Jun-06
12
Quote from the Past
By
“This chart doesn’t tell the entire story. It is not fair to say our teachers make less money than teachers in other communities. We know our salary grid is as good as anyone else’s.”
“Most districts offer the same benefits,” Fett said. “For instance, we’ve worked hard to get the best health package for the least amount of money. Other districts may be paying more money for the same coverage.
“We know our salary grid is competitive. Our teachers are not being shortchanged. Don’t be fooled by averages.”
Arnie Fett, Hudson School District finance director, when asked about the compensation package for Hudson teachers.
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This was the official position of the Hudson School District administration until the teacher’s union let them know the union wouldn’t support a building referendum until they got a large pay increase.
This episode is at the crux of the recent school controversies in Hudson. Not long after Fett made these statements, Priscilla Wyeth ran for school board with the full backing of the union. In her campaign she clearly stated her support for a referendum to increase teacher pay. She got elected, got the union their pay increase, raised the levy enormously the next year, and, well…the rest is history.
Excellent point Keenan. Many people don’t realize that the teacher pay levy override of 2001 is what really increased taxes in Hudson. I think what the teachers and their union boss are going to find out is that there will be no new buildings in Hudson until either the pay levy override is rescinded and/or health insurance is bid out in order to pay for the construction. I would suspect that the art teacher’s husband would be all for that since he is interested in saving the district money.