DoDDS tution

[Isaak Brodsky]

Our friends have a daughter same age as our daughter. She goes to DoDDS while ours goes to OCSI.

The tution at DoDDS has recently risen to $19,000 per year. Is this a reasonable cost for the quality you get?

Check the list for a relative comparison of other schools' tuition in 2001 dollars.

Rank Institution Amount
1 Brown $23,287
2 M.I.T. 23,100
2 Yale 23,100
4 Dartmouth 23,011
5 Princeton 22,920
6 Brandeis 22,851
7 Tufts 22,811
8 Harvard 22,802
9 Columbia 22,652
10 University of Chicago 22,476
11 Boston University 22,278
12 University of Pennsylvania 22,250
13 Duke 22,173
14 Tulane 22,066
15 Cornell 21,914
16 New York University 21,730
17 Johns Hopkins 21,700
18 Vanderbilt 21,467
19 Georgetown 21,405
20 Geo Washington 21,360
21 Lehigh 21,350
22 Stanford 21,300
23 Washington University 21,210
24 University of Rochester 21,190
25 Emory 21,110
26 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 20,600
27 Southern California 20,480
28 Carnegie Mellon 20,375
29 Notre Dame 20,000
30 University of Miami 19,512
31 Northwestern 19,152
32 California Institute of Technology 18,816
33 Syracuse 18,000
34 Case Western Reserve 17,940
35 Rice 14,310

[Crazysix]

that is crazy, for just an high school education when it should be free if not nothing more than 2-3k per year, no wonder we are getting dumber, who can afford an edumacation.

[Tony Stacks]

That's insane. DoDDS schools are overrrated anyway. IMO they charge so much becaise DoDDS teachers are OVERPAID. I think teachers should be paid based on their performance. ie; people like Coach Carter that actually give a shit.

[Ammoyankee]

I always assumed that the reason for the ridiculously high DODDS tuition was to maintain decent teacher/student classroom ratios. If the just opened it up to retirees, look how many aditional students the school would pick up!

I have to admit, one of my deciding factors in not staying here after retirement was the school tuition. I am not 100% sure I can secure a SOFA job and I have two children still in school. Not to mention, my oldest does not like the athletic options available off-base.

[Isaak Brodsky]

that is crazy, for just an high school education when it should be free if not nothing more than 2-3k per year, no wonder we are getting dumber, who can afford an edumacation.

Well, it is definitely free for certain exclusive ID card holders, but if you're not one of those certain ID card holder, you gotta pay through both nostrils.

This is a charge across the board, from K through 12.

[Isaak Brodsky]

... Not to mention, my oldest does not like the athletic options available off-base.

There are certainly a lot of options off base - if you habla the local language.

[Tony Stacks]

If the just opened it up to retirees, look how many aditional students the school would pick up!

.


I don't think so. If the retirees are not SOFA than they are married to a Japanese and that makes their kids Japanese and there is NO way in hell they would choose to put their kids in DoDDs when they can be in Japanese school.

[Isaak Brodsky]

That's insane. DoDDS schools are overrrated anyway. IMO they charge so much becaise DoDDS teachers are OVERPAID. I think teachers should be paid based on their performance. ie; people like Coach Carter that actually give a shit.

Interesting points! but kinda difficult to develop an accurate and reliable measurement for something as diffuse as teacher performance.

[Kitty Meow]

How much is the tuition at OCSI?

[Crazysix]

Interesting points! but kinda difficult to develop an accurate and reliable measurement for something as diffuse as teacher performance.
I know in certain states the teachers are given a standardized test in their chosen area, if they can pass or improve on previous scores its sayonara . What they should do is have evaluators at every school full time, that critique not only the students performance but the teachers, principal and counseling staff and make them only accountable to the superintendent of the district. DoDDs school system doesn't impress me at all as a matter of fact it never has.

[Ammoyankee]

There are certainly a lot of options off base - if you habla the local language.

My children do habla local but my son also loves football and since he is a sophmore, I don't feel it would be fair to him now.

I don't think so. If the retirees are not SOFA than they are married to a Japanese and that makes their kids Japanese and there is NO way in hell they would choose to put their kids in DoDDs when they can be in Japanese school.


Tony, while some Japanese schools are great hands down, they are not all as good as people think they are. And, to get into some of the better ones does require testing.
I personally like the education my children are recieving at DODDS here on Okinawa. I have to say it is MUCH better that the schools they were attending when we were stationed in Louisiana. I know now where the "dumb redneck" label comes from.

[Isaak Brodsky]

How much is the tuition at OCSI?

Kitty Meow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Long time no hear from. Glad to see you back on the boards and purring as usual.

DoDDS tuition is 19k per year from K through 12.

Seems to me the tuition (three times more than OCSI) is set to exclude rather than invite kids into education.

Sorry, mis-read your original question. OCSI is about 580,000 Yen per school year. Not so bad.

[Ammoyankee]

How much is the tuition at OCSI?

I am not 100% sure but I heard OCSI costs around $500-600 a month...

[ryukyuboi]

Seems to me the tuition (three times more than OCSI) is set to exclude rather than invite kids into education.


I don't think the tuition is based on excluding or including students. More likely the tuition is based on the operating costs of the US government for maintaining their facilities worldwide.

[Tony Stacks]

I don't think the tuition is based on excluding or including students. More likely the tuition is based on the operating costs of the US government for maintaining their facilities worldwide.

Or overpaying the DoDDS teachers and giving them COLA and huge housing allowances.

[afansi]

I would like to add another question. Shouldn't DoDDS have some responsibility for the education of kids who are abandoned in Okinawa by their US military fathers?

Since they pull up the drawbridge to access to their own schools (that's what the Ivy League sized fees are all about) they might at least make a contribution to local schools so they can make provision for kids to learn Japanese as a second language, and adjust to the culture they will need to come to terms with.

We hear plenty of US military platitudes about the heroic roles military spouses play in the "mission," but in reality it seems they always get dumped on when marriages break down.

[Kitty Meow]

Kitty Meow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Long time no hear from. Glad to see you back on the boards and purring as usual.

DoDDS tuition is 19k per year from K through 12.

Seems to me the tuition (three times more than OCSI) is set to exclude rather than invite kids into education.

:w00t:Thanks Ian! I've been lurking! lol.

Well 19k per year is outrageous! =:scared:

:old: I know they're not the only school here that provides good education.

There's a lot of school out there that provides good education for a lesser price!:thumbup1:

[okisteve]

Or overpaying the DoDDS teachers and giving them COLA and huge housing allowances.

Thats why there's such a low turnover rate. At what they pay them, they should be able to boot the bad teachers out and get the best only.

[Tony Stacks]

I would like to add another question. Shouldn't DoDDS have some responsibility for the education of kids who are abandoned in Okinawa by their US military fathers?

.

No. It's not the military's business.

[Tony Stacks]

Thats why there's such a low turnover rate. At what they pay them, they should be able to boot the bad teacher out and get the best only.


No crap but God forbid they use common sense.:rolleyes:

[Crazysix]

I would like to add another question. Shouldn't DoDDS have some responsibility for the education of kids who are abandoned in Okinawa by their US military fathers?

Since they pull up the drawbridge to access to their own schools (that's what the Ivy League sized fees are all about) they might at least make a contribution to local schools so they can make provision for kids to learn Japanese as a second language, and adjust to the culture they will need to come to terms with.

We hear plenty of US military platitudes about the heroic roles military spouses play in the "mission," but in reality it seems they always get dumped on when marriages break down.
shouldnt the Amerasian school be held to the same standard as other schools, im trying to start a fight here and I see what your saying, but just because you have an ID card doesnt mean you are sofa status and you must be SOFA to attend the schools , naval hospital, hell even shopa t the px and commissary

[ryukyuboi]

DoDDS salaries are based on the averages of the 10 largest (not richest) school districts in the US. As a group, teachers are not overpaid. Some school districts in the US have to recruit from overseas because of a teacher shortage. Many teachers abandon the profession, and one of the main reasons is the low salary.

[Tony Stacks]

DoDDS salaries are based on the averages of the 10 largest (not richest) school districts in the US. As a group, teachers are not overpaid. Some school districts in the US have to recruit from overseas because of a teacher shortage. Many teachers abandon the profession, and one of the main reasons is the low salary.


Regular public school teachers are UNDERpaid in most places but DoDDS teachers IMO are OVERpaid.

[Crazysix]

they are over paid....just the way it is, and when I make more money than them then they are underpaid, but until then over paid

[Tony Stacks]

they are over paid....just the way it is, and when I make more money than them then they are underpaid, but until then over paid

No. When u make moew money than them they will still be overpaid. :D

[okisteve]

Maybe you have compulsory measles vaccinations for kids in DoDDs schools, but just a heads-up that there are now several confirmed cases in the Japanese schools in mid-island.

[ryukyuboi]

Please share with us the salary schedule for DoDDS teachers. I would like to see the figures that you are basing your opinion.

[Tony Stacks]

Please share with us the salary schedule for DoDDS teachers. I would like to see the figures that you are basing your opinion.

Well is that just salary or icluding their cola and OHA? Go get it your self. Google it damn.:cool:

[DoctorP]

I don't think so. If the retirees are not SOFA than they are married to a Japanese and that makes their kids Japanese and there is NO way in hell they would choose to put their kids in DoDDs when they can be in Japanese school.


The Japanese education system is highly over rated! I have kids in both systems. It truly depend upon what school your child attends in Japan as to the quality of education they recieve! Elementary schools are fairly even across the board, but after that there is a HUGE difference!


Thats why there's such a low turnover rate. At what they pay them, they should be able to boot the bad teachers out and get the best only.

Ever heard of the DODDS teachers union? I've heard really bad things about them...seems as though there isn't much that you can do to a teacher in DODDS, unless they are some type of criminal or pervert.

[Tony Stacks]

The Japanese education system is highly over rated! I have kids in both systems. It truly depend upon what school your child attends in Japan as to the quality of education they recieve! Elementary schools are fairly even across the board, but after that there is a HUGE difference!

.


I have a son in Japanese school and I have been impressed so far. But I have also heard it depends on the school after elementary. Don't know mines not that old yet so I guess I'll see.

[Isaak Brodsky]

:w00t:Thanks Ian! I've been lurking! lol.

Well 19k per year is outrageous! =:scared:

:old: I know they're not the only school here that provides good education.

There's a lot of school out there that provides good education for a lesser price!:thumbup1:

Answered in earlier post. I'd mis-read your original question. OCSI is about 579,000 yen per year. Cheers, ib

[Isaak Brodsky]

shouldnt the Amerasian school be held to the same standard as other schools, im trying to start a fight here and I see what your saying, but just because you have an ID card doesnt mean you are sofa status and you must be SOFA to attend the schools , naval hospital, hell even shopa t the px and commissary

Even if you are on SOFA status that doesn't necessarily guarentee a slot in a DoDDS school for your child. When I had SOFA status, my kid wasn't able to attend DoDDS, unless of course I paid the bizarre rates.

[DoctorP]

Even if you are on SOFA status that doesn't necessarily guarentee a slot in a DoDDS school for your child. When I had SOFA status, my kid wasn't able to attend DoDDS, unless of course I paid the bizarre rates.

It changed a few years ago Ian. If you are SOFA status, you are no longer Space available...you are space required...meaning if you want your kids to go there, they have to allow it.

[ryukyuboi]

Well is that just salary or icluding their cola and OHA? Go get it your self. Google it damn.:cool:

No problem. But you were writing, I thought, as if you knew the salaries.

Do you actually think the US government could recruit teachers for overseas assignments without some perks?

[Isaak Brodsky]

DoDDS salaries are based on the averages of the 10 largest (not richest) school districts in the US. As a group, teachers are not overpaid. Some school districts in the US have to recruit from overseas because of a teacher shortage. Many teachers abandon the profession, and one of the main reasons is the low salary.

A fifth year teacher with an MA will rake in over 100k. A friend of mine who is a DoDDS teacher receives 60k per annum in housing alone. Is that not banking or what? Is it overpaid? probably. Do I begrudge her that excellent fringe benefit. No. The fact is fairly plain, DoDDS has an excellent union that can get only the very best for its teachers. Some of them, though, needed to retire decades ago for low productivity.

[DoctorP]

Do you actually think the US government could recruit teachers for overseas assignments without some perks?

You know...for the most part I am impressed with the teachers I have come into contact with...there are only a few who disappointed me. I have no problem with what they are paid. Hell, if you could make the same money...any of us would right?

[Isaak Brodsky]

It changed a few years ago Ian. If you are SOFA status, you are no longer Space available...you are space required...meaning if you want your kids to go there, they have to allow it.

Trust me on this one, it may have changed for some folks, but for other SOFA people, DoDDS is out of the question. That's one reason why I left my SOFA job. Ask anyone who has kids but who teaches for any of the universities that serve the military on base, and they (the professors) will tell you the same story. No DoDDS schooling unless you pay.

[Tony Stacks]

No problem. But you were writing, I thought, as if you knew the salaries.

Do you actually think the US government could recruit teachers for overseas assignments without some perks?


Yes I think they could.

[DoctorP]

Trust me on this one, it may have changed for some folks, but for other SOFA people, DoDDS is out of the question. That's one reason why I left my SOFA job. Ask anyone who has kids but who teaches for any of the universities that serve the military on base, and they (the professors) will tell you the same story. No DoDDS schooling unless you pay.

Let me backtrack and correct myself Ian...You are correct. SOFA does not guarantee school. If you are DOD GS, then they changed the rule to allow you to send your kids....not for all SOFA. Sorry for that!

[vvloc]

I think teachers should be paid based on their performance.

Just curious here - wha'ts it cost to take classes at:

jjenglishteachers@yahoo.com

[Tony Stacks]

Just curious here - wha'ts it cost to take classes at:

jjenglishteachers@yahoo.com



1000Y an Hr

[vvloc]

1000Y an Hr

Sounds "grossly" OVERpriced.

[Tony Stacks]

Sounds "grossly" OVERpriced.

Sound like a deal to me :D

[vvloc]

Sound like a deal to me :D

Are there any native English speakers on the faculty?

[Tony Stacks]

Are there any native English speakers on the faculty?

....Yes....

[Asshat]

I read all five pages of this thread, and have found mostly incorrect information.

DoD schools are overseas to serve the families of Active Duty Military and DoD civilians. They are not a basic entitlement to someone just because they happen to want to live overseas, but for those sent overseas.

The pay for DoDDS educators (http://www.dodea.edu/offices/hr/salary/default.htm)and administrators in the Teaching Position (TP) pay plan is based on the pay for similar positions in urban school districts in the United States of 100,000 or mor population. An educator's pay is based upon the educational level of the employee and the number of years of creditable experience.

OVERSEAS EDUCATORS SCHOOL YEAR 2006-2007 SALARY SCHEDULE (http://www.cpms.osd.mil/ASSETS/5B5AC7D5AC7740DE9B619CB8A256B93A/2007_Schedule_C.pdf)

Also, DoDDS educators receive Living Quarters Allowance under the same rules as all other Federal Service employees. The MOST one will receive is $48,100 (http://aoprals.state.gov/Web920/lqa_all.asp?)per year.

[Isaak Brodsky]

I read all five pages of this thread, and have found mostly incorrect information.

DoD schools are overseas to serve the families of Active Duty Military and DoD civilians. They are not a basic entitlement to someone just because they happen to want to live overseas, but for those sent overseas.


I've read your critique and have found it mostly correct.

Your observation here does not account for other SOFA status card holders. Some SOFA status folks - despite not being DoD civilians - nevertheless enjoy the benefits of DoDDS schooling for their children. A number of contract agencies on island enjoy this entitlement. My point was that universities serving the military - though contracted - do not enjoy this benefit. So, 19k per year is the charge for tuition.

Unless my friend is telling untruthes, 60k per annum for living quarters is the figure I heard straight from his mouth.

[Asshat]

Your observation here does not account for other SOFA status card holders. Some SOFA status folks - despite not being DoD civilians - nevertheless enjoy the benefits of DoDDS schooling for their children. A number of contract agencies on island enjoy this entitlement. My point was that universities serving the military - though contracted - do not enjoy this benefit. So, 19k per year is the charge for tuition.

There are a couple of ways in which this works. One of them is that the contractor pays the tuition out of their own funds. The other is that the contractor convinces the US Government it "rates" the services.

Unless my friend is telling untruthes, 60k per annum for living quarters is the figure I heard straight from his mouth.[/SIZE][/FONT]

Absolutely no one working for the US Gov gets that much. However if one were to add in the COLA, it could approach that, so that is probably what your friend meant.

There are other aspects to all of this that glossed over. For example, Active Duty military get MIHA- Move in allowance- that civilians do not get.

I wont discuss or dispute the quality of education versus any other schooling type. The tests speak for themselves, and there are other issues at hand that lend themselves to DoDDS providing a better education that have nothing to do with DoDDS....such as the affluent kids attending school with the middle class kids, or the ethnic mix that is unheard of in US Schools.

The last thing I can say is that the number of tuition-paying students under the DoDEA umbrella is not that high. I think a lot of people forget that when they are in the US living in a neighborhood, their taxes pay for the schooling, bonds are issues, etc. If they live in a military neighborhood attending a tax-based school, the US Gov gets that school some funding too under various schemes.

[Isaak Brodsky]

excellent points. many thanx for clarifications.

[Rachel]

Who is paying the salary for the DODDs teacher and 24/7 air conditioner and luxury houses for SOFAs and others? Not people who are paying the school fees, but Japanese taxpayer like me. I want my tax to stop spending on war, killing and destroy the environment. Some other forum's people complain about high rents for SOFA's people, and I agree it is a corruption. Problem is Japanese government deliberately wants to make Okinawan construction company and economy into US military parasite. That way they got Okinawan people to vote for them. This is the Okinawa's "military-construction complex" problem. Then, even we want a few American to go out from Okinawa, Japanese government always agree to pay more and more. After that US militaries still insisting on destroying our precious nature for making new base at Henoko.

[Ammoyankee]

After that US militaries still insisting on destroying our precious nature for making new base at Henoko.

Rachel, on a serious note... Have you actually opened your eyes and seen the amount dumping, littering and other pollution that occurs by the local people on a daily basis?

Is the nature of Okinawa only precious in the Henoko area?

[socalheart]

Japanese taxpayers paying for DODDS schools is news to me. I figured it was partially paid with my US tax dollars. What proof do you have of this, if any? If you're going to hijack a thread and twist it to your one-man protest, at least provide proof of your accusations. Otherwise, create yet another one of your hate threads yourself elsewhere, and please stop hijacking threads with an actual useful purpose. This thread is about DODDS tuition, not teachers' salaries, housing for SOFA status personnel or alleged corruption in Japanese construction companies. Thank you.

Who is paying the salary for the DODDs teacher and 24/7 air conditioner and luxury houses for SOFAs and others? Not people who are paying the school fees, but Japanese taxpayer like me. I want my tax to stop spending on war, killing and destroy the environment. Some other forum's people complain about high rents for SOFA's people, and I agree it is a corruption. Problem is Japanese government deliberately wants to make Okinawan construction company and economy into US military parasite. That way they got Okinawan people to vote for them. This is the Okinawa's "military-construction complex" problem. Then, even we want a few American to go out from Okinawa, Japanese government always agree to pay more and more. After that US militaries still insisting on destroying our precious nature for making new base at Henoko.

[dk]

Is the nature of Okinawa only precious in the Henoko area?
Excellent question!!!

[Brand_X]

I dont know the numbers but I wonder.

number of students whos parents pay out of pocket times the annual cost is probably a lot of cheese for the schools i would assume. Thats a damn good racket. What do the teachers make a year average?

Anybody here seen the movie accepted? Who wants to start a school with me?

[Asshat]

Who is paying the salary for the DODDs teacher and 24/7 air conditioner and luxury houses for SOFAs and others? Not people who are paying the school fees, but Japanese taxpayer like me. I want my tax to stop spending on war, killing and destroy the environment. Some other forum's people complain about high rents for SOFA's people, and I agree it is a corruption. Problem is Japanese government deliberately wants to make Okinawan construction company and economy into US military parasite. That way they got Okinawan people to vote for them. This is the Okinawa's "military-construction complex" problem. Then, even we want a few American to go out from Okinawa, Japanese government always agree to pay more and more. After that US militaries still insisting on destroying our precious nature for making new base at Henoko.

Rachel, you are not paying salaries. Also, I am happy that you are one of the few Okinawans actually paying tax. You must feel proud to carry that hospital card.

Don't worry, soon your Japanese corruption problem will be over. You can go back to paying Japanese companies to continue destroying our reef with land fill projects and new beaches for Japanese tourists.

Please do your research before posting such outlandish comments about the percentage the GOJ pays on salaries though, okay? While you are at it, don't forget to add the value you receive because of the 10,000 MLC and IHA employees also sucking off your tax dollars with DIRECT funding from the GOJ.

For me, I wish your Japanese government would stop demanding I spend MY tax dollars protecting your oil pipeline from the Middle East, and keeping you warm and safe in bed from the North Korean and Chinese aggression that your government fears so much.

[Isaak Brodsky]

I'm sensing a bit of frustration with Rachel in that last post.

[Asshat]

I dont know the numbers but I wonder.

number of students whos parents pay out of pocket times the annual cost is probably a lot of cheese for the schools i would assume. Thats a damn good racket. What do the teachers make a year average?

Anybody here seen the movie accepted? Who wants to start a school with me?

The answers are located within the thread. The numbers of families who pay out of pocket are posted on their websites, as are the budgets.

There aint no cheese.

[Isaak Brodsky]

... Anybody here seen the movie accepted? Who wants to start a school with me?

What kinda school you thinkin' 'bout startin' up?

[Isaak Brodsky]

... There aint no cheese.

I take it you mean here that no one is eating high on the hog at DoDDS.

[Asshat]

I take it you mean here that no one is eating high on the hog at DoDDS.

What I said was that DoDDS isn't getting a surplus of funding due to a few (very few) people paying tuition. DoDDS suffers from the same budgetary constraints every other US Gov organization suffers from. It's pretty low on the list since it doesn't have troops, howitzers, or directly contribute to the current hostilities.

Somewhere, there is a complete list by georgraphic area of how many people pay tuition, how those figures are arrived at, etc.

Now if you are refering to what an individual employee earns, you can make the same comparison to any other employee of the US Government on this island. Yeah, it is much more than the English teacher scraping by and ecking out an expat existance in a 1LDK in Naha.

But then some of us are working to save money, and others are working because they want to live here.

[Rachel]

I made mistake only with saying "salary" but I was right about everything else, I think so. 75% of US military spending in Japan is footed by Japanese government. That means schools are also being paid, including air conditioning and the school buildings. Maybe all the computers are also paid by Japanese government. DODDS teachers have nice time with rents, electricity, water - do they even pay anything? Then in their schools, who pays the buildings, the rent etc.

Attacking me was OK, but now please correct.

[DoctorP]

I made mistake only with saying "salary" but I was right about everything else, I think so. 75% of US military spending in Japan is footed by Japanese government. That means schools are also being paid, including air conditioning and the school buildings. Maybe all the computers are also paid by Japanese government. DODDS teachers have nice time with rents, electricity, water - do they even pay anything? Then in their schools, who pays the buildings, the rent etc.

Attacking me was OK, but now please correct.

The US pays a portion of all utilities. So you are only partially correct. Japan foots the cost for the buildings, repairs to those buildings are covered by the US. Computers and anything inside is usually bought out of the schools budget.

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Mmmmmmmm... Another reason why I am trying so hard to get a SOFA (DOD Civilian) job in Okinawa / Main Land. You guys have no idea how good you have it living in Okinawa. I would give my left nut (Surgically removed of course) to be there. You have the best of both worlds and don't appreciate it. A little bit of the USA and a lot of Japan, with a splash of Okinawan Hogan in the mix.

What ever the case be, ... I could not afford 19K a year for my 2 kids to go to school, so that is why I am stuck with "waiting" for a once in a life time chance to get to Okinawa under Sofa.

Who wants the U.S. Military to get out of Okinawa? Not me, if they do, that brings my living on Okinawa to 0% chance.

On the other hand, stop torturing these young military guys and gals by taking them to paradise and get stationed there for 2-4 years with no chance of ever getting back there unless you have a PhD. in anything, and BTW want to talk about school costs. Average of 93,000 - 161,000 bucks to get a PhD. from start to finish, so please, don't rub it in my face when I can't go to school because I have three people to support and have to have a full time job that I actually work at, NOT LIKE IT WAS IN THE ARMY in garrison, you could go to school all the time. I wish I had finished school before I got 3 people depending on me and I am 80% disabled, and work too.

:crying:

I am to sad to post anymore, why do I keep coming back and reading this board, I guess I want to be reminded of how shitty my life in the USA is.

Peace.:army:

[Isaak Brodsky]

Dear SGT Okinawa,

Sounds like a SOFA status job in Okinawa would be ideal for you, though SOFA is definitely not all it is perceived to be. It has its limitations too. I gave up a SOFA position three years ago. The only thing I regret is not being able to find good cheese at a reasonable price.

There are plenty of jobs with MCCS and DoDDS and the DoD here. If you need any links to their sites, let me know.

[Asshat]

I made mistake only with saying "salary" but I was right about everything else, I think so. 75% of US military spending in Japan is footed by Japanese government. That means schools are also being paid, including air conditioning and the school buildings. Maybe all the computers are also paid by Japanese government. DODDS teachers have nice time with rents, electricity, water - do they even pay anything? Then in their schools, who pays the buildings, the rent etc.

Attacking me was OK, but now please correct.

Attacking you only because you attack those others here who also call Okinawa home. You seem very prejuduce to me.

I did some research (http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:RA-WueXKk5EJ:www.mofa.jp/region/n-america/us/security/agree0801.pdf+government+of+japan+utilities+base+p ay+us+government&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3) for you from the TREATY OF MUTUAL COOPERATION AND SECURITY BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA for 2008:

Electricity: Y14,256,699,000
Gas: Y20,932,000
Water: Y4,781,333,000
Sewage: Y1,579,695,000
FJ-1: Y4,560,635,000
kerosene: Y44,803,000
Propane: Y37,027,000

This is for all of Japan which includes Okinawa. It is no where near 75% of the total utility costs. Also, as Doctor P says, all US Government agencies buy required support equipment such as computers, pens, paper, everything with US Funding from Appropriate funds. (My taxes) (I'm not addressing IHA or NAF here, since that is external to the GOJ)

It is true, there were agreements between the GOJ and USG to replace facilities (buildings) under a program. That program is nearly ended.

The remaining program on Okinawa is one where the US turns over portions of bases to the GOJ (so the Naicha can build more tourists place and hire you for 700 yen OL) and the GOJ assists with costs for relocation.

The GOJ also pays for the nearly 10,000 MLC workers on the base. If the MLC's need training, the USG pays for it. If they are pregnant and go on vacation, the USG pays for the new temporary hire.

I realize how awful the bases are. But there are still 20,000 people on OKINAWA waiting for a base job. I think you should be talking to them and the Government of Japan, if you have so much problem. Not those of us who call Okinawa home, but get treated like second class citizens by your prejuduce laws against Gaijin.

[silviasichigo]

Some people with sticks up their asses or turned down by the Strong, Dashing, handsome American men...........









Sorry I am bored and want to start shit...... :(



8====D

[badkitty]

8====D


LMAO! You drew a wee wee!!

[badkitty]

Attacking you only because you attack those others here who also call Okinawa home. You seem very prejuduce to me.

I did some research (http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:RA-WueXKk5EJ:www.mofa.jp/region/n-america/us/security/agree0801.pdf+government+of+japan+utilities+base+p ay+us+government&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3) for you from the TREATY OF MUTUAL COOPERATION AND SECURITY BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA for 2008:

Electricity: Y14,256,699,000
Gas: Y20,932,000
Water: Y4,781,333,000
Sewage: Y1,579,695,000
FJ-1: Y4,560,635,000
kerosene: Y44,803,000
Propane: Y37,027,000

This is for all of Japan which includes Okinawa. It is no where near 75% of the total utility costs. Also, as Doctor P says, all US Government agencies buy required support equipment such as computers, pens, paper, everything with US Funding from Appropriate funds. (My taxes) (I'm not addressing IHA or NAF here, since that is external to the GOJ)

It is true, there were agreements between the GOJ and USG to replace facilities (buildings) under a program. That program is nearly ended.

The remaining program on Okinawa is one where the US turns over portions of bases to the GOJ (so the Naicha can build more tourists place and hire you for 700 yen OL) and the GOJ assists with costs for relocation.

The GOJ also pays for the nearly 10,000 MLC workers on the base. If the MLC's need training, the USG pays for it. If they are pregnant and go on vacation, the USG pays for the new temporary hire.

I realize how awful the bases are. But there are still 20,000 people on OKINAWA waiting for a base job. I think you should be talking to them and the Government of Japan, if you have so much problem. Not those of us who call Okinawa home, but get treated like second class citizens by your prejuduce laws against Gaijin.


Well if the GOJ is paying for pens, pencils etc. Why the hell do I buy my kids class 100 pencils every couple of months amongst other supplies because they don't have the money and also, why is it that when somthing friggin breaks on any of these bases my friggin phone rings because they need parts (i.e. chillers, piping etc.) yet CE on KAB is damn near broke? Where is my money???? If I am off base please let me know.

[silviasichigo]

LMAO! You drew a wee wee!!

:o No it is a guy with no upper lip and a huge smile :p

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Dear SGT Okinawa,

Sounds like a SOFA status job in Okinawa would be ideal for you, though SOFA is definitely not all it is perceived to be. It has its limitations too. I gave up a SOFA position three years ago. The only thing I regret is not being able to find good cheese at a reasonable price.

There are plenty of jobs with MCCS and DoDDS and the DoD here. If you need any links to their sites, let me know.

Ian, sorry but I have an 8 and 10 year old, I need SOFA so they can go on base to school. Especially after reading about paying for school…Whoa! Then again I would just like to be in a position to give up SOFA, (Then I would say Sike! and keep the SOFA)

Thanks for the encouragement, but I will hold out for a SOFA job. One of my best friends had for years a MCSS (Club Manager) on OKI, he got tired of having to fly back to Guam to get his Visa stamped, getting moved around, etc. So he said “F” it and came back to the states, he is now back in the AF reserve / active and doing well in MN.

Peace!:army:

[Asshat]

Well if the GOJ is paying for pens, pencils etc. Why the hell do I buy my kids class 100 pencils every couple of months amongst other supplies because they don't have the money and also, why is it that when somthing friggin breaks on any of these bases my friggin phone rings because they need parts (i.e. chillers, piping etc.) yet CE on KAB is damn near broke? Where is my money???? If I am off base please let me know.

I was refering to the US Gov paying for it's own supplies. No, the US Government is not going to buy supplies for your child's homework assignments. :)

As far as the CE issues, according to Rachel, the GOJ pays for it. But we know it is the USG, but the USG is spending too many trillions on a war to be able to afford much of anything right now.

[silviasichigo]

Rachel is just talking out of her sideways smile, I would't doubt she is on the list for an MLC IHA job as well........Booo

[tanigua]

A few points to consider:

- DoDDS teachers’ salaries are set each year based on a national (U.S.) survey. A teacher new to DoDDS (Bachelors and a teaching cert) will be paid close to the median U.S. salary for teachers.

- If they are recruited from the U.S. they will receive a transportation agreement and housing allowance, as does every federal employee sent overseas under the same circumstances. This is an entitlement determined by the U.S. Dept of State.

- They also receive a COLA, as does every other full time appropriated fund employee.

- DoDDS rates for tuition paying students (parents) are set by the Pentagon, not DoDDS. DoDDS does not receive any of the money associated with tuition paying students.

-The DoDDS staffing standards and budget is based on the number of command sponsored (students) families only. Any non-command sponsored, “space-A, tuition free”, or tuition paying students are not allowed to be factored into the staffing standards, supply budgets, or other formulae that use student numbers as a cost factor.

- DoDDS teachers have it very good – as does every other federal employee that chooses to stay in Okinawa.

- The quality of a DoDDS education consistently exceeds that of stateside schools based on standardized testing. However, this may simply be a function of the student/parent demographic rather than some inherent benefit of the DoDDS system.

For what it's worth...

PS - full disclosure; I'm not a teacher...

[Steganos]

A few points to consider:

- DoDDS teachers’ salaries are set each year based on a national (U.S.) survey. A teacher new to DoDDS (Bachelors and a teaching cert) will be paid close to the median U.S. salary for teachers.

- If they are recruited from the U.S. they will receive a transportation agreement and housing allowance, as does every federal employee sent overseas under the same circumstances. This is an entitlement determined by the U.S. Dept of State.

- They also receive a COLA, as does every other full time appropriated fund employee.

- DoDDS rates for tuition paying students (parents) are set by the Pentagon, not DoDDS. DoDDS does not receive any of the money associated with tuition paying students.

-The DoDDS staffing standards and budget is based on the number of command sponsored (students) families only. Any non-command sponsored, “space-A, tuition free”, or tuition paying students are not allowed to be factored into the staffing standards, supply budgets, or other formulae that use student numbers as a cost factor.

- DoDDS teachers have it very good – as does every other federal employee that chooses to stay in Okinawa.

- The quality of a DoDDS education consistently exceeds that of stateside schools based on standardized testing. However, this may simply be a function of the student/parent demographic rather than some inherent benefit of the DoDDS system.

For what it's worth...

PS - full disclosure; I'm not a teacher...
That is true, in the U.S. a student is considred an exceptionally gifted student if he/she is able to spell the word "job" and write his/her own name correctly at the time of graduation from high school.

[ryukyuboi]

Teachers are Heroes
>
> An essay written by an assistant principal in Ohio.
>
> By J. Bradley:
>
> "Where are the heroes of today?" a radio talk show host
> thundered.
>
> He blames society's shortcomings on education. Too many people
> are looking for heroes in all the wrong places. Movie stars and
> rock musicians, athletes, and models aren't heroes; they're
> celebrities. Heroes abound in public schools, a fact that
> doesn't make the news. There is no precedent for the level of
> violence, drugs, broken homes, child abuse, and crime in
> today's America. Education didn't create these problems but
> deals with them every day.
>
> You want heroes?
> Consider Dave Sanders, the schoolteacher shot to death while
> trying to shield his students from two youths on a shooting
> rampage at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.
> Sanders gave his life, along with 12 students, and other less
> heralded heroes survived the Colorado blood bath.
>
> You want heroes?
> Jane Smith, a Fayetteville, NC teacher, was moved by the plight
> of one of her students, a boy dying for want of a kidney
> transplant. So this woman told the family of a 14 year old boy
> that she would give him one of her kidneys. And she did. When
> they subsequently appeared together hugging on the Today Show,
> even Katie Couric was near tears.
>
> You want heroes?
> Doris Dillon dreamed all her life of being a teacher. She not
> only made it, she was one of those wondrous teachers who could
> bring the best out of every single child. One of her fellow
> teachers in San Jose, Calif., said, "She could teach a rock to
> read."
> Suddenly she was stricken with Lou Gehrig's Disease which is
> always fatal, usually within five years. She asked to stay on
> job ... and did. When her voice was affected she communicated
> by computer.
> Did she go home? Absolutely not! She is running two elementary
> school libraries! When the disease was diagnosed, she wrote the
> staff and all the families that she had one last lesson to
> teach ... that dying is part of living. Her colleagues named
> her Teacher of the Year.
>
> You want heroes?
> Bob House, a teacher in Gay, Georgia, tried out for Who Wants
> to be a Millionaire. After he won the million dollars, a
> network film crew wanted to follow up to see how it had
> impacted his life. New cars? Big new house? Instead, they found
> both Bob House and his wife still teaching. They explained that
> it was what they had always wanted to do with their lives and
> that would not change. The community was both stunned and
> gratified.
>
> You want heroes?
> Last year the average school teacher spent $468 of their own
> money for student necessities ... workbooks, pencils ..
> supplies kids had to have but could not afford. That's a lot of
> money from the pockets of the most poorly paid teachers in the
> industrial world.
>
> Schools don't teach values? The critics are dead wrong.
> Public education provides more Sunday School teachers than any
> other profession. The average teacher works more hours in nine
> months than the average 40-hour employee does in a year.
>
> You want heroes?
> For millions of kids, the hug they get from a teacher is the
> only hug they will get that day because the nation is living
> through the worst parenting in history.
>
> An Argyle, Texas kindergarten teacher hugs her little 5 and 6
> year-olds so much that both the boys and the girls run up and
> hug her when they see her in the hall, at the football games,
> or in the malls years later.
>
> A Michigan principal moved me to tears with the story of her
> attempt to rescue a badly abused little boy who doted on a
> stuffed animal on her desk ... one that said "I love you!" He
> said he'd never been told that at home. This is a constant in
> today's society ... two million unwanted, unloved, abused
> children in the public schools, the only institution that takes
> them all in.
>
> You want heroes?
> Visit any special education class and watch the miracle of
> personal interaction, a job so difficult that fellow teachers
> are awed by the dedication they witness. There is a sentence
> from an unnamed source which says: "We have been so eager to
> give our children what we didn't have that we have neglected to
> give them what we did have."
>
> What is it that our kids really need? What do they really want?
>
> Math, science, history and social studies are important, but
> children need love, confidence, encouragement, someone to talk
> to, someone to listen, standards to live by. Teachers provide
> upright examples, the faith and assurance of responsible
> people.
>
> You want heroes?
> Then go down to your local school and see our real live heroes
> the ones changing lives for the better each and every day!
> Now, pass this on to someone you know who's a teacher, or to
> someone who should thank a teacher today. I'd like to see this
> sent to all those who cut down the importance of teachers. They
> have no idea who a public school teacher is or what they do.
>
> J. Bradley-Asst. Principal
> Fairland High School
> Proctorville, OH

[dndkt]

No. I had to go to OCSI back in the day when my father retired because it was waaaaay cheaper. I think I actually got a better education from there. When I started, I was behind everyone else, then when I left and went back to DODDS schools, I was ahead of everyone else. Don't get me wrong. Both will give you a great education, but I just liked OCSI better from an education standpoint.

[resumes4success]

Ian, sorry but I have an 8 and 10 year old, I need SOFA so they can go on base to school. Especially after reading about paying for school…Whoa! Then again I would just like to be in a position to give up SOFA, (Then I would say Sike! and keep the SOFA)

Thanks for the encouragement, but I will hold out for a SOFA job. One of my best friends had for years a MCSS (Club Manager) on OKI, he got tired of having to fly back to Guam to get his Visa stamped, getting moved around, etc. So he said “F” it and came back to the states, he is now back in the AF reserve / active and doing well in MN.

Peace!:army:

Have momma speak to your kids in Japanese (I assume momma is from here). Order some Japanese homework programs/books so she can teach them Japanese at home. Prep now so you don't have to rely on SOFA status to send your kids to DODDS. Don't tell me it can't be done. Momma did it for 6 years with my kids and now I'm back in Okinawa and kids are in Japanese school even though my company pays for DODDS.

If you ever plan on returning to Japan to live...don't be "that guy" with the Japanese wife that only speaks pigeon Engrish to the kids and feeds them hotdogs/hamburgers!