Prop 301 $ Protest: TUSD teachers refuse to work extra hours

Starting Monday (10/31/2016), many TUSD students no longer have homework graded or access to after-school tutoring. That's because Insiders say dozens of TUSD teachers are no longer working extra hours in protest of unspent Prop 301 monies approved in 2000 to help boost teacher salaries. Update: Insiders say teachers will not strike because it's against state law.

 

Insiders have come forward to KGUN9, but we can't reveal their identities because they fear retaliation by the district. 

 

It's a serious rift in relations. Insiders say dozens of teachers are angry -- claiming 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, 

 

The teachers believe the unspent money is being used to help balance the district's budget -- accusations the district denies on its website.   

 

In response, insiders say dozens of teachers will only work contracted hours "because all the other stuff that we do is not valued and that's really obvious by the fact that they would withhold that kind of money from people," said an insider.

 

Most teachers work 10 to 20 hours of extra hours each week to help tutor students, oversee after school programs, and grade homework.

 

Instead, the students will see posted signs on teachers doors "Due to the lack of 301 payouts, I will not be available outside of my contract hours. "Feel free to write a letter of support to TEA (the teacher's union) and Dr. Sanchez (TUSD Superintendent)." 

 

The insiders say they feel the union president Jason Freed is not doing enough to fight for them. Teachers say they have met with Sanchez and Freed a number of times over Prop 301 monies. "This is the last straw on how things have been moving," said an insider.

 

Insiders say the teachers plan to send this letter to Sanchez and Freed when they get enough signatures. The teachers are requesting a long list of demands. They want TUSD to clear out all 301 Pay for Performance money each year and for the TEA to not withhold any information from members. 

 

And they're asking TUSD teachers and the community to attend three open forums over the next two weeks:

 

 

The insiders say teachers are asked to only work contract hours until the matter is resolved.