[Editor’s Note: A message from the President of the Teachers Union to members following last night’s School Board meeting.]
Friends —
Two weeks ago, at the Feb. 8 School Board meeting, the Board was looking at a potential cut list of about 17 teaching positions and 2 administrative positions. At that meeting, the Board removed the two administrative positions from the list. Board member Karlo Silbiger asked staff, at that meeting, to add two “replacement” administrative positions to that cut list, which was slated for Board action tonight.
Tonight's amended cut list had just four-tenths of one administrative position on it.
The Board approved that list with Ms. Siever abstaining and Mr. Silbiger voting “no.”
Many school districts routinely “notice” all administrators. Indeed some “notice” all employees. What that does, since certificated employees need to be notified by March 15 if they are being laid off, is give a district maximum flexibility in a financial crisis to make cuts.
At tonight's meeting, the Board voted to give themselves the flexibility to cut 17.8 teaching positions, but they are limited to cutting just four-tenths of the “Coordinator of State and Federal Programs” position. Unless the board reverses itself before March 15, all other administrators are safe.
In this uncertain climate, does this make any sense? Even LAUSD, not known for its managerial expertise, knows enough to notice all administrators in tough times.
We reminded the Board, prior to the vote, that their action tonight will affect this year's talks, especially when it comes to teacher concessions. In a time that cries out for “sharing the pain,” how eager will we be to make concessions when all the cuts are falling on teachers and support staff?
dave
Mr. Mielke may be contacted at davidmielke@ccusd.org
