More Transformation Lies
Submitted by mypublic1 on Fri, 10/03/2008 - 23:12.
In Aug. of 2007 I was called in and informed that I was being offered a position in the transformation (reorganization). I had to accept the job on the spot (sound familiar?), or I would be put back in the pool with no guarantee that I would be offered another position. If that wasn't bad enough, they could not quote me a salary. So I had to accept a position on the spot without knowing my salary, or risk having no job at all. Having a family to support, I accepted the offer. A few days later a group of us met with the head of the Transformation Office, Arnie Viramonte. He told us that the salary schedule was being restructured to ensure that the salaries matched the new positions/responsibilities, and to correct existing salary inequities. If our new positions entailed greater responsibilities, we would receive a raise (and vice-versa). He did not, however explain how or why his wife was informed of the hefty raise that accompanied her promotion while the rest of us had to wait. So how does this story end? Despite greater responsibilities, my raise was a paltry $150.00 for the year. Yet others with less responsibility and less seniority were making more than I (there were many of us in this situation). When we tried to request a salary review, Denise Collier refused to allow us to do so. Just another example of the bullying tactics and lies that have characterized this administration.
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Transformation Lies
mypublic1,
You are in a unique position. You know things about the true DISD central office picture that others do not. My question is, "What will you do with it?" You know better than anyone the evils of Mr. and Mrs. Viramontes, Denise, Donna, Michael and the rest of those folks. What are you willing to do/risk to make it right for children? At the end of the day, you have to stand for something. I encourage you to stand for the children. Stand up and tell it! As loud, long and repeatedly as you must to be a part of the change. A change really is coming...and you can help speed it along. Contact TEA. Contact your mayor, the district attorney and anyone else you can think of. Start forwarding every email and memo you receive to your private email and xerox any other documents that paint an accurate picture of what you have endured. Once you have all of that together, contact an attorney and file a formal grievance against those in charge. If you do not belong to a professional organization, contact an attorney that will take your case on contingency. With the mess that is about to unravel, there should be plenty of those types of attorneys lining up. THAT is what it is going to take. A massive, "heck no!" from employees, taxpayers and parents all at once! Be strong, take courage...do not fear or be dismayed.
Are you willing to take responsibility?
I can understand your feeling as the "delayering" WAS upsetting to many folks, who have to relearn a task to keep a job. The issue is what are you willing to invest in the situation? What risks are you willing to take? Are you willing to out the mess to the TEA? Do you have any information that shows corruption? What is happening with the $5million budget you all have to "manage"? Are the kids getting anything other than switch the program a bit and have the third graders change classrooms, and move the sixth grade is now in middle school? Where are the $$$$$ being spent, other than to the idiots who are bullies and liars and unwilling and unable to service the district? Everyone needs to tell the TEA, even the slightest complaint that is substantial that can illustrate the corruption, malice and viciousness the higher administration perpetrate on the kids and staff who are hard working and willing to serve. The money is being spent or skimmed off or something! There is proof, if you all speak up!
As a tax payer the people who were "delayered" and replaced had plenty of warning to get a different position outside DISD. It was your choice to stay or inability to leave. The kids who live here in Dallas often times have no choice to have a teacher who is not a bully and are willing to offer appropriate education. The staff reductions are only affecting the schools and kids. The fat cats and divas are unscathed! They are still there to bully and intimidate and above all NOT SERVICE THE KIDS!... their main agenda!