At their last meeting, our School Board voted to give all School District employees a 2 percent raise. Teachers Union President David Mielke was so sure of the outcome of the vote, that he thanked the board ahead of time, even before it was taken and went home early.
Talking Apples and Oranges
Supt. Dave LaRose has spoken numerous times about increasing School District salaries so that Culver City's would be in the average range of the other L.A. County unified school districts.
In the past when Mr. Mielke spoke about the union’s salary goals, it was about raising teacher salaries to the L.A. County median salary and not the average.
The Median Is Not the Average
These two mathematical terms, median and average, should not be confused. They are different. Monetarily, in our case, the difference is over $3,000.
More Than You Think
This $3,088 (2011-12) difference may not sound like a lot. But when it is given to all 302 certificated positions in the District, it becomes $930,000 annually. If you were to include our other two District bargaining units, it would add over $1 million to the annual District budget.
Are We There Yet?
The District and unions need to clarify to the public, ultimately what amount they want to achieve. Hopefully, the parties will publicly divulge what they have in mind, much sooner than later.
Rolling… Rolling… Rolling
It is essential for the public to know and understand where our District is headed so we may express our opinions long before the start of next year's round of contract talks. This might influence the School Board's thinking and put an end to its feel-good giveaways to District employees.
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com
