Where is the need for a guidance councelor in an elementary school scenario? Are we now beginning our career focus at this early stage in life?

    Have you no thoughts on the need for an in school family services coordinator? Wouldn’t that position fall under our local government community family services agency? i.e. health and human services.

    Again, I ask, “What is a *paid bi-lingual parent liason? How much are we paying this person and how many languages does this liason speak? What is this liason teaching? And to whom?”

    Infant nursery? What are we taxpayers teaching infants and whose infants are we teaching?

    In the post to Bluebayou I wrote “do a head count of the administrators on this eye opening list” I didn’t say do a head count of the teachers…we are all aware there are teachers on this list, we can read.

    So now, Yokel, how’s about you answer some of my questions posted here? If you can answer the questions, then great answer. If you can’t answer the questions, then I’d like to speak to your supervisor please.

    Reply

11. Here is some more ways our tax dollars are being spent: every December, the 7 elected school board members(I voted for none of them), plus the superintendent, attend the 4 1/2 day Colorado Association of School Boards convention in Colorado Springs. The convention is held at the Broadmoor Hotel. I took the time to call the Broadmoor Hotel and found out that:

    *the corporate rate for one evening goes from $150 to $238 an evening.

    *per ECSD, all meals are reimbursed through the school district at the rates of $14 for breakfast, $19 for lunch, and $38 for dinner

    *mileage is reimbursed at 55 cents per mile. Looking at the ECS mileage chart, a one way trip to Colorado Springs from the district office is 192 miles.

    When you multiply all of these legitimate expenses paid for by you know whom; this is a very costly trip! I understand, every organization has some sort of “professional” development, but this is uncalled for! Especially when the question asked by “Citizen Betty” “What is being done to enhance and promote rigor” remains unanswered by the uninspiring Dr. Smyser and most importantly, the seven free spending school board officials!!

    Reply

12. Great post Paul Kersey. (Don’t you wonder why you couldn’t just view the hotel costs etc posted online at http://www.eagleschools.net/ ?)

    We NEED teachers (fully agree) but do we ‘need’ expenditures and a appalling list like these lists/costs above?

    School district and School Board- I fully believe you are reading this here right now so please provide all EC taxpayers (who pay your salaries) with a (Open Records) ‘transparent’ expenditure list- save us all the hassle of a state DORA open records request. After all, we employ you-not the reverse.

    In our taxpayer ‘transparency’ list please include;
    * credit card charges, per item —
    * out town ‘retreat’ expenses and for which employees, by name and dates–
    * employee housing and supplied for whom, by name–
    * mileage reimbursements and for whom by name–
    * personal vehicles and for whom, by name–
    and finally,
    * the complete list of all ECs employees (classified and non-classified) by name * as well as each persons salaries-which I know for a fact you already have recorded.

    ECS, you can imply Copy, Paste and Post the above–works for me. Or give us the online link to the info- (I am unable to find it on your website anywhere)

    All the above are Public Record so that is a non-issue.

    And VD–I am pretty sure you read here too so how about you join in the fun and run the above–in print– preferably prior to any schools Special or General tax hike elections, simply to fully inform your readers?

    ECT’s— how about you post all the actual taxpayer costs (above) as well?

    Remember —- If Mike Cacioppo can get it all from our schools, surely you all can as well.

    Reply

13. Thank you, Paul. If more people would post their concerns, maybe our school district would get the point.

    That point is, local citizens are financially strapped, it’s time to consider cutting back. not punish those by adding more taxes, fortunate enough to still have jobs and haven’t abandoned our community.

    Last October, the VD printed a story reporting our school district’s finance manager Mr. Phil Onofrio, was enlisting citizen volunteers to form a budget commitee.

    http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20101028/NEWS/101029755&parentprofile=search

    According to the article, this committee should have already met at least three times. I’d like to know who is on this committee and what proposed cuts have they implemented or considered? I ask because, all indications suggest the spend and tax initiative is alive and well within our district.

    I have a challenge for our district, why don’t they give the local community an opportunity to view all budget expenditures and assist in planning the budget utilizing the Backseat Budgeter. If this tool is good enough for CSU and the Colorado Health Foundation to use, well then our Eagle County School District should be good enough, right?

    http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=183361

    http://www.backseatbudgeter.com/

    I think it’s time our school district gives the tax paying community an opportunity to offer ideas on cost cutting measures, collectively. The Links and information about the backseat budgeter are above.

    The Vail Daily could prove to be more than a back pocket publication by tracking and reporting all budgetary information and community ideas from start to finish.

    It’s time the community stand up and voice their dissatisfaction with being misinformed or misled when it comes to what we are subsidizing via our tax dollars.

    What say you, ECSD, Ms. Smyser, Mr. Onofrio and the rest of you big spenders on this list ….up for a little community challenge?

    Reply

14. Interesting union teachers rally at the Colorado capital

    Tea Party VS SEIU in Denver (Tea Party says: “Teachers–shouldn’t you be at school–teaching?”)

    YouTube videos here
    http://redwhitebluenews.com/?p=15796

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Enter your comment here...

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Email (required) (Address never made public)

Name (required)

Website

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out / Change )

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out / Change )

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out / Change )

You are commenting using your Google+ account. ( Log Out / Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

Notify me of new comments via email.

Notify me of new posts via email.