" I don't even know what to say anymore....this Board of Education makes me sick. "

" oh my . . . is the Board not listening? I believe Dr. Deegan's leadership skills are no longer as strong as they once were and will only continue to decline but the Board cited his "leadership" as a reason to approve the raise. "

" Who is lining their pocket? "

" Dr. Deegan has helped make BPS what it is today. The facilities in the district are second to none, test scores are high, and all schools in the district have good reputations. He took a 2% increase which is less than half of what is being offered to the teachers. The administrators took over 1% less than what is being offered to the teachers. Who's the greedy ones? "

" I agree with you "Taxpayer". What can you really say but unbelievable. Leadership? What leadership? The school system here is not much different than those compared to other parts of the country. Sylvan is educating my child. "

" if a recall of board members is initiated I will sign it "

" I will sign the recall also... this is a slap in the face and disgrace to the BPS system. I would ask the anyone and everyone to think hard about the future of BPS, we should be working to keep the teachers we have and have a board that understands regardless of their decissions it is the teachers who make it happen.. they are the ones on the front line. RECALL RECALL RECALL it is now tie for teachers to unite and face down the tyranny of the board... "

" Dear Bellevue Past: I am sure you must be a relative of Dr. Deegan or one of his chosen few! Do the math! 2% of his salary is a lot more than 2% of 30,000! And not LESS than what he made last year! I guess you must not have had a Bellevue Public School teacher for math! I don't see any cars at the Welcome Center late in evening like I do at the schools! I do agree that Dr. Deegan has made BPS what it is today! A district where the teachers are no longer appreciated or respected as professionals by the administration! They can not be innovative or creative, they have to be a clone of what the district office tells them to be! You call this leadership? When I was in school we learned that this was a dictatorship! "

" Teachers have been fooled. The superintendent didn't reject the teachers 4.5% raise the teachers did. The School board didn't reject the 4.5% raise the teachers did. All for what -- because their pride was hurt. Pride isn't what pays the bills. You should all get real -- the only ones that are going to lose by rejecting the contract is the teachers. This is like the child who gets bad grades just to punish their teachers or parents. What good does it do? NONE! Meanwhile the others will get their raises and who is left out all because one school board member encourages more when there is no more -- the teachers. The teachers have been duped by their own leadership. The leadership of the teachers has failed them into rejecting a contract that was set up to help. The second contract was proof of that when they negotiated for two personal days -- Who cares about that? Thanks a lot BEA leadership. Now where are we nowhere? As for Comcowitch, Stewart and Copich, they don't speak for me they speak for their own self-worth and personal gain. This is a sad day for Bellevue education. "

" Could Dr. Deegan and all but one member of the school board be any more distespectful to teachers? If John Deegan had an ounce of generosity in his heart he would have refused a raise and the outrageous annuity until the teachers' salary issue was settled. I would agree that a recall of John Deegan and the school board is in order. "

" Coming from a students point of view, the teachers need the money. We spend every day with these wonderful people, but lately they have been neglected. These are wonderful people doing real life things, but they don't get the respect they deserve. They are just "the help", while Deegan helps himself to more and more money. Like Comcowich said, quoting the Leader, if there is absolutely no money, how is Deegan receiving this raise? "

" In regards to "Bellevue Past's" comment...No one is saying Dr. Deegan has not done a lot for this District, but when you talk about why our schools have good reputaions, and why test scores are high, I would like to remind you that is not because of Dr. Deegan, or because of the Administrators, it is because of the TEACHERS!! you might want to look deeper before you call people greedy...if you think Dr. Deegan and the Administrqators should get a raise that shows their worth, what about the teachers? "

" You have got to be kidding me!!! I can't even believe this. Thank you Nina for attempting to make things right. To the rest of the School Board: You should be ashamed of yourselves!!! This is not what you were elected to do. "

" To Bellevue Past:
You are incorrect in your statement "He took a 2% increase which is less than half of what is being offered to the teachers." That 2% is a pay increase of 2%. Two percent of his salary is a large increase (roughly $4170 a year), which is $348 and some change a month. In comparison, the teachers were offered a smidge over 1% salary increse ($325 a year on the base). That translates into $27 A MONTH increase, less taxes. The teachers package was 4.5, or 4.59 (still up for discussion). That is a TOTAL PACKAGE increase, which includes the 1% increase in the contribution the district had to make to NPERS because of the mandate from the state. The teachers also had to make a 1% increase as well, which constitutes a pay cut. On top of his 2%, he was also awarded an annuity of $45,000. Teachers do not have that in their package. Lets also throw in the car allowance and health care allowance and travel allowance, etc. Lets also look at the 3.5% increase in salary they gave administrators.

It surprises me that the BOE would even consider this. Are they not in tune with teachers or do they just continue to be pawns of the administration? I can compare this to a board to the north of Bellevue that is truly pawns of the administration. BOE's are elected by the public to ensure the administration is kept in check. If that is not the case, then they need to affect change. Automatic pay increases to administration, especially when the backbone of the education process is treated as second class citizens, is unconscionable. They (the BOE) is out of touch and needs to be replaced. They are more interested in getting trivial awards than leading your district.

I can say, with conviction, that I stood firm and did not allow that to happen in the district I am in. No adminstrators got any salary increase until the teacher's contract was settled. And no administrator got MORE THAN the teachers. WE understand WHO IS important. "

" One other point. By statute, the BOE has the power to hire and fire the superintendent. He is not elected.

That can happen at any time, without any consequence to the BOE depending on the language of the contract. Recall is your option as a community. You elect the BOE and you can recall the BOE. It is probably the strongest message you can send to them at this time. Let them know they are not safe from consequences. "

" Apples and Oranges comparison's being made. Historically, the Supterintendant has had the responsibility to get Washington to send impact aid money to Bellevue Public Schools, because the School District can't tax enough to cover Military families who use the Schools. The Public Schools, can't tax the land or businesses that operate on base. For years now, 13 and prior to that, John Deegan has taken to fight to DC every time they have looked at eliminating funding, which would cause Bellevue PS to increase property taxes to cover salaries for everyone. I would say that he is holding up his end of the bargain.

The fact that the out of touch Wackos in DC keep making Mandated, unfunded programs (No Child Left Behind) the responsibility of local schools, is not the fault of the Supt. Everytime you decide to require schools to act as the babysitter for the repsonsibilities that parents should be doing, it squeezes the purse tighter. To make the board or the Supt the fall guys on all of this is silly.

The State is going to reduce funding to schools, so where do you think the money will come from to pay anyone?Gov. Hienemann wrote a letter to NEA and BEA to get all you can, now he has backed off from that stupid comment, because he said it to get their support for re-election purposes.

Years ago, when I taught, we were getting 3 to 4% increases on a lot less base pay. When you let an uncontrolled Congress get involved by passing unfunded legislation, this is what you end up with.

Maybe Bellevue should consider going private. Parochial school teachers make Thousands less than Public school teachers, maybe there is a lesson in there. Remember, it was the BEA leadership who told members to reject the offer, not the board or Deegan. "

" Why do Private school always score higher than public school, is it because their teachers, who make less, work harder, care more about the student or know, they are professionals and not Unionists?

Perhaps the Teachers Union should fire their leaders who have failed them as well, as you are purporting that the BOE has failed the teachers, the BOE stands for the taxpayers and Nina Wolford, being a former teacher should understand that when she crosses the line to tell teacher Union leaders what they should be doing. Nina should go, as she is counter to her elected position for the taxpayer, plain and simple. "

" I am not now nor ever have I been a fan of Deegan's treatment towards the BPS teachers. I have nothing but respect and concern for the wonderful teachers and the care they take in crafting the future of the community. To pay them less for more work is absolutely sick.

To see Deegan be rewarded and line his pockets on the backs of the teachers he so blatantly dismisses, and to have a board member roll her eyes at Wolford for saying she supports the teachers is symptom of what has been happening on that board and with Deegan since I was at East 10 years ago.

I support all the BPS teachers - both those who taught me and those who were my classmates now working for BPS, and newest teachers in that district. They are the finest class of people, doing the hardest job with apparently now, the least reward.

I invite you, Dr. Deegan, to come down from your throne and teach for a month under the conditions you have created. You, too, Board of Education. Come out of your Welcome Center/Central Office Kingdom, and get back to educating children first hand. Go get in the trenches and spend a month in the classroom.

Spend more time each day and get paid less for it. Watch stimulus money get squandered as you struggle to afford healthcare that is by no means a "benefit".

Get out of your office Deegan, and stop trying to punish the students and teachers with your ego. And BOE, you are pawns, have been for years. Except for Walford, you are no Champions for Childrien.

Shinny buildings don't make a great school district. The teachers do. "

" Yes, RA, but what you don't consider is that fact he is the CEO of that school district. His talents and expertise are more expensive than your talents and expertise. This is called America and capitalism. The higher you go up the ladder of success the more you are paid. The $209,000 he is paid as being a CEO of an organization as big as Bellevue is cheap. Other CEO's of that large of an organization are being paid seven figures. Don't compare your salary to a CEO's unless you want to go get more education, more experience and more headaches and work 4x the hours. A percentage pay raise of only 2% is very modest to say the least. Why you want to make this a personal vendetta against the CEO and the Board is not fair and shouldn't be acceptable to the community. The Board and CEO are in place to make sure the taxpayers dollars are well cared for and not overspent. In these economic times a 4.7% raise in salary and benefits is much better than we are seeing in the real world where pay is being froze and jobs are being eliminated. Get a clue! "

" Get real, he is not a CEO he is a politician more than anything. Please stop disrespecting real CEOs by lumping this guy into the mix.

The teachers did not get offered a 4.7% raise on their salary. It was a 1% salary bump and the remaining 3.7% was a figured that was calculated by using their current benefit payouts, it was not a % of their total comp...which really is the only fair way of stating things.

Please stop calling it a 4.7% package increase it is misleading to the public and a dishonest tatic to sway public opinion.

After sticking his foot in his mouth Degan should have just laid low and kept his comp the same as the previous year...by not doing this he has clearly indicated where his motives are. "

" I am a product of BPS and couldn't be more proud, so I think I deserve to have my saying. I was also a military brat and saw several other districts while growing up. I come from a family of educators as well.

First off thank you Ex Teacher and Bellevue Past, finally someone who is educated on how a military school district is run. Apples and oranges is certainly right. I ask you all to do a little research on how a school district let alone a military school district is run. Money is just not given to the district, Dr. Deegan has to go to DC and lobby and write legislature for the money. Dr. Deegan started out as teacher, then principal, then an assistant superintendent and finally superintendent. I know this because my brothers were students of his. He is being rewarded for his service to the district. As I recall those who obtain advance degrees and put the time and money into those advanced degrees will be rewarded as Dr. Deegan has been. The teachers that have been the most vocal leaders against the board and Dr. Deegan I ask you to make your salaries public. I guarentee that you have been rewarded for your time spent with your district in addition to your advanced degrees. While everyone is valuable those who are more valuble and have been around longer are paid more. That is common sense, and goes to be said with any company. Take a look at other area superintendents salaries/raises and you will see that Dr. Deegan sits in middle as far as pay goes. Just try and find one CEO that is paid even remotely close to one of his salesmen or one superintendent that is paid the same as one of his teachers. I'm a first year teacher/entry level employee and expect to be paid as that. While
I would love to be paid 60,000 starting out I just know that is not logical. I came to Bellevue knowing what I was going to be paid and what to expect. I'm currently working towards my master's degree, and when completed I expect to be rewarded. Educators please educate yourself. If you all think you can do a better job then get to working on aquiring what it takes to be a CEO/superintendent instead of pointing fingers.

Take a look around at the economy. People without jobs and no income, pay freezes, and cut backs. Times are tough. I thank God every night that I am fortunate enough to still have a job and a roof over my head. When the economy improves and pay raises are absent, then it is time to start the debate. No one becomes a teacher for the money, they do it for the love of teaching and the children. Stop pointing fingers, and get back to what is most important, the children. "

" I hope you voters remember this when it is time to reelect these people. It is time to get rid of Seaman, Hansen, and Olson. If Kumor doesnt get a clue he can go too. "

" To Taxpayer Speaks -- higher scores? Because they only have to educate those they choose to educate. If a child is a detriment to a private school's scores, they can simply choose not to re-enroll them the following year. The children who choose to study, listen, and be active in the education process do quite well in public schools. Those who don't, well, unless they're a physical threat to others, they can't be asked to leave, therefore are factored into schools' scores. And before you get all huffy...my father was an educator in a parochial school. Apples and oranges. "

" My god, Bellevue Past!!! Now I'm getting a 4.7% increase!!! I love how this percentage gets more and more inflated by the minute!! It's a 1% salary increase, and some (232) get less money than last year. Get that straight. I repeat....1%, and 232 teachers get a DECREASE in pay. More education????? Over half the teachers in this district have Master's Degree, and most have 18-36 hours about that!! The Administration does not work 4x what a teacher works....quite the contrary. You are the one who needs to get a clue....and you are definitely Bellevue Past, because you have no concept of what is going on in the Bellevue Present!!!! "

" To all of you commenting on how the teacher's leaders (BEA) have "failed us" and "told us to vote no on the package", you need to wise up. Teachers do have minds, you know. We are not "told" what to do. If any group of people are independent thinkers, it's teachers. So, to Ex Teacher and Reject, stay out of it. Your logic is completely flawed. "

" You, a first year teacher, are telling educators to "educate themselves"??!! Every flipping teacher in this district loves kids, loves their job, and is, for the most part, pretty darn happy around here. For the first time in 40 years, we vote NO, and you start to criticize. Obviously you don't realize, being your first year and all, that you are working 20 minutes more and have over 20 less minutes plan time per day and 40 minutes less collaboration time per week. AND, 232 of your fellow teachers are to take a pay cut. Maybe you should work here a little longer before having the nerve to "point fingers" at your co-workers. "

" Well said. Very well said. Thank you. "

" Your total package is 4.5% more than you had a year ago as an individual. That is REAL money and expenditures for the district. I know that is hard to comprehend for people like you who only worry about their take home pay because their benefits have always been paid in full. The increase goes towards supporting your increase in costs of benefits so you don't have to pay more for health insurance, etc. Just because you might have a lower or a smaller raise in net pay- you still have benefit costs covered that have increased for the district and they are covered by the district instead of making you pay for them. Why don't you do your homework before voting down a 4.5% increase in real district money. None of you can seem to get a grasp of this, maybe you need to have some more collaboration time or days off to discuss this further, so you can attempt to figure it out. The BEA has misled all of you. This offer is very fair in light of the economy and what the rest of us taxpayers are going through in having to support all of your huge raises. "

" Teachers are on a 187 day contract compared to 12 month for administrators of at least 265 days. You count the difference in days worked, you must not be a math teacher. Count the number of hours on weekends and nights administrators work compared to what teachers do. I see Dr. Deegan at most everything out there at night supporting staff, kids, and parents. Now you want more days off within your 10 sick days and call them personal days. I sure hope the days you actually teach, you are good enough to educate students. Cause there aren't that many left after all the parties, professional days, sick days, and personal days you have. "

" Wow. You must be the PR for the district finance guy, huh. I don't know where the heck you get your "information", but my benefits have NEVER been PAID IN FULL....I dish out over $900 a month for my district health insurance for myself and my son. I DO have to pay more for health insurance every year. I DON'T just worry about my take home pay...I worry about educating YOUR children so they can function in society and maybe have a brain or two when they graduate!!! It's YOU, Mr. Finance, who needs to sit down and think about all this. No one is being misled except for YOU!!! AND, I'M A TAXPAYER TOO, so I guess I pay for my own raise. Stay out of something that you obviously know nothing about. "

" I am just saying times are tough and the government is deeper in the hole than they have ever been. What do you expect? We have been fortunate as a state to not have been hit as hard as other areas of the United States, but unfortunately when it comes to education we are all in the same boat. I mentioned that I came from a family of educators and have several friends that are teachers in the district and in other districts and states. It is not like I am completely clueless, I am just being realistic. We could be in a lot worse of a situation. It just pains me to see so many people unhappy with what they have been blessed with while others are suffering with no jobs or huge pay cuts. I know there are plenty of people that would trade places in heart beat for secure paycheck. While it may not be the most appealing option, in comparison to other districts I think it is on the mark.
By educating yourself I meant take a look at other salaries/packages in this area and outside. We do not have it all that bad.

I agree completely(and I think everyone does) that teachers deserve to be paid more. I just don't believe now is the time to be lobbying for it when there is no money anywhere. Yes, the superintendent got a raise-he received the going rate. "

" No respect towards the teachers.......
Dr. Deagan is ruthless and SELFISH!!!!!

The school board has no support towards the teachers.

As a teacher, I invite any school board member or Deagan to come be a teacher in my room for a week or so. None of you could handle it!! "

" As a teacher in BPS I would like to say that this is currently about more than money. This is also about getting a contract that is in line with the other schools in our array, even in line with any other district close by. BPS has the most "thin" contract in the state. We have very minimal contract language. Part of this is due to the "gentleman's agreements" that have been such a large part of how things have been done for years and years. Well, that isn't working anymore. I am glad we are going towards mediation and possibly CIR. It is time we set some boundaries.

Above that, a clear line has been drawn in the proverbial sand. There are things being done and said out of spite. I am so proud of our BEA, as they have in the past weeks, and continue to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism. Thank you BEA.

I would also like to say a personal thank you to Nina Wolford. You have put your neck out there on the line for us, and we notice, and we appreciate it.

Keep your chin up fellow teachers, we are on the right track. Stay strong and continue doing the outstanding professional job that you are doing. Let the other side fling all the stuff they want, we will continue to persevere for the kids. After all, it is why we all took this job from the beginning, right? "

" 1. I can't afford to take single, let alone family coverage. It costs me more out of pocket for the "benefit" of having single coverage insurance than it does for full family with my husband's much better insurance plan. The health insurance "benefits" mean nothing to me. Thus, the 1% increase in pay is wiped out by the additional 1% I have to pay to the retirement fund.
2. The BEA said nothing to me to sway me to vote one way or another. I am required to have 20 more minutes of instructional time with students each day equating to 7.5 extra days of work over the course of the year and 7.5 less days of time I can spend designing quality instructional activities, writing assessments, and grading those assessments. I can't offer to help students before or after school because there is now no time left in the contract day before school or after school. We have had 1 staff meeting all year because 10 minutes isn't even enough time to have a meeting, much less plan lessons, help students and grade papers.
3. We are all mindful of the economy. We know people are out of work or have taken a pay freeze or work less hours. For many of us, a simple 3% wage increase (not benefits increase even including the 1% additional contribution to retirement) would have been sufficient in this economy to thank us for working an additional 7.5 days (which we now do when planning from home or after hours at school.) With my additional course hours and experience, simply compensating me for the 20 minutes of extra contact time with students each day would equate to around $2,000. That's a far cry from the additional $300+ added to the base. My vote was simply me stating that I'm so very very tired of doing more with less. "

" No wonder Deegan is "lining his pockets" he's a CEO! That's what they all do isn't it? Meanwhile the working poor just get poorer! "

" To Bellevue Past:
To compare a school district to a private sector company is truly showing your ignorance of the process. Companies are in the business to MAKE MONEY. That is why they pay their CEO's what they do. School districts have limited income that is given to them. They cannot invest it and they have to live withing their means. It is what it is. The largest amount of money spent in any district is salaries.

But who is there day in and day out on the front lines and what appreciation did the BOE and BEA show to them?

Dr. Deegan is not a CEO but a hired administrator by the public's voice (the Board of Education). The BOE is also responsible for the budget as well. It is pretty obvious they have no ability to budget or they would not have passed the administrator's increase before they had settled with the teachers. THAT would have been the right thing to do.

And unlike your comment about "His talents and expertise are more expensive than your talents and expertise". You have no idea who I am or what I do. My talents and expertise are not in question here. It is the actions of the school board and Dr. Deegan that are. I can tell you, FROM EXPERIENCE, that we did not allow our administrators to have their raises until our teacher's contract was settled. That shows our constituents where we value our employees.

And for you to spout off about teacher's parties and sick days and professional days? Are you counting the hours spent on professional development and classroom preparation and contacting parents and grading papers? They might be under a 187 day contract, but the "vacation" you all spout off about is taken up by preparing for the upcoming year, getting the mandatory classes required to keep their teaching certificate and attending professional development workshops, ALL ON THEIR OWN UNPAID TIME!

It is obvious you are either in denial or ignorant of what you are talking about. Why don't you do it for a week and see exactly how my time and talent it takes to deal with a classroom full of kids. "

" To Bellevue Past:
One last item before I start ignoring you....

You stated: "In these economic times a 4.7% raise in salary and benefits is much better than we are seeing in the real world where pay is being froze and jobs are being eliminated. Get a clue! "

I do agree. I had no raise last year. But is it fair to have all your upper management get a raise when the economy is in the tank and the state is planning on cutting funding? Maybe its you that should "Get a clue". "

" Perhaps you should check the pay scale before you state that advanced degrees and years of experience will be rewarded. I have been in the district over 20 years with a masters plus additional hours and I think my pay increase would have been about $600 for the entire year. If that's my reward, I'll pass. "

" After I read your comment I had a question. I agree that principals put in a lot of time, like teachers. So, why is it that they aren't getting paid like other principals in the metro? Maybe they should go to the CIR with the teachers. Do they notice Deagan is shorting them? Or are they scared to talk about it? "

" Can someone please tell me how him making over 200K a year is beneficial toward the school district?? "It’s very significant for me and my family and the school district," he said. He apparently is first in his mind.

Go Nina Wolford!! Funny thing is, she used to be a teacher. Apparently only teachers are smart enough to understand that he doesn't need even a 2% raise. Let's replace him with Nina!! "

" I cannot take this anymore. I used to read these posts to see support of teachers, the ones who make this district, any district, what it is. Now, it just makes me ill. Until you wave your magic wand and are in my shoes, just be quiet, please. Unless you voted "no", and understand the reasons why, please shut up. I don't pretend to know about your job, your life....so please, stop pretending you know anything about mine.

I love to teach. I have been teaching in this district for about 15 years now. My children attend elementary school in this district. I know I am paid for 187 days. I know I work a bazillion hours of unpaid time, all in the name of trying to make kids critical thinkers in today's society. I know how rotten the economy is now. I know I am lucky to have a job.

I also know that when the first package came out, I saw that a bunch of teachers on that salary scale would lose money. I also know that I and every other teacher in THIS district ONLY are being asked to essentially work with students the equivalent of 8 more days this year....my sons teachers get 100 less minutes of planning time a week, and to an elementary teacher, that equates to A LOT of time lost. THAT was the INITIAL issue. If it had just stayed at that, NONE of this would be going on.

Dr. Deegan took it upon himself to put out a special issue of the EdNews, trying to manipulate teachers and make them feel guilty for voting NO...why would we do such a thing when we have it so wonderful??? He also took a monstrous poster-size version of that article to a high school where a BEA negotiator works. Then come the comments in the Bellevue Leader.

So, you see, Deegan has no one to blame but himself for this mess. He created it. If the process would have worked the way it was supposed to work, without Deegan's interference, comments, and publicity, I'm certain that this situation would not have taken the ugly turn that it has. And, he and others just keep making it worse. Could he not just immediately apologized for his comments? Could the Board not tell him he was a little out of line? Could they not at least put his raise on hold until the teacher contract was settled?

I love the Bellevue community and schools. The thought of going elsewhere just doesn't enter my mind. However, my passion for teaching has waned a bit in light of some of the negative comments of some of the posts here. Again, please just shut up. You are making the situation worse. Just shut up. "

" On Reject's comments: "As for Comcowitch, Stewart and Copich, they don't speak for me they speak for their own self-worth and personal gain. " (SIC)

Let's evaluate that a bit.

Do I have any political aspirations- NO.
Am I some kind of paid lobbyist- NO.
Have I injured personal friendships with some principals and other administrators in the district- YES.
Do I have better things to do than bird-dog the BOE- YES, I have a beautiful and energetic 2 1/2 year old that I would MUCH rather spend my time with.
Is my wife (a teacher in BPS) at risk because of my statements- YES.
Am I at risk because of my statements- YES, Dr. Deegan has significant personal connections in my field of employment.
Did I also fight HARD in support of Dr. Deegan and the BOE in their One City, One School District efforts- YES.

Do the math, would the potential for an extra one or two thousand dollars on my wife's paycheck (as opposed to $300) be worth that risk- NO.

I have done and said what I've said because I believe our children (yours, mine, and everyone’s) are the most important resource we have in this district, community, state, and nation.

It sickens me to think what the state of education will be in Bellevue in a few years simply because of the actions of this board and this administration.

Before you engage in ill-conceived hyperbole, perhaps you should investigate a bit of time in investigating the facts at hand. "

" The only respectable thing Dr. Deegan should have done is reject a raise. My husband works in the district and had his proposed raise cut by more than half! Instead of a 75 cents/hr increase, he is getting 30 cents. Yes, this is capitalism, and Dr. Deegan has a PhD and lives in a HUGE house and makes 6 figures a year. But the issue here is what is the right thing ETHICALLY! Can you really be happy about taking a raise that equates to one teachers yearly salary? How can you feel good about getting a raise when some teachers are getting a paycut?
Dr. Deegan - You were a teacher once. What would you have done if you were in the teacher's shoes?
BPS motto is CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN. As a previous poster said, "No one becomes a teacher for the money."
Everyone is hurting in this economy and it would do well for the rest of the BPS employees to see the administrators and BOE not to flaunt their lack of economic hardship. "

" You always have the option of going out in the real world and working twelve months a year that is if you can find another job. Quit if you don't like BPS, I and my family will thank you for it since all of you seem to hate your job so much. A salaried person always works longer thank a per hour employee. "

" Actually, we all do like our jobs. That's why it is a slap in the face from Dr. Deegan and the BOE. It's equivalent to them saying that what we do everyday for the students of BPS isn't worth anything.
As for "Going out in the real world and working twelve months a year" - People become teachers because they LOVE TEACHING. It's not their fault that the school calendar is the way it is. "

" AMEN!!!!
Your wife was one of my teachers. I am working toward an Education degree because of all of the wonderful teachers I had at BPS. "

" They did give him a 2% increase that is just the amount on his base. The yearly 45K is put into an annuity which is currently paying 3.6%. The money can be taken out of the annuity in any form, including lump sum after age 55. The really nice part of that is he will not have to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes which add a few more percentage points. So look at it this way he received a new 3 year contract with a built in 25% increase each year.....WOW! "

" I vote for you to run for school board!!!
I agree with you!!

I also had your wife as a teacher. Wonderful lady and she has influenced me to become a teacher.

There are some ruthless people on here!
Teachers only work 9 months....where sign me up. NOT!!! We put in more hours than you think. It is lost family time!! "

" Thank you for pointing out that teachers work in a fantasy world, since they are obviously not in the "real world". Interesting, and ignorant, viewpoint. "

" Thanks to those of you giving me compliments. I appreciate it. I love my job, and it makes me smile every day.

To those criticizing my husband- he gains nothing from standing up for what he thinks is right, except thanks from many and some heartache and grief from a few. I'm proud of him and hope he always stands up for his beliefs. If you think the board is doing a great job, you are welcome to get yourselves on the agenda and to speak on behalf of YOUR beliefs. Hiding behind a blogname is a simple, spineless way to address the public.

Finally, I am truly sorry that the situation has gotten so negative. I used to brag about the wonderful relationship between the upper administration and the BEA. Hopefully, we can all grow and move on in a positive way, and we can all remember that giving respect is the best way to earn it. "

" I’m saddened by the implosion that seems to be happening in these comments. First of all, thank you Kevin Comcowich for being our advocate. We fully know how much you and your family are risking and thank you, thank you, thank you for doing all you've done. You give me hope that logic has a chance. To those of you who are attacking teachers, our pay, our intentions, our profession, our ethics and more importantly, our character, please take a moment to step back and see the situation for what it is.

Here we sit, hundreds of teachers with hands in our laps, biting our lips, waiting for the right time to speak collectively. The problem is there is no way to do it safely. I say that because Dr. Deegan truly finds no fault in his words from earlier interviews. He speaks without regard for consequences because there have been none thus far. He firmly believes new buildings and buses are a better investment than teachers. He has not only slapped his teachers in their faces with blatant disrespect, he has insulted tax-paying community members by dictating when, where and how they can speak. A man who is unable to reflect on his behaviors, adjust them and find a balance between his perception and the community’s/teachers’ realities is an unreasonable man; one that operates solely on ego rather than rationale.

At the beginning of the year he celebrates the district’s high turnover rates during professional development and says that “if you don’t like it, just leave.” The problem is the interviewing process didn’t reveal the elephant in the room. We’re told from the beginning that we’re expendable and that our voices really aren’t welcome. But we come to work anyway because it’s impossible not to fall in love with our students, the diversity and the fact that we have an incredible student body. That’s why we stay.

I used to be comfortable going into my principal, talking to him about anything, believing he had my best interest at heart, but I also know he fears for his job and fear is a powerful motivator that will justify his “Yes Man” approach and result in him turning his back on his staff. I no longer knock on his door. I skip it and instead hurry to students waiting outside my classroom door for help. That’s why we stay.

I am passionate about what I do. I feel like I make a difference in my students’ lives. I know they make a difference in mine. I simply want to feel like my voice counts and that I can speak about concerns without fear of retribution. I want to be considered a team member even though I never want to be an administrator. The current hierarchy is poisonous and it’s time for change. Let’s do what’s right for the kids (because no one benefits from a hostile work environment) and begin the process of a recall. It’s not about the money any more as much as it is about ethics and simply fighting for what’s right. That’s why we stay. "

" As a veteran teacher who voted “yes” for the last offer, I realize I am in the minority here. While I respect every individual’s right to decide for themselves, I would simply ask my fellow teachers to get all the facts about taking the case to the Court of Industrial Relations (CIR). The CIR will compare our Bellevue contract to 4 or 5 comparable districts in size (likely ones such as Grand Island, Kearney, Papillion). All the CIR is required to do is ensure we are in the “middle” of this bunch. My fear is that we stand to lose some of the benefits in our contract that other districts do not have. These could possibly include: the professional stipend, longevity pay, pay for unused leave days which can accumulate up to 110, etc…….all to get us “to the middle”. It is possible that even the base pay could be reduced to achieve that goal.

Please demand the BEA leadership answer to the reality of what it means to take the case to CIR. If they have done their research and can then assure us there is nothing to lose, by all means continue the fight. If, however, there is no such assurance forthcoming, and going to CIR is a gamble with the benefits we do have, ask yourself if you are willing to take that gamble. Do not let this be about your anger towards Dr. Deegan’s words or actions nor your need to “prove a point” now that is has gone this far. Make very sure you are willing to “lose” as well as “win”. It is not too late to call for a revote or ask the leadership to settle in mediation before it goes to the CIR. A decision by the CIR is legally binding! "

" Quick clarification- CIR is the Commission of Industrial Relations (changed from "Court" to "Commission" in 1979) "

" Someone on the Channel 6 website posted an interesting fact... the governor of Nebraska's salary is only $105,000 and he's in charge of running the entire state! Why is it then that the sup. of BPS, not even the largest district in the state, has a salary of $208,000? Hmmmmm....... (And please don't even try to tell us that the governor probably gets excellent benefits on top of that salary, because Deegan does too.) "

" Since when do public school supt's start getting a bonus, and one which guaranteed for 3 years? The BOE calls it an annuity but it is just a bonus. Actually it is better than a bonus because he is over 55 he can ask the whole amount the day after it is deposited less Fed & State taxes. This type of plan doesn't require payment of SS or Medi taxes. This bonus he is getting is 50% more than the starting salary for a teacher. Who does the BOE value more, Teachers or Administrators? "

" BPS Supt get $208,845 + $45,000 bonus for a salary of $253,845. According to Education Week the average salary of a District Supt is $111,189. For School districts with 9k students it is $127,721. For the plain states it is $90,591. And on and on...no wonder my property taxes are so high! "

" In response to Reject, my interest is in seeing the teachers are brought of up from the bottom of the pay scales. If the administrators and superintendent receive raises based on comparability with other districts,. why not the same for our teachers? My other interest is to lift the secrecy curtain which permeates the School district. Why has the Board attorney been asked to beat the last few meetings. THe attorney advises the Board, spins on a technicality, and advises the Board with such adviise as, "You don't have to let him/her speak." Recently, a speaker was addessing the Board and was cut off after fiveminutes. He requested a 20 sewcond extension so he could summarize. Despite his plea, and a reqwuest from a Board member tolet him fiinish, the Board president refused. And the irony is we, the taxpayers help pay this guy's retainer so he can assist the board in stifling public discussion of some serious issues. Why is the Board and Superintendent so afraid of the public. Thomas Jefferson said it very well, WHEN THE GOVERNMENT FEARS THE PEOPLE THERE IS LIBERTY; WHEN THE PEOPLE FEAR THE GOVERNMENT THERE IS TYRANNY. Bellevue's citizen are beginning to demand openess and THEY WILL GET IT. "

" I have a couple of friendly clarifications for you. I don't blame you for having the following incorrect, as this is exactly what is being sold to the public.

Most of the benefits you cite are not actually IN the contract, and as such are neither protected, nor up for review by the CIR. They are board policies that could with a simple 5-1 vote be ended.

I encourage you to go to http://www.bellevuepublicschools.org click on the board of education link, and view the following board policies.

Policy 408.06- Voluntary Separation:
Certificated and/or employees placed on the salary schedules A, B, D, M, or N, upon written application
and approval by the Superintendent of Schools, may participate in a voluntary separation program. The
program will be reviewed annually for possible modification.

Policy 410.01 Annual Leave:
Accumulation
Days of leave, if not used, will accumulate from one year to the next. Employees with a balance of at
least 33 days will have an annual option for payment of the leave accumulation above seven days in that
year. Employees will be compensated annually for accumulated leave at the daily rate of pay for days in
excess of 110. Employees who have balances in excess of 120 days at the end of their 1989-90 contract will
have a choice of the following options: (a) payment for days in excess of 120 days at the current rate of
funding...

Policy 407.07 Longevity:
Each employee who has completed twenty (20) years of service with the district will receive recognition of
service in the amount of 3-3/4% of basic contract salary.

Policy 407.05 Salary Protection:
(AKA Long Term Disability)
The Bellevue Public Schools will provide a salary protection plan for all contracted professional staff
members with full premium to be paid by the school district. The program will be reviewed annually by the
Board of Education.

I am unable to find anything regarding the professional stipend in the board policies- I either missed it, or perhaps it actually is in the contract. "

" So, what we need to do, is find some good candidates to run for school board, in the next election. Bellevue needs new leadership before this district falls any further. We need people who are aware of what is going on in the classroom, and not just people who are looking for ways to spend money, so that there is none left for the teaching staff, the backbone of the district. It sickens me, to think of him receiving that contract and that kind of money when teachers were told there is none. He really has himself high on a pedestal. WELL GUESS WHAT? He is replacable too! It also sickens me to see where Bellevue stands in the state ratings, this just should not be!!! Better days ahead with a new board... Kevin Comcowish has my vote! "

" Shame on you, Dr. Deegan! If you had any respect or dedication to your district and your teachers, you would set aside any increase to your benefit and allocate those funds back to those who really make you shine. All four of my children grew through and graduated from Bellevue Public Schools. It is entirely due to the dedication and hard work that many teachers devoted to my children. And BPS teachers continue to dedicate and work hard for others, regardless of the lack of support they receive from you. I don't understand how you have been allowed to keep your job for so long. Of course, the Bellevue School Board is just about as lackluster as you are so I suppose it is all relevant. You have consistently been a minimal leader yet your teachers rise above and beyond your capacities and they are not acknowledged as they should be. Shame on you! "

" Of course this is only my opinion, but I believe Dr. Deegan and the School Board have taught everyone in the community some important life lessons. In addition, I've made some observations.

1. Life's not fair and actions speak infinitly louder than words.
2. Those who are given the power to self-serve will do so - look at the raise Dr. Deegan negotiated for himself.
3. The incumbent Board Members have over time become more connected with those they have regular contact with (i.e., Dr. Deegan et al) and less connected with those they have less contact with (i.e., teachers). Nina is not part of the collective... she is an independent thinker - but she's new and has yet to be won over by the "you will be assimilated resistance is futile" admin mantra... just joking of course... well sort of.
4. Media stories don't always put the most important parts of a story in the large bold-faced heading (e.g., the Bellevue Board of Education voted 5-1 to approve a 2 percent salary increase for Superintendent John Deegan.) When it should have instead emphasized the $45,000 annuity instead which is of course the most salient monetary aspect of the story.
5. Manipulation of facts and information designed to make Dr. Deegan and some of the board members look good will not go unnoticed... and will instead cause lasting wide-spread mistrust and resentment among staff and community members. The longer this goes on between staff and administration the more polarized staff and administration will become.
6. Some of the Board and Administration obviously don't think those of us out here are sophisticated enough to understand the politics and nuances of the current salary negotiation process as evidenced by the BPS newsletter.
7. When frustrated, please refer to item #1 above.

Note: This issue involves each and every community member. Our children/students are watching us "settle this thing" and learning future conduct skills from the example we set. Of course we all hope everyone will conduct themselves with decorum and integrity during the course of negotiations. Remember everyone, as educators we advocate for students' needs first... it's their needs, then our needs. If it's in the best interest of our students to give Dr. Deegan an extremely generous raise in lieu of the teachers at the grass roots level receiving one then that's the way it will be - primarily because Dr. Deegan has the power to make that happen and the rest of us don't. I said it before and I'll say it again, actions speak infinitely louder than words.

If you're looking for fault, it's not Dr. Deegan's fault... he's just negotiated the best deal for himself he can. If you're looking to blame the School Board members... it's not their fault, they were elected by popular vote. The truth is that if you disagree with the current state of affairs it's because we as individual community members (voters) allowed it to happen - we just stuck our heads in the sand content our elected board was taking care of things for us. Attempting to place blame on someone else for this situation is too simplistic... time for individual accountability in my humble opinion. If you don't like the situation it's going to require some effort on your part to rectify the situation --- probably more effort than simply casting a vote to oust the board member(s) you are blaming for the state of affairs. "

" Well...should be an interesting February in-service meeting. I wonder if the board will be introduced to us all again...I wonder what the response will be....(Nina should receive a standing ovation)...I wonder if they will change the whole format of the meeting....I wonder if teachers are going to VOLUNTEER their time to offer classes for the inservice...I wonder! "

" Life's NOT fair was absolutely correct when he/she stated students' needs first - my own reason for voting no revolved around the extra 20 minutes - I so want to be a teacher who plans great lessons, creates a rich learning environment, communicates with the parents of my students in as many ways possible including weekly newsletters, occasional phone calls and an updated website in addition to the planned conferences - I want to differentiate for the varying abilities of my students, and stay up to date on my professional reading and coursework so I understand the current issues and trends in education. And (yes there is more) I also like collaborating with my building grade level partners - analyzing how our students are performing and brainstorming as to how we can help those who struggle and challenge those who need more. I also want to be able to continue to enjoy and look forward to some of the extra assignments (like safety patrol) because I think those parts of a child's education are important too - and I also want to be able to continue to enjoy contributing to the curriculum instruction and assessment work through committee membership - I want to support not only the PTA at the school I work at but the PTA at my children's school - I DO WANT TO PUT MY STUDENTS' NEEDS FIRST AND THAT IS WHY I VOTED NO - I CAN'T KEEP UP WITH ALL OF THIS WITHOUT A FAIR AMOUNT OF TIME TO THINK, PLAN, AND PREPARE - there are only 24 hours in a day and even if I didn't have the responsibility of my own family I don't think it would be healthy for my students or me to spend so much personal time on the job - and what about team work? We are all so interconnected at work with each of us - principal, teacher, custodian, cook, aide, etc. playing important roles in the life of each and every child and we need to have a moment to get to know each other - build our relationships -make our school team strong for all kids - but again with the breakneck pace it's becoming so difficult - I know the BEA has tried and tried to communicate this message to administration and it just doesn't seem to register - honestly I am not whining but I know I am hoping that with the assistance of a mediator these broken lines of communication can be restored - the empathy and respect returns and we again value the contributions teachers and administrators make all for the kids - there will never be enough plan time to do all we want to do - that is why it is always such an issue, but there does come a breaking point and I know I am there - I don't begrudge Dr. Deegan his raise - I believe he does work hard and is deserving (although I do question how prudent it was to not table discussion of his compensation until this sensitive situation is resolved) his determination to return to the job he loves after such a devastating illness is inspiring - how can anyone think he doesn't love this district to work so hard so he can get back to work - but somehow the man who once made it clear that he thought family/personal time for staff was important for our sanity and mental health has forgotten - I keep having this dream that one day he will apologize - he'll explain he lost his way and put out a call to all staff to offer some suggestions on what we can do to get back on track - like when he first took over and he invited staff to submit suggestions on how to improve the district and he carefully read and considered each one - implementing ideas that had merit and giving credit where it was due - I know that person still exists - I know the forgiveness on both sides is there - no one will win regardless of what happens during mediation and/or CIR until we acknowledge and address not just the working conditions but all that has been said and done since this controversy began "

" To Some Thoughts: You make some good points and I wish, like you, that this was all a bad dream & that we could have a good dream & this mess could all be over with. But the harsh reality of it is that this is not going to happen. It is way too late for a meaningless apology. I think we are realizing now that all of those positive things Dr Deegan said & suggested in the early years that he probably really didn't mean. The only way that any healing is going to take place and credibility be restored to the BPS administration if for a new Superintendent to be brought in from outside the district and get the bad apples (5 of them) off of the school board. This school board is not going to do what is necessary to fix this awful mess - it's just not going to happen and everybody knows it. "

" Dr. Deegan states that there just isn't any more money in the budget to pay the teachers more than the proposed rasie. I'm sure there isn't any more money after his raise, buying all the buses for the handicapped students, buying all the teachers laptops (which teachers didn't want anyway), setting up wireless in the schools (which doesn't work anyway) AND building a new activity center (that we really don't need anyway). Funny--the plans for that building are now on hold. Dr. Deegan wants the public to see only the good and wonderful things in the district. He seems to be projecting a "look what I have" attitude. Beauty is only skin deep. Look deeper, John Q. Public, and you will see an ugliness second to none. Oh, and remember--pride goeth before a fall. Thank you, Nina, for having the guts to stand up for the teachers. We hope to see more board members in the future that have your views. The writers of the Declaration of Independence believed that it is a person's right and duty to overthrow the government when it ceases to protect our rights. Looks like that time is now, Bellevue. Stand up, public, for what's right--tell the Board and Dr. Deegan that we're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore. "

" BOE said there is no money for teacher raises from what I am hearing. Yet they had out $45,000 checks to the supt? Who else is getting those checks? From the pockets of homeowners to the pockets of the leaders of the community. And all of this in the name of service. I think someone should audit the goings on of Bellevue leadership. "

" Yes, since when did Government employees get bonus checks? Does the BOE think they can do anything they want with our tax money. I also bet you are right about who else. If he get this free money on top of this salary then there must be others who do too! "

" Very interesting comments. A number of you are very articulate and show the frustration that is swelling not only with the teachers, but with the community at large.

Bellevue's contract is very thin in relationship to others in the learning community so upon review from the CIR, that will be looked at. Here is the deal with the CIR.

It would not be prudent for the BEA to go to the CIR unless a comparability study was done first. This gives them a picture of where they stand in the array. If they go to the full CIR without one, that is an extremely foolish maneuver. What they have requested is an arbitrator to come in and sit with the administration and BEA to work towards an agreement. If that fails, or is rejected by the BOE (which would be foolish on their part if they did not do a comparability study), that is when it will go before the full CIR.

Do teachers deserve more pay, HECK YES! We ask them to not only educate our children, but to also to be their nurse, mother/father, friend, mentor, babysitter and whatever else for the 7 hours they are in contact with your kids. On top of that we require them to continue in their own life long learning beyond the 20,000 dollars they spent to get that first piece of paper that declares them a teacher. How many of you would go four plus years, spend in excess of 20,000 dollars to get a job that pays you 2,000 a month (after taxes, benefits, retirement, union dues). On top of that, how many of you walk into your job at nine and leave at five and leave it all behind? Teachers walk into their job at 7 and usually don't leave it until 7 at night (sometimes later).

I am not a teacher, but I am married to one in BPS. She put it quite eloquently to me the other day in the amount of time she invests. Her comment was for the last three years, she has missed anything related to her own kids because of the time that is required to do what Bellevue demands the teachers do. Between the EOs and Terra Nova and required reading times and testing for this and that and that and working with students that would probably better served in a smaller classroom (inclusion) and professional development and collaboration, they have no time left. For the administration and the BOE to turn their backs on them is unconscionable. This is more that just the money. It is about respect. To give them a paltry 27 dollar a month increase in pay and two days off during the year (which there were blackout dates and restrictions) and to put more towards paying for their health insurance, which appears a majority does not use, is insulting.

The BOE and the BEA really messed this one up. For the BEA to not understand what their rank and file want to the BOE not settling with the teachers before paying off the administrators truly shows who runs the district. There is only one other BOE besides Bellevue that I think is weaker. It starts with an O...... "

" People that read this forum have not been paying attention. Don't you recall Deegan saying "there is no more money"? Thats because... HE got it ALL. "

" To Go Teahers: You're right-- Dr. Deegan DID get all the money. However, what a lot of people don't know is that our raises are wrapped up in that new activitiy center that he wants to build (which is now on hold). Is it on hold because he wants to see how much he will have to budget for our "raises"? The shell of the building was to be build this year with money out of the general fund. And, the inside was to be finished next year--again out of the general fund. Hmmmm..... "

" If I am reading this correctly, there are 3 seats on the Bellevue BOE that are coming up for re-election in 2010.

http://www.sarpy.com/election/election_2010.html

Anyone have any ideas as to the current members that fill those positions? "

" I believe it is Olsen, Hansen, and Seaman. I believe Kumor, Rybar & Wolford were just elected a year ago. "

" Olson and Kumor were elected in 2006 and so are up for replacement in 2010.

Wolford will also be up for reelection.

Rybar, Hansen, and Seaman were elected in 2008 and so won't be replaced until 2012. "

" Has there been any update on this topic. "