LINCOLN, Maine — RSU 67 Superintendent Denise Hamlin denied accusations Tuesday of discriminating against some teachers union members, undermining grievance procedures and prohibiting some union functions as alleged in a complaint filed against her with state labor officials.
Maine Education Association general counsel Shawn Keenan filed the complaint with the Maine Labor Relations Board on behalf of Ella P. Burr School second-grade teacher Jodi Bisson last month. He represents MEA members teaching in RSU 67, which serves Chester, Lincoln and Mattawamkeag.
He accused Hamlin of wrongfully denying Bisson access to school property — including Bisson’s daughter’s soccer game – during a two-week investigation of Bisson that later resulted in a three-day unpaid suspension, the complaint states.
The complaint accuses Hamlin of recognizing Bisson’s union representative, teacher Holly Leighton, as only a “guest and only allowed to speak out of courtesy” during a disciplinary meeting; of transferring Bisson involuntarily to another assignment; of rejecting grievances because they weren’t on proper forms; and of “interrogating” other union members to discourage them from discussing Bisson’s disciplinary issue.
These actions undermine union activities as permitted by law and represent other violations of civil laws as well, Keenan said.
“This superintendent is obsessed with her notions of what confidentiality are and you can see in the complaint that most of what she was disciplining people for was talking about this trumped-up investigation that was being done,” Keenan said. “Even though the school cannot reveal anything about an employee investigation, the employee can, and the employee can talk to other employees about it.”
Hamlin denied the complaints. In a statement released late last week, she said she was confident that the accusations would prove to be “frivolous and thinly-veiled attacks on the superintendent and school board. We are confident that when the facts of the matter are presented they will be seen for what they are.”
“I feel that we have held everyone to the stipulations of the [teachers union] contract, as well as school board policy and whatever building procedures are in place, and that probably isn’t something that they [the complainants] are used to,” Hamlin said Tuesday.
It was unclear exactly how much Bisson’s union membership status played into the accusations. According to the “prohibitive practice” complaint, Bisson was not a union member when she was placed on administrative leave, but later became one.
The school system’s attorney, Peter C. Felmley of the law firm Drummond and Woodsum, did not return requests for comment, and Hamlin declined to release his written response to the union’s complaint filed with the labor board. Labor board officials did not return messages left Tuesday.
As part of her efforts to acquaint teachers with the contract, Hamlin said she became the first RSU 67 superintendent to publish the contract in her superintendent’s newsletter. About 30 percent of union members are active union participants, Hamlin estimated.
Hamlin characterized those upset with her work as a small minority within the system’s three schools and said that her goals and methods have board approval.
“I would say that we have a 98 percent participation rate of teachers who work really hard to create a positive learning atmosphere for students,” Hamlin said, “and then we have a population who needs help to do that.”
Hamlin, who became the school system’s superintendent in July 2010, was criticized in October by four write-in candidates for the RSU 67 board. The candidates said they were running to correct a school board that appears to support an abrupt, top-down management style that leaves some school staff fearing intimidation and others questioning why many changes are occurring. The candidates were not elected.
Hamlin responded in November by saying that the school system was overbudgeted and overstaffed and listed several accomplishments that she said would improve the school system.
The Maine Labor Relations Board likely will hear the complaint in July, Keenan said. The complaint urged the labor board to order Hamlin to stop the activities she is accused of and rescind disciplinary actions against employees who are part of the complaint.
Follow BDN writer Nick Sambides Jr. on Twitter at @NickSam2BDN.
1: “Hamlin characterized those upset with her work as a small minority within the system’s three schools and said that her goals and methods have board approval.”
As a teacher within one of these schools and with direct contact with numerous other employees I can tell you with greater knowledge that it is far from the minority. In fact it is the majority. Could we please take a poll? Could we please take a vote? And keep in mind, it would need to be anonymous as we are all afraid for our jobs. Her goals may have approval by the board, but I’m sure many of them would protest that they approve her methods.
2: “I feel that we have held everyone to the stipulations of the [teachers union] contract, as well as school board policy and whatever building procedures are in place, and that probably isn’t something that they [the complainants] are used to,” Hamlin said Tuesday.
We’re not used to following our contract, policies and building procedures? Again, it’s another form of disrespect toward the teachers who work in the district. Something we will never “get used to” is being intimidated and disrespected. And as far as following policy…well..that’s another story for the BDN.
3rd and final: “I would say that we have a 98 percent participation rate of teachers who work really hard to create a positive learning atmosphere for students,” Hamlin said, “and then we have a population who needs help to do that.”
100% of teachers work hard to create a positive learning atmosphere for students, and we were very successful at that until this Superintendent came into our district and ruined it all. The only population who needs help is Denise Hamlin and the School Board.
Thanks for taking the risk and opening up! The world needs more people who will do that. We all need to stick together and make a difference in this world.
I’m glad you are sticking together in the face of someone who wants to take away your rights.
Anti-union people are quick to say unions aren’t necessary, but Ms. Hamlin has proved them wrong. All it takes is one supervisor who is hell-bent on trampling over employees to make a workplace a living hell.
I don’t know if this pertains to Ms. Hamlin, but unions are important for this reason.
I must disagree. I think there are a lot of good teachers. I also know that there are some bad ones. Some don’t work hard and some are not positive. I think to suggest that about 2% of them fit that category is fair.
Please consider that the only thing remarkable about this story is that it actually made it to the press. Normally this kind of thing is hush-hush and nobody hears or knows anything (Just the way Supers and school boards like it) I’m pretty sure that this kind of weird-irrational-tyrant behavior goes on in every school system in the state. In that light Superintendent Denise Hamlin isn’t much different than most. That being so, then to consider as you and Super Hamlin do that only 2% of educators aren’t working hard or being positive would be truly remarkable. It takes remarkable people to overcome so much illogical hostility that often comes from every direction and every angle. I don’t know how any of them manage to put up with it all and still have the ability or drive to teach. What percentage of us would want to work for a tyrant like you’re favorite friend Mr. Paul LePage? Yep, that’d be a downer huh?
Or perhaps the 98% don’t see they have anything negative to “put up with” and the remaining 2% just simply would prefer to go back to not having to be accountable to anyone.
Guess you haven’t been reading (Or more likely considering) the comments from people “In the know” here. I would bet my life that every word stated by IdLoseMyJobIfISaid above is the truth and that if a poll or vote were taken Super Hamlin’s assertions that 98% of her staff like what’s going on and only 2% don’t would be proven to be absolutely wrong. She’s either living in a fantasy or she’s outright “Misleading” the public. Yep, believe it or not these Supers aren’t all that super at telling the public the truth. If you think they do then, psssst I’z gots a bridge to sells ya.
I read all sides of an issue, political and not. I need to know all the facts I can before I make a decision. I can’t say that I agree with you, but we will undoubtedly never know the real numbers.
However rather than post blindly or on emotions here you could go out and not only educate yourself but also make some money. Every school needs subs. Go into your local school, make some money and come back here in a few months and tell me what you learned. Go on, I’z dares ya.
You’re making assumptions.
Ms. Hamlin used tax payers dollars to hire someone to come into the district to interview/survey all teachers in the district. Where is that report? It speaks VOLUMES!!! No one has seen it since the day it was presented to Ms. Hamlin. Hmmmm….where did that go? The teachers know what it says because it was presented to them first for approval and to clear up any misconceptions. It is at Central Office if anyone would like to go see it. And get a copy of the line item budget while you are there…it’s very much like playing a hidden object game. Who can be the first to find those 5 new administration positions? And can you find those duplicates? Ms. Hamlin’s list of wrongs goes way beyond the above mentioned suit. People will find the courage to speak up now that this has gone public. Fasten your seatbelt, Dee Dee! It is going to be a bumpy ride!
I had heard that report “disappeared”!! I wonder if a person such as myself requested it, it would be readily available. Does anyone know if any/all the board members saw this report??? Again, this is hearsay but knowing this community and the RSU 67 employees (most of them), it may be a fair assumption that the MAJORITY of the teachers did NOT agree with Mrs. Hamlin’s dictative (not a word, but I think it fits) practices.
small minority? This RSU 67 we are talking about right? I’m not sure world she lives in but if she feels that there is only a small minority of people in this school district are disappointed with the job she is doing not only has she lost sight of the students but she has lost sight of reality. I remember her when she was principal at another school and the teachers at that school couldn’t wait for her leave
So where’s all that garbage about teacher unions abusing their power? Teachers can only survive with fair union representation and assistance. Otherwise issues like this would be common occurrences. Too many people regard teachers a servants to the public and think nothing of abusing them and whittling down any rights and compensations they work hard for.
I am a retired teacher and did not work in this system.
a small minority? This is RSU 67 we are talking about. I believe it is the other way around and if she honestly feels that there is only a small minority of citizens in this town that don’t approve of her than not only has she lost sight of the students but she has also lost sight of reality. I knew her before she arrived in Lincoln when she was principal at another school..the teachers couldn’t wait for her to be gone
For a school district to be named in a PPC is a RARE occurence. VERY rare. Labor violations? A school district? Seriously?
You’d think that district would have a Bullying Rule…
Oh, guess they think just the kids bully. WRONG!!! In the workplace, such as this, it’s called “mobbing”. NOT ACCEPTABLE. Put away your sticks and stones and act like a responsible adult.
This is one reason teachers should select their superintendents.. not the school board… Supers are a vile bunch and only care how the themselves look.
In what world do you live ?Here in the the real world NO ONE gets to select their BOSS,but it is a nice fantasy….
I work in education, and I would never in a million years believe that it is reasonable for the teachers to pick their superintendent.
I would say the same about some teachers.
Yeah, and the pigs are the only ones who can tell you how to make good sausages.
Let’s get real here. People do NOT select their bosses.
First, I applaud Nick Sambides Jr.
for this important and informative article. Perhaps in time he will expand on
the other tense situations in the district with this new superintendent.
There is much more to this story and the taxpayers, especially the parents, and
the parents of kids with special needs, must wake up and start paying
attention! Go to board meetings, listen, ask questions, and get involved. It is
your right and your duty to know what really goes on and why. Yes, we’re all
tired at the end of the day. We all work hard but if we don’t get involved soon
we’re going to loose some of the best and most dedicated teachers there are.
These teachers and aides are the ones that care about your kids. If we loose
them, then what is going to happen to our kids?
Here are just a few things we all need to know since this superintendent took
over… Do you know we’ve lost about 15 classroom aides? Do you have any
idea how that directly impacts our children’s learning each day? It not only
impacts the special needs kids but all of the kids in the classroom benefit from
having and aid work with a teacher. Did you know that the new special education
director made $60,000.00 this year and doesn’t even have the proper licensing
for the position? Was she hired because she is the daughter of a school board
member? Is that considered nepotism? Why is she getting a $6,000.00 raise if
she doesn’t have the proper qualifications? And why on earth did the super get
bonus money to help her? Oh, I forgot… she needs the extra help… But wait a
minute! What about the kids?! Are there no qualified special education
administrators in Maine?
Let me see if I got this straight, there’s enough money for an unqualified
administrator, plus a raise for that administrator, add a special bonus to help
that administrator but there isn’t enough money to have aides in the classroom
to help our kids! This is sick people!
I also hear more administrators are going to hired and of course more teachers
(or their positions) will have to be eliminated so that there’s enough
money to pay these administrators. It sounds to me like this board and super
are having a hay-day at the expense of our children.
This school district cannot afford to lose good teachers. We don’t need more
administrators we need more good teachers and good aides working with our kids.
In the private sector you are rewarded for you preformance, in the public sector you are rewarded for showing up, so bonuses for someone doing their job is acceptable. Maybe if you look at it from this perspective your last statement would say we can’t afford to keep bad teachers???? My children have not suffered at all with less aides. We do agree on one point though “we need more GOOD teachers”.
Get is right! In the public sector you are punished for doing a good job, for blowing the whistle on incompetent supervision. In the public sector at the state level there have been no raises for any level of performance for nearly 4 years and two years of pay cuts. We have GOOD teachers. We also have ignorant comments that have no idea how to say anything beyond “Union Bad” “Private Sector Good” Me want to punish union members.
In the public sector you have unions to support you when you don’t want to do your job, but in the public sector you either do your job or look for another one. On the state level raises, there has been no preformance at the state level to justify any raises.
There is a lot of things going on in this town with the school that is not rite. it’s come a long way since i graduated 12 years ago….but it’s starting to fail… ELEMENTARY GYM teacher cut down to 1/2 time. PEOPLE CHILD HOOD OBESITY! Your town does not have enough for the kids to do!!! Special Ed is not something to cut in too! Schools are about kids and their future success in the real world, way to help those who need it! Also banning parents from THEIR child AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES? Again, childhood obesity! This is done because the “super” has vendetta against a parent… seriously aren’t we adults? Sad to see this school system go to shambles!
I know one thing, if this school district does not smarten up I will be pulling all 3 of my children out! Expecially if they cut more of the PE! My children look forward to that day and absolutly adore the PE teacher, who I myself also had as a child! When is all the cuts going to stop! Pretty soon my kids will be going to school to sit at a desk all day, 5 days a week with nothing in the class room. And at this rate they would be lucky to even have a teacher, who might be to stessed with all the BS to teach!
Have any of you posting on here called the Superintendent’s office and asked questions? Or are you just taking gossip and running with it, like people in small towns often do? I know I have called the office and asked questions and requested documents before. I have ALWAYS had my questions answered or been directed to the appropriate staff member and always received the documents I was looking for. Also, how many of you have attended board meetings? I know I have heard lots of GOSSIP out there about Mrs. Hamlin cutting PE and Art at the EPB school. From the meetings I have attended and presentations I have seen, this is not the case. The way I understand it is that currently EPB art and PE teachers only have ½ the time with students than other teachers at EPB. To me, that is like hiring a 40 hr. a week person and paying them to work 40 hours a week, but that person only working 20 hours. Most people wouldn’t run a business like that, why do taxpayers want to run their school like that? Doesn’t make much sense to me! And from what I gathered, there will be NO INSTRUCTIONAL TIME LOST in these subjects!
PE has not been cut, as I understand it. Just they have found out that PE at Ella Burr, as it stands right now, can be done without any students losing out on any classes, as a part-time position. Why on earth would the taxpayer want to pay for a full-time position when the same can be accomplished, without any loss to the students, with a part-time position?
This is a very sad fact. For this administration to believe this gym teacher can teach these children the importance of physical activity in just 2.5 days is beyond my comprehension. I worked in this district for several years at the Ella Burr school and I cannot see how 2.5 days of education is going to happen considering the gym is used to serve lunch from 10:30-12:30 (allotted time for clean up after the last class leaves at 12:10-ish)….something is just not adding up here?????
I’m so glad to see that your adding skills equal your writing skills TeeMac17! I could not get the hours to add up either!
Well the sad part here is the PE teacher has been there many years and has done an EXCELLENT job with the kids she has taught!
Actually, I believe the school system was already in shambles prior to Ms. Hamlin coming bieng hired. The graduation rate was far below acceptable, which to me says the school should concentrate more on academics??? If parents would parent, childhood obesity would not be an issue and schools could concentrate on education rathern than parenting.
I take real exception to your statement that if parents were parenting there would be no childhood obesity. I have a child who is overweight and we have been working with her doctor. She is a very active child who does every sport she can. She is always on the go playing and I AM A VERY INVOLVED PARENT WHO TAKES PARENTING VERY SERIOUS. IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN MY LIFE. I have been to many school board meetings in the past several months. I know what is happening at these meetings first hand and the teachers who have been present (many teachers) have spoken out for their concern for the children NOT THEMSELVES.
I applaude you for being a parent, I believe you, like myself, are in the minority. With respect to the teachers speaking out, I see it from the opposite side of the coin. The children are being used as a scapegoat, research shows that although children are vulnerable they are also resilient and by losing a teacher that is not willing to take any responsibility for their actions does not constitute irreparable harm to a child as is being portrayed.
I do thank you for reconizing that their are parents who take their responisibily seriously, and I agree that many do not. But I do have a question: how many of these meetings have you attended? How many of these teachers have you spoken to directly? How much have you observed these teachers in the school doing their jobs? I have done all three of these. You are right kids are reslilient but they should not have to be in order to lose great educators who care about them. There is one in particular who has been outspoken for quite some time about her concern for our children’s well being. Long before any of this latest cuts in positons came about.
sorry I guess it was a few questons.
thank you for your honesty. As long as one is basing their opionions on their experiences or facts I respect their opinion. I do understand having issues with some teachers too as I too have been there.
I hope you will continue to be involved and informed. But, please don’t take it for granted that what you are hearing is necessarily true. Board members are being bombarded with vile comments and all they are doing is trying to do the right thing for the students, staff and taxpayers, taking time away from their families to do what most refuse to do. Hard decisions don’t come easily and I applaud their efforts. It saddens me that so many are listening to these few people and just simply fall in step without considering they might be biased.
Just to be clear 1. I do not have issue with “the school board” as a whole. 2. I respect the position that the board is in. They DO have hard decisions to make. I only ask and expect that they make these decisions based on FACTS Not all of them do. I also understand that they volunteer their time in order to serve on the board and I am thankful for that. 3. I have done into EVERY meeting with an open mind even though there are things that I KNOW FOR A FACT have happend. I do not base MY OPINIONS on rumors. If I hear something I DO check for validity of that information.
Excellent! Sounds good to me. I do take issue with with your statement that not all of the board members make their decisions based on facts. Perhaps once in a while a board member might make an emotional decisions, but they shouldn’t. It should only be based on facts, and I hope that’s what they all strive to do. However, my issue right now is that much of what the vocal few are up in arms about seem to be personnel issues and there’s no way for the public to know whether or not the board is basing its decision on facts or not because the only facts the public are privy to are the ones that the staff are talking about in public. One side of the issue. The board cannot talk about it, by law. If it’s an issue of public concern, instead of a personnel issue, then I hope that you, and others, will continue to do your fact checking and not take what you hear as gospel. There’s always another side to a story. Kudos to you for doing that.
Michelle,
I am not sure how many meetings I have attended, but I do know I have not attended any this year.
I have only spoken to two teachers (one in favor and one not) and several school board members (some in favor and some not).. I have also read up on the issue and have made this determination based onthe facts as I see them.
I have taken issue with teachers this year as it pertains to my children and the quality of the education they are receiving from their teachers. So, yes i have observed.
You may know what is happening at the school board meetings, but do you know both sides of all the issues? The vocal few (there are many more staff members who do NOT go to the meetings to “support the vocal few” than go, and that says a lot) often times want to talk about personnel issues and not only are they rightly prevented from talking about it, but the board is also prevented from discussing personnel issues in public. Just because the loudest is being heard doesn’t mean it must be true.
Mike aggreed HOWEVER, there have been studies done that Children who move through out the day learn better. I know in my chidlren’s school they are up and moving around through out the day, (kindergarten through third grade). YES some parents need to take responsibilty for what their children eat but the school has some responsbility in teaching this as well… I don’t think the school system was in the bad of a Shmable prior to Ms. Hamlin.
It is my understanding that our graduation rate was below where it was 10 years ago. Since Ms. Hamlin has taken over and made changes at least one school has seen improvement.
Did you not listen to the explanation of why the phys ed position was cut to 1/2 time? The SAME amount of time with the students could be done as a 1/2 time job. The same! The children were NOT cut ANY time for phys. ed. That was very clearly explained. Therefore, the taxpayer was paying for a full-time phys. ed. teacher when, in fact, 1/2 of the position was NOT spent teaching. Why on earth would we want to do that? I do not want to see any programs for the kids cut, and in this case, it did not happen. Thankfully, she is being fiscally responsible. Special Ed cut? Where the heck did you get that?
Have any of you posting on here called the Superintendent’s office and asked questions? Or are you just taking gossip and running with it, like people in small towns often do? I know I have called the office and asked questions and requested documents before. I have ALWAYS had my questions answered or been directed to the appropriate staff member and always received the documents I was looking for. Also, how many of you have attended board meetings? I know I have heard lots of GOSSIP out there about Mrs. Hamlin cutting PE and Art at the EPB school. From the meetings I have attended and presentations I have seen, this is not the case. The way I understand it is that currently EPB art and PE teachers only have ½ the time with students than other teachers at EPB. To me, that is like hiring a 40 hr. a week person and paying them to work 40 hours a week, but that person only working 20 hours. Most people wouldn’t run a business like that, why do taxpayers want to run their school like that? Doesn’t make much sense to me! And from what I gathered, there will be NO INSTRUCTIONAL TIME LOST in these subjects!
I, for one, have sat in her office. I have seen her in action.
I grew up in Lincoln but after graduation I moved away with the intention of eventually moving back. I have been reading about the events in Lincoln with great interest. I have especially been reading what I can about the school district because I have children who I thought may attend the schools. One thing I have noticed in the exchanges which deal with the schools, is that the students seem to not be the top priority. What I see is a power struggle involving the board and the superintendent and the unionized teachers of the district. Why is that? It looks to me like children that have been allowed to run wild with no supervision are now being held accountable. Is that what is happening? What I have read about the board and superintendent seems to support what I have been thinking all along. They seem to make the quality of the education for the students a top priority and what really surprises also is they seem to really care about the taxpayers which in this day and age is a rarity indeed. What I have read in this comment section about the teachers is not as positive. I have not yet heard them mention the students or the quality of education they are receiving. Why is that? I just hear about “labor issues” and some comments that dare I say border on being slanderous. Can you say lawsuit? I still have family and friends in the area who I talk with quite often. They are also taxpayers who are actually quite pleased with the fact that a board actually cares about there financial well being. They also seem to think that the maturity level of some of the employees in the district is considerably less that the student they are supposedly instructing. My opinion for what it is worth maybe some of the employees who are not satisfied with their employment should get a job in the real world where there is something called accountability. I have yet to decide if my children will even attend RSU 67. I may look elsewhere for a district where the teachers put the students first instead of engaging in a power struggle. I hope the board and the superintendent continue to push the district forward with the students and taxpayers always first. The employees that are dissatisfied maybe should reevaluate their choice of profession. Its all about the success of the students because they are our future,
You will never, ever find any teacher take repsonsibility for either their students or schools failure. It is just not the way they do things. It is only about me and my union. What more can I get for me…me…me for less…less…less. The two greatest threats to education are tenure and unions!!!
Way to stereo-type teachers. Most teachers I know are in it for the kids. The pay is nothing to write home about. It’s because they love the kids!
That is not true. I know many teachers who take the blame when their students do not do well. I know many teachers who continually take different courses and workshops in order to better their teaching; and I know many teachers who put their careers ahead of their personal lives.
Not every teacher is a part of the union, either. You might want to do a little more research before slamming teachers.
I don’t agree with what is going on, but I think you are being unfair in grouping all teachers together like that. There are good and bad teachers, just like any job place.
Eikemann, although I can respect your opinion, I must state that this topic was about a superintendent who is being accused of intimidating union members?? Not about displace priorities. Although I agree students should be anyone’s first priority, (I am a parent of two within the school system) I don’t believe this is the issue. I believe the teachers have the best interest of the students as their top priority. Teachers are people and have every right to gripe about work related issues to anyone within the means of state law (FEERPA I think), by that I mean not exposing children. They also have every right to gripe about their boss (who doesn’t), or work conditions. However, these teachers are scared to say anything for fear that what they do say, will get back to Mrs. Hamlin which results in being summoned to her office and being reprimanded. Here is a prime example, an administrator stood at a board meeting and spoke after the EPB principal presented a slideshow on cutting the “specials” positions to half-time positions and combining K-8 PE/MUSIC/ART programs which meant one teacher would teach all K-8 students. That administrator was not asked to show how this would affect those programs in his/her building. The next day, s/he was summoned to the superintendents office for a 3 hour closed door session and was told she was not allowed to stand and speak at future board meetings. Hmmm……makes one wonder….Now, this administrator was asked by a board member at this same meeting if s/he could present a slide show for the following week’s board meeting. This administrator was allowed to do just that but the slideshow had to be approved by the superintendent. Why? What was Denise afraid of? The truth…?? There is no “real world” perfect job where all employees are happy with their work conditions and employment, however, being able to express their concerns goes a long way to making it bearable. These teachers don’t feel they can go to their boss and express any concerns they may have because of the treatment they receive from their boss. As long as employees agree with Mrs. Hamlin’s dictative ways, all is great. The only power struggle happening here is the superintendent trying to dictate to the employees what they are allowed to do or say and who they are allowed to speak to. I also know for a fact there are “moles” within all the buildings that will print off any comments made on Facebook or “tattle” on anyone they have overheard within the building halls talking about concerns they have about their work environment. It seems the Freedom of Speech Amendment is being ignored here.
However, if you are doing your job per your contract, you should not have to worry about being intimidated. In fact if you don’t like the the job atmosphere you should move on to another job. If things were really as bad as you continually say they are ALL the Teachers would be in support of stopping this preceived intimidation, true??? Yet, we only see a few disgruntled employees in this instance.
I guess what you are seeing and what I am seeing are two different things because I do see more than a few disgruntled employees. This particular instance has stemmed from a “few” teachers but this instance is only the tip of what is really going on. But again, your circle and mine are very different. As for teachers moving on, are you aware of how difficult it can be to find another teaching position. Not only are teaching jobs scarce, tenure plays a role. I have a SIL who has been a teacher for 18 years and for her to find another teaching job where she would get the same pay as she is getting now, is almost not existent which is why she is continuing to stay at her current job even though there have been some major changes in her life.
We do run in somewhat different circles, and I respect your opinion, but don’t most people follow a teaching career path for the love of education not the the pay scale? I will also say, that if you are good at what you do and love what your good at, then you will always be able to find a job in the field you choose.
Lastly, Tenure plays a huge role in education and in my opinion creates a huge problem by allowing the tenured to keep their position even if there is a more competent candidate.
You do not see this issue in private sector as much as in the public sector.
To answer your question, in my opinion, I believe people become teachers for the love of educating not the pay scale. That wasn’t what I was getting at in my previous post. I also agree that great teachers who do what they love and are great at what they do SHOULD have no problem finding another job, IF THERE WERE OTHER JOBS. It really isn’t that simple. It’s difficult to just uproot your family and your life, a life they thought would be here. This may be where there extended family is and want to be close to them. I also agree tenure plays a huge role and does allow some not so good teachers keep their jobs while others are being let go. But I think this has gotten a little off topic. Remember, the article is titled, “Lincoln superintendent accused of intimidating union members.”
Tonya:
My comments suggest that the “Lincoln Superintendent accused of intimidating union members” is a bogus claim based on the reasons I presented. If you look at the entire picture it appears from the outside that a few selected teaching positions remained getting the same compensation after Carl Trout School was closed. Once the school was closed those individuals no longer worked at that school, but continued to be paid as if they were still working there.
When I take a job for a client, the client pays me until the jobe is complete. They do not contiune to pay me after the job is complete. In trying to balance the cost of education with the quality of education it is sometimes necessary to do more with less.
So i would say that the accusations of intimidation are directly related to the cutting of positions and therefore pay.
Unfortunately, the accusations of intimidation are not just related to the cutting of positions and the case in question has nothing to do with the loss of jobs.
Very true, the article is related to something other than the cutting of positions, but most of the commentators are relating the article to other changes Ms. Hamlin has made within the system including the cutting of positions. The supposed bullying has supposedly occured more than once.
I agree, it is Unfortunate that the accusations are not limited to one issue, but they are only accusations and Ms. Hamlin, being a strong person, will hopefully remember this.
Ms. Hamlin keep your head up you are doing a great job, thanks.
Mike, you know that some leaders like to Micro-Manage and drive others away, kind of like a boss you worked for next door to RSU 67. She’s more of a micro manager than Glen
Not sure, maybe you should ask a Trask, I did not get a copy of the rule book. Though your comment was quite pointed, I felt no disrespect. However, thank you for grouping me with the Trask family.
I’m on a shared computer and someone else wrote that about the trask family. I have no beef with the Trasks and find John Trask to be the easiest to talk to and him and i hardly agree on much. and so beacuse i can’t delete a post i had to write something, and as does most the people in this town do, i resorted to blame glen aho for everything :)
I did not know if maybe the BDN removed the Trask comment.
James, yes some do. Look at the end result of the instance you mention. If the same is true of the Superintendent she will move on. The time frame will be determined by the truth of this movement.
Where did your other comment go about the Trask Family??????
i explained it below
She is intimidating people who ARE doing their jobs. She told some that they could not meet at their own private home after school hours and threatened them with their jobs. Hmm… last I checked, what one does at their home after work hours is kind of private.
You only “see” a few disgruntled employees because the rest are afraid for their jobs. A lot of the teachers in RSU 67 have settled in the area with their families and it’s pretty tough to just pick up and move on to another teaching job as teaching jobs are being cut all over the state.
Not everyone simply follows a family business for their career.
Not sure if the last comment is a stab at me, but for the record my career path did not follow a family business.
Why be afraid for your job if you are in the right????? If you all come out with facts that can be validated and prove wrong doing and/or infringement of rights, there should not be any reason to fear for you job, right????
You’re right, there shouldn’t be. However, with her leadership, there is fear for their jobs- even for those doing a terrific job educating our children.
I guess some educators in this situation do not feel as stongly as others.
Well said. Thank you.
i no longer live in this district, or have children attending these schools, but i can assure ms. hamlin that she and her board chair, and others, are of concern, not only to lincoln residents but other communities as well. it appears from the outside looking in that she is a very apt manipulator and also does very well with speaking untruths and then denying it…people of the district need to heed as they are loosing great teachers and administrative staff who are leaving because of the deteriorating working conditions. ms. hamlin needs to be further exposed and she and her board chair, along with others, need to be replaced with honest, truthful, knowledgable people. residents of this district need to understand that this “is in your backyard” and you should heed.
Appearances are just that…appearances. Doesn’t mean it’s true. You’re listening to a vocal few and taking it as the gospel truth. I know of many, many staff members who do not agree with the negatives statements being made.
Some people who oppose the superintendent are being asked to stop “hiding” behind fake names because they fear their jobs. How come if you favor the Superintendent you hide? No fear in you losing your job, why hide? No disrespect…..just curious?
A fair question. I do because I don’t trust some, and this seems to be a very volatile situation. I don’t want anger taken out on my grandchildren who attend school there. I’ve seen that happen before in different situations. As much as I applaud those who use their own names for posts, I also understand those who don’t.
Exactly, so you know some fear for their jobs, so they use an “alias”. Fair enough
I don’t believe they need to worry about their jobs as long as they are respectful and professional. Sadly, though, some use aliases so they don’t have to worry about being respectful and professional. Intelligent, respectful discussions are great. But, this whole thing seems to have taken on a life of its own and I fear that many things are said that shouldn’t be and people are reading those things or hearing those things and never bother to think for themselves.
I haven’t seen any comments that appear to be from staff that are disrespectful or unprofessional, perhaps I missed them?
I think professionalism went out the window in this district when they got a new “super….”…just sayin
With due respect, you sound like the super: it’s ok when you do a thing but it’s not okay when someone you disagree with does the identical same thing. In fact, I can tell you are conservative just by your approach to this.
I said I applaud those who use their own name for posts and understand those who don’t. That’s not saying it’s okay for me and not for others. That’s saying I understand it. If wanting the truth to be told, and wanting people to keep open minds means I’m a conservative, then so be it.
And just to be clear, if I thought the school board or the superintendent was wrong, I’d be the first to call them out on it, too.
Due Process, Due Dilligence and qualification’s are all gonna come up here. 67’s School Board would be smart to start, now, to make some serious reform’s, before the Board hears this since once the Board hears it the whole of this is gonna come out as PUBLIC RECORD. Then the real circus begins, and right before election’s to boot ! And once it goes Public Record it’s only a very short step to both any type of legal action and, very likely, some sort of School Board re-call action. This whole thing is a prime example of the ‘My way or the highway’ attitude that’s running unchecked here in Maine, and other State’s, simply because the elected official’s believe that there ‘stuff don’t stink’ like the rest of us.
It’s also a demonstration of lousy supervising since the Superintendent went and acted without taking the time to gather all of the fact’s. She gathered what she wanted and then started this nonsense. The Labor Board, and if it gets that far, the Court’s, are gonna see that for what it is, namely lack of due process and deliberate failure to abide by a written agreement, namely the current Contract. Anyway Lincoln’s School Board looks at this, and their own lawyer is gonna tell’em the same thing, they are DONE simply because the Superintendent made a small issue a MAJOR GRIEVANCE that’s gonna bite’m all because someone didn’t have the smart’s to back off when the situation was getting beyond both control and civility. If Lincoln’s School Board is smart, and the Labor Board proposes it, they’ed all be smart in getting this whole thing done under a arbitration-type resolution. Anything else and Lincoln’s gonna be a fireworks display for at least the next 2 years. Who needs that ?
So, you know all the facts? Oh, wait, that can’t be because personnel issue cannot be discussed in public. So, that must mean you DON’T have all the facts. So, that must also mean that you, and all the others posting negative statements must not have all the facts. Hmmm…. Personally, when I see negative posts like the ones on this BDN article, I take it with a grain of salt, because I know that there is ALWAYS another side. Doesn’t matter what the situation is. There is always another side.
I, as a Lincoln community member, appreciate the way the situation was handled. If I was a staff member and happened to be accused of being a sex offender, would you want me to continue to attend children’s events while the investigation was pending? I, for one, would be MUCH more upset if they let someone attend school functions while the investigation was ongoing. I would rather someone be wrong in their accusations 100 times, than have the report be true and the district allowed that person access to harm children while substantiating the facts just one time. I believe that what administrative leave is for isn’t it? To remove that person from the situation until it is properly investigated?
Was the teacher in question ever acused of being a sex offender? Now your spreading rumors
Does it matter what the accusation was? whether sex offender or any other harmful act towards a child? Who am I to decide which employees, after accusations are ok to be around children, and which are not?
No, it doesn’t matter what the alleged offense is, they must err on the side of caution. Thankfully, this superintendent apparently does that.
I think it does matter why someone was put on leave. Was it a contract violation? Did a student get put in harms way or not? Why is it what started this whole thing kept hidden.
Everything that happens in a school district is public knowledge. Minuets of meetings, salaries,budgets all disclosed.
What happens within a public school where my kids attend should be public knowledge. I guess we should rethink cameras in the class room.
Then we can commend teachers for the hard work and great job they do.
.
To the 2 of you prior may I please ask that you ask Ms Hamlin where is this report that she said she had done, and paid for with taxpayer dollar’s, and get that out in the open. To this point this whole thing has been handled so badly that it’s a wonder that civil litigation hasn’t been started. Getting this supposed report out there for everyone to see and read, and make their own decision, is going to go a long way toward resolving this whole issue. And until this report is made avalable to the public at large this whole thing is gonna’ grow. That also includes being seen more and more in the press and, more importantly, by the Labor Board. The more that this supposed report is kept hidden, when it’s clearly a public report, just shows the Labor Board that there’s something in this report that is not very flattering to Ms Hamlin, if not probable cause for further investigation and action as deemed necessary by the Dept of Education and the local School Board.
You used the word “seems” five times. You hit the nail on the head. Much deceit! If you only knew the rest of the story…
I had the displeasure of having this lady as a principal when my son was in grades K and 1. She didnt just bully the teachers but also the parents and the kids that went there. This woman should never be allowed to work with children.
We need more people like you to speak up from her previous employment. She has told the board what she wants them to know and the board fails to listen to the public. I don’t understand how they can ignore all the complaints. And I’m sure you also know, the “minority” as Mrs. Hamlin refers to is definitely not what she wants people to believe. Thank you for posting your comment.
Thank you, My son was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety at the age of 6 and she refused to work with me to get him the help he needed in school stating he would be fine if I was a better parent. I emailed the superintendent in our district and worked with him on the issue. If she didn’t leave, my son would’ve gone to a different school. Luckily we got a new principle who is absolutely great with the kids at our school, I just feel bad that Lincoln got stuck with this bad egg.
OMG!!! She actually told you you were a bad parent???? Wow….I have heard from others who work or have worked under her that they were so happy to be rid of her. I wonder if we will ever get to have the same feeling??
If you were a better parent?? Damn.
A note to school board members reading this: unless you are looking for folks to get hip-deep in your business, don’t let the people you hire talk to your constituents like this.
Get rid of the Union!!!!!!!!!!!
If it were only that simple.
How she got to be the Superintendent has always amazed me, she’s in way over her head.
I just have to say, I laughed out loud at your “alias” as some would call it!! Just Perfect!! LOL
The district has already lost and is continuing to lose great teachers and staff members. It’s really too bad as the students will suffer.
The great teachers and staff will remain, because they care about the students education more than themselves.
So YOU would remain in a job where you are being bullied? Where you thoughts and ideas are not encouraged? Where you are reprimanded for utilizing your FREEDOM OF SPEECH rights? Hmmm I guess you are a bigger person than I am!
No, I would not remain if my personality clashed with the mission of the employer, and in the case of this particular movement, I would find another job. It seems that there is a personality clash because someone stole someone’s cheese and rather than sniffing and scurrying to find another piece, this movement would rather Hem and Haw until someone drops a new piece in front of them.
As I stated in another comment, if the bulling is really that bad than ALL the teachers should be in support of this movement. In this case ALL the teachers are not threatening resignation which says to me that the whole truth is not found within this movements cause, but rather somewhere outside it.
In this economy people need to be quiet and stand back in order to put food on their tables to feed their families. If they thought they wouldnt lose their job i think more of the teachers would be speaking out. Jobs are few and far between around here.
I disagree, if changes need to be made this economy is perfect for the changes. If you choose to be a follower rather than a leader that is your prerogative. If believe in something and can validate the reasoning for it I would stand up and fight for what is right.
People with tenure need not worry about losing their job because they have a difference of opinion. In fact, no one should worry about that. If they are doing something wrong, then that’s a different story. The teachers are hiding behind that statement…they are afraid they will lose their job if they say anything. They know that’s not true.
I disagree, lets do a poll ;)
You can certainly disagree, but it’s a fact that it’s not easy to let a tenured teacher go, as it should be, unless something horrific happens that requires immediate dismissal.
“IF THEY DO SOMETHING WRONG”? Sounds like me MIGHT just find out in court that the superintendent is “DOING SOMETHING WRONG”!
Well said.
thank you
I believe ALL teachers have the best interest of their students. You don’t become a teacher for the money…however, as Mommas4boys stated, great teachers don’t stay because they care about the students education more than themselves, just to be bullied, have thoughts and ideas be discouraged, or reprimanded for unitizing their FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Great teachers become great teachers because they have great leadership. It seems the leadership is non-existent and has been replaced by dictatorship which has never been a successful form of leadership. I think stating that great teachers will stay because they care about the students education more than themselves is a very bold statement coming from a NON-teacher.
I agree on the dictatorship, and having the teachers dictate who stays and who goes will not solve anything. The adminsitration is attempting to balance the the cost to the taxpayer and the quality of education. As we see in federal government, more employees does not equal higher quality, in fact it lessen the quality of the government while raising the cost to the taxpayer. As for being a NON-teacher, though I do not have a teaching certificate I do have a college degree and several years of life experience, these two things allow me to teach everyday though not in a class room, but if my arguments would be stronger by having the teaching certificate maybe i should look into it. Thanks for the insight.
On another note, it would be nice if you would use your actual name rather than an alias, because if you really believe in what you are writing there should be no reason to hide.
Mike those that know me know my “alias” as I ride around town with it on my license plate and those that really know me call me TeeMac but if it would make you feel better knowing my full name, it is Tonya McLaughin. I have nothing to hide and believe in what I say. However, you should understand that there are those that feel they need to hide behind their comments because they are teachers in this district who WILL be reprimanded for stating THEIR beliefs. Not everyone feels safe to post with their name attached to it. You can rest assured this is being monitored by the administrators of RSU 67 and if anyone posts anything and they can determine who it is, that person will be brought in and “intimidated” into keeping their beliefs quiet. Now, perhaps NON-TEACHER may not have been the most appropriate word to use but for you to assume that great teachers should put the needs and education of the students before their own well-being is not a very realistic thing to say. Would you continue to work in a hostile environment where you were working in intimidating and bullying conditions on a daily basis? That is what most of these teachers feel like and yes I say most. You see the glass half full, I see as half empty. I think we can agree to disagree. There is nothing wrong with that. You have your beliefs and I have mine. It’s a simple as that. I meant no disrespect toward you and apologize if it seemed I did.
No disrespect taken.
There are those who post with an alias because they don’t want their child’s teacher to retaliate against their child simply because they don’t agree. Been there, had it happen.
Well you’re concerned with the tax payers paying for education and the quality of that education but evidently you are unaware that get rid of teaching positions to save money but then add more administrative positions and just because she did such a great job at that lets give her a raise. Give me a break Mike. As a tax payer I would much rather pay for extra teachers to teach our kids than to give her a $6000 raise and pay for her to travel to work. that is a waste of money, in your years of employment have you had a job where your employer paid for your travel expenses to travel back and forth to work just because you live out of town? I highly doubt it
Some of the great teachers HAVE left.
But did our kids stop learning because of it???
they may not have stopped learning but losing great teachers CAN impact how well they learn.
Yes, but so can great teachers that are unhappy with their situation.
MANY GREAT TEACHER HAVE LEFT and ARE LEAVING…. sad but true.
You know, people DO retire!
True….I wasn’t talking about those who are retiring….
________________________________
From: Disqus
To: getlucky10jen@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:01 PM
Subject: [bdn] Re: Lincoln superintendent accused of intimidating union members
Disqus generic email template
Seabreezes wrote, in response to citybumpkin:
You know, people DO retire!
Link to comment
1. “Hamlin responded in November by saying that the school system was overbudgeted and overstaffed and listed several accomplishments that she said would improve the school system.”I am so glad this was brought up…she states the school system was “over budgeted and overstaffed” Hmmm…I attended the Budget workshop at the beginning of the month and well, well, well….the budget is UP $300,000 from last year. There were may lay-offs last year, 20 to be exact but several got re-hired back after the needs of the kids were assessed. All those that were laid off were ed techs who had direct contact with students who struggle to learn. This year, she wants to add an AP/NCLB Coordinator to EPB school, 3 teacher coaches, a Director of Teacher Leaders, and a Director of Professional Development, teaching & learning. NONE of these positions affect direct student learning. In fact, these are ALL administrative positions.
2. “I would say that we have a 98 percent participation rate of teachers who work really hard to create a positive learning atmosphere for students,” Hamlin said, “and then we have a population who needs help to do that.”
I wonder if the report from the outside organization Hamlin hired showed this 98% participation rate of participation from teachers???? No one has seen the report, coincidentally enough….I wonder whatever happened to that report once she received it. For those of you who don’t know what I am speaking of, see Mainerboy’s comment below.
3. “I feel that we have held everyone to the stipulations of the [teachers union] contract, as well as school board policy and whatever building procedures are in place, and that probably isn’t something that they [the complainants] are used to,”
So, is she saying that until she came along, all other superintendents did a sucky job of managing this district and the employees in it??? Pretty arrogant and bold for her to make such a statement. I find it very hard to believe these teachers and administrators were running rampant, breaking rules/policies/building procedures until she came along and “straightened” them out. What I think she fails to see here is it’s not that people are resisting being held accountable, the vibe I get when talking to many employees, it’s the way and manner in which she treats and talks to people. Tack and perception goes a long way…
4. In a statement released late last week, she said she was confident that the accusations would prove to be “frivolous and thinly-veiled attacks on the superintendent and school board. We are confident that when the facts of the matter are presented they will be seen for what they are.”
Well, like she was ever going to admit she did something wrong….This will all come out and her “facts” aren’t necessarily the correct facts so I hope she isn’t relying on them to pull her out of this one.
I believe that you are seeing more than a few! If you talk to any of them, they were afraid (perhaps you should find out how many were “let go” because they spoke up)! This creates a sense of intimidation. I sat in a meeting with Denise (called by HER because I was asking questions) and she proceeded to spend the entire meeting thumping her foot, and interrupting whenever I asked questions that she didn’t want to answer. (I took a witness so people wouldn’t have to take just my word for it and to hold ME accountable to the truth)! At one point during this meeting she interrupted to state that “should I get elected to the schoolboard I would no longer be able to volunteer in my son’s classroom”. I had already spoken to the Dept. of Education and Maine School Management about this and been assured that that was NOT the case! This is just ONE of my personal examples of her intimidation practices. You have just effectively suggested to MOST of our teachers to move on! There are teachers in this district that I’m really hoping my kids get to sit under! I hope they stay. There will be more resignations before this is over and I’m really concerned about who will be next! AND for the record my name is Dolly Phillips and I have nothing to lose by being honest about who I am. I’ve already lost my job for stating truths publicly (I was subbing in the district).
Dolly,
Though we do not agree with all your comments, I respect you for not hiding behind some alias.
Sorry, I meant “I” not we.
That’s called a Freudian Slip. In other words, you obviously feel that you are talking for everyone, thus the ‘we’.
Exactly, I intended to speak for everyone, you are a genious. Instead of pointing fingers and making excuses why don’t you do your homework and and come up with original material about the topic.
How can you not “agree” with her comments when she was telling of something that actually happened to her? By you not agreeing with her, you are basically calling her a liar…
If you would be a little more insightful you would realize that I am not calling her a liar, but rather stating that i do not agree with all of her comments. I did not mention any comment in particular, as she has posted several times.
I also respect HER for not having to hide behind an alias.
Substitutes are not employees.
Not really sure of it matters whether substitutes are employees or not? Teachers get sick or have meetings they need to attend or miss school for whatever reason, who would be there to cover for them (especially, with all the “cuts”) It is irrelevant whether subs are employees or not. This about ANYONE who speaks up against her wishes, period. Lets not get off the subject.
Just was keeping the facts straight.
Well, truth be known, substitutes do get a paycheck from RSU 67. It sounds kind of silly to say they aren’t an employee, don’t you think? Technically, they ARE an employee, they aren’t considered “staff members”, but REALLY are employees. That sounds more like misconstruing the facts more than keeping them straight, with all due respect :)
Okay, let me put it another way. If it is decided not to call a particular substitute in to sub anymore, does the school district have to inform that sub they are no longer employed? Are they given benefits? Are they paid for holidays? etc. No, because they are employed only when they are called to be a substitute, technically-speaking. Don’t get me wrong, I understand what you are trying to say, but in this haze of anger permeating the area these days, I think it’s important to get the facts very straight so as not to misconstrue others who read things and instantly believe them to be true without checking the facts. I admit to straying off-topic, though, and for that I apologize.
If they are issued a check for substituting they are an employee, they have to have a back ground check, can pay into Maine State Retirement. So Seabreeze what would you call them?
They are “employees” ONLY when they are actually substituting. It’s just a fact, not an opinion. Just getting tired of facts being changed to support an opinion.
Scroll Seabreeze. Your comment was quote, unquote : Substitutes are not employees.
Okay, I left out the rest of the sentence… Substitutes are employees when actually subbing. To call subbing a job, I believe one must be actually hired as a substitute on a permanent basis. RSU 67 doesn’t do that, I don’t think.
So if I am not subbing this week and I do a resume for another job, I can not put down that I am a substitute for RSU 67, because I am not working that week? When I receive a W2 from the school, I cant hrow it away and not report it on my income tax because I am not an employee of said district.
You know exactly what I’m saying. This is the kind of stuff I’m so tired of.
Per diem? Employees only when working.
Was just informed by a teacher in the district that the BDN website has been blocked. This is a prime example of the power this woman has. She uses bulling tactics and manipulation to get what she wants. This needs to stop!
What?! Really? Wouldn’t be surprised at all!
Or children should have access to the paper and the things that are going on. Esp. high school students this is suppose to be a democracy!
No, it’s supposed to be a Republic. You teach civics?
Our High School Students should esp be reading the paper to find out what is going on. They are almost 18 and will be voting soon too!
They should as long as they are given the free will to come to their own conclusion and not be taught to a paticular side.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH includes the RIGHT to READ!
What exactly does BLOCKED mean? They can obviously see it at home. Blocked at the schools?
I agree with what Mike Ireland said. The school system seemed to be in trouble before this all blew up. Anyway, this is making it easier to know who NOT to vote for for school board.
The truth will be told. Its time for us to stand united :)
You are right Dolores!! I know I am ready to stand. Who else is?
Was just informed by a teacher in the district that the BDN website has been blocked to all schools.This is a prime example of how much power this woman has. She uses bullying and manipulation tactics to get what she wants. This needs to stop!
There should be no reason for anyone at the schools to be viewing the BDN if they are teaching the children.
All students are required to do current events, some every day. Should they be told that some one is limiting their exposure to current events? This is part of their curriculum.
I would think in this instance it would be recommended that this particular article would not be part of the curriculum, as there is a bias surrounding the students. I would think you might agree if the school board was teaching the class on this current event.
Teachers do get a 20 minute lunch and sometimes a planning period. I believe they should be allowed to read a newspaper in that “free” time if they choose to do so.
I agree 100%. As long as it does not interrupt and/or lessen the quality of the education received by the students.
If you read the computer policy on procedures on the web site you will see that computer use is restricted to district business only. Teachers have no right to use them for vagarious browsing whether they are teaching or on break. These are the same policies that exist at virtually every business in the country….teachers always want to be treated different than their private ector colleagues…. no critical supervision by superiors, no performance evaluations, no pay for performance…just ‘trust me, I am doing a good job’.
Can you expound on this statement? I’ll restate it in my own words to see if I’m getting the gist of your comment? If teachers are teaching our kids, they have no need to stay informed by reading the newspaper? Now IF that is what you are saying, then you must also believe that IGNORANCE IS BLISS? If it isn’t that I’m just totally confused as to what you ARE saying?
What i was saying in the response to nsu50 is that:
“There should be no reason for anyone at the schools to be viewing the BDN if they are teaching the children.”
Meaning:
If the teachers are working (teaching the students) they would not have time to read the newspaper.
asportsfan brought to my attention that it should be allowed during their breaktimes and I agree, but do not think that after having read the article and comments this should be brought up as a topic unless it goes directly with the curriculum being taught at that time in that classroom and done so in a non-bias way giving the students a chance to research the issue.
She had the BDN website blocked? Unbelievable. I can’t imagine working for someone abusing power like that.
Just spoke to one of the schools and they are still able to access it! I am all for information but do ALL I can to SQUASH rumors! DOLLY
It was blocked when i posted this an hour ago. It was allowed to be viewed after teachers and staff questioned it.
Evidently, the superintendent is not working on student affairs today, instead putting all of her efforts into talking with BDN staff about shutting down this story. Feeling bad for the taxpayers who are funding her salary. Busted!
Do you now for sure “She” had it blocked? This is how rumors get started.
Come on! Are you really going to sit there and believe all this as gospel? Could there be another side? Could this be a rumor? Come on!
sure why not take away another one of the teachers and children constitutional rights
This is how rumors spread like wildfire! And excuse me, but shouldn’t the staff be focused on the students right now and not on the BDN?
This exactly how rumors start! And excuse me, but shouldn’t the staff be focused on the students while they are working instead of the BDN?
well excuse me, but can’t someone take time to read the BDN while on a 20 minute lunch?
Sure, if that’s allowed, considering they are using a district-owned computer to do it.
so sick of union cry babies!!!
Many of the people who do not like what the Superintendent is doing are not union members (and many are as well, I’m sure.) . I may not be a staff member of RSU 67, but I have personally been affected by this woman’s’ doings. I cannot speak of specifics….but truth will prevail. Its just a shame that it has now shifted to “union crybabies” as Skidoo31 has posted. This is so much deeper than that.
Because I’m not union, I lost my job for speaking up and asking questions!
A substitute teacher is not an employee. You did NOT lose your job. There is NO union for substitutes. Let’s face facts.
They may not be an employee, but are they issued a check from RSU 67? Be careful….you may have several other subs viewing this. They may want credit for being there when teachers can’t. Would you want to keep your child home everytime your childs teacher may not be able to be in the classroom? And how do YOU know who lost their jobs and who didnt? ;)
That’s fine if other substitutes are viewing this. Dolly said she lost her job. I was just stating the fact that she was erroneously calling being a substitute a job unless she is actually hired as a permanent substitute, which I don’t believe RSU 67 does. Some school district do, though. I understand she thought it was, but technically she’s only “employed” when she’s actually subbing and to say otherwise is misinformation. I’m most definitely not saying that substitutes aren’t important. They certainly are. Just keeping it real.
How do you have so many “facts”, “Seabreeze”? You seem to have all the answers. Do you have a policy book in front of you? …..JUst curious?
No I don’t. Policies are online, though.
hehe I’ve heard that same line used at board meetings…..what is your agenda?
Well, I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t own a policy book. I can look them up online if I want, and occasionally I do, but rarely, I must admit. I don’t have an agenda, unless you are referring to my desire to see people calm down, be respectful, and keep an open mind. That’s all I ask.
perhaps you should heed your own words!
I keep an open mind, am very willing to correct myself if I am wrong, have been known to be swayed by someone else’s argument if I see it has merit, am more than willing to say I do not know all the facts (unlike some who think they do), and am very respectful of others’ right to their own opinions. I point out facts and have my own opinion. I fail to see what is wrong with that.
I received a W2 and had an employee number. If I was hurt on the job (which I was not) I would have been covered by worker’s comp. I WAS an employee, just on a per diem basis! FACT!
Exactly. Per diem. Day by day. Only when called. Not when you’re not subbing. Exactly what I said.
Still a JOB!
Whatever. Closed minds don’t hear a thing. Open minds hear the truth.
I just got a text from a friend of mine who is a teacher at the high school and he wanted me to tell you all the the BDN is not blocked one school computers because if it were he wouldn’t be reading it.
Just goes to show a lot of this is based on rumors and falsehoods.
Wiki defines a Republic which “Involves the government using and abiding by the constitution heavily. Personal rights are respected and cannot be taken away. This helps to avoid tyranny and mobocracy (the majority makes laws and governs by passion, prejudice, or impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences).”
HMMM… i think personal rights are not being respected and are being taken away i.e. BDN banned! And I feel like I have head the word “tyranny” being used somewhere as well.
s.p. heard not head
So, the school board is supposed to “govern” by impulse and bend to the “mobocracy? Because that seems to be what is being asked of them by those making claims of tyranny.
thank you for the info!
Blocked meaning the staff or students are not allowed to access the site at school. I.e. library time or free periods.
Not really a fan of the BDN article title. She doesn’t just intimidate union members, she goes on a larger scale than that. It really should say anyone in her path.
Which is why some of us are posting with an “alias” as one poster here pointed out.
sounds like someone with a big ego..I’ll keep it that simple…..oh, and too much time in the teacher’s lounge…..all the gossip goes on in there.
To those who have an issue with the School Board and it’s members, maybe you should stop hiding behind your alias. Anyone can complain and degrade others while hiding behind a fake name. Seriously, it’s time for all of you to grow up and if you have an issue voice your opinion with your actual name. Just remember our community elected our School Board members, and the students and taxpayers in this community are in their best interest. School Board members DO NOT do it for the money unlike some of the teachers.
Please note that not all have HAD to hide their names, I have freely used mine as have others! Again a case of lumping us all into one group! I might not have posted my name everytime, but I have signed it at the end of most of my posts!
Great, then my comment wasn’t directed at you. I respect that you sign your name to your comments. But there are several people who are hiding behind a fake names.
Chelsea, They few of us that post our real names can because we have nothing to lose anymore. I, for one, don’t need to fear speaking out and losing my job. I did that already. When you work at a place where you see your co-workers drop like flies when standing up for the right of the schools and the children, and the economy is as it is, It doesn’t matter how good a teacher you are or have been. If there aren’t jobs available to move onto you ~go into survive mode and “hide”. Its the only way to feel secure about speaking up for what you believe, without jeopardizing how you feed your own family. I respect your views, but also “have been there”.
Ok, everyone has read your many posts about not liking that people don’t use their real names. Now get over it and move on as it makes no difference to anyone how you feel about it. Another Trask trying to take away rights.
Actually, you are wrong again, it does make a difference to me.
School Board Members are elected officials. And just like the president sometimes when they get into office they sometimes forget who they work for. Like special interest groups and things like these. They work for us and some of them have forgot this. I’m betting they dont go door to door and ask their constituants how they feel about these issues esp since they arent paid, lol!
Actually they are paid, minimally. I know several and once on the board there is no need to go door to door because the school board members door is always open and there tends to be a line in the doorway.
So to say they do not ask their constituants how they feel would be virtually impossible. Do they listen on the other hand, I am sure they do and if their sentiments are the same as yours you would not feel slighted by the Board members. I am sure there are several others, like me, who feel that the Board listens every time we speak.
We just have a different outlook on the way things should be. Democracy at its best.
I agree that democracy is best, but i do not agree that all of our board members listen to their costituants. Im sure you are protecting the ones you love as well as I am.
Quite the contrary, I would gladly call a spade a spade everytime. No need to protect anyone, these are my opinions that I type and not simply words that I am reguritating because I feel the need to protect loved ones.
School board members listen to their constituents…and they listen to the staff, the students, and the administration. And then they vote on issues based on ALL the facts, making the best decision they can. We elected them so they will make educated decisions on our behalf for the benefit of the students, the staff and the taxpayers. If, in the end, you don’t like their decisions, then you are able to voice your opinion by voting for someone else, or better yet, run for a seat on the board. I’ve been on a school board before, in a different state, but I’m sure they are all similar. It’s a thankless job sometimes, but once in a while someone will tell you they appreciate your hard work. It’s amazing what you can and cannot do, unlike what the public thinks.
The goals of the teachers union machine are not academic excellence, professional development and fairness. As former NEA official John Lloyd explained it: “You cannot possibly understand NEA without understanding Saul Alinsky. If you want to understand NEA, go to the library and get ‘Rules for Radicals.’” The goals are student indoctrination, social upheaval and perpetual agitation in pursuit of bigger government and spending without restraint.
http://sleepless.blogs.com/george/2009/08/alinskys-rules-for-radicals-for-dummies.html
let the The Maine Labor Relations Board have the hearing and see what they think. somethings that she does seems thug-ish, but i’m going to wait to see what comes of this. in the mean time i think a PR course would serve her and the school board well.
I suggested a PR course to her (in front of Jackie and Reggie) she laughed. Said that “everyone who works with her LOVES working with her” and further “there’s NO QUESTIONG MY PROFESSIONALISM” I have witnesses to those two statements!
Maybe when she stated that, “everyone who works with her loves working with her” her emphasis was on WORKS and not loves??? Just a thought. Usually, those that come in and make sweeping changes to something are considered bullies and not PR experts, but I see it as rebuilding in the most efficient and effective manner. Slow change is what takes place when you follow the status quo.
You word things so well, Mike. Wish I had your way with words!
Oh this is so much more that whining union teachers, you need to have worked for Ms. Hamlin or had a family member work for her to totally understand how she operates.
I know of several people who worked for a neighboring district where Ms. Hamlin was the special Education director, This district knows very well her bulling tactics, Many have seen them first hand. First off let me say that she knew her job and the special ed laws, but she has absolutely no people skills. I have seen her on many occasions verbally abuse staff, parents and students.
Let me list a few examples:
*One special education teacher who had a wonderful rapport with students and other staff this teacher went over and above for their students. but did not always see eye to eye with Ms. Hamlin was bullied threatened denied their due process. Until finally after two years moved on. A huge loss to the district.
*Another was an education technician who again had a great rapport with students. The students seemed to like and respect this Ed Tech. This person was a worked very hard to help the students succeed on their own merit. We watched this person get continually hauled into the special ed office and written up on trumped up misdomeners. This tech was demoted from an Ed tech to a one to one aide and assigned to a student who had assulated them the previous year. Many of us went to bat for this person to no avail. But to this techs credit they and the student were able to work through this and have a successful year. Again this person moved on. Another loss for the district.
* Both of the above were denied their rights, their Union reps either not invited to the meeting or not allowed to speak.
*Anyone who worked in the special Education department witnessed many time Ms. Hamlins total lack of respect to Parents and students, speaking to them in a consdsending manner, belittling their parenting skills……. Many parents walked out of a PET in tears because of the way they were treated.
These are just three examples, there are many many more, talk to folks in and really listen to what they say when asked what it is like to work for her.
Chelsea Trask as for using an alias these folks are smart, otherwise the back lash from Ms. Hamlin would be unbearable.
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Good for Ms. Hamlin for doing her job. Finally, RSU 67 has a REAL superintendent who is making the hard decisions in support of the students, the staff AND the taxpayer. Leadership starts from the top and she’s taking it seriously. Kudos!
Good for Ms. Hamlin for disregarding testimony? I guess we know you share the same morals, thanks for sharing. “Seabreezes”, how do you know the details of whether a sub lost their job or not? Just curious?
Read her posts. She says she did.
How do you know whether “in fact ” she did or didn’t? Maybe she did, who are you to judge whether she really did or not? Because really the only people who would know “in fact” whether she did or not would be Hamlin or possibly the school board, not you, not me….just them and Dolly herself.
I was just commenting on what Dolly actually posted. Those were her words, not mine. But, I like your comment about the only people who know the facts are those actually involved. That’s my point about this whole thing.
You said quote, unquote: A substitute teacher is not an employee. You did NOT lose your job. There is NO union for substitutes. Let’s face facts.
So, for the I think, 3rd time “Seabreeze”. How can you comment to her ~
You did NOT lose your job. How do you know she did NOT lose her job? Its a pretty simple question, I thought.
Because she said she had a job as a substitute, and RSU 67 does not hire permanent substitute teachers or substitute ed techs. Clearly we will just have to agree to disagree on this one.
Leadership is supposed to LEAD by example. IF you want the example of underhanded/bullying/intimidating/deceptive practices (all experienced first hand) then you have exactly the kind of leader you wanted. I prefer some integrity in my leadership. AND AGAIN! I will sign my name Dolly Phillips
It won’t be good for RSU 67 if the PPC is found to have merit.
And what if it is found to be without merit?
I know for a fact that the Superintendent has disregarded testimony from adult volunteers in her so-called investigations. She has called or summoned many employees to private meetings where they are threatened to agree with her. She has also hired personal friends and former colleagues, such as the Ella Burr Principal, and promoted from within an employee who is the daughter of the school board chairperson. Watch carefully. All of the administrators that are leaving because of her bullying will be replaced by people that she has already selected. Applying for new positions would be futile. She states that her goals and methods have board approval. Why wouldn’t the chairperson of the board be in agreeance with Hamlin on everything. Afterall, her own daughter is being rewarded with a higher paying position, one that she is not even qualified for. One hand washes the other. It may be legal, but it sure is unethical. These are facts. And, why can’t I use my name? Anyone who disagrees with this dictator can easily be dismissed on trumped up charges. And there is a report that clearly shows that the majority of teachers are extremely upset with the school climate. Hamlin didn’t like the results, so you don’t get to see the report.
“And there is a report that clearly shows that the majority of teachers are extremely upset with the school climate.”
Could you post this so that I may read it, it may completely change my opinion if this is the case?
I would much rather be proud of my name and where I stand than to cower in a corner and poke the lion with a stick as it goes by.
The report, in its raw form, was presented to teachers in the district the day it was completed. The raw data which is 25 pages of quotes from teachers about working in the district was turned over to the central office. That data is still being looked at and has not been released. Please feel free to request that information from the central office, I am sure you will not be given access to it though.
Then request a copy of it.
I am not from Lincoln, never have been so have no true interest in the issue at hand but I have made a few observations about this thread of comments.
First of all “Mike Ireland” has apparently taken it upon himself to post a remark about every comment listed in favor of the teachers.
“Mike Ireland” feels that If you do not state your REAL NAME that you have no valid points to make or are a coward… I guess that means he does not think “deep throat” had anything important to say or made a difference in his world…. Someone should inform Richard Nixon that he should have had “Mike Ireland” in charge of the News back awhile aye???
“Mike Ireland” feels that anyone who is doing their job and doing it well should never have any fear of intimidation or bullying…. hmmmm. WHY then were Unions begun in the first place???? and why DID they write that “whistleblower” law???
“Mike Ireland” feels that teachers should “love teaching more than money” and so sacrifice themselves and their well being and take less pay and benefits in order to “teach”. And doctors should make house calls ????
“Mike Ireland” thinks that the economy in Maine is SO GOOD, that a teacher can just walk off their job today, and find a new one tomorrow.. WOW this is amazing. What is the Maine Unemployment rate??
Interesting reading that’s for sure!!
checkingthenews (another one in hiding)
I am glad that you have read all of my posts, as this was the goal that I set out to accomplish today. Below I will try to answers your questions and comment where appropriate to the best of my ability.
First of all, I missed several comments that were in favor of teachers not because I did not have a remark, but because I chose not to remark.
You are correct that Mike Ireland feels that you should stand your position stating your name before doing so, this kind of follows Roberts Rules of Order. I do not feel that your points are invaild by not stating your name. However, the only points that are not valid are the ones that have nothing backing them up and are merely opinions. If Deep Throat, Mark Felt, would have used his name at the begining, it would not have taken two years to uncover the Watergate Scandal. Although, Mark Felt would have jeopardize his involvement, and the fact that he was angry that he was not chosen FBI Director over someone with no law enforcement experience. Not that what Nixon did was right by anymeans, but instead of whining about not being chosen he should have stood for what he believed in.
You should never fear losing your job if you are doing your job.
The labor unions were around in colonial times, but became stronger in the 1820’s for the purpose of lessing the working day from 12 hours to 10 hours, but being able to still receive the 12 hour pay. Similar to working part time at a full time rate like we see here.
The Whistlerblower Act began in 1863 (Flase Claims Act) to protect the US government from being taken advantage of by fraudulent suppliers during the Civil War. Whistleblowers were promised a percentage of the money returned to the Government. This is another reason to not fear standing up for what is right.
You should always love what you do. We both know that teachers don’t teach for the money they do it for the kids, Right? Taking less when that is all that is available is better than taking nothing at all. Leaving to find greener pastures is also an option.
Technology has pretty much stopped the doctor house calls, but I am sure it happens somewhere in the US.
Check out this website
http://www.servingschools.com/html/browse.php
There are over 800 teaching postions available in Maine. Some as close as close as Old Town and Greenbush (less than 30 minutes from Lincoln, I mention this since you have never been to Lincoln). So, I guess there are available jobs for those who chose to look for them.
The unemployment rate in March of this year (for Maine) was 7.2%, but not because jobs are not available. They are posted in the papers everyday.
I am glad you took the time to read my posts. It really made my day
Thanks!
With all due respect, Mike Ireland, it should be pointed out that you may be a bit biased due to the fact that your partner’s father is a school board member.
And, there should be no discussion about whether teachers in this district are in it for the money or the kids. At their last negotiations, they were offered a $300 raise for the upcoming year by Ms. Hamlin. Did I mention that she is getting a $5000 raise this year? That brings her up to $105,000 for this year, and she has a five year contract.
As I mentioned before I am not biased. I have made my own determinations based on my research. Yes, I believe the teachers were offered a raise and turned it down, but I do not believe it was due to choosing the kids orver the money, but rather being offended by such a small offer.
I think Hamlin is deserving of a raise seeing how she saved us money and gained the district money through grants.
Well I have a question for you Mike, Why did she give herself $6000/yr for travel expenses? Idk about you but if i took a job in another town and had to travel to work my employer doesn’t does not need to pay me for my gas to get to work. If I asked my employer to pay for my gas to get to work they would laugh in my face. Especially when we are in these economic conditions. How do we justify taking teachers out of the class room because we cant afford them and then on the flip side she gives herself a $6000 raise and then on top of that we as a community pay for her to travel back and forth to work. how do we justify the administrators she is looking to hire? from what I’ve seen she doesn’t deserve the salary we pay her.
“I think Hamlin is deserving of a raise seeing how she saved us money and gained the district money through grants. ” – Mike is she the only one who has gained the district with money from grants? I believe not, I know that Mr. Cox, Mrs Cole, Mrs. McCafferty have also brought in money for the district through grants but I dont see them getting raises. So if that is the stance you’re going to take then why don’t we give those people raises for they’re hard work and countless hours they put in applying for those grants. We need to have more people like this in our district, this shows me that our teachers are in it for the kids.
First off, “she” did not give herself a raise, that would be impossible. The School Board gave her a well deserved raise, as she was able to save the school district several hundred thousand dollars.
Not to knock Mr. Cox, Mrs. Cole or Mrs. McCafferty, but I do not believe the grants they received were close to the total “she” saved the district. I am grateful that some teachers do go after grant money to help our district. Thank you to Mr. Cox (hopefully the district can use the Kayak’s this spring. I am not sure the content of the grants received by Mrs. Cole or Mrs. McCafferty, but thank you to the both of you. I feel that the three of them would be deserving of raises as well.
You are right we need more educators like the four of them in our district looking out for the students and the community at the same time.
Federal law allows for payment of mileage. My employer would pay my mileage. I will go out on a limb and suggest you are a union employee (apologize if you are not), but if you are you should understand the way mileage works.
Schools districts do not pay teachers for the mileage they use in getting to and from school. They only pay it for a school related trip.
If businesses paid people for mileage, everyone would want to live out of town and commute so they could get more pay.
Correct me if I’m wrong, last I knew, first year teachers get a starting salary of $30,000. Not too shabby.
In some areas, that would be solid pay (remember there is a 4 year college degree required as well). In some other areas, $30,000 would not be much money.
It sounds like RSU 67 has quite a mess on their hands. The only thing I will comment on is some of the comments on here which make it sound like teachers should just teach because they love kids (doesn’t matter how little or how much they make). I wonder if a teacher left RSU 67 to take a higher paying position in Bangor, for example, would that mean that they no longer care about kids? They are entitled to try to make a better living too (as all Americans are).
It has been my experience that school boards typically blindly support superintendents in most cases (sad but true).
True, $30,000 would not be much money in, say, Portland. But, in Lincoln, it’s a very good starting salary.
Historically-speaking, a person does become a teacher because he/she loves to teach. It has never been about the money. I understand what you are saying, but just because it’s a rural area and there aren’t a ton of teaching positions nearby, must the taxpayer succumb to the teachers’ requests or believe all their arguments, just because we need to feel sorry for them because if they are unhappy with their jobs, they can’t just up and leave and go elsewhere? That doesn’t seem right, either.
In regard to your comment about school boards blindly supporting superintendents, that’s unfair. They are not supposed to be involved with the day-to-day running of the schools. When there is a problem, the board will step in, if appropriate. Some staff members just don’t like this particular superintendent. Big deal. Is this superintendent a warm and fuzzy person? Apparently not. Is that a crime? No. Could she work on her people skills? It looks that way. Have you always like your boss? I sure haven’t! If she were a man, making the same decisions, would they be saying the same thing? Sadly, I’m going to guess no. Is she making the right decisions? Time will tell, but it seems to me she is looking at things globally, and is not letting the status quo stand, which is a good thing, considering the schools were struggling academically. Changes HAD to be made. It’s never easy, but that’s the way it is.
Since you seem to know so much about me why do you find it necessary to hide Mainerboy? Care to provide your real name or are you not man enough Mainer “boy”
I didn’t claim to know much about you. Your statement makes no sense. But for the record, I have a right to remain anonymous. I know that you are defending your father, who is a school board member. Honorable, but that does not change facts. Your father played a role in cutting position a few weeks ago, based on partial information that was flawed. He and the other board members knew that they only had half of the information, but still voted on a motion that was not on the agenda. Legal? Probably. Ethical? No. The following week he received accurate information and changed his mind. Were they misled? Absolutely. The board members are slowly realizing that Ms. Hamlin has not been honest with them. They are being used as pawns. Keep watching. There is so much more to be revealed. The suit mentioned in the story is just a very small piece. But it is a beginning. Let’s see how the suit goes first.
It’s unfortunate that this school system has to go through this kind of turmoil. However, hopefully, it can come out stronger when this is over.
Meaningful change, if that what Ms. Hamlin was brought in for, doesn’t come about by administration swinging its elbows. Meaningful change comes about through a process that involves all stakeholders, and a time commitment.
But meaningful change doesn’t come about by going with the status quo. Change was needed and it doesn’t come easy for some.
Just a reminder to all RSU 67 people! There is a schoolboard meeting tonight! Come see and listen! Learn! Much can be learned from taking the time to listen!
Good for you for going to the board meetings and encouraging others to go. Always a good thing.
…
Going through necessary procedure for an incident that took place is not “invading civil rights”. Just because the wrongful incident Bisson committed wasn’t published to the public doesn’t mean that it never happend and that the blame goes from her shoulders to Hamlin’s. School district politics will always blame the person in charge because they can’t find any one else to specifically blame. Unions will always try to make it seem the Administrator’s fault because unions are the “underdogs” who can’t be bullied by their boss’s. Maybe the teacher under question should have thought about how she, herself, doesn’t like being bullied by her own boss before she did the same to one of her students.
In regards to Hamlin, why would someone go out of their way to get a job involving hundreds of kids just to hurt them? Before posting such ignorant comments, know that she is a loving mother, aunt, and grandmother herself, just like a lot of you. Maybe the problem isn’t as much the Administrator, it’s the people highlighting only the bad things that have happend to an already needy and troubled RSU.
Going through necessary procedure for an incident that took place is not “invading civil rights”. Just because the wrongful incident Bisson committed wasn’t published to the public doesn’t mean that it never happend and that the blame goes from her shoulders to Hamlin’s. School district politics will always blame the person in charge because they can’t find any one else to specifically blame. Unions will always try to make it seem the Administrator’s fault because unions are the “underdogs” who can’t be bullied by their boss’s. Maybe the teacher under question should have thought about how she, herself, doesn’t like being bullied by her own boss before she did the same to one of her students.
In regards to Hamlin, why would someone go out of their way to get a job involving hundreds of kids just to hurt them? Before posting such ignorant comments, know that she is a loving mother, aunt, and grandmother herself, just like a lot of you. Maybe the problem isn’t as much the Administrator, it’s the people highlighting only the bad things that have happend to an already needy and troubled RSU.
Going through necessary procedure for an incident that took place is not “invading civil rights”. Just because the wrongful incident Bisson committed wasn’t published to the public doesn’t mean that it never happend and that the blame goes from her shoulders to Hamlin’s. School district politics will always blame the person in charge because they can’t find any one else to specifically blame. Unions will always try to make it seem the Administrator’s fault because unions are the “underdogs” who can’t be bullied by their boss’s. Maybe the teacher under question should have thought about how she, herself, doesn’t like being bullied by her own boss before she did the same to one of her students.
In regards to Hamlin, why would someone go out of their way to get a job involving hundreds of kids just to hurt them? Before posting such ignorant comments, know that she is a loving mother, aunt, and grandmother herself, just like a lot of you. Maybe the problem isn’t as much the Administrator, it’s the people highlighting only the bad things that have happend to an already needy and troubled RSU.
I don’t know who you are (hiding behind a guest name) But Bisson did not do anything to anyone, nor any child. Truth will be told. Truth will be known. We will stand together united!
How do you know? Because she told you that?
I’m not discussing the matter, however, I WILL tell you I was there…that’s how I know!
Not asking you what happened, but asking you were there, in the building, or you were there and actually saw what happened. Just curious.
The truth will be known, To the people who need to know. I will sit back and let many make assumptions, I will only speak the truth only to those who need to know when it needs to be known.
Okay. Fair enough. Good to hear you’re not spreading the story around. :-)
Thank you, You are right I am not spreading the story, but for the record…I was in the room with full view of what did NOT occur! : -)
“In regards to Hamlin, why would someone go out of their way to get a job involving hundreds of kids just to hurt them?”
I don’t know. Maybe the $105000 salary???
“Before posting such ignorant comments, know that she is a loving mother, aunt, and grandmother herself, just like a lot of you.”
So loving to her family that she felt the need to share highly confidential information concerning an employee. Yes, Dee Dee, someone slipped and told that story. I’m sure she didn’t mean to throw you under the bus. Subpoena on the way! Actually, there are many, many subpoenas. Everything really is going to be revealed.
America’s teachers unions are the most organized & powerful voices in education politics today. These unions continue to block reforms needed to improve our schools by putting their focus on teachers rather than on the students they teach. I haven’t read much here about teacher accountibility. How are your test scores up in Lincoln these days? What’s your graduation rate? Our education system is in desperate need of reform and it’s time we stop letting teachers unions stand in the way, in Lincoln, Maine and elsewhere. Ms Hamlin seems like the type of visionary that we need in education these days. Why don’t you give her and the school board a chance. Your children may thank you someday.
Why isn’t the teacher’s union jumping on this? Isn’t this why teachers pay union dues (for protection from situations like this one)?
I wonder what would happen all the disgruntled employees banded together and called for a school board meeting and demanded her dismissal? It seems to me that the board would have to stand up and take notice then.
Good luck to you all.
Judging by the comments here Lincoln needs to shore up their English department
and you Mr or Mrs English, need a comma after the word here. Take a peek in the mirror before you critique others…
Yes, good ole Unions….
THIS is what you get with unions. Totally off the real objective of teaching. What a huge waste for this administrator. Get the unions out of education.
Thanks, you words seem much more desirable to most than mine, they seem to respond to your comments.
well, he’s taking his cue from the governor. to be expected, but NOT tolerated!
If people just do there job they don’t need a union. Unions have just one purpose and that is to take your money and allow people who don’t earn it to make the same money as people who work hard!
Teachers unions are the next thing we need to get rid of. You wonder why we have budget problems all over our State. The unions want more dues and more money any way they can get it. The unions will then give the money to the the Socialist party to reelect the President even if union members don’t want it spent that way. Unions, another word for extortion.
Well said, Anne.
I write this as a current Lincoln taxpayer, a former MA graduate who played varsity sports in high school, was once an employee of MSAD 67, a current educator outside of the district, and with multiple years of experience in leadership / management positions for a variety of public and private organizations, including several years of self-employment…
Regardless of leadership and management styles, the issue here seems to be one of trust.
One may not “like” a particular leadership style or management style, but if you can trust your leaders then you can also develop respect toward them.
Personally I can think of more than one autocratic leader in my past with a micro management style that has earned my respect [and this is not necessarily a former leader within the 67 school district].
Do you trust their: words, motives, vision, and how they handle relationships with others by what they do and say?
Take away that trust and motives, actions, and communication become suspect [this is not to say just because we have “trust” for others that we lower our critical thinking radar].
It would seem that those in charge of leading at the district level have lost trust with some. How many is some? I do not know, but how many examples do others need to start to critically think and ask questions about what really is going on?
My personal opinions about the motives and roles of teachers, unions, the current superintendent, school board members aside: “Hmm…maybe there is some truth to these comments…I should check this out…”
Thankfully we are seeing people asking questions, which should aid in the search for credible information.
To all those directly involved with the district, including the school board, knowing that you have unquestionable doubt with regard to the information needed for informed decision making should be a priority as decisions are being made to carry out the mission and vision of the district: “RSU 67 strives to provide a safe, caring, supportive educational environment which empowers all individuals to fulfill their unique potential as lifelong learners and to become responsible, contributing citizens in an ever-changing global society.”
If others can see and trust the decisions, which also involve the process by which these decisions are made, then even if there is not unanimous support for actions, at least there may be an understanding.
The current climate in the community strongly suggests that we are not there yet. I am optimistic that with the right questions, information, and willingness to listen and change, a climate of trust can be (re)built where we have community support for the leaders and decision makers of our RSU 67.
As I write this I realize that some may feel this sense of pride and support currently or may think that “you can’t please everyone” [which is true, but my concern is one of trust, accurate and full information sharing, critical thinking, and shared understanding].
I have heard enough consistent examples from a variety of trustworthy individuals with varied interests and levels of community involvement that warrant true critical reflection about the state of RSU 67.
Issues have many points of view, with various levels of interests and agendas. It is noble to want to defend and protect those who are close to you, and feel like you are in the know and right. But how many of us really know 100% of what is going on? I sure do not.
I realize that I only have a blurry picture of what may be happening, and there are sure to be inaccuracies in what is being communicated, but to dismiss comments as “gossip” or label them as “incomplete” or to say these are the “voices of a minority” or are the motives of a union does not work to resolve the differences we are hearing.
To all involved, let us work to build a healthy climate of trust, where critical questions can be asked and accurate and complete information is shared openly that will lead to the fulfillment of the RSU 67 mission.
Mainerboy.. Thanks for that info… Things make a little more sense now don’t they??? HA HA HA HA. I wondered why he had posted earlier that he had not been to any board meetings thus far this year and yet claims to have the “facts” while others simply are listening to gossip !!! One has to wonder how much of the “facts ” Mike Irelnad is getting from his close connection to the board aye?? HA HA HA HA
Mike Ireland. You humor yourself if my reading your posts “made your day”. They were kind of hard to miss if someone was following the thread. Your comments are everywhere. LOL. So kind of you to make such a detailed response to my post. Also laced with personal opinion and bias which you claim others have.
I am a little confused when “Roberts rules of order” Became the standard people used when posting on internet blogs and comment sections? but if you think that makes you look smarter and braver because you use your “real name” I am happy for you. :) There are reasons that our country supports secret ballots and such. Not because People are cowards, but because this is not a perfect world and there are those who seek to intimidate, and there are those who have much to lose .You yourself have made several posts questioning the integrity of teachers and posters because of their personal expressions.
Regarding employment: Maine is an “at will” state. That means aside from the union members People can leave or be fired “at will” with no notice, with no viable reason. The only thing that the “reason” for departure effects is qualification of unemployment benefits. I am thinking that I read somewhere in all this that the number of teachers that are in the union is fairly low. So there are many people who do have something to lose.
I have a sister who was the assistant Manager of a Local Credit union. She had been there for many many years and was a town favorite. When a new President was voted in , the personalities clashed and my Sister was “let go” to the shock of many of the Locals. She won the Unemployment case and received benefits because they found there was no wrong doing on her part. Since that time she has struggled to find a job with equal pay and that she enjoys as much as she did that job. She thought she would retire from that position.
She loved the clientele. She has found a job which she does not enjoy, and does not meet her bills. So she now also works a second job just to make ends meet. My point in this story is this. First of all it is not always as simple as just “leave and find a new job” . There are many factors there. and secondly it is very unfair that one person has the power to change another’s life as my sister’s life was changed.
………
I am not sure why you have chosen to make so many comments on this particular thread but I for one have found it humorous. I will be eagerly waiting for the next installment in the Bangor Daily News of your towns dirty laundry and your personal mission to “set everyone straight”!!
He makes so many comments because he feels he is part of the vocal minority. He knows the people are turning against the school board and their corruption. He knows that the teachers and the Union that back them are in the right. He knows that truth will prevail in time and he needs to do everything he can to stop that. It is apparent that despite his claims of being impartial he has at least one dog in this hunt.
You haven’t read everything to do with this issue. Remember the reporters are sticking to what comes out of what is reported at meetings, which does not get to the heart of what teachers feel for their students in the classroom each day. Plus, remember that teachers are professionals, not public doormats. They should be treated with the respect that is due their profession, and be compensated for their training and experience. If you or anyone thinks that it is easy to become and remain a teacher, you haven’t looked at what is required for licensing in recent years. Teachers need contracts to set work conditions, otherwise there would be no end to what is expected of them and their work day would never end. Too many people have children who expect teachers to do all their parenting.
Why shouldn’t teachers have no end what is expected of them
and why should their work day would never end? They are teachers and doesn’t that mean endless self sacrifice?