Cross-posted at Equality Talk.

The power of wiki allows me as a blog writer some new flexibility. Here's a "timeline" of events we've created on the Wiki. It covers literally every event on equality issues you might want to add, although I anticipate it will be more detailed as time goes forward than in the past (a longer term project). The tools allows organization of events, press releases, and news in time.

After the tease, you'll find my analysis of the Fiscal Impact statement from the City of St. Louis. ZR concludes that St. Louis has admitted to quotas and improper violations of federal law.

Read more »

Eastern Michigan University Regent Jim Stapleton told WJR's Frank Beckmann this morning that they chose to fire EMU President John Fallon that they fired him Sunday to prevent him from using "an EMU forum," the Monday Regents meeting, as a forum to "attack the university." Furthermore, Fallon apparently sent emails or communications to the Regents suggesting his unhappiness - mostly revolving around a situation where the EMU Department of Public Safety (DPS) had allegedly covered up the existence of a dormitory murder. It is unknown clearly who and how many leaders knew of the cover-up.

Aside from the shocking murder cover-up, which may or may not have been simple bureaucracy-in-(non)-motion, Stapleton's explanation for the firing is absurd, hints at a violation of the Open Meetings Act, and reflects the overall attitude of leadership that lead to the larger international scandal that has erupted.

And international explosion it is. The Guardian Unlimited in the United Kingdom picks it up here (AP wire), the New York Times, the Detroit Free Press, and numerous other sources. Here the AP-Guardian piece:

The president, John Fallon, confirmed that he was fired Sunday evening by a unanimous vote of the Board of Regents, The Ann Arbor News reported in its Monday editions. Board secretary Jackie Kurtz on Monday confirmed the firing to The Associated Press.

Fallon told the newspaper that his termination letter was delivered Sunday night and did not state a reason for his firing. The letter said the board had voted unanimously to terminate his employment contract effective Sunday - two years after his five-year contract took effect.

``As a citizen, I am disappointed in this hastily called meeting, without any opportunity to be present or to respond,'' Fallon told the newspaper. ``I have a story to tell and intend to tell it.''

Look, it's not like firing him in a secret vote is going to stop him from speaking, or even speaking at an "EMU forum", since all he would need to do is attend the next meeting and speak in public comments. Let him have his out - and if he insults the board, obviously the relationship can't continue, then fire him. Give the public an opportunity to participate in the debate. This is why we have an Open Meeting Act, guys (and ladies).

The New York Times report pushes a bit deeper:

“We are committed to regaining the trust of all E.M.U. stakeholders, and all of the people of the great state of Michigan,” the board’s chairman, Thomas Sidlik, told about 200 people who jammed the regents’ meeting room today. “This board will not tolerate anyone who sabotages the educational mission of this university by participating in these destructive behavior patterns.”

Since Mr. Taylor was arrested and charged, Dr. Fallon has maintained that he was unaware of the crime and acted to the best of his ability. He was not specifically cited for wrongdoing in either of the reports but has been the primary target of parents’ and faculty members’ outrage.

The departures of Mr. Vick and Ms. Hall were agreed upon several weeks ago but not revealed until today. The board decided to terminate Dr. Fallon during a Sunday meeting by telephone after learning that he “may have been contemplating additional action that would have further damaged this university,” said James F. Stapleton, a board member who led the university’s efforts to investigate the handling of Ms. Dickinson’s death.

Mr. Stapleton declined to elaborate on his comment, saying that Dr. Fallon would probably make a public statement in the coming days. Dr. Fallon did not respond to messages left Monday at his university-owned home, which he has 60 days to vacate. The evening before his termination was announced, Dr. Fallon told The Ann Arbor News, “I have a story to tell and intend to tell it.”

Mr. Sidlik said in an interview, “There was a general falling apart of the relationship over the last few days.”

Dr. Fallon is the university’s second consecutive president to leave abruptly amid a scandal. His predecessor, Samuel Kirkpatrick, resigned in 2004 after it was revealed that the university paid $6 million — $2.5 million more than it had said publicly — to build a new home for him on campus.

All the elements of a culture of secrecy from the top down are there. And the elements of violation of the Open Meetings Act. And finally, note the suggestion in the comments section of the Chronicle of Higher Education story that the firing had motivations that went deeper - to the contract with the union Fallon recently negotiated.

ZR is probing this story further, as it represents a confluence of several issues.

The Livingston Argus is reporting through "sources" that the secret deal between the Howell Education Association and the school bargaining team representatives essentially saves the district nothing.

Sometime soon — perhaps next Monday night — the Howell school board will vote to ratify a three-year contract with its teachers.

As with most such contracts, the details won't be revealed to the public until after the labor agreement is approved.

But if there is truth to the rumors that have leaked out about the contract, we have to wonder why the board waited a full year before signing this deal. In the final analysis, it doesn't appear that the district gained much by digging in its heels.

According to a number of off-the-record sources, there are several key parts of the contract:

# The expensive MESSA-administered health insurance remains.

# Teachers, who up until now have paid nothing toward their premiums, will now be assessed a modest amount: $600 retroactively for the year just ending and $750 for next year.

# Raises are small — a percent or less for the first two years of the contract. But remember that the majority of teachers also receive experience — or step — increments, which means their pay will increase by about 5 percent a year.

If these contract features are true — no board, administration or union spokespeople will comment — then the management in Howell schools has decided not to take a hard line in negotiations. That's too bad. For if there were ever a time to hang tough, this was it.

Zarko Research suspects the Argus is correct, although we have no way of verifying it and it may or may not be a rumor that is being spread for some other reason.

While ZR doesn't advocate a "hard line," it believes fair (obviously that has hugely variant meaning) concessions should have been made on both sides and that the Board should stand on principle, and this appears to be a one-sided deal as the Argus recognizes. If the Board was right in February and there was a budget crisis necessitating its February actions, then reverting to and accepting a pre-February offer by the union proves the Board either lied then or is lying now about the fundamental fiscal position of the school. Either it had the money then to accommodate the union's requests, or it didn't. Either the future fiscal crisis of exploding health care costs is serious, or it isn't.

This is a great reason why all collective bargaining agreements should be public. Indeed, not just the final agreement, but make the meetings open. While FOIA might seem a fruitful way of getting at it, case law on the issue is confusing and FOIA would allow enough of a delay through its normal response time that it wouldn't be productive in most cases anyway. The legislature must act to reform the Open Meetings Act and FOIA to prevent this kind of secrecy. The public has a right to advance consideration of any proposed final contracts - we're not even talking about events pre-dating the final agreement here. Indeed, the entire collective bargaining process should be subject to open meetings. When you negotiate with the taxpayer for money, the taxpayer should be able to watch. Period. It's simple. It's obvious.

Someone blinked - but the School Board can still stand up for what is right.

The Detroit News editorial board has chimed in on the Michigan Education Association's ridiculous argument that the actions of union-official teachers on public time should generally be exempt from FOIA.

And they hit the nail on the head. The editorial title says it all: "If taxpayers pay for it, they should see it." And the money shot:

"A private group like the MEA is entitled to keep secrets, but not on public property. If it can afford to be one of the state's most generous lobbying outfits, it can afford to make sure that officers of its locals conduct business on their own computers."

And as to Doug Norton's arguments that I have "an ideological bent" against unions - aside from its absurdity (I grew up in a two union-parent household) - it's "irrelevant." FOIA applies to even those the Michigan Education Association dislikes, as the News points out. If the Freedom of Information Act only applied to those without "ideological bents," it would, of course, apply to no human being. Zarko Research has never claimed to be a non-editorializing news source. And while I struggle to present well-documented and tight original source evidence as often as possible, conclusions are drawn - and my history and potential biases are out-in-the open right here on this site.

And so much for Doug Norton's "friendly lawsuit" statement. Raymond Davis, Howell Public School's attorney seems to put that bold spin (I'm being generous this morning) to rest.

This e-mail chain reveals more of the union leadership issues in the Howell school system, along with its paranoid response to a school district request to itemize teaching supplements following the Vicky Fyke book controversy. While it may or may not be the case that such a request put an undue work burden on teachers, one might understand the logical reasons why the district might seek such a list and try to work on ways to reduce that burden, a point well made by yet another rational and professional teacher. That same teacher - in a very professional and jovial tone - also tries to raise an issue of how teachers were under-informed (a point raised by other teachers, despite Norton's attempt to isolate the teacher and claim he's all alone) on the MESSA and insurance issues. Norton's response is to assume that he's being accused of "misleading" teachers on MESSA. His response to the teacher's query on the "slate system" of elections is also quite telling. Norton prefers a "coherent" and smooth leadership. It's unclear whether Norton is opposing the checks and balances system of Constitutional democracy and opposing parties controlling different branches, or supporting the "spoils system" of awarding Executive appointments to the winner of the presidential contest, but it is clear Norton wants his union to all be on the same page. While American democracy is far from perfect - and those "opposing camps" are often in nasty conflict - it is precisely the opposition and melding of opposition in government that creates our "checks and balances" and prevents a monolithic and out-of-control government. On the surface, the Soviet Union seemed pretty harmonious - but the human conflict was just buried, and inefficiency incredible.

3/1/2007
From: Norton, Doug
To: Davenport, Daniel; McDowell, Johnson
cc: Langer, Karen; Schrock, Jason; Carrier, Ryan; Capy, Catherine; Hughey, Jeff; Rowden, Jason

At the last two Board of Director's meetings of the Howell Education Association I have raised the issue about how our HEA Constitution and By-laws requires us to proceed with elections of a slate of officers. I have explained that a member at the 10-12 building has raised a concern about this and that I think we need to consider the issue. You have not been identified, of course. I have explained that our present system originally replaced a system where the president, the secretary, and the treasurer only were elected. In that system the president then appointed the Vice Presidents with the approval of the Board of Directors. At the time of the change it was considered more democratic if the members were aware of who were slated as vice presidents before a vote for president was cast by the membership. This system has been in place for 20+ years.

At each of the Board of Directors meetings referenced above I called upon the Board members to consider whether they think the issue that you bring forward should be considered for action. This would require a vote of the Board in order to develop a proposal and send the proposal to a full membership ratification, since changes in the Constitution and By-Laws require a full membership vote. At the last Board meeting, Karen Langer also raised the issue of whether the Board of Directors should initiate a process to consider a change. I did not make this motion myself because, as with how I feel about the United States system, I think that the members would be ill-served if officers of the association, elected to coherently run the association, were from opposing camps. In my view the election is designed to resolve disputes ahead of time, thus hopefully avoiding internal conflicts within the leadership team that could inhibit its ability to effectively run the association. Despite the clear invitations to consider change, not a single A.R. present has made a motion to consider change in this area. This includes your own A.R.s from the 10-12 building. You are certainly welcome to come and address the Board of Directors on this matter yourself of course.

On your continued implication that you are being mislead on MESSA: I must say to you that you are expressing an opinion held by a very, very small number of members if any beyond yourself [ed note: ZR has identified a number of individuals with professionally stated concerns, although it isn't clear that "mislead" is a term that was ever used]. We will have a General Membership meeting soon where you will have another opportunity to express your opinion to the membership and get its reaction. In the meantime, we continue to seek answers from the district on the facts attached to their proposed health system and although it is deeply troubling how reticent they seem to be to provide those facts, we can clearly see that it has serious flaws. Unlike MESSA, where the members have a long track record to rely upon, this proposed system is relatively untested. Just ask Pinckney teachers how they now feel about the new health care system that they recently accepted to find out about all the hidden flaws that can be confronted to the great detriment of the members.

Hopefully you find this email to be coherent. I understand that you do not always find my communications to be such and about that I am saddened.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Davenport, Daniel
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 2:23 PM
To: McDowell, Johnson
Cc: Langer, Karen; Schrock, Jason; Carrier, Ryan; Capy, Catherine; Norton, Doug; Hughey, Jeff
Subject: RE: Important message from the HEA Executive Committee

Hi-

I don't know of anyone who was asked to make such an inventory but I imagine it relates to the recent book challenge. I mean, inventorying textbooks certainly isn't in my job description but it isn't out of the question for me to contribute my thought to the process, especially when it benefits the whole district. It is probably to our benefit to start identifying weak spots so we're better able to defend ourselves against attacks that come from our own board!

I've talked to two ARs about the process of selecting representation. I would like to see membership have the opportunity to decide if we want to continue with a straight-ticket system when we feel so poorly represented. I know this isn't an issue until the next time we vote but I'd like to see it addressed. Especially since confidence in the union is waning. The rhetoric in this message is a perfect example of why people at the high school feel poorly represented. That along with the bizarro use of lime green initiatives [ed note: reference to the T-shirts] that we never consented to. It makes us feel like all we have is empty paranoia and no real argument [ed note: this seems to be a great description of the reaction of union leadership to every individual union member's expression of even the slightest concern].

The other issue I still haven't seen addressed is real answers about health benefits. I've said from the beginning that we need to have someone outside of MESSA talk to us about health benefits so we can make an informed decision. Now we'll have to take what we can get. Clearly it would've been better to settle for status quo rather than be strong armed into something else, especially for those of us who make the least.

I'll admit that I feel unrepresented by the union but my only recourse is to continually express my concerns in the hope that it will lead to change. There are only 3 jobs like mine in the district and we'd rather not bargain alone. *grin* [ed note: this hardly seems like an unprofessional way to express concern]

-Dan

p.s. I can't remember if there is another rep I should be including on this. I apologize.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: McDowell, Johnson
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:57 AM
To: All HPS Teachers/Principals
Subject: Important message from the HEA Executive Committee

Howell Teachers,

We write this email in great dismay at the recent action by the Director of Curriculum to place a great burden on the already overworked teachers in this District. By now you may have received the recent email from Jeanne Farina regarding the logging and listing by teachers of supplemental materials used in their classroom. If you have not, it is quoted below. Not only does this possibly violate the contractual agreement to not force teachers into non-teaching duties, but it also places a great burden on teachers to perform the District’s work without any fair compensation.

As one elementary teacher wrote:

“If I were to include all materials, including teacher professional books containing worksheets, my classroom library, guided reading library, poetry, read alouds, biography library, videos, maps, posters and anything else I am forgetting, I would have to list close to 1000 items?! This is NOT an exaggeration! I have spent years building a curriculum that the district has failed to provide me-- and now I'm supposed to spend a weekend sending her a list? Perhaps I should send HPS a bill?”

At this time, the Union leadership suggests that you do not use the supplemental materials you have in your classroom until the District devises a plan that does not constitute a hardship for teachers and require teachers to perform non-teaching duties.

If these supplemental materials are those which you have personally purchased, it is suggested that you begin taking these materials home.

If you find that you simply cannot take these materials home because the District has not provided you with any other curriculum to teach, then please make this situation known by emailing Jeanne Farina and the members of the School Board. School Board member’s emails can be found on the District’s website.

If you have supplemental materials in your classroom that the District has purchased, we suggest that you not use them until the District has sent a representative to log and list these materials and have them approved by the Curriculum Council.

Yours in Solidarity,

HEA Executive Committee

Jeanne Farina’s email:

“At our recent principals’ meeting we discussed the need to identify all supplemental materials used by our teachers. Supplemental means – anything used with a group of students to enhance the approved core curriculum.

Please ask your teachers to list these resources on the attached grid. We will compile the lists by grade and subject. The information will be discussed and approved at the next K-12 curriculum meeting. We are compiling these lists for core subjects only, at this time. (E.g. Math, Science, Social Studies, and ELA)

Thank you in advance for your assistance.”

A large part of this story has become the nature and vitriol with which union leaders attacking dues paying average union members that disagree or even offer constructive advice. This e-mail continues to document the nature of those attacks.

But it also brings us back to that "survey" that the Howell Education Association commissioned solely for "PR purposes", as a previous release demonstrated. The survey appears to be straight out of an Orwellian novel - it is written to "require positive responses" and those who responded negatively are chided and told to "opt-out" of the process.

Is this the way union leadership should treat its members?

From: Hughey, Jeff
To: Bessert, Dianne; Forbes, Lindsey; Autrey, Lynette; 'Cameron, Barb'; Elliott, Carol; Langer, Karen; Norton, Doug; Tatman, Dallas

LOL..............YES

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bessert, Dianne
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 11:02 AM
To: Forbes, Lindsey; Autrey, Lynette; 'Cameron, Barb'; Elliott, Carol; Hughey, Jeff; Langer, Karen; Norton, Doug; Tatman, Dallas
Subject: RE: Survey

Just tell him he is out of touch with reality and to contact the mother ship with the ghosts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Forbes, Lindsey
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 10:58 AM
To: Autrey, Lynette; Bessert, Dianne; Cameron, Barb; Elliott, Carol; Hughey, Jeff; Langer, Karen; Norton, Doug; Tatman, Dallas
Subject: FW: Survey

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Parrish, Doug
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 10:40 AM
To: Forbes, Lindsey
Subject: RE: Survey

Your choice of words serves only to enflame the issues. Please stop editorializing in releases from the HEA. My dues do not support that kind of an approach to this difficult situation. We want to appear as professional as possible.

Thanks.

Doug
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Forbes, Lindsey
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 8:23 AM
Subject: Survey

Dedicated HEA Members,

The initial response to the survey we sent out yesterday has been outstanding as over 100 members have already responded. Thank you. You may view responses by accessing the survey (link provided below) and clicking on "graphical summary" in the toolbar to the left. You will find responses recorded individually. We will compile this data in a spreadsheet in order to provide totals in the near future. If you have not done so already, please respond to this survey no later than Tuesday, March 20th.

In addition, we would like to recognize the fact that this survey in no way identifies all the ways in which HPS teachers demonstrate our commitment to our students. One clear example is the recent effort made by many teachers to make sure that our students continue to have access to works of literature that will enable them to grow. Teachers in this case were clearly putting kids first, even at risk of personal and professional attack.

Finally, a very few members have entered negative numbers in the survey. It is with a sense of optimism (as opposed to naiveté) that we remind you that the way in which the questions are worded requires positive responses. Please be advised that this survey is voluntary and if you choose not to participate, you may "opt out". We would like to re-assure members that the Association values the seemingly countless hours and dollars you continue to contribute despite the district's unwillingness to provide us with a contract that does the same.

[school link removed]

Sincerity and Gratitude,

Crisis Committee

This email exchange again captures the nastiness of how Howell union president Doug Norton treats his own people, attacking him with an "ad hominemn fallacy" argument following a simple question. The teacher - well-versed in logic - points out that just because he quoted a group at odds with the MEA doesn't make their factual claims right or wrong. He then proceeds to ask Norton to back up a factual claim about the law that is left "hanging" and makes it appear as if he may (or may not have - see below) indeed have captured Norton in a flat out lie to his own membership about why the union keeps secrets from its own members.

The message exchange references a web-article (http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=8301) by the Mackinac Center linked by one union "association representative" who stands up for one of his employees because she wanted to know what the school had offered at that point. Norton tells his members that it is illegal for him to reveal the offer - but since other states open meetings acts appear to require negotiations be fully open (and I'll note that while Michigan's Open Meetings Act and FOIA might allow closure in certain highly regulated situations, its not clear either require it) it would certainly seem to not be a federally-regulated Unfair Labor Practice. ZR certainly does not know the law on that matter - but would reiterate Mr. Carrier's challenge to the union to tell us (union members and the public) what it is (cite the statute or case history specifically). Whatever the law, the internal secrecy and nastiness caused by the secrecy almost proves the Mackinac Center points in the article:

The adversarial and political nature of the collective bargaining process frequently distorts or stifles communication among key groups in a school district.

That "adversarial ... nature" is even within the union. The article recommends a completely transparent negotiations process ... an interesting idea that should be looked at.

Again, Norton savages his own member for the uber-sin of mentioning something the Mackinac Center wrote, but Norton's attack earns the intellectual razor of logic the teacher returns to him proving that he is worthy of being a teacher (and maybe a better union president, since he listens and stands up for others, rather than slapping them down upon disagreement). The puzzle that is starting to take shape is of an out-of-control, disrespectful union leadership. Even if it would be an ULP to disclose the offer - why criticize your members for asking?

RE: Members letter draft 03-13-07
From: Carrier, Ryan
To: Norton, Doug; Capy, Catherine; Hughey, Jeff; Langer, Karen; Rowden, Jason
cc: Schrock, Jason

it might be helpful if you could point us, ARs, in a direction to get an answer...

OR (please) answer this question to end the discussion:

Is there a law that states, "union representation is NOT allowed to discuss offers with its membership" ?

OR is this a practice that the MEA has developed in the best interest of its membership?

I am NOT hurt by the connotation of your replies. I just want a credible source of hard information...I believe a fact is a fact, no matter the source.

Example: I read on a certain non-reputable blog that Doug Norton was the president of the HEA.

I'm disappointed by the tone of our email conversations; hence, from this point forward I will only communicate in person...I do NOT want my words interpreted negatively.

Respectfully,
Ryan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Norton, Doug
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 1:13 PM
To: Capy, Catherine; Hughey, Jeff; Carrier, Ryan; Langer, Karen; Rowden, Jason
Cc: Schrock, Jason
Subject: RE: Members letter draft 03-13-07

10-12 A.R.s

It is hard for me to believe that we have Associatiom .Rep.s that actually think that the Mackinac Center is a credible source of hard information when even the media identifies them as a right wing think tank or worse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Capy, Catherine
Sent: Thu 3/8/2007 12:58 PM
To: Hughey, Jeff; Carrier, Ryan; Langer, Karen; Sebestyen, Jennifer; Rowden, Jason; Norton, Doug
Cc: Schrock, Jason
Subject: RE: Members letter draft 03-13-07

I read the article...Wendy's not in it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Hughey, Jeff
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 12:57 PM
To: Carrier, Ryan; Langer, Karen; Sebestyen, Jennifer; Rowden, Jason; Norton, Doug
Cc: Schrock, Jason; Capy, Catherine
Subject: RE: Members letter draft 03-13-07

Is this the Mackinac Center article with Wendy Day blasting Public Education?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Carrier, Ryan
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 12:18 PM
To: Langer, Karen; Sebestyen, Jennifer; Rowden, Jason; Norton, Doug; Hughey, Jeff
Cc: Schrock, Jason; Capy, Catherine
Subject: RE: Members letter draft 03-13-07

I'm not certain that this is the case in Michigan according to this article. I'm still researching; however, I would direct those interested to read for yourselves....

http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=8301

Sincerely,
Ryan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Langer, Karen
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 8:30 AM
To: Sebestyen, Jennifer; Rowden, Jason; Norton, Doug; Hughey, Jeff
Cc: Schrock, Jason; Carrier, Ryan; Capy, Catherine
Subject: RE: Members letter draft 03-13-07

Jennifer,

It is considered an Unfair Labor Practice for us to share the district's proposal before it is TA'd.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Karen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sebestyen, Jennifer
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 8:23 AM
To: Rowden, Jason; Norton, Doug; Hughey, Jeff; Langer, Karen
Cc: Schrock, Jason; Carrier, Ryan; Capy, Catherine
Subject: RE: Members letter draft 03-13-07

Thanks for your response, Jason.

Doug, I would still like to know what the district is offering.

Jen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rowden, Jason
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 8:37 AM
To: Sebestyen, Jennifer; Norton, Doug
Cc: Schrock, Jason; Carrier, Ryan; Capy, Catherine
Subject: RE: Members letter draft 03-13-07

I can honestly say that I don't know. If teachers have questions about bargaining they should contact a bargaining team member directly. I will list the ones from the HS below. If teachers have questions/concerns regarding our currently enforced contract, then AR's are here for your convenience.

(HS)Bargaining Team Members: Doug Norton, Jeff Hughey, Karen Langer....

Hope this helps.

Jason
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sebestyen, Jennifer
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 8:09 AM
To: Norton, Doug
Cc: Schrock, Jason; Rowden, Jason; Carrier, Ryan; Capy, Catherine
Subject: RE: Members letter draft 03-13-07

Good morning. Thanks for the update. I would like to know what the district is offering us.
Thanks,
Jen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please see the important update from bargaining!

What does the average union member reading these exchanges make of all this? It's almost painful to read and ZR has deeply considered whether certain things (like the names of courageous people - like Ryan Carrier - behaving professionally) shouldn't be published as a matter of editorial discretion (for example, ZR is completely avoiding trivial "frivolous" uses of e-mail like discussions of sports games, etc., because some of that give and take, while still a use of public time for personal use, is neither "newsworthy" [though still public records since using the public email system is taxfunded] nor "abusive"), and it is certainly painful to watch "the sliming" of otherwise great teachers because they don't lockstep (and they are probably otherwise loyal believers in the idea of the union!!) to the union bosses whims and think independently. But sunlight and the light of day are the best disinfectants for everyone and it is clear that is necessary here.

And while I've never met Ryan Carrier and have no idea what his politics or inclinations are - I want this guy teaching future generations. And its clear he's not alone - previous e-mails I've published show at least two other teachers taking the heat - often behind their backs. And that's just the one's we know about and just those who've spoken up at all in any way.

Secrecy is a generally destructive force. Why again is the MEA suing for secrecy?

Was it to protect the average teacher? Or union leadership from the average teacher?

Here are several news reports on yesterday's "show cause" (to temporarily continue the temporary restraining order, an issue not under dispute) hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court. ZR won't comment on the hearing details until more legal analysis is done, but the stories provide some flavor of the hearing.

Livingston Press, May 11, 2007
Detroit News, May 11, 2007
Detroit News, May 10, 2007, News Briefs.
Livingston Press, May 8, 2007

www.whmi.com - pasted here because there is no direct link:

MEA Granted Injunction To Prevent E-Mail Release
News Photo5/8/07 - A temporary restraining order has been signed by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Stanley Latreille that prevents Howell Public Schools from releasing more e-mails by leaders and members of the teacher’s union. Some of the e-mails had been released to political consultant Chetly Zarko last week through the Freedom of Information Act. He says they indicated a pattern of union members misusing district time and resources. Union President Doug Norton told WHMI that Zarko’s conclusions were erroneous and part of an effort to disrupt ongoing negotiations for a new contract. Zarko said a second batch of e-mails would further prove his point. However, the Michigan Education Association asked for the injunction saying that the e-mails were exempt from public release because they contained information that is subject to the attorney-client privilege. A hearing in the case has been set for Thursday. (JK)

Consultant Accuses Howell Teachers Union Of Misconduct
News Photo5/8/07 - The head of the Howell Education Association is vehemently disputing the allegations of an Oakland County-based political consultant that the teachers union is improperly using school time and resources in the course of their efforts to secure a new contract. Chetly Zarko (left) heads up Zarko Research and previously served as Director of Media Relations for the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or Proposal 2, which prohibited affirmative action in the public arena. Using the Freedom of Information Act, he obtained the e-mails of union leaders and members from the accounts they used with Howell Public Schools. He cited several examples he says indicate that teachers were using school copiers for union business and planned to utilize parent addresses from homeroom teachers to send out union information. However, HEA President Doug Norton says that Zarko has completely mischaracterized the e-mails and makes assumptions that are wrong. He says one e-mail example Zarko provided in which a teacher says they’ll run off copies after school assumes the teacher used school copiers when in fact they used copiers that belonged to the union. Norton says Zarko’s accusations were timed to affect Tuesday's school board elections as well as their ongoing negotiations for a new contract. Zarko says that another batch of e-mails will be released after today’s election that will further illustrate his contentions. Norton, who says Zarko is an outside agitator whose real target is the Michigan Education Association, counters that many of those e-mails concern parent-teacher communications that never should have been released. (JK)

ZR notes that in its press release, we never focused on the photocopier issue, and challenged the fact that the flier was passed out on teacher time at a parent-teacher conference, which is the critical (and far more offensive than a few photocopies) abuse of trust. While the copier quote does suggest a possibility of misuse of copiers, our language NEVER said it proved anything of that nature. What has been proved, from day one, is misuse of the email system (which, according to law, is no different than paper records), and secondaritly, misuse of time and special access (to parents) granted by the nature of the teaching position. The copier issue is a strawman. The remainder of the personal attacks are obviously irrelevant, false, and ad hominen.

Exposing internal dissension and elitist treatment by union leaders of a union member who presents an alternative view of the bargaining goals and costs, these three email chains say a tremendous amount about the internal operations of Howell education.

First, reading in reverse order (to preserve the feel of the email), look at the top quote by union president Doug Norton. It proves that he KNEW THEIR WAS A DIFFERENCE between public resources and the private "yahoo group" mailing list the union created (this fundamentally cuts to the core of the MEA "reverse FOIA" lawsuit), which he was using to shut out a segment of his own representational base and maintain "more privacy". An estimate of the number of people in that group suggests that only 15% of the union population is there.

Several other emails will show how one union member gets privately and viciously attacked for expressing a view about health savings accounts. He advocates for what he labels an "HRA", I presume meaning a health retirement (savings) account, an idea that could be "win-win" for everyone. For that independent thought, you'll see him raked over the coals behind his back. Another union member expresses a concern to the whole group that bargaining solely for MESSA with no salary increases would very conservatively cost individuals $20,000 in cash over a 20 year career and he wondered whether it was worth.

Thank you Rod. By the way everyone: we have developed a Yahoo Group that we are rolling out to members. It is potentially a great place for dialogues like today's to be managed in a more private context. We are not going super fast with the "roll-out" because we really want to insure as best we can, that it will stay within the group. So far the response has been very good. I will try to speed this process since clearly we need an avenue to communicate without upsetting those who do not want to be involved and find it upsetting. I agree with those of you who have pointed out that dialogue is healthy.

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From: Bushey, Rod
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 11:29 AM
To: [Alot of people]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

I have a music colleague who teaches in Traverse City, and she described this scenario a few weeks ago. It is certainly true!
Rod Bushey

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From: Norton, Doug
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 8:57 AM
To: [Alot of people]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

I have been aware of this story for several years, of course. It was all over the media during the time that it played out. I have heard it from the Traverse City leaders who were involved. I have heard the story from the Uniserv Directors who were faced with it. We would not make this up, as I am sure you understand. What would be our motive?

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From: Hosner, Suzanne
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 9:31 AM
To: [Alot of people]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

Can you tell us the source of the statement?

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From: Norton, Doug
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 7:44 AM
To: Ayers, Jennifer; Ayers, Nancy; Babcock, Jason; Bell, Amy; Bishop, Carolyn; Bissell, Rosemary; Bruce, Tom; Byrd, Jennifer; Devine, Michelle; Dunn, Lori; Franzel, Jennifer; Gallatin, Rochelle; Grabowski, Caroline; Hager, Gail; Hillaker, Brenda; Holman, Cynthia; Isenegger, Maureen; Kafka, Davalyn; Kreeger, Abigail; Kuehn, David; Martin, Bill; Mena, Emilie; Moulton, Carrie; Moyle, Elizabeth; Nicholas, Andrew; Northrop, Brad; Smith, Judi; Taylor, Rebecca; Uppman, Katherine; Vischer, Katherine; Watts, Laurie; Williams, Jayne; Wlodarczak, Danielle; Adams, Marci; Alvarez, Phyllis; Armstrong, Anne; Ash, Ryan; Ash, Tracy; Bissett, Melissa; Bolden, Audrey; Brady, Andrea; Breece, Margaret; Breiner, Donna; Brewer, Teri; Burkert, Thomas; Bushey, Rod; Capy, Catherine; Carrier, Ryan; Cesarz, Martha; Clifton, Eric; Dallacqua, James; Davenport, Daniel; Delaiglesia, Alberto; Deschenes, Catherine; Dewey, Phillip; Diab, Tom; DiNatale, Gabrielle; Donnelly, Ann; Dukes, John; Dunham, Brenda; Farrier, Mike; Flynn, Mike; French, James; Gagalis, James; Goodwin, Jennifer; Hart, Linda; Haskins, Luann; Heaton, Karann; Hengesbaugh, Cathy; Highfield, Cathy; Hill, Kevin; Hiller, Wendy; Hines, Andrea; Holcomb, Matt; Hosner, Suzanne; Huber, Janet; Hughey, Jeff; Irrer, Lisa; Jackson, Gigi; Johnson, Marty; Johnson, Michael; Kasprzak, Zachary; Klapper, Jeffrey; Krebs, Meredith; Kutey, Candi; Kynast, Angie; Laine, Louise; Langer, Karen; Lekander, Debbie; Lewkowicz, Dawn; Lipski, Craig; Lounds, Jason; Malo, Amanda; Manson, Mary; Marek, Michael; Martin, Sarah; Mate, Thomas; McCall, David; McClure, Kathy; McConnell, Cheryl; McDowell, Johnson; McEvoy, Marilyn; McLaughlin, Julie; McMann, Janice; Metz, Aaron; Mezga, Betty; Michaud, Mathew; Mihail, Debra; Millar, Duane; Miller, Joanna; Miller, Joseph; Monast, Carol; Motta, Jane; Mozdzierz, John; Musolf, Bev; Nolan, Mary; Nolen, Daniel; Norton, Doug; Oglesby, Mark; Olszewski, Tim; Panaretos, Nancy; Parrish, Deven; Parrish, Doug; Peckens, Jennifer; Peiter, Timothy; Perlman, Cynthia; Powelson, Bruce; Preston, Cate; Riordan, Brian; Ritenour, Dana; Rivera, Beth; Roberts, Annette; Rogers, Nicole; Rowden, Jason; Ryan, Mike; Saoud, Joanne; Schafer, Michele; Schafer, Randy; Schrock, Jason; Scott, Terry; Sebestyen, Jennifer; Shafto, Maryjane; Shantry, Kristine; Shaw, Eric; Sidge, Joan; Simeck, Mari; Slattery, Dennis; Smigell, Jason; Solowczuk, Debbie; Somers, Dawn; SOMMER, TERRY; St. Pierre, JoAnn; Stark, Laura; Starkey, Jennifer; Starkey, Robert; Steele, Kristy; Steinhelper, Mike; Stoody, Mary Ann; Szalay, Laszlo; Talberg, Gregory; Thacker, Monica; Trepkowski, Kylie; VanCoppenolle, James; Villarreal, Mary; Walker, Eric; Walker, Krista; Webster, Dawn; Webster, Paul; Wernette, Theresa; WRIGHT, DOTTIE; Zents, Kathy; Adrian, Margaret; Anderson, April; Andrews, Chris; Babcock, Jonathan; Barnett, Kristen; Bessert, Dianne; Bistak, Wendi; Bohnett, Leslie; Bradner, Mike; Brinker, Leah; Cain, Toni; Campbell, Gerrie; Carl, Jeff; Case, Cindy; Clark, Tricia; Colburn, Carole; Cooley, Margaret; Coopersmith, David; Cowger, Carrie; Cowles, Mark; Cox, Suzie; Craig, Kristi; Donnelly, Mark; Dorer, Pam; Downes, Jeff; Eltringham, Ronald; Falls, Neil; Fisher, Marisa; Forsyth, Daniel; Freeman, Barbara; Groth, Paul; Hannon, Kristie; Hastings, Jeff; Hess, Becky; Hess, John; House, Christina; Houser, Diana; Hutchens, Tonya; Kacin, Jan; Kelleher, Debra; Kilgren, Amy; Klausing, Jamie; Langley, Charlene; Literski, Cathy; Lyons, Beth; Martin, Kathryn; Marzewski, Dale; McDonald, Sara; McKale, Chad; Meinka, Kylie; Morrish, Julie; Mulvihill, Jennifer; Neuroth, Cathy; Olschanski, Lorin; Pennoni, Megan; Purington, Jacob; Rea, Cynthia; Rose, Cheryl; Schippers, Mari; Storey, Steve; [ed. discretion: redacted last name], Natalie; Szabo, Pamela; Theos, Susan; Thompson, Joan; Urban, Kerri; VerBurg, Stephen; Voight, Michelle; Way, Sandy; Wood, Kellie; Wood-Vincent, Barbara; Adam, Joseph; Baron, Susie; Bradner, Melissa; Buckingham, Heather; Burch, Melissa; Carl, Barb; Clay, Jan; Clifton, Lori; Coomes, Colette; Deland, Jason; Elliott, Jan; Fleck, Kristina; Harde, Lisa; Hayosh, Michelle; Highum, Robin; Horne, Ryan; Jilek, Jana; Kellams, Linda; Linhart, Sheila; Longeway, Meghan; Lund, Linda; Miller, Kate; Nelson, Tina; Nielsen, Marilyn; Nowak, Melissa; Ott, Lori; Palo, Heather; Pilat, Emily; Prince, Greg; Tinsley, Beth; Tucker, Beth; Vlahos, Kristina; Walsh, Patricia; Wildman, Catherine; Beckett, Jean; Butler, Christia; Cheyne, Randi; Davis, Sarah; Drury, Barbara; Evans, Jane; Flore, Jen; Hughes, Chris; Johnson, Ryan; Johnson, Sandy; Karaska, Penelope; Langell, Theresa; Lemons, Mary; Miller, Marie; Miller, Ryan; Muzik, Marilyn; Nelsestuen, Sarah; Ortiz, Laurie; Paweski, Susan; Punch, Laurie; Richardson, Darlene; Senchuk, Dixie; Shaw, Mary; Spicer, Eric; Tarrant, Laura; Tolles, Judy; Urban, Lorrie; Wanless, Beth; Welty, Katie; Zacharias, Cecile; Ahmedani, Dana; Autrey, Lynette; Beech-Nugent, Barb; Bemben, Lonna; Berryman, Katherine; Boutell, Mary; Brown-Nall, Elizabeth; Bugaski, Rebecca; Challiss, Dani; Chanavier, Marie; Cote, Tara; Culver, Catherine; Elliott, Carol; Fisher, Catherine; Harris, Kathy; Kelly, Alisha; Kleckner, Hannah; McGarey, Nancy; Minsker, Erin; Myers, Wendy; Needham, Sarah; Nelson, Shirley; Pennell, Jill; Rhoads, Sheri; Rossman, Tami; Ruffins, Bob; Ryan, Kelly; Schmitt, Nicole; Terry, Kristina; Trail, Andrea; Armitage, Iris; Atkinson, Beth; Bearden, Sondra; Bergman, Kathy; Burgess, Rosemary; Cain, Jill; Carroll, Cheri; Crofoot, Kay; Dittmer, Jennifer; Dubay, Mary; Dubay, Randy; Duguay, Tina; Gorton, Douglas; Guetschow, Marcia; Hahn, Kimberly; Hardin, Allison; Johanningsmeier, Amy; Keaton, Karen; Kincaid, Kathy; Kreeger, Terry; Lloyd, Erin; Manninen, Suzanne; Morgan, John; Park, Cindy; Pressel, Holly; Schmidt, Danielle; Seyfarth, John; Sharp, Steven; Spence, Roxane; Syrett, Andrea; Terry, Barb; Zimlich, Erin; Boyd, Nicole; Carey, Megan; Cook, Andra; Crichton, Ruth; DuLong, Meghan; Eicher, Cindy; Everard, Tina; Forbes, Lindsey; French, Karen; Fuhrmann, Karen; Grainger, Alison; Hash, Stacey; Heide, Renee; Hibner, Kayla; Holnagel, Joshua; Jackson, Pat; Joslin, Sandy; Karschnick, Sue; LaCour, Christie; Lamothe, Tonya; Laszlo, Selina; Lebron, Jennifer; Little, Jenny; Nichols, Peggy; Nikolas, Debra; Parke, Tracy; Piro, Sue; Porter, Sara; Potts, Sam; Schrock, Eric; Sheffield, Teresa; Spencer, Eunice; Surian, Tammy; Tribley, Mindy; Walraven, Rachel; Abbott, Leann; Barron, Mary; Bigos, Sheryl; Bollella, Gina; Buck, Bonnie; Carnevale, Michelle; Cook, Joseph; Deadman, Kevin; Dhue, Beth; Dole, Jennifer; Durocher, Ruth; Eggleston, David; Eldred, Christopher; Ellens, Kira; Enciso, Cheryl; Falls, Kelli; Faron, Heather; Frank, Denise; Gehres, Jennifer; Gillingham, Eric; Gut, Kathleen; Hanner, Judy; Hobbs, Jincy; Hodge, Jeff; Howlett, Heather; Kraegel, Sally; Leftwich, Martin; Lester, Katherine; McGahey, Michelle; Miller, Deborah; Obrien, Anne; Pethoud, Sue; Purdy, Beth; Radcliffe, Deanna; Richardson, Duane; Rigney, Gloria; Roberts, Amy; Rowley, Anthony; Royer, Kimberly; Russell, Keena; Rutherford, Cindy; Salmeto, Anthony; Schwartz, Keith; Siekierka, Sandra; Smith, Florentina; Stanley, Sue; Starr, Amy; Stimson, Jeffery; Sulkowski, Colleen; Szymofelnik, Rosemary; Tatman, Dallas; Thomas, Erin; Vandeberg, Donna; Veilleux, Rachel; Webb, Jim; Wicker, Jim; Wright, Diane; Young, Becky; Young, Jennifer; Baker, Beth; Barlow, Sharon; Cain, Lisa; Cosgrove, Allison; Deyo, Sarah; Esbrook, Cathy; Gardner, Kathy; Gariepy, Marlene; Hibbard, Jennifer; Holmes, Carol; Holmes, Dan; Holmes, Leslie; Keddle, Kristin; Kelly, Michelle; Laviolette, Kim; Locy, Barb; Lundin, Gay; Malewitz, Kathy; Miller, Susan; Minnis, Erin; Morgan, Michelle; Risner, Ashley; Salmeto, Felecia; Schoendorff, Christine; Teahen, Barb; Thelen, Terry; Williams, Joy; Wright, Tracy
Subject: MESSA statement

A story to illustrate why we continue to resist on your behalf. [attached was a two page Microsoft Word flyer created apparently by MEA asserting that another school's "experiment" in 2000 with being a policy holder backfired costing millions]

A second message chain based off the same initial broadcast message by Doug Norton. Particularly note the appearance of a response by Devan Parrish and Eric Spicer, who do some simple math, or in Parrish's case, advocate for HSA/HRA and buffet style insurance. Parrish is both publicly ostracized and in the third and final chain for this entry, you'll seem him privately attacked by union leaders. While it would be valid and normal for union members to disagree on the issues, and ultimately union leaders have to choose among possible beliefs, the attitude and disrespect for alternative views (recall the "survey for PR purposes only" email ZR originally reported) shines through.

From: Doug Norton
To:[Alot of People]

Yes, we are very unhappy that the climate, the stance of the Board, the law, the readiness of many members, etc., etc. bring us to the postition where the contract will not be what it should be regardless. Despite the fact that this is unfair it certainly doesn't mean that we should not be say "enough is enough."

Sorry folks but I am done responding to this dialogue however interesting and illuminating as it has been. Let's consider using the Yahoo Group

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From: Spicer, Eric
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 1:17 PM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

I would like to throw out some numbers and please correct me if I am wrong. One of my big concerns with not receiving a raise in lieu of keeping our current insurance is this:

If I make 40,000 year and do not receive any % raise i will lose out on $400 for that year. If I am going to work for the next 20 years and never make a dime over 40,000 (for the sake of easy math) I miss out on $8,400. This doesn't seem like a lot if we have to make a choice between insurance and percentage raise, but what i think we aren't considering is the purchase power of that money. The purchase power of that $8,400 translates to $21,507 based on an 8% rate of return- very conservative) after 20 years. Also, every raise that we recieve after taking a 0% increase is based on that lower amount. This equals a lot of money!! You can see that for those people who have quite a few years left stand to lose the most.

I am not saying that a % is more important than our insurance or vice versa, I just wanted to throw some numbers out there.

~Eric
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From: Mezga, Betty
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 2:01 PM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

I agree with you. We do not want to do personal attacks. I did respond to Deven personally and did relay that like you, my husband has insurance. However, I feel strongly that because I am fortunately in that area I need to be especially considerate of those who have a different circumstance. MESSA has been good to me, but has been an even more critical need for many others. I'd not like to see that end.
Betty Mezga

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From: Moyle, Elizabeth
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 1:31 PM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

I feel that Mr. parrish is getting slightly attacked for his opinion. There are young teachers who, by good fortune, don't need as much health care right now. Yes, yes, I understand everyone gets old, some have kids and so on, but let's not forget that when you start off in your career you like, no you really look forward to those pay raises and well let's face it most of the time you don't require that much health care. I also understand that once you give it up you can't get it back. My husband as well had a serious accident, he fell from a ladder and was in a coma for 3 weeks with a serious brain trauma injury and we were not sure if he was going to live or die and what followed well I don't wish it on anyone. The bills were more than they would be if I had a child. Thank god my husband had his own insurance. Some of us are fortunate to have spouses that have really good insurance. I feel that because I am a fortunate one that insurance isn't that important to me because my husband has it. Please don't take this as I don't care about others in the district, but also know that I haven't heard anyone talk about this side of it. No one seems to be thinking of those that don't necessarily need that much insurance. I am for our insurance now because I consider the future, showing that I am a team player, but let's remember that people have a right to their opinions and not everyone is at the same stages in the their life as everyone else. It isn't my fault that I am young. It isn't Mr. Parrishes fault either. Let's not turn on each other or become forceful towards each other. Things are rough enough.
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From: Deadman, Kevin
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 10:48 AM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

Mr. Parrish,
I am very glad to hear about your great health.I wish this health on you in the future. Most of us old and ailing folk have children and some need medical care. Some need quite a bit of medical care. I believe our membership is more concernd with our children and families than we are ourselves.I also hope that your children are healthy and do not need PT or diagnostic procedures.Most of our membership believes our district would follow this pattern if not worse. If the district was offered a plan that saves them money and allows us to keep MESSA, why would that not be acceptable. The only conclusion I can come to is that they will save more by denying services that we currently NEED not enjoy! Thank God for Messa--Think about your children, families, and future.

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From: Parrish, Deven
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 10:06 AM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

It's clearly a frightening cautionary tale. However, are we to necessarily assume that the same disasters would befall our district? Would we have to be lemmings running off the same cliff? Or can we capitalize on TC's hindsight to avoid potential pitfalls in the future?

As a young teacher who uses very little health care, and after some discussions with a CFP, I am convinced the HRA option is worth serious consideration for those in a similar position. But members who are perhaps older and rely much more heavily on the excellent coverage MESSA provides would not benefit from that plan. We can't have it both ways though, because MESSA won't allow competition. No "buffet" style plan. Frankly, I see that as a problem.
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From: Michaud, Mathew
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 9:45 AM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

I have family member working for the TC schools. She has been there for some time and works for the administration. She corroborates the information that Doug Norton has shared. Clearly, this offer is unacceptable. Downright scary!

Michaud
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From: Hosner, Suzanne
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 9:27 AM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

I was in no way suggesting you made it up. Of course you wouldn't. But these are important decisions and it's important to know where the info comes from whether it could be slanted in any way. I thought it was a copy of something you had from a publication and just wanted to know which one. Like everyone, I'm just trying to look over the options.
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From: Norton, Doug
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 8:57 AM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

I have been aware of this story for several years, of course. It was all over the media during the time that it played out. I have heard it from the Traverse City leaders who were involved. I have heard the story from the Uniserv Directors who were faced with it. We would not make this up, as I am sure you understand. What would be our motive?
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From: Hosner, Suzanne
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 9:31 AM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: RE: MESSA statement

Can you tell us the source of the statement?

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From: Norton, Doug
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 7:44 AM
To: [Alot of People]
Subject: MESSA statement

A story to illustrate why we continue to resist on your behalf

Parrish (Devan) takes plenty of heat there, but the private elitism by those supposedly representing him is interesting.

From: McDowell, Johnson
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 11:07 AM
To: Bessert, Dianne; Autrey, Lynette; barb cameron; Bessert, Dianne; Elliott, Carol; Forbes, Lindsey; Hughey, Jeff; Langer, Karen; Norton, Doug; Tatman, Dallas
Subject: RE: Parrish letter

I know...this discussion is a god send...

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From: Bessert, Dianne
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 11:57 AM
To: Autrey, Lynette; barb cameron; Bessert, Dianne; Elliott, Carol; Forbes, Lindsey; Hughey, Jeff; Langer, Karen; McDowell, Johnson; Norton, Doug; Tatman, Dallas
Subject: Parrish letter

Oh my God. We couldn't have done better if we wrote the letter ourselves. I love the responses he generated. Hope mommy is also getting the replies.

In what I'm going to make as an ongoing series (I have other commitments and don't have time to post everything with analysis all at once), here's some more e-mail, this time an example of what benefits MEA was fighting so hard for. I'm adding a new category for tracking this issue (here or at right).

While I don't begrudge teachers fair health insurance - the highlighted benefits MEA uniserve director Barb Cameron considered important enough to fight for are unfair to taxpayers, and are luxury costs that even in the private health care sector generally should be paid for by individuals as they use them. Some of these items - like AIDS treatment & Colonoscopy are obviously valid coverages. But others ... I let you decide.

For those of you who think the contraceptives are either some kind of religious issue (on the right) or some kind of feminist right (on the left), I vigorously oppose the erectile dysfunction drug benefit equally (actually, moreso), as well, as well as the fertilization drugs. I only care about the tax burden of either luxury (Viagra) or non-health-necessary medical procedures or services. Acupunture and Rogaine are similarly offensive. Whatever your moral belief system, pay for your own hair and other personal items - its unfair to demand that of taxpayers.

NOTE: Read from the bottom up for time sequencing.

From:Cameron, Barbara
[ZR note: same list as below; in reply all to below message - headers and footers may sometimes be edited for reposting or brevity]

Add contraceptive devices.

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From: Cameron, Barbara
Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 9:53 AM
To: 'Parrish, Lynn'
Cc: 'Hughey, Jeff'; Norton, Doug; Langer, Karen; Bessert, Dianne; Tatman, Dallas; Autrey, Lynette; Elliott, Carol
Subject: RE: Post-Mediation Thoughts

I will share the list of items that I prepared for our mediation session this week. However, as you discerned, I cannot assure you the list is complete. When I have a complete list, I will share that also.

No deductible in-network
Colonoscopy
38 chiropractic visits
Massage (related to treatment)
50 visits for outpatient substance abuse [note: there may be limited circumstances where this is appropriate, but not at this level]
Unlimited dollar maximum on preventive services [note: while preventive services should be typically increased, there must be incentives not to over use any service]
Unlimited lifetime maximum per person
These services are excluded:
Weight reduction by diet control
Hospitalization principally for observation or diagnostic evaluation, PT, x-ray or laboratory tests
Artificial insemination, any other fertilization procedure to ensure pregnancy (except in-vitro)
Acupuncture
Hearing aids/routine testing
These drugs are excluded:
fertility agents
erectile dysfunction medications
toenail fungus medications such as Lamisil and Sporanox
All cosmetic drugs such as Retin-A, Rogaine, Propecia when prescribed as medication
diet medication
AIDS medication
Dependent children coverage without extra charge for those 19-25 if the member is responsible for a majority of their support
Waiver of health insurance premium for disabled members covered by MESSA and LTD
Referral process for out-of-network doctors in order to eliminate deductible costs

All of the above are covered under MESSA Choices II.
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From: Parrish, Lynn [mailto:parrishl@howellschools.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:20 PM
To: Cameron, Barbara
Cc: Norton, Doug; Hughey, Jeff; Breiner, Chuck; Terres, Rick
Subject: Post-Mediation Thoughts

Barb,

Would you be so kind as to send me the specific coverages that you believe are lacking between the HEA' current MESSA plan and our proposed Howell Public Schools plan (BC/BS with MEBS Wrap). Once we have those specific concerns (recognizing that you might conceivably find others), then Rick can work with our insurance representative to get answers, which I will communicate back to you just as soon as I have them. As you noticed, I'm sure, the only one I was able to identify off the top of my head tonight that was on your list was routine colonoscopy, which I know we've already added into our Wrap.

Thanks,

Lynn

The Michigan Education Association (MEA) has filed a so-called "reverse FOIA" lawsuit in Livingston County Circuity Court, Case # 07-22850-CK, against Howell Public Schools in an effort to keep e-mails requests by Zarko Research secret.

A limited selection of these e-mails were published on Friday days after we received a partial response from Howell schools complying with the FOIA request. The court has issued a temporary restraining order while it considers arguments, and the first hearing is expected on Thursday.

ZR opines that the MEA has no basis in FOIA for such a move and that this is a transparent attempt to keep secret public records that are embarrassing to local MEA officials. MEA's very action here - coupled with the incriminating e-mails already released - proves it has much to hide.

Press may contact ZR at 248-930-7766 or by email firstname at first-lastname.com

Links to ZR Howell FOIA work

Howell School FOIA Exposes Union Leaders Use of Taxpayer Resources for Lobbying.

FOIA of E-mails Expose Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
http://chetlyzarko.com/b2evolution/index.php?p=677&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
More Howell Emails
http://chetlyzarko.com/b2evolution/index.php?p=680&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

The Livingston Daily Press & Argus reports this morning on the ZR FOIA, although it went to press before anyone (other than MEA and a judge) were aware of yesterday's "reverse FOIA" lawsuit.

The lack of substance in response is proven by union-leader Doug Norton's labelling:

"We have taken the high road throughout the process to the obvious frustration of people like Mr. Zarko, who would like to charge us with facetious claims," Norton said. "I think it's unfortunate that an outside agitator like this would try to disrupt the relationship that has been built over many years."

Norton's probably not an English teacher, but I don't think he meant "facetious" here. For ZR, there is considerable irony in such a label (Ward Connerly), but as a Michigander I still help fund all Michigan schools and Norton's quote disrespects taxpayers from across the state, all of whom have an interest in seeing EVERY school operated efficiently. When ad hominems fly, you know your substance is right.

(Time adjusted 12 minutes to drop headline).

Links to ZR Howell FOIA work

Howell School FOIA Exposes Union Leaders Use of Taxpayer Resources for Lobbying.

FOIA of E-mails Expose Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
http://chetlyzarko.com/b2evolution/index.php?p=677&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
More Howell Emails
http://chetlyzarko.com/b2evolution/index.php?p=680&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

As I parse through the Howell email received this week, I've found other examples of wider-scale use of school position, time, and resources to "recruit" for the teacher's union purposes. Here's a new one:

Deb Kelleher, 3/15/2007, to wide audience of teachers.

This is who I know of helping as of now:

Carol Elliot = 4 - 5 @ HWMS

Cathy Esbrook = 4 - 5 @ Three Fires

Sarah Needham = 4 - 5 @ HWMS

In addition, Jill Cain will be handing out flyers @ SE for an event today. I dropped off flyers to Carole, Jill, and Cathy (check your mail box if I didn't directly hand them to you. Any further volunteers can get the "hand-off" of flyers from the person before (if we get more volunteers). The last at their location can send the remainder to me (Deb Kelleher @ HWMS) via school mail

Lindsey, can we get a few more of the new version of the community letter... I am starting to recruit people for leafleting at elementary conferences next week (can elementary teachers please give me the specifics of dates times)

John King of WHMI, Howell, MI, radio, interviewed me this morning regarding the Howell teachers union FOIA. See below for the ZR original.

Howell School’s Teacher’s Union Leaders Abuse Taxpayer-Funded Resources in Political Campaigning

Through the Freedom of Information Act, Zarko Research has obtained inside email from Howell School’s “Howell Education Assocation” (HEA) union leadership that demonstrate the union leaders conducted a large amount of union business on public time, including trying to retain MEA (Michigan Education Association) affiliated MESSA health-insurance, and using parent-teacher conferences to recruit parents their side of a collective-bargaining debate. Other emails reveal that the union used a survey of union-members “work habits” solely for the public relations purposes to demonstrate their theme of “Putting Kids First” during the ongoing negotiations. Using parents in an ongoing bargaining strategy, and using their time in parent-teacher conferences, is a long-way from putting kids “first.” Some might say it is putting them last.

This misuse of resources is a probably a violation of state law, and certainly an ethical abuse of the public trust. Voters in Howell should keep this in mind as they evaluate their upcoming election.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of union communication, the school has only produced a fraction of the available e-mails. ZR will update as it receives more information.

Here’s a sampling of the e-mails.

Using parent-teacher conferences to illegally lobby (read from bottom up, the attached flier explicitly mentioned the name of the lobbying group, “Putting Kids First,” advocated attending the March 12 school board meeting, and advocated speaking on behalf the teachers. It’s too long to include here). The message exchange also suggests illegal copying using school resources, although it isn’t quite as clear:

From: Hughey, Jeff
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 12:59 PM
To: Forbes, Lindsey; Norton, Doug
Cc: McDowell, Johnson
Subject: RE: fliers
I can make copies after school, I just need one to do this.

________________________________________
From: Forbes, Lindsey
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 12:54 PM
To: Norton, Doug
Cc: Hughey, Jeff; McDowell, Johnson
Subject: RE: fliers
right--I am booked too. I will need help on this one...

________________________________________
From: Norton, Doug
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 12:39 PM
To: Forbes, Lindsey
Cc: Hughey, Jeff; McDowell, Johnson
Subject: fliers
That 9th grade parent thing is tonight. It appears we could get volunteers if we had copies. I am already booked though

Another really bad idea – communicating with parents using school “Homeroom” teachers and the access they would have to student home addresses. While HEA teachers would pay for posting, this is an extreme misuse of private information teachers have access to through their jobs, and a misuse of their trust relationship with those parents:

From: Bessert, Dianne [mailto:BESSERTD@howellschools.com]
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 8:18 AM
To: Autrey, Lynette; Cameron, Barbara; Bessert, Dianne; Elliott, Carol; Forbes, Lindsey; Hughey, Jeff; Langer, Karen; McDowell, Johnson; Norton, Doug; Tatman, Dallas
Subject:
Paul Groth gave me this suggestion this morning, it's something to think about.
1. Develope [sic] an HEA web site for the public to go to see our side of the story.
2. Print postcards with the web site address and a message to the parents.
3. Have each homeroom teacher address a post card to each student on their homeroom list and pick up the cost of the postage.

In this exchange, we learn that a “teacher survey” recently commission on the “work habits” of teachers was solely for “PR purposes only”, despite another teacher’s recommendation that union membership be polled for their “real” bargaining position opinions (a laudable idea).

Langer, Karen to a wide universe
March 15, 2007
it is clear people need to understand that we are not at the surveying stage of bargaining. Lindsey's survey is for PR purposes only.

________________________________________
From: Forbes, Lindsey
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 12:39 PM
To: Forbes, Lindsey; Hughey, Jeff; Langer, Karen; McDowell, Johnson; Norton, Doug; Zents, Kathy; Autrey, Lynette; Bessert, Dianne; Cameron, Barb; Elliott, Carol; Tatman, Dallas
Subject: FW:
Who is this?

________________________________________
From: Eggleston, David
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 12:36 PM
To: Forbes, Lindsey
Subject: RE:
Lindsey,
Thanks for surveying the members. I think it critical that the representatives know our opinions on the issues being negotiated.
However this survey appears to be a method of gathering data to show how hard teachers work. I believe that you have missed an opportunity to survey the members on their individual positions on health care,
salary increases, and other benefits. What do the members think about the districts latest proposal? What are the members willing to trade for health care or other benefits. You will not get a true understanding of the silent majority if you depend on e-mails or the few people who speak at group meetings. I respectfully urge you to conduct a private survey of all 485 teachrs to get a true gauge of your memberships positions on the bargaining issues.
Dave Eggleston

________________________________________
From: Forbes, Lindsey
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 12:02 PM
Subject:
Importance: High
HEA Members,

Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Howell Public Schools. Howell teachers should take PRIDE in our efforts to put kids first despite the district's decision not to recognize these efforts with a fair contract. In an attempt to help quantify the level of commitment demonstrated by the HPS teaching community, the HEA invites you to visit the link below and complete the attached survey. It is our hope that we may use this data in our efforts to better inform both the community and the school board regarding the seriousness and sincerity with which we continue to "Put Kids First."

Condensed hyperlink

Their email usage says much more about the teachers work habits as any fake survey.