Still fighting: Local educators unhappy with way pension reform passed

March 31--An action packed Thursday night ended in a passed pension bill, however, for many Kentucky educators the fight, they say, is far from over.

In response to the pension passing, more than 20 counties, including Madison, closed schools Friday after educators called in to work in what is being called a "sickout."

Schools Closed

Initially, Madison County Schools planned to have school on Friday -- the last day before spring break -- but also "was concerned the late-night cancelation would have inconvenienced parents needing childcare," according to Community Education Director Erin Stewart.

A statement was made on the district's Facebook page, credited to Assistant Superintendent David Gilliam, which called the day's events in the General Assembly "upsetting and disruptive" but said those in the district needed to respond in a manner that is "beneficial and will (move) the cause forward," adding that a sickout could "harm" the their position with the public.

However, after consideration, call-ins from many educators and support given by district parents, Madison County Schools chose to close schools Friday in an act of solidarity. The initial post was removed and a new one issued.

"This has been a difficult evening for all of us in education," the post began. "We share a passion for our students and for their futures that is unmatched and unwavering. Tonight we have to balance that passion with the need to stand in solidarity with others in our profession across the state...We hope our parents and our community will continue to support educators and other state employees locally and across the Commonwealth."

In addition to the announcement being made on social media and the district website, many schools chose to alert families of cancelation via the One-Call alert system.

In a statement to The Register Friday, Stewart said the district was saddened and disappointed at the way the pension vote was handled.

"I don't think anyone is in disagreement that reform is necessary, but (it should) have been handled in the appropriate way with as much fairness to everyone as possible. Last night was a disappointment," Stewart elaborated. "An emotional response is appropriate."

However, less than 14 hours after highly debated pension bill passed, many school faculty and staff volunteered their time to deliver backpacks filled with food to area children that are part of the district's backpack program. The program sends food to homes of food insecure children. The packs are typically sent home at the end of the school day on Fridays.

"It's a blessing to have people so committed and care so much that they ill come in on their personal time," Stewart said.

The community education director also noted with Friday's cancelation, the district's school calendar has been amended. While graduation dates -- May 25 for Madison Southern and May 26 for Madison Central -- have remained the same, the last day of school will now be Tuesday, May 29.

'We are angry'

Teachers, who were chanting as votes were casts and also texting legislators inside and begging them to vote "no", had their hopes dashed as the bill came into fruition, according to Madison County Education Association President Susan Cintra.

"We were angry," Cintra said of the crowd's reaction Thursday night. "The way they went about this was just not acceptable. It was shady and it tried to take a bill they have pushed so long, that we have been fighting against, and drop it in that morning attached to a sewage bill

"...They voted on a bill they hadn't even read, which hadn't been through any due process. It's base level disgusting behavior."

While speaking with The Register Friday, State Sen. Jared Carpenter, R-Berea, who voted "yes" to Thursday's incarnation of the bill, maintained that he had been a "no" vote on previous pension bills presented because of their affects on current teachers and retirees.

Carpenter stated the passed bill has pieces of the "old ones," which the legislators had looked and researched and had an actuarial analysis on. But, he said, it removes much of what affects those currently in, or retired out of, the system.

The bill does, Carpenters said, cap sick days, as of June 2019, that educators can use to go toward their retirement. However, he said they would continue to accumulate sick days.

Cost of living raises for current retired teachers will remain unchanged in the bill, as does the benefit calculation and years of service required for retirement of current teachers or state employees, according to an LRC release.

Future teachers will be placed in a hybrid "cash balance" plan similar to the state's retirement plan for state employees hired as of 2014, the release continued.

"The plan will have a 10-percent personal contribution rate and 7 to 8 percent by the state. The person can still retire in 27 years with a benefit plan that is guaranteed to have zero loss," said Carpenter.

The senator said he made a statement Thursday night that based on the analysis of the new hybrid cash balance, if a teacher starts with the plan as a new hire and matched the amount that "in 27 years, they could have upwards of $750,000 in their account that could provide a benefit in the neighborhood of $6,000 a month and still have a principle balance to do with as they want, which they can keep or give as an inheritance to their children."

Carpenter further added that a $5,000 death benefit has been taken away and replaced with a $20,000 life insurance policy.

State Rep. Jonathan Shell, R-Lancaster, who also voted "yes," issued a statement adding the bill minimizes future risk on taxpayers, while giving new teachers a benefits package that includes replacement income for social security.

"(The bill) is a product of many months of countless hours of public discussion, meetings, and input from a wide range of stakeholders," said Shell. "This bill keeps our promises to teachers, law enforcement and state workers, while also putting new teachers in a plan that, based on analysis of long term market performance, will likely allow them to have more retirement income than the traditional plan would. The KEA's own actuary has said as much."

Unfortunately, Carpenter said, emotions got so high that happiness for all was impossible.

The Register attempted to reach state State Rep. Wesley Morgan, R-Richmond, who voted "no" to the bill, but he had not responded by press time.

Moving forward

On Friday, Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear reiterated his promise, on social media, to sue if Gov. Matt Bevin signs the pension bill into law.

For educators looking to take their own stand and have their voices heard in Frankfort, Madison County Schools will be busing teachers, students and community members to Frankfort on Monday, April 2, when many expect the budget and revenue bills to be brought up for discussion.

Buses will meet at Madison Southern/Foley Middle School and at Glenn Marshall Elementary/Michael B. Caudill Middle School areas at 7 a.m. with the goal of arriving in time for an 8 a.m. protest. For more information, visit the Madison County Education Association Facebook page.

Reach Critley King at 624-6623; follow her on Twitter @critleyking.

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