Submit or up-vote the questions you want asked at the SMSD Representative Q&A, co-hosted by Education First Shawnee Mission and the Shawnee Mission Post. - brainstorming and voting

What ideas do you have to rebuild trust with teachers in the SMSD?

with teachers, parents, students...

2

As a parent, the miserable communication (as in, the board doesn't speak to the community and tea... more

by undefined

4

And support staff

2

Until What’s left of Hinson’s regime is gone, nothing is going to change. They all believe teache... more

by Seen, but not heard

1

17

Vote

Concerned Parent, SMSD teacher, Concerned and 14 more

Is there any movement on reducing the number of administrative positions to increase the funds available for other needs?

For example, SMSD hired a Diversity & Inclusion admin in response to the needs of the district. I... more

by Brick

2

So many Admin CAA positions seem to add no real value. Do we really need a Coordinator of Sustain... more

5

I would argue the instructional support coaches in buildings. On paper that position may look be... more

by Simon Says

7

16

Vote

Concerned Parent, Emily b, Ned Scott and 13 more

I have huge concerns about the statements being made by the communication director. He tells the public that most teachers like the contract. Where is the data for that? A poll has been going around and shows that to 100% be a lie. As a parent I find that to be more concerning then anything t... more

by parent for change

I believe it will tried to be justified by saying the number of people that stacked their contrac... more

by smsd teacher

3

First year teachers could either sign, or quit. Second and third year teachers had limited option... more

14

Vote

Concerned Parent, SMSD teacher, Concerned and 11 more

Do you have regrets? Where are the apologies? True apologies not a media event. I voted for you and others on this board because of your beliefs and campaign to help teachers. I stood by you in Topeka. But any faith I had in my board is gone. Not just in your votes but your comments. For exa... more

by Greta

An apology by the board could be used as an admission in court that could cost the district even ... more

by SMSD parent

2

To the above person against this....Our president made comments through this process that were no... more

by Hugh Jackman

2

To SMSD Parent above- What would be the basis of a lawsuit for apologizing for a three year unila... more

by SMSD Patron

2

13

Vote

Concerned Parent, Ned, GCG and 10 more

Can SMSD host a School Funding 101 to help explain how the district is funded, what funds can be spent on what, what funds are negotiable, what the District could do if IDEA were funded at the national level, and if SPED was funded by the state at statutory required levels? Maybe 30 minute lesson... more

by Devin "Brick" Wilson

It seems over the past year, people supporting teachers and SMSD were using many of the same talk... more

Stuart Little never did answer Patty Mach about recouping SPED $$ at the appropriate percentage l... more

12

Vote

Susanne Kissane, w, Angela and 9 more

What was behind the district decision to send only a lawyer to the last negotiations session?

If we are making truths here to heal besides the decision how much was he paid?

by xx

12

Vote

Concerned Parent, Emily b, HJ Heistand and 9 more

How can SMSD and NEA-SM work together to improve state funding? Or to at least fend off current attacks on our public schools?

Would the district be willing to allow all NEA members a paid lobby day since they claim this iss... more

9

Vote

Susanne Kissane, Parebt, Classified Employee and 6 more

How does the board plan to approach negotiations differently this round?

What are your thoughts on interest based bargaining with a mediator?

by undefined

9

Vote

Concerned Parent, T, Susanne Kissane and 6 more

What lessons have been learned about communication, engagement, and negotiation between district admin, the board, and teachers? How will all parties move forward in restoring and actively promoting trust, respect and collaboration in the future?

by Kathy

including selection of attorney(s) and their approaches to negotiation.

by SMSD Teacher

1

The finding from the state about even included examples of your communication as reason or proof ... more

by Daisy Duke

2

8

Vote

T, GCG, w and 5 more

Communication between the board/admin and the public has been completely tone-deaf and has hurt the negotations process. Is anything being done to help the communications department learn?

by undefined

Agreed! TV interviews with the communications director are never emphatic. Not a fan

agreed if I performed my job by presenting falsities to the parents all day I would be fired

by undefined

1

Comms Dir insulted the public when he said in a tv interview that people only saw a soundbite of ... more

1

Cancelled my subscription to The SMPost to escape the horrid op-ed "articles"

7

Vote

A Mom, ., w and 4 more

There are many teachers that chose to stack contracts due to the 3 year unilateral move. I believe that there are many teachers who would choose differently now that the state has determined that was a prohibited practice. If you want a healing community go back to the table for this year. Why... more

by Ramona

I stacked because I was morally opposed to a 3-yr forced contract. Now I’m out a step AND a 1% ra... more

by Beth-

4

8

Vote

T, GCG, Susanne Kissane and 5 more

There was mention of a "dead zone" in the step and column table for teacher compensation. It would be helpful to hear from NEA-SM AND SMSD how this came about, changes in the table over the years leading to the now, to put it into context, and propose some possible next steps

by Devin "Brick" Wilson

An assumption we could make about this is that the salary schedule had fewer steps at one time, a... more

by Veteran SMSD teacher

8

Vote

Emily b, w, Brandy Duffield and 5 more

Do you have your teaching liscense? Would you be willing to spend a day as a sub once a month? Can you mandate that each cabinet level employee work in the building as a sub once a month? This would also help out the current over-budget problems with substitutes?

by undefined

7

Vote

Concerned Parent, Emily b, Classified Employee and 4 more

A reserve fund balance sounds a little like a savings account you can dip into when you're in trouble. Why can't SMSD just spend down its reserves for expenses like teacher pay?

Good question & good opportunity to discuss why SMSD has a reserve balance, why it's needed, what... more

by Devin "Brick" Wilson

1

How many weeks of reserve funding is recommended? Spending reserves down to zero sounds risky giv... more

1

6

Vote

Emily b, w, Tucker Poling and 3 more

What creative ways has the board explored to show teachers their appreciation of teachers outside of pay and workload (since those are not really options currently)?

6

Vote

Concerned Parent, West Area Teacher, SMSD Teacher and 3 more

How can we best work together to make things better for teachers?

6

Vote

Kelly, w, Parent and 3 more

Does the district support the use of a third-party mediator for the upcoming negotiation process?

I would rather see $ go towards a mediator than see SMSD spending additional funds outside counsel.

5

Vote

Tucker Poling, Parent, Classified Employee and 2 more

Why did SWhat needs to happen to ensure that the secondary teachers see a return to a 5:7 ratio? Many parents are deeply concerned about how this affects the quality of education at the secondary level. Is the Board truly committed to making this change? Can you address concerns that the langu... more

by SMSD mom

5

Vote

GCG, ., w and 2 more

There is a lot of TALK about discipline at the schools, but there is no actual action on having a cohesive plan across the district. Building admins set their own policy and some are better than others. Is there an actual plan to address this? If so, when and how is it being implemented?

by undefined

5

Vote

Classified Employee, West Area Teacher, w and 2 more

What do you have to say to the teachers who will be bringing home LESS money per paycheck because of the terms of the new contract? Not every teacher qualifies for both step and column movement. Teachers who are in the "dead zone" will see less money in their checks because of the rise in the in... more

Why do you keep saying you are offering a 3.22% raise when that only is for a teacher that has in... more

3

4

Vote

SMSD teacher, Emily b, Parent and 1 more

I know funding is an issue. What has the District done since you took office to address teachers' concerns about workplace stressors?

other than HR/Wellness related supports

1

4

Vote

w, Parent, Classified Employee and 1 more

How much did outside counsel cost for the illegal teacher contract?

4

Vote

Susanne Kissane, Parent, w and 1 more

What should individuals or groups do when they feel concerns are not being heard up the chain of command? What procedures could you put in place to address that scenario?

4

Vote

., Parent, Parent and 1 more

Who provides oversight of the district? I question their fiscal responsibility. They have access to the money, but very little accountability. A large amount of money was moved into staff development which is great for teachers, but who all uses this? What percentage goes to admin and what goes ... more

by A distrusting teacher

4

Vote

GCG, w, John and 1 more

Why can't we hear from the District during negotiations with NEA-SM?

4

Vote

Brandy Duffield, A Mom, SMSD Mom and 1 more

If you don't have a teacher liscence, have you considered actually spending a day in the life of a teacher? Shadowing a teacher as they get to work at 7am and don't leave until after 5. Not a photo op but actually working in the classrooms.

by undefined

4

Vote

West Area Teacher, w, Parent and 1 more

Why isn't the NEA represented? Will they also be allowed to have a forum for the community to ask questions?

I find it unfair and just another media cover up if you do not have representation there from bot... more

by Unmasked Teacher

2

3

Vote

Greta

SMSD Teacher

w

Do you think the State funding formula approved in 2018 "solved" school funding?

This is a key point that deserves discussion. As part of the discussion of this, I think the SPED... more

by Dad

1

3

Vote

Laura Robeson

SMSD mom

Tucker Poling

When will they look into the elemantry school shortage and boundary issues in my neighborhood?

by Kim

Boundary discussions are least expensive way to adjust class size, but we will have parent revolt... more

by undefined

3

Vote

Brandy Duffield

L

undefined

Moving forward, will the district continue to use outside counsel?

Will the district continue an adversarial approach to negotiations via choice of attorney, or sel... more

by SMSD Teacher

3

Vote

Greta

Kk

w

Could teachers have input into large ticket items since monies spent take away from their future salaries? Every $100,000, for example, split among approximately 3400 staff costs each person $29.41. It would go a long way to let teachers vote on added personnel or other items that cost $70,000 or... more

by a budget-minded SMSD teacher

At a time when the teachers and board are so much at odds, this seems to me (a non-teacher) like ... more

by undefined

Technology and teacher salaries are paid for out of different money streams. Teacher salaries can... more

3

Vote

john

w

West Area Teacher

Has the district looked at moving utilities and maintenance to the capital fund? This would clear up millions of dollars for classes and teachers. Maybe not building a new greenhouse at the CAA or $100,000 for the SMAC signage would make room for these items in the capital fund?

by Rusty Shackleford

This seems risky. If next bond not approved, they would have to move funds back to operational. ... more

by undefined

The district does seem to continue building pet projects that take will continue to take money fr... more

by Concerned teacher

3

Vote

A Mom

SMSD Teacher

w

What was the justification for rejecting the last offer from the NEA? A one year 1.5% increase was more than reasonable. How can you justify denying a raise that is still below the inflation rate?

by Jacob Clifford

3

Vote

GCG

HJ Heistand

SMSD Teacher

Why hadn't the preparatory work to move from 6 to 5 sections not been initiated years ago so that it was ready when funding opened up? Seems like a lack of foresight of a critical need by leadership.

3

Vote

.

GCG

w

How does the JOCO's Big-Box/Dark Store property tax appeal figure into SMSD's budgeting?

3

Vote

A Momo

Sollie Flora

Tucker Poling

How do you envision using the Fact Finder's Report to set the stage for negotiations? Are you hopeful that the parties will agree it sets the basic parameters for conversation?

3

Vote

Sarah

SMSD mom

Tucker Poling

Have you asked each department (not school) to look for redundancies and waste? Teachers see a ton of waste that is mandated from the admin (CAA not building) who are out of touch with the work actually being done in the classroom?

by undefined

3

Vote

Old Homeowner

Parent

w

When looking over budgets, items exceeding budgeted amounts are usually addressed. Why does the district continue to contract with Kelly Services for substitute services when it does not to be educationally or financially beneficial?

does not seem to be....

Kelly Services is a joke for any and all districts who use it. Hated it and its a waste of funds

1

2

Vote

Scared Parent

West Area Teacher

Investigation-

Has the district considered looking into the spending done under former superintendent? Southwick... more

1

3

Vote

Emily b

Frustrated and Concerned

Tom Joad

What was the last spending item the district administration requested that was rejected by the board (or even was not a unanimous approval)? Does that reinforce the idea of fiscal responsibility?

i am unsettled by the number of unanimous votes, indicative of bullying/pressuring Hinsonesque Er... more

2

Vote

A Mom

Old Homeowner

I attended a Facilities Open Forum last fall. Both district and community participants reported the benefits of having natural, unstructured conversations. Will there be any events scheduled to provide opportunities for much-needed, face-to-face discussions with leadership?

2

Vote

A Mom

Parent

How much was your kickback from a slush fund to vote to pass the 3 year teaching contract

2

Vote

Brandy Duffield

k

The board has said we must have more money from the Legislature. SMSD provided testimony in support of last year's school finance bill and nowhere did it mention that the funding would be inadequate to meet the needs of the district. What funding has the district proposed in 2020 to increase sch... more

by SMSD Patron

2

Vote

30-year homeowner

Brandy Duffield

Why are there more questions than answers from the Strategic Plan? Has the board considered that the foxes were guarding the hen houses and that all of the data was skewed by the people who got us in trouble in the first place? After a successful Strategic Plan there is no reason for all of this ... more

2

Vote

Amanda Coffman

Parent

Do teachers get stipends for their classrooms? It blows my mind that the art teacher in a middle school has to use her own money to buy supplies when we spend thousands on "tech."

by undefined

2

Vote

undefined

w

Will the district be following the Digitally Wise parents recommendation to commission an independent audit of the 1:1 technology program and administer a district-wide survey that would allow teachers, parents and students to give candid feedback?

by Jessica Ralston

2

Vote

undefined

w

What would happen in the event of another recession? I remember teaching in 2009-2012 where we cut around $30M from the budget. How much do we have in reserves and would that cover any major cuts?

2

Vote

Sollie Flora

Tucker Poling

How much "catch up" money does SMSD get from the State for 2020-2021? For 2021-2022?

2

Vote

SMSD Mom

undefined

I've been trying to brainstorm what could make the next round of negotiations more effective. Do you think it would help to have an independent mediator from the start?

2

Vote

Sarah

SMSD mom

Why does the district continue to insist on using Apple hardware, when there are much cheaper hardware options. Very few teachers use anything Apple specific that there isn't a viable alternative to at a much lower cost. Technology should not be used as a fashion statement? How do you respond to ... more

Those items come from different budgets.

2

Vote

.

w

Is the district going to try to challenge the Department of Labor rolling?

dear lord I hope not

1

Vote

Scared Parent

What is being done to address the disparity in pay between middle and high school coaches. Most high school coaches make nearly three times the amount as a middle school coach with similar responsibilities

by undefined

1

Vote

SMSD Teacher

When looking to renew technology will you follow the law this time and actually get 3 different quotes

1

Vote

w

I'm not sure whether the votes to the right are accurate. Every time I try to vote, I see a message saying that my vote has already been counted. I was able to click the thumbs up in the center column. I could vote when the tally was 0.

by undefined

1

Vote

undefined

How will an additional report on the 1:1 technology be different than the one already presented to Dr. Fulton late Spring 2019? That one was not well-received. How will an additional report change anything?

1

Vote

.

What went into the 1.5 million increase in services and supplies in the operating portion of the last budget?

1

Vote

Amanda Coffman

What determines what goes in each budget "bucket"? Is any of it mandated by the state funding formula?

1

Vote

Tucker Poling

When will SMSD see constitutional levels of state funding? Will that mean fully funded schools?

1

Vote

Lucy

What is the process for you getting information prior to voting on contracts? Do you just trust the numbers given to you or do you do your own research?

1

Vote

undefined

A S

by Why haven’t teachers been given their individual contracts? I hav not received a paper or electroni

they are not prepared yet, you will

by undefined

1

0

Vote

The issue seems to smell like lawyer induced real issue obscurification. Just use plain language to explain why The fact finder’s report largely sided with the district’s position, Specifically examples why saying that the union’s compensation proposal was: Overly aggressive 1. to meet reason... more

by JO

BV and Olathe are growing districts, so they have more money to spend.

by SMSD Teacher

0

Vote

Before you were elected you prided yourself at being the dissenting vote. You were very transparent once elected and seemed to question more items on agendas. It now feels like all agenda items are always voted on unanimously. Which in turn looks like the usual rubber stamping of everything th... more

by Parent

0

Vote

Please identify the author(s) of the unilateral threee year contract concept. Just the orioginal authors to identify the wrong headed nidus and allow them to get the credit they deserve.

by JO

0

Vote

What steps are the board taking to make sure committees and decision making groups represent all of the SMSD? I'm sure teachers that have taught for many years in SMSD and other classified staff, parents, community members that aren't personal favorites are being left out of these groups. How are... more

0

Vote

The fact finder report suggested that you raise your offer. All that your team ever mentions in public is that the NEA-SM's bid was too aggressive. He looked at fact and saw that you could support more. You had every intention of going rogue

by Dolly Parton

0

Vote

How will the district facilitate a better flow of communication from stakeholders up and vice versa?

0

Vote

While the 1:1 rollout was a total disaster, teachers across the district love the power 1:1 technology brings to the classroom. Will you give teachers a chance to speak out about the positive benefits of 1:1 technology?

0

Vote

Would it be possible to have financial experts and/or counsel for both sides at the next round of negotiations?

both sides can bring one if they choose too, nothing is stopping the teacher's union or the distr... more

Clearly that outside counsel/financial expert didn’t help the district much, considering their fi... more

I think SMSD just presented the best possible argument AGAINST involving attorneys in negotiation... more

by HJ Heistand

1

0

Vote

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