Here’s Why Scott Boyd’s Teachers’ Proposal Gets A Failing Grade

by Bill Moore – Guest Column

Orange County fares better than most school districts in Florida on the educational front. According to the 2014 Orange County Public Schools Annual Report there are 184 schools in Orange County. Over 114 of those schools earned an A or B; over 62%, from the Florida Department of Education and 19 traditional high schools had an 87% graduation rate compared to 49% in 2000. For the first time ever, all 19 of the Orange County High Schools made the Washington Post’s list as America’s Most Challenging schools. These achievements would not be possible without the dedication and devotion of our professional teachers.

Now, local Orange County District 1 Commissioner Scott Boyd proposes to fill the shortage of school crossing guards with professional teachers. At first blush, some may believe this proposal is a great solution. But, in reality it’s an emotional, feel-good proposal that has practical problems that can cost Orange County taxpayers in the end. Further, the proposal does not take into consideration the impact on the educational achievements made thus far and could very well jeopardize educational progress beyond 2014.

The practical problems for any proposal compelling school teachers to perform the school crossing guard duties would include collective bargaining on the issue because there would be a change in hours and possibly terms and conditions on employment. The next hurdle is scheduling work hours to attend the state’s required school crossing guard training and the mandated two hours of practical training at a school crossing location. More importantly, the proposal subjects professional teachers to a dangerous traffic environment which could result in injury that would potentially remove them from the classroom while recovering.

Let’s think about our teachers for a moment. Consider your child’s teacher would like to go home after putting in a long day at work and managing to teach, on average, 16-20 students. But the long day isn’t over because quality lesson plans need to be done; at home. Moreover, a teacher, on any given day, manages a student with behavioral issues or must deal with a student abused by a caregiver. On a more regular basis, consider that teachers patiently wait for a late parent to arrive, coordinate parent meetings and conferences, budget their time to attend weekly staff meetings, conference with parents for their child’s learning or behavioral problems and progress, and manage their own continuing education requirements.

The financial impact of placing professional teachers in the roadway instead of the classroom is significant. The Florida Department of Education reports the 2013-14 average salary for an Orange County teacher is $44,094; however, other data suggests a 7-year tenured teacher’s income is $31,500 annually. So, depending on what value is used, the cost to place a single teacher as a school crossing guard replacement, at each of the 184 Orange County Schools during a 160 day school year for a single hour, would be between $624,128 and $445,722. These estimates are based upon a teacher’s hourly rate of pay being between, on the high-end, $21.20 and $15.14, on the low end, compared to a school crossing guard’s hourly rate of pay being $10.33 an hour. A substantial difference in the use of taxpayer funds and these estimates do not take account for training, staffing locations that require two crossing guards, or staffing beyond the regular 160 day school year.

I bring a unique perspective to this issue. As a true native of Orange County, who attended public schools and whose mother is a retired Orange County teacher, I grew up and witnessed the day and the life of a professional teacher. As a retired law enforcement officer with over 20 years of law enforcement experience in Orange County and who has directed traffic in the roadways of Orange County, I can say managing traffic patterns are one of the most dangerous activities for law enforcement officers, let alone for teachers.

Commissioner Boyd’s proposal would only add more stress for teachers and encroach on the time it takes to prepare a quality education for our children. My suggestion: let the teachers focus on their primary purpose for our community, teaching.

Bill Moore was born and raised in Orlando, FL and became an Orlando Police Officer in 1993. He retired from the Orlando Police Department after serving as a law enforcement officer for over 20 years and has experience in conducting wiretaps, surveillance, investigations, and labor relations. He remains active in the community by volunteering and serving as an Assistant Director and Treasurer for the Fraternal Order of Police District 7 and State Trustee for the Fraternal Order of Police Orlando Lodge 25.