Re “Why Don’t Union Leaders Give All Facts on City and Schools?”
Dear Karen Cole,
I don't think we've met. I'm David Mielke. I teach at Culver City High School , and I'm the President of the Culver City Federation of Teachers. You had some not very nice things to say about me in your letter to The Front Page Online.
If you'd like to talk, please let me know. Teachers and our organizations aren't on the top of everyone's list right now, but I'm not sure why.
Here in Culver City, we're not bargaining for more pay or better health benefits. In fact, just yesterday our union proposed that we accept 5 unpaid furlough days next year — just as we're doing this year — to help the School District through this crisis. Yes, we're asking people to come to Tuesday night's School Board meeting.
But our message is one that even union critics can support: “Make the cuts as far away from the kids as possible.”
As of today, 19.2 teachers have received layoff notices. On Tuesday night, the Board will vote to reduce and/or eliminate over 30 support staff, many of whom work in our classrooms each day as instructional aides. Also on the cut list are security staff and library staff. There has not been a single cut this year to administration.
If that message makes us the bad guys — so be it. But those of us at the school sites can see clearly how these cuts will affect students. In my classroom right now, for example, I can count 41 desks. Fewer teachers means larger classes. How many kids in a class is too many?
You were also quite critical of Debbie Hamme, the President of our Classified Union, as well. I don't know if you know Debbie, but she has been a loyal and hard-working employee for many years at El Rincon School. As for me, I've worked in CCUSD since 1979, and I was recognized just a few years ago by students at CCHS as their “Teacher of the Year,” and I was honored to speak at their graduation ceremony.
We're loyal employees who have taken on the additional work of speaking up for our colleagues and for our schools. It hurts to be attacked and criticized by people who do not know us. Had you attended the panel discussion at the Democratic Club meeting, it would be easier to accept your criticism. It's tough, though, to be accused of making misleading statements by someone who didn't even attend the event!
So give me a call and let's talk. I live here in Culver City. My kids have gone through our schools. My step-son, a CCHS graduate, coaches girls' volleyball at CCHS. Our union helps sponsor the Education Foundation’s “Tribute to the Stars” event as well as awarding an annual scholarship to a deserving CCHS graduate who needs help with college costs.
We're not the enemy here.
We're your neighbors.
So let's talk and see if we can get on the same page. I'm sure you want great schools here, just as I do.
Sincerely,
Dave
P.S. Speaking of great schools, I hope you noticed that CCHS was recognized just this month as a California Distinguished School. I hope you don't mind if I give some of that credit to our teachers and school employees.
Mr. Mielke, President of the Teachers Union, may be contacted at davidmielke@ccusd.org
