Testimony by FCFT President Steve Greenburg: October 20, 2011

October 26, 2011 by Steve Greenburg

[During the October 20 School Board Meeting, FCFT President and Fairfax Education Coalition Member Steve Greenburg delivered the following statement. G. Brandon, Web Editor]

Madame Chair and Esteemed Board Members,

I am Steve Greenburg, President of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, representing over 4,000 education professionals in Fairfax County, many of whom live and vote here.

I have come before you this evening to address items 5.02 5.03 5.05

Both FEA and FCFT had requested (since February) that this Board set up times to meet regularly with us to discuss issues of importance. Although I am impressed that Dr. Dale is now inviting the Chair to attend our meetings with him and administration, that has little to do with our request to establish meetings between the employee heads and the School Board separately. Since that issue hasn’t been addressed to our satisfaction, I thought I’d use this forum tonight to share with you, instead.

As our employer, we thought that you might want to speak with us directly; We will try this again with the new School Board in January.

One way or another, our members voices will be heard.

5.05 School Board Student Leadership Development Program

First of all, the revision of the School Board Student Leadership Development Program is moving us in a positive direction. The input from our students is critical in developing an instructional program and school climate that truly meets their needs.

It was obvious at the Fairfax Education Summit this past Saturday that the student perspective was important. Mr. Coleman once again rose to the occasion and spoke of the importance of using technology as a motivating tool to supplement instruction. I found the testimony of both Ms. St. John Cunning (parent on the panel) and Dr. Osgood (the teacher on the panel) powerful, as they reminded us that we are teaching little people, who have social, emotional, and cultural needs that cannot be met by machines, only by other human beings.

In fact, I think we should always remember to keep our people (the students, parents, and workforce) the priority.

FCPS is all about people, not ‘things’.

“Let’s keep the main people, the main people” … that should be our new slogan.

5.02 / 5.03 Separation Reports

The Separation Reports reports only designate how many employees are leaving FCPS, not ‘why’ they may be leaving.

Over the past ten years the working environment in FCPS has deteriorated, and teachers have felt they have little input on decisions at their schools (See the FCFT Environmental Survey from last year.).

Many teachers in this system are afraid to speak out for fear of retribution. Whether their fears are founded in reality or simply perceived, the fact that they feel that way is not healthy.

I want you to know that the promotion of Dr. Phyllis Pajardo to head of Human Resources is a good first step in eliminating this culture of intimidation that had been established by her predecessor. We have already seen a change in how HR deals with employee issues. The attitude of ‘keep quiet and do your job, unless you want to be replaced’ must end.

Dr. Pajardo’s sense of empathy and her wealth of experience at all levels within the system affords her a unique perspective. She has been fair and consistent so far, and her approach is much appreciated. Thank you, Dr. Pajardo.

When it comes to the issue of bullying (at any level), FCFT will work with FCPS to eliminate any employees who operate in this manner or disrespect their colleagues by treating them as anything other than an equal.

“Let’s keep the main people, the main people”

Every student, parent and teacher matters. Every day.

Thank you for your time this evening, and service to our community.