In Through Dallas ISD's Out Door

By Robert Wilonsky Sat., Feb. 26 2011 at 10:02 AM

View more videos at: http://www.nbcdfw.com.

Above is KXAS-Channel 5's story from last night about teachers who camped out at 3700 Ross last night to sign up at 8 this morning for their up-to-$10,000 buyout; on the other side is WFAA-Channel 8's. In both I see my son's kindergarten, first-grade and art teachers; also, his would-be fifth-grade teacher. All are longtime Dallas ISD veterans who, just as the district had hoped, are opting to retire now rather than wait to be among the could-be-3,100 full-timers laid off in spring.

Concerned parents' e-mails began appearing in the in-box late last night, each missive conflicting with the next, echoing the discussion taking place in our house this morning. Some argue for the experience of great teachers decamping earlier than expected; others celebrate what they hope will be the energy of new blood. Some fear and mourn the unexpected departure of the beloved and the familiar; others welcome the challenges brought about by inevitable change. Either way, all I know is what my 7-year-old said this morning when he saw the parade of familiar faces lined up to take their goodbye bonuses: "I feel sad."

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LaceyB

Little 7 is quite mature and well-spoken for, well, 7. I think I was more into toys and pretend, than the teachers and the state of the local school district. Good for him, and you, as a parent, Robert.

Guest

Little 7 is

mmacnaughton

From the TASB document: "Reducing Personnel Costs"

http://www.dfpe.org/pdf/tasb-r...

"Again, do not fail to calculate the cost of unemployment compensation. Even employees who take advantage of a voluntary severance package may be entitled to unemployment benefits, and these benefits will be paid over and above the amount of any severance. The district may not ask an employee to waive the right to unemployment benefits; to do so is a criminal offense. Tex. Lab. Code §§ 207.072, .074."

This is certainly contrary to what many board members believed at the board meeting.

Preston Holler

The Board also thought that they could illegally extend their terms. How is it that the DISD has such a huge legal budget and one attorney (Flores) on the Board, yet they get obvious issues of law so wrong?

Amy S.

I agree with DISD Teacher. There. Miracles happen, we are not so far apart.

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Syd_Nancy

Some of those teachers in that video are the Greatest, some, not so much. So our house is too, sad and happy.

Guest

It shouldn't be "new blood", though, since this is only useful if the teachers who quit aren't replaced.

DISD Teacher

This generous gesture on the part of DISD should be applauded.

If we're going to spend tax dollars, at least it's going to people who really work with the children instead of people who hang out at the Ritz having meetings that matter to no one.

We'll lose many excellent older teachers, but they get to go out with a nice parting gift. It's nice to see teachers treated as professionals by the administration.

Big thanks go to the parents and non-parent taxpayers who have spoken up about the cuts needing to come from anywhere but the classroom (protect the purple); I think their influence made a difference and the administration listened.

There. I said something positive about DISD.

Snookie Pie

My friend is long-time Lakewood Elem. teacher. She will take this pay-out and leave. She's been kicking around the idea of retiring, in a few years. So, now she's going to jump.

This way, DISD can hire some half-price teacher to replace her and her experience.

Engmofo

Who?

TimCov

I'm not sure if you are asking who is retiring or who they will hire. But, if it is hire, there is a long line of people who have graduated with teaching degrees in the past couple of years who have not been able to find a teaching position. Right now, the job market for teachers is saturated.