Schools
Teacher Pink Slips Protested At School Board Meeting
The board voted May 9 to keep 74 teachers in the Carlsbad Unified School District pink-slipped.
Seven years ago, teacher Teeana Evans came to the with the hope that, "if you educated the young on how to make informed decisions, you could have a nation of change." She was so excited for the chance to work in a prestigious school district, she accepted a salary lower than her previous teaching job. "Seven years later I stand here just a number, with a pink slip," she lamented to the School Board and a packed room of fellow teachers, parents, and students.
Due to budget deficits, 113 Carlsbad teachers have been given pink slips, some have been rescinded. freshman Sarah Sheets was appalled that the list of pink-slipped teachers was so long, and included many teachers she and her friends have had. "I did a double take when I saw the name of my fourth grade teacher." Sheets was thankful to find out the teacher's pink slip had been rescinded.
Sally Estep, president of the Carlsbad Unified Teachers Association (CUTA) stated, "I find it heartbreaking that instead of standing here extolling the amazing things we do every day, I am forced to address the misinformation the district gave to parents and the community." CUTA has been having contract negotiations with the district. She said she wanted a settlement based on real information. "There is no guarantee pink-slipped teachers will be reinstated if teachers agree to seven furlough days," explained Estep. She added, "there is no magic number of furlough days that guarantees any amount of teachers returning to work," pointing to a district shortfall of $2.2 million.
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The North County Times reported, "If the district does reduce the number of teachers, the move would lead to larger class sizes beginning next year. If teachers agree to furlough days, it could mean a shortened year for students."
Negotiations continue next week. The board voted to keep 74 teachers in the Carlsbad Unified School District pink-slipped. That number is down from the original approved by the board back in February 2012.
