It's definitely not because she's doing a good job. It's just too hard to vote.

As of last week, I wasn't going to vote. We mobilized two years ago to get rid of her, but it didn't happen. But then, I decided, with the help of a certain guilt-trip a local education blogger took me on (ha ha - I thank you for it!) made me really want to; after all, if I could complain about the union, at least I should vote.

And, then, I just couldn't. I taught all day, my planning period was taken up by a meeting with a parent, I had to start coaching before the end of school, my polling place was a 20-minute drive away... I just, quite literally, couldn't do it without leaving my students without a teacher. It sounds like I'm making excuses, but I'm not; my day was just too full.

Our school had their SIT meeting that day, as well. Several of my colleagues were held at the school for that and couldn't get away.

I know, I know, we're all busy. But it was just too hard yesterday to get away. I am convinced that if voting were spread across a few days, or be allowed to be done via absentee ballot, the turnout would be much greater and the result much better (re: without English).

Teachers and people in general are apathetic. If we really wanted change, we would do what they did in the 60's, rally and get out, walk miles if we had to. I voted yesterday. People don't believe anything can happen. Also the union should not be called a union. They have very little power. Striking is where unions hold some weight. We can't strike so we are like dogs without teeth. It is a collective bargaining agency and that is all they seem to be able to do. Our contract is relatively vague in many areas so if there are not blatant violations, most grievances are found in favor of BCPSS. Like most things in BCPSS, it is a futile effort, so people don't try anymore.

I think it is three fold (as to why people didn't vote): 1) the time element 2) location 3) no publicity or debates or anything to define any of the candidates. Ms. English was the only one whose flyers were in any of our schools. We should get emails, if nothing else, about the candidates, and we should be able to vote from our computers, from our Baltimore City email addresses.

I voted against English. I think that this group is WASTING my $600+ annual contribution. I commented earlier that there are something like 60 people going on a little all expense paid trip to Chicago to be "representatives"-- ridiculous waste of money.

I saw fliers for "Win with Gwyn"-- was not impressed. I cannot even remember the other one's name, but saw an amateurish flier in my mail box at school (picture distorted). But there were numerous English fliers. Plus, the BTU delayed teacher appreciation week to Monday, and passed out some imitation leather calculator pads. Looked like an election gimmick.

English also has my home address, so I got something in the mail from her openly politicking for reelection (who paid for the postage and printing? was the list open to rivals?)

I also really feel strongly about all of the junk mail solicitations that BTU sends and wish we had some sort of accounting for how the Union is incented for this.

I did not vote. Not because I am apathetic but because the union is essentially a waste of time and effort. Ms. English is well-entrenched and difficult to vote out. Also, in MD, the union has about as much power as a marshmallow. This is the only jurisdiction that I have taught in where voting wasn't done at the school. No, we have to travel, find a place to park and go through the aggravation. If the union really wanted the support of the teachers, voting would be much more accessible.

I agree with Ateacher. Why do you need to go off site to vote? Absentee voting or longer voting period would go a long way towards addressing this.

I'm not that impressed with what the union has done for me either. Some teachers in my building have no doors on their classrooms. We have lots of hall runners here so they run in and out of the rooms at will. Some of us have no way to lock our doors. Sounds like a safety and security issue to me. Where is the union while all of this is going on? The only time they are interested in the rank and file is when it is time to take the dues out of our chacks.

I hope it was my guilt trip! I totally understand about the lack of time and think that as others mentioned the election was set up to discourage any real turn out. I had to take my planning time to vote and it was insanely hard to do. I won't hold it against you:-)

As for the lack of power, I agree here too with one caviot. As Mr. Giddings showed, while the union (including principals union) has done little to nothing to move things forward for teachers and other staff. What they do have the power to do is stand in the way of real reform - charter schools, alt. certification programs, real meaningful professional development, school choice, well heck, I could go on for about about 20 more minutes, but you get the idea.

While I had little hope for any of the "contenders" I have zero hope for English and her ilk. Just at the moment when this system might finally be moving towards a better place for kids which means a better place for high quality teachers and administrators too, we are facing another few years of mis-representation at the hands of Ms. English and her "team". And by the way, I can't wait for that new conference center - NOT.

The obstructionism and general resistance to change is what makes it hard for me as a fairly liberal, pro-union parent to support either the teacher's or the principal's unions. I wish I could, because in terms of pay, respect, support, safety and the like, a strong union is exactly what is needed. Without some sort of radical change, these unions will continue to be resented by the membership. Maybe a change in philosophy where teachers are seen as professionals with an organization (more like the AMA for doctors) would work out better. I don't know since I'm a parent and not a teacher, but to get the support of parents something needs to change.