A last word from our striking teacher.
“Well, its over.
The tentative agreement wasn’t the best, but under the circumstances it was probably the best that could be achieved with such an intractable, obstinate board. Some teachers are overjoyed, while others are frankly upset. I think the devil is in the details. It’s a three year deal, a big exception for CUSD. We’re usually stick with little one year deals. The huge pay cut is still there, but there is the chance to get much of it back if unforeseen funds come available to the school, and we’ll be watching.
Now, there is still one big fly in the ointment: the board. When aren’t they the problem? Our members will vote to ratify the deal, I believe.
The board could still reject the deal that they themselves approved. It sounds strange, but they’ve done similar things in the past. I wouldn’t put it past them to try some stunt at the eleventh hour. However, they’ve already committed political suicide.
The strike has caused so much rancor, anger, and public inquiry into this board’s composition and beliefs that all five up for reelection or recall in November will likely be defeated. People and the media are finally talking about the board’s ideas for privatizing schools and ending public education. It could be said that the strike helped to make the recall; I’m not sure that enough signatures to qualify the recall for the November ballot would have been collected without the strike. If that turns out to be the case, the so-called Trustees Maddox and Winsten will have triggered their own respective political destruction. I certainly hope so.
Overall, I think most teachers believe that the strike was worth it. It was tough, but it will send a message to other school boards. Saddleback was certainly watching us, as were other boards and teachers associations around the state. The lesson is clear – behave badly and trigger a strike. Trigger a strike, and the parents and registered voters will likely turn on you. Act rationally, and the public won’t hate you. I only hope that our current board realizes this before they do any more damage to our once proud school district.
Many, many thanks to TheLiberalOC for allowing me to post here. All of us teachers appreciate their, and your, support.”
As a association board member, I thank you for your solidarity, Your commitment has helped all school districts and maybe gave more light to the budget crisis in our schools. Stay strong!
Dan
please point to one vote or agenda item that supports the idea the BOT wants to privatize education.
I for one will vote for all of these board members again, class size is #1 in my book.