Could TUSD teachers finally get Prop 301 money that's been promised to them? A breakthrough at the Tuesday board meeting that could be a step in the right direction.
It's been a serious rift in relations. Dozens of teachers claim the district is hoarding millions of dollars in prop 301 money that was intended to help boost teacher pay. A total amount now reaching at least 15 million dollars. Teachers, the union president and the district have been meeting for months in forums,
During Tuesday's board meeting, Superintendent H.T. Sanchez said he's worked out a plan B that would end the year with a zero balance. That means all the money that's used to be carried over from year to year -- totaling 15 million now and 7-million added this year -- would be paid out.
First to those who meet the pay for performance criteria -- up to $3500. Then the remaining balance would be paid out to all remaining teachers.
Here's what the Sanchez and a group of union teachers had to say after the board voted to move forward with this plan.
Sanchez said, "We'll bring this plan back to the Governing Board. It's not going to be something I'm going to create by myself or the union is going to create. It's going to be something we create. We're going to be sure there's a tremendous amount of vetting."
Union teacher Josephine Rincon, who spoke on behalf of several teachers at the board meeting, said, "I was very skeptical, but he (sanchez) went on public record and he's made these commitments. So in good will, I'm going to meet him halfway. But you know democracies are only as strong as knowledgeable and active people and so we have to do our part -- not just the people here, but all of TUSD teachers. We need to be vigilant, We need to watch this."
Sanchez also mentioned that these surplus payouts would be used as an incentive to fill vacant teaching positions. He says the district will meet with the union leader and the teachers in the coming months to work out the details.
We'll keep you updated on all the developments.
More information on the board meeting from TUSD spokesperson Stefanie Boe:
Withdrawal of Magnet Status for Specified School
The board voted unanimously -- with the recommendation from Superintendent Sanchez. The district will not fight the Special Master’s recommendation, but will ask to allow the students in each of the affected schools to finish out the highest grade level at the school they are attending. For example if a student is in Kindergarten at Ochoa they should be able to finish the program there through 5th grade. Nothing is final yet as the court has the final say.
For the 2017/18 school year.
The Governing Board voted unanimously on raises for teachers of $700.
Info here:
http://www.tusd1.org/contents/govboard/packet12-13-16/12-13-16-BAI14-MOA-TEA-Consensus-signed.pdf
The Governing Board voted unanimously 1% “step” increase for classified employees.
Info here:
http://www.tusd1.org/contents/govboard/packet12-13-16/12-13-16-BAI15.PDF
You have to click on each item to get the details of each contract
The Governing Board voted unanimously for 1% “step” increase for ELI members (administrators etc)
Info here:
http://www.tusd1.org/contents/govboard/packet12-13-16/12-13-16-BAI16-MOA-ELI.pdf
NOTE: the Superintendent and his leadership team are NOT part of these raises.
