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