Will it really change anything? They do what they want to do, including hold the elections at pretty inconvenient places...

I am a member of the Baltimore Teacher's Union. Unfortunately, most members including myself, do not vote because there is no one representing us. I feel the office is a political position that does not meet the direct needs of the members they serve. The election was discussed by several peers, but it was unanimous that leaders are out of touch with teachers' reality in the school system. We need resources to effectively and efficiently serve our community...not lip service by the BTU Office.

Why vote? English and company work primarily for the interests of elementary/middle school people. They are so entrenched that no one can mount a successful campaign against them. Additionally, the polls are only open until 5 and there is no way many people could get to the polling places by then. The unions are also extremely ineffective. They have really not done much to enhance the status of teachers in the city and have allowed the administration to make changes to job descriptions and duties without challenge. As far as I am concerned, my dues are a waste and they only benefit they give me is insurance.

..all valid points and criticisms. But I read these comments and I find myself falling on the old cliche of, "if you don't vote, you have no right to complain". Despite the "entrenchedness" of the officials running the union, they must still, in the end, be elected into their positions. Voting and polling numbers speak to these elected officials. If teachers can mobilize their efforts more and create a collective voice behind increasing voter turnout, the union is bound to listen.

Why not use the TSS to allow teachers to vote anytime anywhere? The polling station becomes your classroom computer!

This would be easy and make too much sense and I am sure that the union leadership and the school system leadership would be against this - too many teachers able to come together to speak truth to power would rock their hold on power!

@Michael--You are right when you say complaining should be for those who vote. However, if there is no one else to vote for, why bother? You can't vote someone out; just in.

An organization that doesn't serve its constituents? What a surprise.

I like the idea of voting via TSS but agree that it may encourage more people to vote possibly to run and we wouldn't want that would we?

I voted in this election. I also encouraged others to vote. Most of the people I spoke with were so disappointed with the curtain group in office that they didn't want to waste their time. Many people asked is anyone else running?
While at my voting place, I asked one election official why the elections were between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM even though most teachers are working from 7 to 3? His answer was that's the way it has always been. What does that tell you about how much attention they are paying to our needs?

Election Technology Use Policy Process Go To TSS to vote@ BTU

There is no question using TSS is a great solution to overcome gaps in voting access barriers. Contact Mike Pitroff Chief Technology Officer and in addition seek school board commissioners vote and the office of legal council to make it HR approved human capital school system policy.

The school system board approved a 2010 HR staff employee student NonResident policy.

When you vote in the BTU election, you don't have to vote for every position. If you want to vote for only one candidate for one position, you can do so. It would send quite a message if 1,000 people turned out but only a handful voted for an incumbent.

In response to Ms. Bowie's question, No, there is definitely not broad satisfaction; there is an almost complete disconnect between union leadership and rank-and-file teachers. Which is a shame, because the Union is in a position to advocate for teachers and students and smart reforms. Some teachers are working to change the status quo.

The Baltimore Teacher's Union is not independent of the Baltimore City Public School System this is the major concern. The public school system educators are not yet outraged enough to demand new operating policy and put into legislation action for a new major plan to reform the BTU system.

I am currently a teacher in the Baltimore City School System. I have tried to be active and participate. I noticed that the same people come out to event after event. Everyone speaks of change but what are you doing to make that change?

The Union has numerous commitees that they have to literally beg teachers to join(look in your BTU calendar). If the same people show up your going to get the same results. Stop complaining and do something about it!

Also, the executive board did NOT run unopposed. There were other candidates in the Elementary Vice President and Member-at-Large positions.

This is an excellent thought provoking post.