It's always nice to provoke discussion, but it's also humbling sometimes to see how few of the questions that people will have can be answered in the space of a daily newspaper article. I suggest that people read the Jennings memo before drawing conclusions. I've suggested to the district that the discussion on this List would benefit from such a posting. Jennings lists some pros and cons for each of the options he's floating. I think Doug Mann understandably read into my story something that wasn't intended. I used the term "contract" to refer to a teacher's period of service at a school. If I had it back, I'd use the term "stint." The contract under this option would remain between the district and the union, but it would cover more than a traditional labor contract, with the union functioning almost like a personnel department in providing workers meeting a certain standard. The district would pay the union for supplying and training teachers, with the union essentially serving as the employer of the teacher. It is important to note that this approach comes from a book called "United Mind Workers," written by academics Kerchner, Koppich and Weeres, one of whom is a former teacher union activist. The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers has had Koppich in to speak, has explored the concept to some degree, and has copies of the book. There's also one in the downtown library; I have the U of M library's copy.
Steve Brandt Staff writer Star Tribune Phone: 612-673-4438 Fax: 612-673-4359 425 Portland Av. Minneapolis, MN 55488 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
