[Editor’s Note: With cuts looming, teacher Carlos Valverde sent this letter to all of his fellow teachers.]
Dear Colleagues,
I am one of those individuals who can speak and can type.
If you are not watching or reading the news closely, it is time that you do. If you are not aware of what is happening in Wisconsin or Michigan and a number of other states, it's time to wake up.
There is a concerted effort to strip collective bargaining rights of teachers and unions in an unprecedented fashion never before seen in the history of this country.
Although our issue with the School Board is not of this nature, we need to recognize that there is an increasing attack on the teaching profession from many different sides and angles.
One of those attacks is the simple failure by the Board to uphold the dignity, integrity and respect of this District's teachers.
Tough times calls for tough decisions. Most of us know that the impending cuts are going to be nasty and they will affect us all.
The decision not to share the sacrifice of the pink-slip notices, even as a formality by March 15, completely closes the door to any potential flexibility. In other words, the cuts will come to only our colleagues.
As a collective, we have the ability to send the Board a message, a strong one, but we cannot sit idly waiting to see what occurs or waiting to complain about it after the fact, as Roberta (Sergant) mentions. I am not one who normally throws his two cents into these debates, but I can't help feel disgusted at how, in some strange way, teachers have become scapegoats for the economic crisis.
If we are to bring dignity to our profession, claim a stake of integrity to our roles in society, and raise the value of the men and women who serve our children, our community, our country, it begins in our own backyard.
Sharing the sacrifice is more than just a budgetary maneuver; it is a statement about how our community values us as teachers. We cannot allow any level of assault on our profession that diminishes our worth in any way. We now have an opportunity to make our own statement about the value of teachers by convincing the Board that maximum flexibility in future negotiations is a sign of respect, it resonates appreciation for our profession, and it is the right thing to do.
As teachers, we need to become much more vocal and involved. The Board needs to hear from us now, not later. Here it is. I've now shared my voice with you all (my way of roaring). I know I am not alone. Thank you, Roberta.
Sincerely,
Carlos Valverde
Mr. Valverde may be contacted at carlosvalverde@ccusd.org
