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About The Baker County press. (Baker City, Ore.) 2014-current | View Entire Issue (April 28, 2017)
THE BAKER COUNTY PRESS — 3 FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017 Business / Agriculture 5J CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Irvine continued, “It also does not account for any improvements that may have been gained from last summer’s supplement reading program. “I agree that standardized tests cannot fully capture a student’s ability and knowledge. However, the data from the Baker School district on standardized tests is not just the best measure of students’ aca- demic performance over time, it is the only mea- sure. Let me be clear, this data is undeniable. There is no different analysis that will come to any other conclusion: the perfor- mance of Baker students at Brooklyn Primary, South Baker Intermediate, and Baker Middle Schools has declined significantly between 2011 and 2016.” Irvine explained that he personally does not see how the Board has any other choice than to go forward with the five-day student week and that the evidence shows a cumula- tive decline in students’ understanding in funda- mental subjects due to the four-day student week. Following Irvine, Amanda Wilde, the head teacher at Keating Elemen- tary, read an article from her daughter. Katie Wilde is a middle school student and asked the Board in her article to keep the student weeks at four days. “There is various research to support a four- day week,” explained Katie’s article. “And, of course, the most obvious is students love it. One of the many reasons we should keep a four-day school week is because many parents schedule doctor, dentist, and ortho- dontist appointments on Fridays. Parents do this so their child will not miss valuable instruction from teachers during the week. It gives families the flex- ibility to make sure they are meeting their respon- sibilities as parents but also supporting the school system.” Katie’s article gave ex- amples of sports events at the high school that happen on Fridays. She explained that unlike the five-day school week, students would not miss instruction from their teachers with the four-day week. “Don’t think that just because our teachers work four days a week that they are lazy,” said Katie’s ar- ticle. “This is quite the op- posite of what really hap- pens. My mom is a teacher and is always bringing work home whether it is grading papers, coming up with a new lesson, or working on lesson plans. Anyone that has a parent as a teacher knows what I’m talking about. “I can’t imagine going to school five days a week because that would take away one more day that I have with my family. Even though our teachers are working a four-day school week at school, they are working a seven-day week for their students.” Wilde followed her daughter’s article, explain- ing that she is the Lead Negotiator for the Baker Education Association (BEA). Wilde, representing the BEA, thanked the board for not making major changes planning to follow through with the negotia- tion process. “We’re here tonight asking that you maintain the current calendar,” said Wilde. “We would like you to allow administration and teachers to make decisions about the implementation of curriculum and then measure the data so it can be an accurate reflection of what’s happening in the classroom.” Wilde explained that they are asking the board to give students room to learn and breathe. “We encourage you to allow principals and their staff the creativity to include hands-on learning in the day,” said Wilde. “Some schools are already doing this, so, why not build upon that? Over- crowding of schools leads to tense learning environ- ments and this affects stu- dents. Behaviors increase. We would like you to give your principals and staff the chance to put behavior systems in place that are going to help all students succeed.” Wilde explained that they invited Board mem- bers to visit their class- rooms. She explained that it would help the under- standing of the best way to provide a safe and secure learning environment for the students. Following Wilde was Elissa Morrison, who shared her presentation on maintaining the current four-day schedule. Morri- son is a teacher who taught privately, corporately, and at a community college level. “First, as a teacher, our goal is to inspire, train, and develop our students in a manner that shows academic achievement,” explained Morrison. “While most importantly, inspiring our students to become life-long learners. Nothing is greater than seeing the passion and desire to learn as a student grasps a concept or begins to feel a clear direction for their future. This is, and will continue to be, a personal goal for me in instruction; developing a level of learning that will sustain an individual for a lifetime. The current calen- dar supports this from my perspective along with the input of students including my own.” Morrison explained that meeting for a fifth day would not give students enough time to learn mate- rial that day. Kim Mosier presented at the meeting for the Baker Valley Education Founda- tion (VEF). She explained that the VEF will have Community Open House and Fundraiser on May 5th for first Friday. The focus of the event will be to inform the com- munity about the VEF and what they are trying to do. There will be a student art sale, with art from students in the district, including Haines and Keating. The sale will be held in the basement in Crossroads Carnegie Art Center from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Hyrum Bradford was presented with Haines “Promise of Baker Student of the Month.” Hollie Mays was presented with Baker Middle School’s “Promise of Baker Student of the Month.” The Board approved Wes Price as the new Bud- get Committee Member. Teacher Appreciation week will be May 8th- 12th. Graduation is June 4th, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bulldog Stadium. Editor’s Note—For informational purposes, below is BEA’s proposal as presented in full: Due to recent press releases, regarding ne- gotiations and frequently asked questions, the Baker Education Association recognizes the importance to provide an accurate re- flection of the negotiation process. The Baker Educa- tion Association met on April 13, 2017 to exchange Proposal #3. The follow- ing summary explains in detail the rationale behind the proposal submitted by the BEA. Article XIV: Calendar and Workday BEA presented a pro- posal that had two different options. The first option was to maintain the 174-day contract, as is, with no changes. This is the current calendar that a significant portion of the community and major- ity of teachers has been supportive in maintaining. This option allows parents the choice to participate in programs specially designed for students by community partners. En- richment opportunities pro- vided by these community partners have proven to be priceless. Also, it allows families to take advantage of Enhanced Friday op- portunities. Opportunities for Enhanced Fridays have increased over the last year, which is evident by the increased frequency of offerings. We believe this calendar provides robust opportunities to meet fami- lies needs, while meeting the Districts goal of creat- ing more opportunities for students throughout the school year. The second option was to add 6 days to the 174-day contract, which would create a 180-day contract. The BEA is aware and has heard the message from the Baker School District that they want more days and flexibility with those days. BEA very clearly told the Baker School District that these extra days were to be used at their discre- tion. We understand that the Baker School District wants more student contact time, more professional development opportunities, and shorter instructional time at certain levels. We believe that those addi- tional days will accomplish their goals. Article XVII-Profes- sional Development The BEA felt it was important to recognize the efforts that the Baker School District is making to empower their admin- istration at the building level. According to the District/School Board, building principals will be allotted money that is designated for Professional Development. Building staff will have the op- portunity to attend confer- ences or other professional development if approved by the building princi- pal. BEA appreciated the District level administra- tion relinquishing control, so that building principals can meet the needs of their staff. Therefore, BEA ac- cepts the current contract language regarding Profes- sional Development. Article XXII-Profes- sional Compensation BEA presented two different proposals for professional compensa- tion tied to the calendars in Article XIV. According to the Baker School District, there are many concerns about the forecast for the next biennium regarding school funding. We are pleased to learn that the Baker School District is looking to retain teachers and provide competitive salary compensation. Compensation for 174- Day Calendar: The BEA presented a moderate 3% salary increase for the 2017-2018 and an addi- tional 3% salary increase for the 2018-2019 school year. We believe that this modest request is in sync with their goals. This is an example of how a beginning teacher will benefit from this modest 3% increase. A beginning teacher, with a Bachelor’s Degree and no experience, would make an additional $79.79 each month, before taxes, on a 12-month salary schedule. Compensation for 180- Day Calendar: In addition to the salary increase, we are asking for per diem compensation for each additional day added. The BEA has proposed an ad- ditional 6 days. The BEA was apprecia- tive of the Eastern Oregon School salary comparison created by Melissa Irvine. The data was very tell- ing. According to the data, teachers are well below average in regards to base salary. The District has been very diligent in recruiting “fresh, new tal- ent” to the school district. Our modest 3% increase makes the Baker School District a viable option for new teachers, especially if the salary is competitive. Proposing the 6 additional days, moves the Baker School District closer to the average number of contract days for schools in Eastern Oregon. After months of conversations, the District hasn’t pro- posed any number to the BEA other than 191 days or any increase in salary. We have demonstrated our flexibility, which will benefit Baker School Dis- trict students, staff, and the community. Article XXIV-Fringe Benefits The BEA has reduced their original proposal from a $75 increase in benefits for the 2017-2018 school year, to $50 for the 2017-2018 school year. For the 2018-2019 school year, we have reduced our original proposal from $50 to $25 in a benefit increase. Under our current contract teachers have a $1,025.00 benefit package. This is below the Eastern Oregon average benefit package of $1,191.00. The current BEA proposal will increase the benefit package from $1,025.00 to $1,075.00 for the 2017-2018 school year and increase from $1,075.00 to $1,100.00 for the 2018-2019 school year. This is $91.00 lower than the current Eastern Oregon average. Summary Conclusion The BEA is diligent in negotiating in good faith with the Baker School District and Baker School Board Directors, Melissa Irvine and Chris Hawkins. After months of discus- sions, we are concerned about the lack of progress. We believe that our pro- posal aligns with the inter- ests of all stakeholders. — Weekly Hay Report — Friday, April 21, 2017 — Eastern Oregon Prices trended generally steady in a limited test compared to week ago prices. Most demand lays with the retail/stable hay. According to some pro- ducers, horse owners prefer lower sugar, higher pro- teinhay. Many producers are sold out for the year. Tons Price Range Wtd Avg Alfalfa / Orchard Mix — Small Square Premium 6 165.00-165.00 165.00 Timothy Grass — Small Square Premium 10 275.00-275.00 275.00 USDA Market News Service—AMS.USDA.gov — Cattle Market Report — Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Vale, Oregon Cattle sold through the auction: 1,120 Steer Calves 300-400# Bulk 161.00-179.00 Top 183.00 400-500# Bulk 159.00-174.00 Top 176.25 500-600# Bulk 148.00-169.00 Top 171.00 Heifer Calves 300-400# Bulk 153.00-171.00 Top 177.00 400-500# Bulk 144.00-163.00 Top 170.00 500-600# Bulk 133-.00-142.00 Top 146.00 600-700# 700-800# 800-900# 900-1,000# Yearling Steers Bulk 146.00-163.00 Top 165.50 Bulk 126.00-137.00 Top 137.75 Bulk 117.00-125.00 Top 126.50 Bulk 109.00-116.00 Top 118.00 Yearling Heifers 600-700# Bulk 124.00-131.00 Top 135.00 700-800# Bulk 122.00-129.00 Top 129.75 800-900# Bulk 113.00-119.00 Top 120.50 900-1,000# Bulk 107.00-115.00 Top 116.00 Thin Shelly Cows 49.00 - 61.00 Butcher Cows 63.00-71.00 Butcher Bulls 71.00 - 84.00 Pairs Running age 975.00 - 1375.00 Hfretts 77.00 - 107.00 Pairs Young - 1375.00-1600 ProducersLivestock.com 541-473-3136 — Log Price Report — Prices are based on the majority of saw mills in Northeastern Oregon and Central Idaho. The prices listed below are a composite prices of various saw- mills willing to visit with me about this topic. Ponderosa Pine—small diameter class 8-11 inches diameter class $250 per mbf. Only one sawmill was willing to buy small diameter pine at this time. Ponderosa Pine—medium diameter class 12-17 inches diameter class $300 to $350 per mbf Ponderosa Pine-large diameter class 18 plus inches diameter class $380 to $410 per mbf The Pine prices are still approximately $40 per mbf below average lumber/log market due to 2017 fire salvage Doug Fir & Western Larch—$380 to $420 per mbf. Normal prices typically ranged between $425 to $475 per mbf. White Fir-$300 per mbf. Normal prices typically ranged between $340 to $360 per mbf. Engelmann Spruce—$350 at one Idaho sawmill, other sawmills including with White fir prices. In general, the log prices still impacted from 2015 fire season and fire salvage that resulted. Sawmills are starting to get log yard inventory in line with sawmill production needs. With a new Administra- tion as of 1/20/2017, a more normal economic envi- ronment should result and hopefully a more healthy housing situation will result in a better climate for Northeast Oregon Sawmill and private forest land- owners. Courtesy of Arvid Andersen, Andersen Forestry Consulting — Precious Metals Report — Price per ounce, USD Gold: $1,266.00 Silver: $17.50 Platinum: $948.05 Palladium: $809.78 Bloomberg.com — Ag Commodities — Corn: $373.50/bu/USD Wheat: $431.75/bu/USD Soybeans: $962.50/bu/USD Oats: $221.05 bu/USD Rough Rice: $9.46/cwt/USD Canola: $523.00 CAD/mwt Live Cattle: $117.48//lb./USD Feeder Cattle: $144.30/lb./USD Lean Hogs: $71.70/lb./USD Bloomberg.com
