RIF's: General Comments About the RIFs
Submitted by Allen Gwinn on Tue, 10/14/2008 - 07:45.
This is the thread that was originally for RIF'd teachers to post their stories. We've moved the posts that were from them to a more prominent place on the front page.
This thread is to continue commenting on the RIFs.
RIF'd for being Outspoken
DISD is Trash/SCUM/Disgraceful. It finally came out. They have never followed their own ploicies. If and when someone lets them know, then they try to dog the person out. This had to happen this way or the scandal would have gotten bigger.
None of this surprises me. My experiences have been horrible with DISD. I spoke out many times. I filed a lawsuit and got good results. After that, I was a target for administrators. I used the Open Records act to get information when principals wouldn't give me the information. As a result of that, I was RIF'd.
I know that God has it all in his control. I am not worried. However, it was a big shock. I feel it is blatant discrimination because they did not even follow their policy for the RIF. They RIF'd whoeve rthey wanted to.
Open Records Act
What is the Open Records Act? I tried to see my personal file at my school and was told that there was not one. I was riffed and given my personnel file from Human Dev. and there was one sheet of paper from the current principal who gave me the lowest evaluation that I have ever had. It was a paper with the 8 domains and the score for each. I wonder what the principal has put in the file at the school?
Since they gave us our entire personnel file, I am assuming anything else sent to H. Dev. would be discarded.? What can be done about 1 principal who has it in for you and tries to ruin your career?
I have always been quiet, allowed myselfto be walked on, etc. until a few years ago when I found my "wings". As many have said, in DISD standing up for yourself will get you riffed, blackballed, etc.
I agree that God is in control. This is what I had to keep telling myself. I do believe that what goes around, comes around. Also, I agree that they riffed whoever they chose.
I know that Jan. 15 will come quickly and I am concerned about finding another job. Good for you that you got good results with your lawsuit. I agree that it definitely made you a target.
retailiation
If you have been retaliated against, you are covered as a whistleblower and are able to file complaints with the EEOC and the Office of Civil Rights. Please call an attorney. If you are a union member, they will provide you with legal counsel free of charge. I urge you to stand up for yourself AGAIN. Let them move you, shuffle you or displace you, but don't just go away silently. Hinojosa and all his buddies' days are numbered. You just have to hang on and fight for a better day.
thanks
Thanks for your support.
The main problem is that principals are not being monitored. Just like their P-cards were not supervised, neither are their actions towards their teachers. They manipulate, intimidate, coerce, isolate and humiliate teachers without anything being done.
Last year, 18 teachers left from the school that I worked. We complained to Alliance, Board Members, Office of Professional Responsibility, even wrote the news. Nothing was done about the harassment of many teachers, for no apparent reason.
Others including me were given horrible references when principals called. So therefore, we were trapped.
We reported that she told principals bad things so that we would not get hired. We had no real proof, other than an occasional principal would mention it but not on the record. The district asked, "Do you have proof that she did this?" We had none.
I saw it coming and I tried to protect myself, by leaving. Hopefully, it will come out well.
Principals and Proof
The 'proof' you had was the fact that you could not secure a job. The principal 'slandered' you If her statements served as a reason for being denied the job, then take her to court, along with the DISD. I've heard comments about principals thru the years and have come to the conclusion that the principal is key to everyones well being. I was once in a school with a principal who would not acknowledge you passing in a vacant hall. She managed by terrorism - you were always on edge, never knowing whether or not she would jump your ass. No 'adult' people skills or management skills. Someone I would not want to work with if I had a choice. She was a replacement. I would love to see a site with a system for rating principals and get some idea of who I would or would not want to end up with.
they wanted hard evidence
When I reported that she was slandering my name, they wanted some hard evidence. Now I know I must gather it, if and when I think it is happening again. I have plans to protect myself this time!
ask the interviewer what the reason for your not hired
If the reason is because the reference was not good, then they can put that in writing.
Parents have it even worse, because the "team" of liars will create a real mess of evil and tell the CPS or use it to not service the kid and get away with it. Then the district will fight it with appeals and legal action that costs a fortune and if you are a parent you need to hire a lawyer. Your Union has that for you I hope.
Anyway, file a complaint with the correct method and you will see an investigation. We all need to have a paper trail to CYA and fight the evil liars, that is the way to survive with them.
job search
Dallas Teachers affected by RIF
www.teacherinfo.net
search for jobs
"Hinjosa Must Go" signs available
Call Carlos Quintanilla at 214.524.1011
Administrator Layoffs
I work at a High School that has just been classified AYP 5. Because of the RIF we just lost all of our Male administrators. I am not saying this to be sexist, but to say how could anybody that is "in charge" allow this to happen? The discipline was crazy before. Now class sizes are going to almost double along with no-one to stand in to help the teachers out. It was going to be doubtful weather we were going to bring our AYP status up, now we are going to just be happy if the walls are still standing at the end of the year.
My Prayer
For strength and courage upon those how have to make hard decisions.
For grace and humility of those who know not how great the wake of their actions and impenitence.
To be conquerors, rise above, follow a different path, that these stepping stones are solid and lead to greater things.
Encouragement for any who feel sorrow.
Keep peace and strong hearts for all who feel anger and displacement.
Forgiveness
In Jesus Name, I pray for all
New Administrator
I am also an administrator. Not a new one, but new to the district. I always said I would never come to DISD because of the mismanagement issues that always seem to be popping up in this district in the news and education cicles.
However when I did come to DISD, I did so despite the fact that I was offered a position in another district because I wanted to opportunity to work to work with inner city kids. I also believed that my giving my word, and my reputation for keeping my word, meant something. I felt it would be wrong to go back on my word of accepting a job then backing out.
Now I am spend every waking minute, and bad dreams, sweating it that DISD is going to go back on their word with me. I have always been told, especially as an administrator, that there is no loyalty and you always have to look out for number one because no one else will. I never believed that until now.
What the Board and Supt. are forgetting are the two basic principals of leadership which are mission accomplishment and taking care of people. While mission accomplishment always comes first, the two are interdependent on each other and they are forgetting about the people component.
Forget the layoffs for a minute. What is going to be the quality of people applying for next school year? The solid mid career teachers, the backbone of any campus, will not come near DISD.
I love my job, I love my campus, I work with the most dedicated teachers ever to step foot in a classroom, I have solid parent support, my principal is an inspirational leader and mentor, and our campus support staff always put kids first. But if I make it past Wednesday, this will be my first and last year in DISD.
That is IF I make it past Wednesday which I doubt I will.
There are too many recycled (fired) principals running around as assistants making $100,000 a year (thanks to the flawed DISD tenure policy) to keep someone young and motivated like me.
Look Up
Please, I beg all you teachers to look up this week! Look up into the heavens and let your mind think back to when you were first starting your career. How blessed you were to have finished school and landed a job. It was the beginning, fresh and exciting. Now, I know, how well I know, that this is not your youth and this is not fresh feeling. But I just want to put in your mind that this is NOT THE END! I am a parent and so far I know several people personally that HAVE BEEN RIF'D. It's sick! The pain and stress are great and the thought that these fine people won't be there the next time I come makes me sick! But, IT IS NOT THE END! Take heart and a deep breath, look to the heavens and let life take it's course. You will be o.k., there will be something for you next because everyone of you has what "it took", and what "it takes"! You didn't fail at what YOU DO, Dr. H-Hole failed at what HE WAS SUPPOSED TO DO! My prayers and heart are with all of you.
Not yet ....
How long have you been with the District?
Apparently too many as far as the powers that be are concerned.
Have you been a teacher at another District?
Only as a student teacher.
What grade levels have you taught, in what part of Dallas, and what subjects?
Several subjects in grades 9-12 while teaching in Oak Cliff - principally, math and tech apps.
Do you have a family?
Yes.
How does this affect them?
I am the sole breadwinner in a family with escalating medical bills.
What do you view as your greatest accomplishment during your time with the District?
Locally - survival. State and nationally, I have been able to present and work collaboratively with my colleagues on multiple projects.
What is the most memorable experience you've had since being with the District?
Students who have come back to thank me over the years; shootings; being asked to cover classes during the last district layoffs in '91 (why is it that other districts do not seem to suffer this phenomenum).
What will you miss the most about contributing to the District?
I would miss the students.
If you could offer one piece of constructive advice to the Superintendent and the Board, what would it be?
Stop using math and science to protect jobs. The last thing our students need is an unqualified teacher who has been placed in math to protect his coaching career. This would not / does not occur in "white" (urban or suburban) schools.
What's next for you?
I haven't been laid off .... yet.
If you have another teaching opportunity in the District, would you take it?
Not if I had another job.
*DISD Teacher* All I have to
*DISD Teacher*
All I have to say is, go ahead and let me go! I've been told I have another job if they let me go. If my services are expendable due to a crooked accounting system, then I'm better off being let go.
I want to get cut...
I'm a teacher...a good teacher.
I want to leave this district. If they are offering three months salary to those that get RIF'd, then I want in. I'm confident I could get a new job that would satisfy me. I got into teaching recently to make a difference. However, it's almost impossible for me to enjoy it because I cannot stand working for such a ridiculous organization.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT THIS THURSDAY !
Teachers lets all wear our red and stand up and stand out at 3700 Ross on Thursday. It's time we put our money where our mouth is. No more mouthing off but not doing anything practical. I know it will be hard to find parking, we'll be tired and happy to be off the next day, but let's show support for our colleagues, particularly those who may lose their jobs. Don't forget to wear RED !
Payroll Director Gone
I received an e-mail from Carolyn Gardner (Payroll director) stating that as of today, "due to transitions, she will no longer be working in the Payroll department"...OUCH!!!
160 Non-Contracted People Gone
DISD cut 160 non-contracted people yesterday. They are dragging their feet yet again and waiting until Thursday to cut the rest...Anyone know what the process is to run for the school board? I think I might give it a shot. I don't know much about it, but I can't screw it up much more than it already is. Bet I don't mess away $84 million and have no idea how it happened.
160 Positions
Dear Englightn, DISD cut only 63 people yesterday on Ross Avenue. That is part of the smoke and mirrors game they play. They eliminated 160 POSITIONS, about 100 of which were unfilled. Cutting unfilled positions saves no money, but that is part of the game they play with the public. You can bet, though, that they will actually cut 675 teachers----real people, not unfilled positions. Last year when Dr. H announced cuts in central staff, it was probably, once again, positions rather than real people.
They just move central staff people to other positions in DISD, like pieces on a checkerboard, then announce they've cut a position. All they do is move their buddies around to different positions that are budgeted. This type of fallacious reporting has been going on for years. The public should automatically disbelieve anything that comes out of the Central Office. They rarely cut administrative people; they just cut the people who are educating the students, holding on to their cush jobs, while the classrooms will be packed with students due to all these cuts in REAL PEOPLE.
last RIF in 1991
Don't know if this is true or not but someone told me that during the last RIF, teachers who were close to retirement were offered 5 credit years to retire early. Could offering this again be a solution?
Not True
The last RIF was pure bedlam. The district stuck its head in the sand concerning the fact that Robin Hood was a done deal, and then decided to RIF teachers a week into the beginning of school.
Students marched, on foot from afar, to 3700 Ross Avenue. Back then, many students truly idolized their teachers, and students showed it by mostly peaceful demonstrations.
The board backed down, somewhat, but the damage was done for years. The newest teachers were RIFed, and then senior teachers bumped into vacant positions.
To correctly follow board policy, senior teachers who are certified and not on professional growth plans and are released from their campuses should be able to "bump" those with less experience.
If the board refuses to follow policy, they are in trouble. If they follow policy, it causes mass confusion for years. Crummy teachers with seniority will be left in new schools that didn't want them.
The easy solution to this Hinojosa-made fiscal crisis is to unload Ross Avenue. The org chart is filled with people left over from the 70's and those who are friends of those who do nothing. Family trees run throughout the org chart.
No one is praising these folks, and no one will miss them. Most have enough years with the Teacher Retirement System added to ridiculous salaries that they could go home with a good retirement. Instead, they are hanging around to play court jester.
Pcard offenders are still holding high paying positions on Ross Avenue. RIFF all of them!
Board members have already been polled regarding the people they want protected. See PeytonWolcott.com for her version of wiping Ross Avenue clean.
Region X is available for staff development. Alternative Certification programs are available in all sectors of the city. No one needs million dollar departments headed by mediocrity. Start with Leslie Williams' squad of Know-Nothings, move over to Emergency Response (what do these people DO all day?)
Kim Olson's people are scrambling for projects that make it appear they accomplish anything.
Email state representatives, school board members, and TEA and ask the one question Hinojoksa refuses to answer: why are you protecting a bunch of useless bureaucrats downtown while you stir up chaos and anxiety on local campuses? Is he afraid he won't be king without a kingdom on Ross Avenue?
The entire "CEO model" for a superintendent is the basis of this whole problem. Hinojoksa is NOT a CEO; he is a public servant who should be accountable to the taxpayers. Instead, he acts as if Jack Lowe is his totem against the public. Edwin Flores, Ph.Ded and still clueless about the real world, will be remembered by the moms and dads in his neighborhood schools after his performance last night.
Thanks goodness for Lew Blackburn and Carla Ranger.
Ellis may stop her infatuation with Hinojoksa when she finally figures out she is being played like a violin. No,she doesn't get the information she asks for, because Hinojoksa doesn't want anyone knowing the scam he is running. Long after Hinojoksa has left town, Ellis will be left to the wrath of her neighborhood. People will remember her only in terms of thinking they thought they were getting a better deal than the previous board members. Didn't turn out that way, since Hinojoksa seems to turn her head. Ellis needs to stop the seventh grade crush on "Michael," and tend to the needs of students. By the way, the "Michael" crap needs to stop. How sophomoric! Are people supposed to feel special by his allowing them to call him by his first name? Taxpayers need results, not fake intimacy with a man who may think his personal charm is worth two cents. The appeal is GONE!
Of course, Ellis is heavily invested in the fact that she went through policy and changed everything to "superintendent of schools" instead of whatever. Is that her legacy? How pathetic!!
Anyone had enough of the Broad corporate philosophy? How about the sham "learning communities?"
By the way, where are all of those Dallas Achieves members when you need them? Do they have a best practices playbook for firing a fraud?
Olson strikes again
check this out from the dmn blog last night...courtesy of Tawnell Hobbs
The DISD school board hasn't yet approved layoffs to deal with the district's budget shortfall, but department heads have already been armed with a script to relay to those who will receive pink slips.
The script is short -- and gets directly to the point. Oh yeah, those not wanting to sign the official notification will be "placed on leave without pay, effective immediately."
Go to the jump to check out the script and the "rights and benefits" that folks are entitled to if separated.
SCRIPT/GUIDELINES FOR
NOTIFICATION TO EMPLOYEES
REDUCTION IN FORCE
I. Introduction (background reasons for the district's reduction in work force)
The purpose of our meeting is to discuss the effect of the District's Reduction in Central Staff work force regarding your employment.
II. Notification
I am communicating with you and the other employees who report to me.
Your position has been eliminated due to a district budget deficit.
This notification is official. I am presenting you with written notification for your review and signature. However, if you choose not to sign, you will be placed on leave without pay, effective immediately.
III. Rights and Benefits when Separated
Automatic Rights and Benefits: Involuntary (termination) or Voluntary Separation (signed release)
• COBRA: notified through Benefits Department
• Unemployment Compensation: required application directly to the Texas Workforce Commission
• Employee Assistance Program: emotional and psychological counseling available
• Orientation: information provided about unemployment compensation, insurance, substitute work, and other rights; Human Development will schedule sessions.
• Apply for appropriate positions for which vacancies exist
• Debt reduction workshops
• Interview workshops
• Job placement workshops
• Resume writing workshops
Revised September 25, 2008, 10:00 a.m.
??
If I get RIF'd, the absolute LAST thing I would want to do is to attend more idiotic DISD workshops! They're a beating to go to normally; I can't imagine what they're like when it's related to me being fired!
Great post Jackie, everyone should read this particular post!
I cannot agree more than this, we really have a mess on our hands and the MONEY IS GONE! Go Figure!
Not true
Well said Jackie, well said.
RIF
I wish that Hinojosa would be forced to meet personally every person he is talking about letting go. Maybe then he would try harder to find a different way to save the money.
This week our principal told us about the results of her meeting with the budget people. During this meeting this very tough lady broke down when she told us that the technology position would be cut. She has worked so hard to bring our school into the 21st century giving the kids the skills they will need for successful living.
After the meeting I spoke to our clerk who was very worried about her job. She is worried because her husband also works for the district. The next morning, she was given the news: our school doesn't have enough population to keep her. She came to me and let me know and all I could do was give her a big hug. I'm the technology teacher.
Getting RIF'd
This comment has been moved here.
Three guesses
Are they educated, are they not?
Are they educated?
"some teachers suck. no
"some teachers suck. no teachers sucks even more."
RIF--Budget Shortfall
Some principals have begun to tell. I personally know one teacher who is being cut. She is an excellent teacher of master teacher level. She has done presentations to other teachers on various teaching strategies. She has high CEI's and sponsored several after school activities at a previous school. She changed schools because she wanted to impact more students and gain experience working in various settings. She is being cut primarily because this is her first year in an all hispanic school. She does not speak Spanish. This is not her first year in the District--she has been in the district 7 years. For her, this has become a race issue. Right now, I cannot see anything positive in this!
annj
Budget Shortfall
seems to have the teachers with most seniority worried the most, so be that as it may, teachers today try to do their best, but in my mind, this is not any way to motivate staff to feel good about their future in DISD. This seems so backwards to me, but we are dealing with oversight to the budget and mistakes made again, so teachers and students pay the price.
I would like to see nine people walk off the stage tonight in resignation with one remaining board member left on the stage. Why keep a "sinking ship" with the same captain?
Just Waiting
What happens if this grand scheme doesn't work like they want it to? How do we as teachers know for sure that this isn't the last round of RIF's?
Not RIF'd, just miffed
Allen- We don't know who they are cutting yet.
Not RIF'd Yet
I'm aware of that. I wanted to get the word out that this page was around before the cuts started.
The RIF is coming tomorrow at my school
Our principal told us today that we will have special visitors on campus (Sunset High School) tomorrow---Dr. Robin Ryan and Dr. Donna Michaeux. He also told us they would be visiting a LOT of classrooms. I wonder to what do we owe their presence? I am positive it has something to do with the upcoming RIF's. Coincidence? I think not.