[Editor’s Note: Mr. Mielke is President of the Teachers Union.]
Friends —
Thanks for forwarding on those comments about our Classified staff. I read them at Tuesday night's special School Board meeting, and i believe they had an effect.
While some positions were cut, the Board chose not to act on the proposed cuts to some instructional aides and to our security staff.
As we work collectively with our classified union, we are hopeful that we can slow down CCUSD's assault on non-management employees.
Just one cut to an expensive administrator could save several Classified jobs or two or three teachers.
Gwenis Laura, the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, has indicated that she is moving on to another district.
Must we replace this person? Just what does the Assistant Sup for Ed Services do? I've been here for over 30 years, and I can't answer that question. I think that person “oversees” Special Ed, curriculum and testing. But in a crisis, how much “overseeing” do we need?
On the other hand, I do know what librarians do. I know what teachers do. I know what a locksmith does. And I know what a heating and air conditioning tech does.
Isn't it time we start “thinking outside the box” in terms of how many expensive managers we need? I was here when the District Superintendent staff consisted of two people, a Superintendent and a Deputy Superintendent. Or, as we used to say, Curt and Vera.
On another note, next week is a statewide “Week of Action” to publicize and protest the lack of funding for public education in California. All the educational groups are on board: Unions, school boards, parent groups and other concerned citizens.
Some teachers will be moving into the Capitol Building in Sacramento a la Wisconsin, and we're planning a local event here next Friday morning. We'll probably do something similar to what we did last year — gathering in front of our schools and holding hands “to protect our schools.”
Many will then join other activists after school downtown in Pershing Square.
We'll get the details to you soon. But plan on getting up a little earlier next Friday.
Mr. Mielke may be contacted at davidmielke@ccusd.org
