UIA will say and do anything to get their UNION BUSTING proposal passed.

Today on the Phil Paleologis show UIA member, Renee Ledbetter claimed not to know Carolee Matsumoto or of her involvement in the UIA. Matsumoto is and has been the most outspoken critic of New Bedford Teachers and the New Bedford Educators Association. Please read the UIA internal document carefully and judge for yourself.

Also on the show, they had a high school student pushing their propaganda. This isn't the first time they have used kids to push their agenda. At a recent school committee meeting they used a child who was less the 10 years old to speak on the merits of small autonomous schools.

Again, UIA will say and do anything to get their UNION BUSTING proposal passed.

UIA/Education Roundtable Behind the Scenes





Statements made by Carolee Matsumoto

Standard Times, August 14, 2010 - Carolee S. Matsumoto:

“As a longtime educator and friend to teachers, I write this to officially lodge my dismay and disgust at the shortsighted, selfish, and unprofessional positions and actions of New Bedford Educators Association President Lou St. John and other NBEA union ‘leaders.’ No, I am not just reacting to the recent “vote” they bullied the teachers into, but it is their perpetuation of practices and positions that have not (ever) and will not serve our students, never mind the teachers.”

“Let's be frank! The current New Bedford education system is not succeeding as it should be despite the efforts of (some) teachers and administrators.”

“Why are so many of our students not achieving the education they deserve and could get if deep, systemic changes were made? Why should only some students, teachers, administrators, parents or politicos be allowed favors and privileges? Who is controlling the status quo with the sacrifice of true change and improvement?”

“Although there exist many people and pockets of excellence in the New Bedford schools, there also exists the power infrastructure of the loyal “old boys” who, through patronage, family relationships and unions, have protected people, practices and positions that continue obsolete thinking and hold back innovation, change and efficiencies. (I have a list.)”

“Attempts to make changes are confronted with the culture of silence and retribution that protects the incompetent (jobs), blames the victims (kids/parents), and kills off innovation and any actions that threaten to disturb the status quo of power, turf, and privileges/rewards for the empowered.”

“It is not surprising that teacher unions across the United States are suffering a backlash against their navel-gazing practices.”

“The NBEA needs to elevate its thinking and to answer the question that its national NEA organization did recently: “Does NEA stand for National ‘Education’ Association or National ‘Educators’ Association?” As the local union negotiates its contract in the coming months, I am hopeful that NBEA will change its name as well as its positions to demonstrate its willingness to be a partner in doing whatever it takes to improve learning for all.”




Standard Times, February 24, 2011 - Carolee Matsumoto:

“In New Bedford, where the current teachers’ contract expires June 30 and is being renegotiated, the time is ripe to consider changes that are in the best interests of New Bedford Public School students. If its education is ever to rise above mediocrity, or worse, New Bedford has to pay specific attention to the teachers’ union contract provisions that have historically prevented change and supported obstructionist behaviors against any attempts to focus on what is best for our students.”

“The union contract contains several areas that deserve scrutiny, with the most critical area for renegotiation being the NBEA seniority and tenure agreements.”

“It is no secret that there are teachers who should not be in our classrooms. Dennis Winn, former assistant superintendent and principal, described the situation: "Teachers with the most seniority have the right to bid into any open positions within their certification areas regardless of merit or goodness of fit. While most teachers are hardworking, conscientious, and effective; the least competent teachers use this ridiculous 'right' to move from school to school; thus avoiding principals willing to evaluate their incompetence." This has been referred to as the "Dance of the Lemons."

“The possibility of a well-qualified teacher for every student is further derailed by the adherence to the seniority rule when teacher cuts are necessary. Those with most seniority keep their jobs, and those with less experience are cut regardless of their skills and capability.”


“The Education Roundtable hopes that in the negotiations between the School Committee and the New Bedford Educators Association, the goal of putting students first will dominate. These negotiations, so often conducted behind closed doors, should consider the concerns and aspirations of students, parents and all who have a stake in public education in New Bedford. Results of the current system prove business as usual is unacceptable. Students need good teachers who are properly rewarded. Students are harmed by poor or indifferent teachers who must find different careers. The contract must encourage both of these outcomes. The Education Roundtable is on board and will continue to use the spotlight, leverage, and support that this community group proffers to make a difference for our students.”