Aberdeen Middle School Teacher Ryan Burbey will challenge incumbent Randy Cerveny for the presidency of the Harford County Education Association in an election process set to begin on March 28, when ballots will be sent to HCEA members.
HCEA is the bargaining union representing all Harford County Public School teachers, guidance counselors, psychologists, media specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech and hearing clinicians – about 3,200 employees – approximately 2,070 of which are also HCEA members. Only members are eligible to vote in HCEA elections.
Challenger Ryan Burbey currently serves on the HCEA board of directors, and has advocated for increases in school funding at public hearings and through letters to the local media, including The Dagger. Asked why he was running, Burbey said, “I don’t want to disparage Randy [Cerveny], but I have a different viewpoint of the direction for the union,” which Burbey said “has to be more vocal, more proactive, and visibly show what teachers do besides six and a half hours per day and nine months per year.” Burbey said that he also wanted a voice to counteract that of the local tea party. “We’re not getting our message out. We have to rally support in the public. We have to present an alternate viewpoint and why we deserve what we get.”
Seeking a second three-year term as HCEA president, Randy Cerveny rallied teachers in a successful fight against a 2% salary cut proposed for the current school year and presided over HCEA as the union negotiated a tentative labor agreement for next year that includes a 3% cost of living increase. The tentative labor agreement is subject to funding availability. In an email to The Dagger, Cerveny made the case for his re-election:
“The relationship between Harford County Education Association (HCEA) and HCPS has significantly improved during my term in office, even with the change in school system administration. I believe this is partly due to my strong leadership qualities. By working to build consensus among stakeholders, better working climates have developed in many of our schools. I am seeking re-election because I am the strongest candidate to lead our educational association at this juncture in time. I have consistently demonstrated a thorough understanding of the issues and have articulated HCEA’s position with clarity and reason in all forums. As a dedicated professional, my conviction to our teachers and the communities we serve has never wavered.”
Jackie Beresh, membership director for HCEA, said that election ballots will be sent to HCEA members on Monday, March 28, and must be returned by April 8. Cerveny said that results should be known shortly thereafter for the next presidential term, which he said begins on June 15, 2011. In addition to the office of president, elections are being held for vice-president and for six member-at-large positions on the HCEA board of directors (two positions each at the elementary, middle and high school level), and for delegates to the conventions of both the National Education Association and Maryland State Education Association.
If Mr. Burbey wants to act as a counter to the tea party movement he should consider running for political office. Representing HCEA as president is not the place for his vocal hard left political views. I fear that Mr. Burbey’s overly aggressive style would actually hurt the HCEA by creating an adversarial relationship with county government officials and the school board. I realize that teachers unions are under attack in many parts of the country and a target for local tea party groups but the HCEA need not put a bullseye on their forehead by electing Mr. Burbey as the face of the union. I am sure the local tea party and campaign for liberty group would welcome a Burbey presidency so they could use him to connect HCEA with progressive liberalism – a place the union does not want to be in conservative Harford County.
Ryan Burbrey lives in a liberal/progressive fantasy world and I enjoyed his comment –
“We’re not getting our message out. We have to rally support in the public. We have to present an alternate viewpoint and why we deserve what we get.”
Although he should have said ‘alternate reality’ instead of ‘alternate viewpoint’.
The bullseye is already on our heads. We haven’t had steps in two years. Read Mr. Craig’s comments in Friday’s Aegis. I do not want an adversarial with government officials or the school board but cooperation and compromise means every one sacrifices not just teachers.
@Ryan I am supporting your candidacy since you are exactly the kind of leader for the Teacher’s Union that’s needed. You fit the role perfectly. If only Wisconsin teachers had you.
The Wisconsin teachers were in good hands, as we are with our state affiliate, MSEA, and with NEA. Unfortunately, their governor has a separate agenda which involves silencing the voices of thousands of teachers and preventing them from having any say in their working conditions or benefits.
I am concerned of the direction HCEA will take under Burbey’s leadership. In his passion of issues, HCEA might lose the relationships that are being formed by MSEA, Superintendent, HCEA president and members. We need unity not controversy. These are hard times, we need to move slow and consistent not hastily and sporadic. Good luck to both candidates. The power of democracy will prevail.
First, if you are concerned contact me it is not hard. Second, I can assure you that my relationship with MSEA will be strong.
Why worry about the so called tea party or whatever they call themselves. The are nothing but a small angry group who dislikes government,but takes advantage of everything government has to offer. They are insignificant and have no standing in the grand scheme of things. I think they just like to hear themselves talk or(yell). If the HCEA members elect Mr. Burbey then they approve of his message and his style as head of the association.
Why worry you say? Because the political reality is that the tea party movement has become a real force in politics even if you do not want to believe it is so. HCEA must concern itself as to how they are perceived by the public and the politicians that approve funding for the school system. You must also remember that a large number of Harford Co. teachers do not belong to HCEA, but what that union does (and who the most visible member of that organization is – their president) are extremely important to all teachers. HCEA members will need to give very serious thought to this election as the ramifications will be far reaching.
We need to worry abut the “tea party”. They may be small but are very vocal. Their message stands in direct contrast to a pro education agenda. All those who support public education must stand and be heard.
@RYAN BURBEY The teacher’s union has a “pro education agenda”?
I think they have a protect incompetent teachers and a give us more of everything agenda. In fact teacher’s unions are about everything but education. What teacher’s unions are primarily about is POWER.
If you become union president will that take you out of the classroom?
@HACODEM Those angry people you disparage and try to marginalize…there called Taxpayers.
So where were those people during the Bush Administration ?
@HACODEM It all started with TARP which George Bush signed into law and the first organized protests happened after Obama became President. And I now I say…so what’s your point?
PORTER and HACODEM – You both have solid points. Quit fighting each other. We need your considerable skills for the real fight ahead. Direct your rhetoric at the “bought and paid for” career politicians of both parties that are bankrupting the taxpayers. We should support the right of all citizens to express their views in a civil and respectful manner. It should not matter if we ideologically agree or not. Free speech and assembly are a vital part of the foundation on which this country was built. It is great to be passionate. However, remember that it is hard to listen and communicate when you are angry and shouting most of the time. This true for the “Left” and the “Right”. I have real problems with hateful, cruel, violent and secessionist behavior. However, I do realize that even some of this is constitutionally protected.
I could not agree with you more.
Leadership is about giving a voice to those you represent, who feel they can not speak without fear of retribution. Leadership is about self-sacrifice in favor of the common good. While I have my own political views, they have nothing to do with my candidacy for HCEA president. My candidacy is about doing what is necessary to improve working conditions for teachers, learning conditions for students and education in general in Harford County. My agenda has nothing to do with party affiliation or political identity. It is about cultivating an environment where all stakeholders interests are served by our educational system.
By now, all HCEA member should have received flyers from me. If you have any questions or concerns contact me. I will respond as quickly as possible.
Elect RYAN BURBEY and bring a Wisconsin Revolution to Harford County.
No one wants a Wisconsin revolution in Harford County.
Vote Burbrey HCEA in 2011.
He will be a lightening rod in helping Teacher’s union protect and promote incompetence and the 50 year union controlled education status quo.
Liberal/progressives and teachers should unite in supporting Ryan Burbrey’s mission to extract more money from taxpayers to support the union’s stranglehold on education reform.
Ryan’s slogan could be – “HCEA must perpetuate union control of education and give teacher’s more to do less for another 50 years”.
WWhat a loser……
@ Porter
PORTER – I agree with you about the POWER issue. Most special interest groups with their army of lobbyists can be tossed in that dumpster. Although I think Ryan and I may be far apart ideologically, I do agree with his point that supporting quality instruction at the point of instruction is important. In public education, too much taxpayer money is wasted on management and bureaucracy. The students and the hardworking teachers see very little. I agree that poor teachers need to be convinced to consider another line of work and the sooner the better. Of course, I could say that about hundreds if not thousands of public and private sector workers and owners that I have had the displeasure to encounter in my life.
Really, it is not about ideology. It is about schools, kids, teachers, communities and education. Teachers unions don’t prevent poor teachers from being fired. There is a process. Teachers unions defend teachers’ rights to due process. We also do much work for kids and community. If I am elected you and the rest of the public will see what we do locally. Check out NEA for national contributions and MSEA for state level community outreach.
@RYAN BURBEY if what you claim is true about HCEA/MSEA/NEA then all would be good. Teacher’s unions have possessed their immense power for the past 50 years and they have destroyed our education system and hurt millions of people.
Your political bent is clearly visible in your prior postings here and in the Aegis – raise taxes. There are other avenues to address issues facing our school system.
@DA But Ryan Burbrey is doing it “for the children”. It’s because Ryan and the teacher’s union are about “the children”.
Ryan and his ilk use “the children” as human shields and pawns to get what they want. They scare parents into giving in to their demands so that their children will not suffer. There is no union better at using fear to get what they want than the NEA.
I think you have misread the posts. I was advocating for increased school funding. I pursue this via multiple avenues. The fact remains that schools are under-funded. That is not politics. That is just an unfortunate reality. Also, you probably noticed I was advocating for a return to 2005 levels, which amounted to around $10 per month for most households. Is that really a tax hike? If you had thoroughly read the posts, you would also notice that I agreed that government entities should be more efficient and cut waste. Does that mean I am now part of the tea party? I have said it over and over, it is not about politics or ideology it is about better schools. I will continue to fight for better schools. I will use any venue I can find to advocate for our students and our teachers. It is just that important.
I do not doubt your sincerity in what you want to accomplish. It is your method (taxes) that many question. Do your comments about waste in government apply to the Harford Co. school system as well? If so, give us some examples and what you would do to change this.
@DECOYDUDE If teacher’s unions with their immense power over work rules were concerned about the education of students then don’t you think we would have solved many of the problems in education like getting rid of incompetent teachers and creating efficient, effective, innovative learning environments?
We haven’t because teacher’s unions are the problem.
PORTER – You make a few good points, but the serpent has many heads. You seem to be concerned only with a select few. The whole corrupt system is at issue not just the parts that you or I may ideologically disagree with. Although I am very fiscally conservative, I find issue with some of my “friends” on the “Right” these days. Although I am more moderate socially, I disagree with some of my “friends” on the “Left”. It seems in both cases, that their passions for ideology have blinded them to the common sense and pragmatic solutions to important problems of the day. However, at the end of the day’s debate, they still remain my “friends”. The hardworking taxpayers are not our enemy, they are our neighbors. I could care less what he/she does for a living or if they belong to a professional organization. It is the corrupt career politician who needs to get reelected that sells their soul to the AMA, ACLU, ABA, AFT, UAW, USCC, FSB, NCEA,……. While corruption and thirst for power in unions are part of the problem, so is corporate greed on Wall Street, as well as, votes for sale on both sides of the aisle. Power corrupts no matter the source. You and I may just have to agree to disagree on this one or not? Your call.
Porter with all due respect. You think teacher’s unions are the reason all the “issues” with the educational system have not been fixed. I must ask, have you ever worked in a classroom or school for any period of time? I think if you had you might realize there are a whole slew of people which contribute to the mirriad of problems with the education system. The local teachers bargining unit which has little influence over local educational policy is not the problem.
@CDEV It’s myriad not “mirriad”. You’d have excuse for your consistent misspellings if you were simply a poor student or received a crappy education, however since we have spell check you have no excuse.
Sorry, Not going to cut and paste into word since the forum has no spell check.
I will assume this is your attempt to avoid the question!
@Cdev Another tired ploy of yours using a fallacious argument.
Regarding spell check you either need to pay attention to the squiggly red lines under misspelled words or you need to change your internet options settings in your browser.
Alternatively, you should use words you can spell and that you have at least a vague understanding of their meaning.
Spelling is the arguement of the weak……You again avoid the real question. Just like the liberal politicians you harp on who avoid the tough questions…..you do too!
But….If you would like to harp on spelling and Grammar
“It’s myriad not “mirriad”. You’d have excuse for your consistent misspellings if you were simply a poor student or received a crappy education, however since we have spell check you have no excuse.”
You need to omit the apostrephe in the above post as it is not possesive!
@Cdev It’s settled you must have been a poor student.
“It’s” is a contraction for “it is” and “its” is the possessive form of “it” with no apostrophe.
It is also settled that when ever a debate goes off of your Right Wing Talking Points issued by some group that you turn to non-arguements like spelling and avoid the question!!!!!!
@Cdev I think it is fairly obvious that I am quite capable of original thought and articulately capable of communicating my opinions.
You on the other hand not so much.
Then if that is the case; why have you avoided the question I asked you one hour and 45 minutes ago all the while replying to it 4 times?
All you have come up with is arguements for spelling and have no desire to engage in a debate. You are rude and condecending while simply spewing off talking points about Unions are evil….Unions are the Enemy…..Unions are ruining education. You provide no anecdotal or statistical evidence to back it up and when asked a simple question about your experience in working in the public education system and how you are qualified to judge if it is broken and what are the problems you simply do not answer and change the topic to spelling!!!!
This is what I base my opinion that you are not able to participate in an authentic debate!
@Cdev Your question deserves no direct response since its aim is to marginalize anyone who has not been in a classroom as a teacher.
Its aim is to see if you have any experience (not necessarily in the classroom) to help reach “your” conclusion that teachers unions are what is wrong with the american educational system. I will tell you that the national union is PART of the problem. As is the Dept of Education and politicians on both sides of the idealistic spectrum (federal and state) that have inserted unfunded mandates to cover a broad spectrum of things with no regard for the practical consequences of their actions. Laws which have removed accountability on the students and parents part for the child’s and parent’s actions. Additionally people who aim to strip local school systems of funds they need to do their job simply to save a very small amount of money on a tax bill. People who try to use schools as an instrument of social and political agenda’s by inserting religion into science classes.
These are all parts of the problem too but you only seem to be harping on the local bargining unit for teachers. Why might you not be aware of these issues? You are not because you have never spent a significant amount of time in a school in any role other then as a student. This is why I ask the question because I do not believe you realize it. You simply take the talking points given to you by El Rushbo and go off like a sheep! SO while I may not have the best spelling and grammar on a message board; I would prefer that to not being able to think for myself and being close minded any day of the week and twice on Sunday!
I agree that pragmatism is the only rational solution. In the haste to “solve” all the problems and cut all the “waste”, we all must be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water. We must also be careful not to demonize those that serve our society, whether it is teachers, bus drivers, county workers, policemen, firemen or bankers. Often when making sweeping generalizations or judgements, the dedicated and innocent suffer most of the collateral damage. Teachers and other public servants are your neighbors. We need to find real cooperative solutions to the challenges we face, through civil discourse.
@RYAN BURBEY So essentially you are saying we must get more money from taxpayers, which makes you a union hack wannabe.
PORTER – Your last couple posts are overpowering the good points which you had made. Harsh attacks on others who evidently disagree with you ideologically make you sound less reasonable, while they sound much more reasonable. If you are trying to help the cause of fiscal conservatism (which I appreciate), you might want to reconsider your strategy.
I am not against responsible allocation of resources. The problem is that contrary to public opinion, teachers tend to get ground between the wheels of competing government agencies. When you cut education at least the first, and second victims are teachers. Increased work load, decreased benefits, decreased salary, infringement on personal rights, deception and broken promises are the recent developments for your teachers. Oh, you also must throw on top some vitriol and demonization by members of the conservative community.
@RYAN BURBEY And you will forever be a union apologist.
The NEA is the single greatest obstacle to education reform.
Here’s what those obstructionist demons at NEA are doing in New Orleans.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/NEA-Outreach-To-Teach/111794358860290
@Ryan Burbrey Wow! So, this is penance and absolution for the past 50 years of NEA Union education reform obstruction.
@DECOYDUDE While you may not care for the style of my posts I will point out that they are absent any personal animus toward Ryan Burbrey. Pointing out Mr. Burbrey’s hypocrisy is fair game.
Let’s take a look at the work of unions. People are strolling in front of Kliens in Bel Air, they don’t work at the store, just being paid by a union to walk up and down. Ask the folks at General Motors on Broening Highway, Oh wait they are gone. Well ask the folks at Beth Steel, no wait they are gone. The unions go out to fight management and obtain part of ther profits. In Government there are no profits, and we the people are management, so the teachers union wants to fight its own members? Unions are outdated groups, trying to hold power and union bosses fat salaries, self-serving, not about the children.
The difference is that in all the prvious examples you named those are private unions and have far more options and leverage on the company. HCEA can not call for a work stoppage. They can do little if they do not like the best offer of the Local BOE. In the negotiation process they simply present the deisres of the teachers and the BOE can and does say NO this is what we will do instead. If they don’t agree for a period of time they can go to impasse IF the state superintendent agrees and it is signed of on by the state BOE. Then they can go to arbitration which until recently was non-binding so at the end of the day the Local BOE simply got what they wanted.
@QUALIFIED Great points, teacher’s unions are about their power and our money with the teachers, parents and children as pawns.
There will never be education reform with an unrestrained teacher’s union monopoly to block it at every step.
There has been plenty of “reform” with a teachers union.
Race to the top
NCLB
Charter Schools
Common Core Curriculum
Outcome BAsed Education
Integration of Schools
Title IX
Busing
IDEA
Just to name a few!
NEA has been around since 1857 and you are just now blaming it for the ills of education?
@Cdev While the NEA has been around as an organization for over 150 years it has been the last 50 years that their power became overwhelming and corrupt.
Funny all the reforms I named occured after 1961!
Funny how the quality of public education has plummeted since 1961.
I never said they where all good ideas. Simply that they where reforms and as Porter bemoans unions as keeping ANY reform from happening they occured despite the existence of the evil union. What specifically has plumeted since 1961 and in what way. Comparatively we are not doing as well as other countries. What reforms do you blame? Or is it all the evil union?
CDEV like it or not is on target on this one, and most of you are playing the part of the Amish horse (blinders and tunnel vision). Unions have their power and corruption issues, but unions are not the problem with public education. The entire public education system itself is the problem. It is obsolete, top heavy, unrealistic and very mismanaged. The system is still set up to support an agriculture based economy where kids are needed to work on the family farm during the planting season. This is not the 1800’s or 1900’s! Most students who graduate are not really prepared for anything when they leave. Teachers are not valued and perhaps never were by some. Then, the Feds got involved (Bush, Obama and all the career politicians and lobbyists), and you are living how that is working out. I went to both public and private school. Both had quite a few similar issues although my private school had more latitude with discipline issues (they kicked you out). Also, you needed decent grades and money for tuition to go there. Therefore, the private school model does not work as a good comparison. The solution is to rebuild the public education system from the ground up, not try to fix it. Yes, my conservative “friends”, we are talking about an expensive process. However, there is a difference between foolish spending and wise investing – the first costs you money while the second makes you money. This country need a long term investment horizon, not the current give me mine and screw the rest of you which seems to be the current political flavor of the day.
@DECOYDUDE Your “solution is to rebuild the public education system from the ground up, not try to fix it” will never happen with the NEA’s iron fisted control of our schools and their considerable lobbying money and political influence.
I agree with much that you say. However, I think we need not scrap the entire system. In fact, many aspects of our system are tremendous and many systems throughout the country are models of success. I would liken the education system to an old house. While it is still serviceable without significant updates it is neither efficient or efficacious. However, true meaningful and successful reform will include the input, as well as, commitments and sacrifice of all stakeholders, including parents, students, political leaders, administration, teachers, unions and tax payers.
I would not vote for Ryan Burbey if he was the last standing HCEA member. He supports administration at his school who has screwed over countless teachers with lies and cruel intentions. When I went to the union for help they were USELESS!!!!!!!!!!!! I quit the UNION because of this and I Have not felt the least bit bad about it. It is more money in my checks every month. By the way, I am speaking for myself as well as a vast majority of the teachers in my school. We feel that we are owed a raise and a step just like every other government employee in this county and state. However, to go public and whine for more money in these tough times is just plain wrong. We cannot allow government employees to be furloughed to get more money in our pockets. GET REAL!!!!!! We are in tough times. We have to do what we need to do to get by. We need to vote out our current government and president and vote in someone who will take care of our country. ALL OF US!!!!!!!!!!
Let me first say that I have helped numerous members with concerns and have never had someone come to me that for which I did nothing. I do not support my administration nor
do I not support them. I work with them. When they violate our contract I tell them. I hold member concerns above all else. If you truly are a teacher at my school, which I doubt. I am sorry for your bad experience. However, I can assure you that you are not speaking for the vast majority of teachers at AMS or any other school. I would suggest that you come to me personally if you have an issue with me. Come to one of the building reps if you have an issue with them or the union. If you truly feel you must take this to a public forum, have the courage to stand by your convictions and use your real name. Like me, hate me or just don’t even care whether I exist, I am honest and have the respect for myself and others not to throw baseless accusations around without putting my name to it and without foundation. Good luck to you in your profession and your pursuits. If you have something to say and you truly are on of the faculty at my school then you know where to find me.
@RYAN BURBEY Why should HCPS TEACHER have to reveal their identity? So they can suffer HCEA retribution.
They are no longer a member. What exactly would we do? Randy is not Jimmy Hoffa. I don’t really believe they are a teacher. I think everyone should post their real name. Why hide in the shadows? How about you. Why don’t you post your full/real name?
Porter has no need to post his real name because he isn’t using this for political gain.
Please, don’t speak for me.
@HCPS TEACHER Well said! People can be for teachers, education and against the HCEA/NEA union hacks.
I have reread the article several times and appreciate a chance to reflect on each of the candidates. I have seen Mr. Burbey in action, speaking at school board and county council meetings. His ramblings of unorganized thoughts do not represent the teachers of our county well. I have witnessed the calm and level-headed Mr. Cerveny at numerous meetings and appreciate his voice for the teachers, students and employees of our county. I will vote for Mr. Cerveny. He is the type of leader we need at this point in time, one who listens and understands and is UNDERSTOOD by those with whom we must work. I am anxious to move on from this election and continue with the leadership we have. I hope those who have only read the recent writings of Mr. Burbey realize that this is nor representative of how he has communicated in public forums during the last few years.
I respect your opinion. After 40 yrs. working in a classroom, you certainly are entitled. I obviously disagree with your assessment. The kind of leader we need is one who speaks at county council meetings, which Randy often does not. The kind of leader we need is one who defends teachers against assaults made in the public. The kind of leader we need is one who researches facts and bases his arguments upon these. The kind of leader we need is one who creates a climate of activism and involvement.
While many may have a great deal of affection and nostalgia for Randy, when judged by any measure, the last three years have been horrible for teachers. Cooperation and understanding are a two way street. When one party (teachers) is continuously walked upon and treated with disrespect, it is not cooperation. It is exploitation. We have not gotten salary steps. We suffered a giant cuts in health care benefits. Our workload has increased. We had our constitutional rights infringed upon during the last presidential election. Our profession has been incessantly bashed. As evidenced by the posts on this site, many do not know what we as an organization do. I am sorry that I do not have your vote but I would like to hear your concerns. Please contact me.
Also, I would like to present the public with the opportunity to evaluate my public peaking for themselves. I have not found any video of the county council but the majority of the BoE meetings are available at http://www.hcps.org/departments/publicinformation/default.aspx?tab=3#press
I respect your opinion. After 40 yrs. in the classroom you certainly are entitled. I am sorry that I do not have your vote but I would like to hear your concerns. However, I obviously disagree with your assessment. We need a leader who actually speaks up for teachers at school board meetings and county council meetings, which Randy frequently does not. We need a leader who defends our members and profession against public attacks. We need a leader who actively recruits new members and engages in grassroots activism. We need a leader who researches and supports his arguments with facts. We need a leader who Protects the rights of teachers and students.
By any estimation the past three years have been a horror story for teachers. We have had our constitutional rights infringed upon. we have had our contractual rights infringed upon. We have been publicly flogged by the tea party. We have had our pay cut by a suspension of salary steps. We have had our health care cut, which resulted in huge losses by many members; some of who were already pregnant and in no way prepared for additional financial burdens. As evidenced by posts on this site, many people in the community do not even know what we as an organization do. Randy has given no hint of changing his highly unsuccessful strategy. If he is re-elected we can expect more of the same.
I would encourage anyone who has questions about my public speaking to view the board meetings at the following site.
http://www.hcps.org/departments/publicinformation/default.aspx?tab=3#press
I did not speak at all of them but you can review the comments made by both myself and Randy there. County Council meetings are not on video archive to my knowledge. However, the last two meetings I attended, Randy sat silent, while I advocated for our salaries and for increased funding for education. I don’t think a true leader sits silent whiles his membership and profession are demonized.
The reality is that there is little if anything that Randy could have done over the past three years to change what happened, but if he had taken to your style and approach to these same issues there is much more damage that could have occurred. In the current political and economic climate now is not the time to antagonize those that have the power and authority to decide what happens in the school system. There are those in elected positions that support the plight of Harford Co. teachers but you cannot bind their hands by putting them on the defensive with overly aggressive rhetoric. The “bull in the china shop” comment made in another post is worth noting.
I highly disagree. Last year HCPS publicized over a 7 million dollar surplus. Yet, there is not money for salary steps even though they are contractually guaranteed as long as money is available. It is our president’s responsibility to publicize this. This year HCPS gave back 2.9 million dollars. Yet, there is not money for salary steps. It is our presidents responsibility to publicize this.
On Mar. 9th of last year HCPS told Randy at a healthcare benefits meeting that they intended to cut our healthcare. That is also available on the HCPS collective bargaining site. It is the president’s responsibility to immediately inform the membership of this. Each year that the county proposed cutting real estate taxes, our membership should have been informed that this could potentially affect their salary and benefits. Likewise, David Craig has repeatedly stated that he is not gong to give HCPS the money requested, our membership should be informed of this.
Not everyone is going to support either Randy or I. I hope whoever wins will carefully consider the discussion which has been sparked as a result of our campaign. I know that I will. I have already begun revisiting my comments to the BoE. In the end, our membership will decide what direction they want to go. They will decide if they want to continue to lose ground or they want to move forward.
Anyone interested in education in Harford Co. would have to be living in a box not to know the things you point out. The 2.9 million returned to the county was going back either way – give it back from this years budget or have it cut from next years budget by the County Executive. Absolutely nothing the current HCEA president (or you if you were president) could have done about it. The 7 million you reference is being used to supplement next years operating budget. Without that money being available there would be very hard times in the school system next year. You should be thankful the school system has it to help fill the gap.
Sorry folks I think I double posted. I thought it was my computer but it appears there is currently a lag.
Until my longer post clears or arises from the internet wormhole. Most of the meetings of the Board of Education are available on the hcps web site under Board of Education>meetings>video archive. Judge for yourself.
Ryan,
You think very highly of yourself and don’t realize how many people roll their eyes when you get up to speak. You do not demonstrate any ability to be an public speaker who can make a clear and concise point. I’ve watched you in action and I find this whole campaign to be a joke. Perhaps the difference between you and Randy is that he knows that often working behind the scenes in a respectful and determined way makes the difference. You are a bull in a china shop. I can’t imagine what your leadership would do to HCEA but I am sure it would not be a positive one. The teachers in my school were shocked and saddened by your personal attack on Randy. Wake up!
I do not think very highly of myself . I speak honestly and from the heart. I have not engaged in personal attacks. I have discussed basic differences. What my leadership would do is recruit, support and inform teachers. I will be in the buildings and will listen to members concerns. Working behind the scenes is important but compromising the best interests of teachers and kids is wrong.
Ryan,
If you are going to blame all of the problems on Randy, why don’t you give him any credit? All I hear from you is I will do this and Randy won’t. Get real.
Aware
I do not blame Randy for all the problems. As a matter of fact I respect Randy’s commitment to teaching and to our union. We just have a difference of opinion about what direction our organization should follow. I believe our president should should recruit actively and fight for the rights of our teachers both publicly and privately. I do not think we should ever allow teachers to be demeaned. I also believe we should be advocating for our students as the fates of both teachers and students are intertwined.
I am sorry if I am not giving Randy any credit. Randy did a great job getting our “new teacher store” started. However, our working climates have not improved and our wages remain frozen despite “surpluses”. Similarly, HCPS continues to recruit using a salary scale which it is not honoring for its veteran teachers. Last year’s health benefit cut is just the most extreme and most publicized. HCPS has repeatedly cut our benefits through provider changes and “reorganization” throughout Randy’s term.
Right now, Randy and I are rivals. Each of us must communicate their perspective. I have not, nor will I engage in personal insults and attacks. However, I will continue to highlight differences in perspective and action between he and I. I hold no animus towards him. I only hope to build a stronger more effective union for the benefits of both teachers and students in Harford County. Hopefully, when the election is over, we will be able to work together to improve education in this county for everyone.
Ryan,
How many teachers have been laid off or furloughed under Randy’s leadership? Zero
How many more FAC’s are actually meeting and functioning since Randy took over?
You can ask teachers and administrators about the many supportive visits Randy has made to their school to assist in solving issues.
As I see it, you are way too far to the left for HCEA membership and your election will result in lower membership not increased membership. Anybody who has knowledge of internal workings of HCEA knows that membership has dropped under liberal or left thinking presidents while membership stabilizes and growths under moderate or pragmatic thinking presidents. NEA and MSEA do not reflect the values of most Harford County teachers.
This election is not about my political stance. I am a liberal but I believe in consensus and compromise. I have many friends of all ideologies. I think one of the biggest problems in our society is that we as a society can not see past personal interest and ideology to reach productive compromise. I wish we had more conservative members. I have recruited some. I believe that education should not be a partisan issue. My personal morals and beliefs have nothing to do with my advocacy on behalf of teachers and students.
The problem is that you have been unable (or unwilling) to separate your liberal/Democratic Party perspective from your comments before the school board or submitted to other media. You talk about education not being about politics but it is this political perspective that is clearly and consistently demonstrated by you in public forums. Your hard left political philosophy turns off many of those you would have to work WITH if you were HCEA president, which may not be in the best interest of Harford Co. teachers – whether they are members of HCEA or not.
I have seen Randy in my school six times this year. I have received numerous mini-impacts with information of importance to myself and my co-workers. I have seen Randy speak for the teachers and earn the respect of those to whom he speaks.
I have seen you speak as well. You can be confrontational and misinformed. Your monologues are not always on topic and seem to ramble on. Many of my peers say that they have heard you spew negative comments about Randy and the HCEA leadership in general. The strange thing we all feel is that YOU have been a part of that leadership.
Your statements about what Harford County has not gotten does not fall only in the lap of the president. The negotiations team works to get a negotiated agreement. In most cases, the president is not a voting member of that team at all. I know because I have been a part of a negotiations team in another county.
I am part of HCEA leadership, as a member of the Board of Directors. I have worked very hard over the past two years to inform members and fight for our rights. I have freely given my own time to visit schools and volunteered for various committees and projects.
I must emphasize an important point though. I have not nor will I demeaned any member of the HCEA Board of DIrectors. We are team. We make decisions and we stand behind them. I do not engage in personal attacks ever. I stick to commenting on the issues.
When did you hear me speak? I’d like to review the video to understand what I did wrong and improve. What topic was it that I discussed? What was I misinformed about?
Lastly, I have not and will not discuss private workings of our BoD or organization. Randy is not solely responsible but he our leader and he believes we have been successful. Thus, his opinion and history are up for debate. It is very fortunate that you have seen Randy in your school six times. At what school is it that you teach? Unfortunately, many members have not seen him in their school. However, that is his choice. He chooses his tact as I will choose mine. I thank you for your critique and will consider your concerns.
Ryan
Curious? How much recruiting have you done during your two years on the Board? When I was in another county, the Board members were active recruiters and successful in spreading the positive message of our association. How many people have joined because of you? Can you honestly say you spread a positive message about HCEA?
Yes, I honestly can say that I have spread a positive message of HCEA. I have done much recruiting. As my wife and son can attest, I spend many hours doing HCEA work. While I have played a part in recruiting many new members, some of which were teachers for many years before joining, I don’t think anyone has joined solely due to me. Joining any organization should be a thoughtful and well-considered decision. It would not be appropriate for me to take credit for others decisions. I have however, increased recruited committee members and members to do work on behalf of the association by just asking them face to face. I also have attended the Wellstone Academy, which teaches grassroots organizing and have implemented the strategies I learned there in my union work.
If you will indulge me I want to emphasize another important point. I always post with my real name. I take credit for my positions. I do not shrink from criticism and actually try to get feedback both positive and negative. All HCEA members should have the means to contact me. If any HCEA has any concerns or questions they should contact me. I will try as best I can to address them and to incorporate their ideas into my positions and presentation.
You are running for office. Of course you would post your name. Those who do not choose to be anonymous for various reasons and have that option.
In my forty years, I have served on three different Board of Directors in three different counties. I know that it a volunteer position, BUT you ran for it. You may deserve thanks for the hours that you have given but those who assume any role such as association leadership rarely get thanks. It is a position you sought and won.
From your rhetoric, it sounds like Randy is rarely in schools, rarely recruiting, rarely working for the members. The members of my educational sorority were discussing this election this past weekend. We come from twenty different schools. All of us had met Randy personally and had watched him interact with colleagues in our schools. No one there had a negative thing to say about him. From that discussion, it seems the consensus was that your affectation and attitude are not “leadership” quality.
I would love to engage in a more detailed dialogue with you and your sorority in person. Please contact me. You should have my number. I am always open to different perspectives and self-improvement.
I teach at Fountain Green and have personally seen Randy at least six times in the school working to solve problems here. My friend is at Alt Ed and mentioned he has been there numerous times. Randy is in the schools. He leads our RA fairly and competently. He represents us well. He has my vote and the vote of many of my colleagues.
I am glad he has done a good job for you. I disagree. We both are entitled to our opinions and have valid reasons to support them. I wish I had your vote but I respect your right to speak your voice and vote your conscience. I also encourage you to get more involved.
Vote for Ryan……… Vote for better education…………Vote for Intelligence.
Someone pointed me to this article and the postings and asked me for my opinion. We had a great discussion about how lucid Ryan seems here. We have seen him ramble on in front of the school board earlier in the year when Randy had encouraged us to become active. We noticed that Ryan states all of the things HE will do and have seen Randy doing them very well the three years he has been president. We know Randy from his years as vice-president, treasurer and our school rep on the RA. We listened to Ryan when he came to our school and was almost rude when he talked about the current president. Why would anyone vote for him? We all hope at our school that the true Ryan Burbey is known. Vote Randy. Vote for better education. Vote for someone you can trust to calmly and respectfully speak for the teachers of Harford County. I understand that Ryan worked to achieve National Boards and was unsuccessful on his first attempt. Randy is an NBCT. He has met the high standards of teaching and it a proven leader. Vote SMART!
Since there is no E.Connor at any school at which I have spoken. Likwise since when replying to you your name comes up as UK, I would have to assume you are the same person. I have not been rude when talking about Randy. I have stated facts. Perhaps, you would like to tell me what I said. Also, perhaps you could tell me the date of the meeting which I did not appear lucid or anything that I said at that meeting.
I used my maiden name as I am in the process of returning to it. Are you a little paranoid? Ryan, you are totally unaware of how off-putting you are. That is a shame.
Who is UK? The last posting I replied to was UK and I thought I was replying to Ryan. Or, Ryan are you UK! Are you the stranger saying Vote for Ryan because so few in the county are saying it aloud or privately.
I am sorry. My wife and I share a laptop and she was angry about the posts here. I would never intentionally post under an assumed name. I am sorry if I offended you when I spoke at your meeting. I am not paranoid but some of these posts seem a bit odd since many people have complemented when I have spoken at the BoD. Likewise, there has not been a large turn out. Again what did I say that was not lucid or that was rude when I talked about Randy? Please contact me you have my email. I would love to hear your concerns.
I apologize again for the false post.
Time will tell. If I lose the members will have spoken. I would welcome your suggestions for how to improve. Please contact me.
Just out of curiosity, what do you think Randy did such a great job at during the last three years?
Hmmm…I can name a few. Randy has been in the schools and working to get the FAC a respected part of each school. He met with our administration and we finally have a fairly good working relationship regarding FAC input. He lobbies with leaders in the government and the schools. I have noticed that more schools have HCEA representatives than ever before and I have been in this county for many years. Other county association leaders seek out his advice and comments. I have seen that happening at the Spring MSEA RA. Randy has a quiet, confident manner. He is not abrasive and confrontational. I believe that is what we need now. We don’t need the public complaining about teachers complaining when so many of them are struggling. It is his way compared to your way. That is what I’ve observed since you asked.
Again I am glad he is doing a good job for you at BelAir. However, many schools have not seen Randy much at all. Ask around… We do not have more reps than ever. If you would like to discuss the rep situation privately I would be glad. Every building must have a full complement of building reps. In some counties building rep is a hotly contested position. Under Randy’s leadership most of our positions are elected by acclamation. Is that successful leadership? Isn’t it the presidents responsibility to develop new leaders? Shouldn’t all elections present a choice?
FAC is a great vehicle for communication but it has no teeth. Most principals respond but make no changes.
Please name several county association leaders who seek out his advice. Be careful though, I know many of them.
I have not complained for my salary as you can read in the many articles I have written. I have advocated for kids and for new teachers who have not yet seen a salary step. I have also advocated for increased funding for schools and presented cold hard facts about how underfunded we are. By the way, Randy has repeatedly asked all of us to go advocate for our salaries and for increased funding. Surely, you remember that . I agree he is quiet, too quiet.
You are right it is a matter of his quiet way and my outspoken way. I don’t believe we should sit silent while our rights are violated. People know exactly what they are getting with Randy and they can expect to get exact the same results.
I am really not sure how my NCLB status is germane to this discussion. I also am curious as to how you are privy to my private information. I understand you know Randy and I understand your support for him. If this is going to be a popularity contest akin to high school student council president then I surely will lose. I hope that the members will look carefully at what has transpired over the past three years. I hope that they will evaluate honestly who they think will work harder for them and who will be a better advocate. Randy and I are very different.
You are correct about NBC status not being pertinent and it only a rumor being sent around the grapevine. It was improper for me to mention it.
Again, you asked why I felt Randy had been a good president. You have spoken about things he didn’t do and what you will do. It is the way that you will do them that has many of us concerned. We are headed into even rockier waters ahead and the person leading us has to have a steady hand to lead us.
OOps.. my wife posted this afternoon as UK and did not log off. Please disregard the previous posts by UK. I asked her not to read this stuff but she did. She was pissed people were saying mean stuff about me and posted. The post above this was me. I am sorry. I did not mean to falsely represent myself. I would re-issue the question:
Since there is no E.Connor at any school at which I have spoken. As a matter of fact, there does not appear to be any E. Connor who works for hcps except a secretary. I have not been rude when talking about Randy. I have stated facts. Perhaps, you would like to tell me what I said. Also, perhaps you could tell me the date of the meeting which I did not appear lucid or anything that I said at that meeting.
Again I am sorry for the false post.
Again to everyone reading the Dagger please disregard all posts by UK.
Folks, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to respond and communicate. By now, every member of HCEA has a means to contact me. Please if you have concerns, contact me directly. I believe our leaders should be accessible.