An outsider’s perspective on the Marysville School District situation:
Teachers want a raise, even though they are some of the highest paid teachers in the state. The school board, on recommendation of superintendent and staff, rejected the teachers’ request. There was a strike at no risk to teachers as they are paid on a contract year regardless as to when school starts. A judge ruled that the teachers must go back to work. Teachers supported three new board members in the November election, all of whom were elected.
The new board members determined that the former board members were correct when they stated there was no money for teacher raises. But the new board determined that the problem must be with the district staff and superintendent salaries equaling $1 million a year for nine employees. District staff has the responsibility of overseeing $82.25 million budget – $70 million goes to district employees. District staff accounts for 1.42 percent of employee cost for the district. The $2 million shortfall divided by 659 (650 members of the Marysville Education Association and nine staff members) equals $3,034 per employee, which is $252 per month.
I find it hard to believe that all the teachers and the staff of the Marysville School District would not be willing to forgo $250 per month for the “kids” to balance the budget for this year. I would dare say that no teacher wants increased class size or to lose a teaching job that is one of the highest in the state. Everyone must give to make this work, or maybe it is someone else’s problem.
Both sides of this disgrace must find innovative solutions for the common good instead of pointing fingers as to who is at fault. Be creative. You represent the finest our educational system has produced. Show us you are the very best at what you do.
Everett
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