ORGANIZING  UPDATE

Welcome SCTA members! This is our first of weekly updates from the Organizing Committee of SCTA. The goal is to keep you updated with a clear picture of the unique state of the budget. We want you to understand the current situation, as we stand up for students, education, and your esteemed profession!

SCHOOL CLOSURES ARE SENSITIVE // SCHOOL BOARD UNWILLING TO MAKE NECESSARY DECISIONS

Recently, our school board decided to shelve discussion of school closures. Although it is a tough talking point, the reality is that we operate the district as if we have 54,000 students, when we have about 42,500.  Again, the discussion is not easy and involves many stakeholders, but the school board recently refused to take action on recommendations for consolidation by a “7/11” committee  that board members themselves appointed.    Approximately half a million dollars a year would be saved if the number of under-enrolled sites identified by the 7/11 committee were closed or consolidated.    That translates into teachers saved from unemployment and the important programs and student offerings preserved.

If the board took action and made necessary site closure/consolidation decisions, the number of pink slips issued in March would be reduced. Class sizes could be maintained, perhaps even reduced, at critical grade levels.  Split classes could be eliminated.  In these tough times, the quality of education would be maintained, perhaps even go up, attracting more students to your site. Although some sites would close, your job would be secure.  We understand that the burden will be borne by teachers and students and families who have to move sites, but without these changes, the district will continue to slash programs, increase class sizes and lay off teachers in order to maintain campuses it cannot support.

Superintendent Raymond’s last letter indicated that without a concession from you  (of up to $4800 in salary and benefits), he would have to increase class sizes, reduce plant managers and custodial staff by 50%, eliminate all adult education, and eliminate sports, cheerleading, drama, marching band and others.  Action by the school board to consolidate schools and stop unnecessary spending on contracts and consultants could save many of these important extra-curricular programs.   A generation of students would have opportunities to experience sports, music and the visual and performing arts. Don’t let the district propaganda machine point its finger at us and demand we share sacrifice when we already sacrifice:

  • $95 for class size reduction (an agreement that was not honored by SCUSD).
  • $20 a month for current retiree benefits.
  • The above amounts total a $2250 annual per teacher give-back to the district.   Also important to consider is the 14% DECREASE in spending power since we have not received a Cost-of-Living-Allowance in 4 years.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Stay informed. Read your SCTA messenger and the Organizing Committee updates.

Realize the School Board and Superintendent thinks it is your responsibility to bail them out of bad fiscal decisions that include a failure to act to consolidate schools.

Attend school board meeting and future rallies and demonstrations that hold the School Board and Superintendent accountable.