Community Commentary:

At every community meeting that I attend, parents ask a couple of important questions about the school district budget and the relationship of the Board of Education with the teachers union. Both questions merit answers, and I am pleased to offer my personal perspective on both.

The school board members and I saw the financial train wreck heading our way for some time, and we took strong and decisive actions under extreme and difficult pressure and conditions. Our guiding principle throughout these difficult times was and is to safeguard students, teachers and the integrity of the instructional program.

Four years ago, the Board of Education instructed the superintendent to examine every non-teaching position and its impact on teaching and learning. After careful and extensive analysis and discussion, the board reduced 50 district administrative and support staff at a savings of over $6 million annually.

None of the reduction in positions involved classroom teachers. Additionally, the board implemented measures and policies to reduce energy costs, escalating health insurance costs and worker compensation claims and programs. The board instituted strict controls on hiring, travel, supplies and contracts, and it approved consolidation of services and a reduction in nonessential and duplicative services.

And not one single employee lost a job or was laid off. All reductions were made through attrition, retirement, job mergers and consolidation of responsibilities.

As to the relationship with the teachers union leaders, the most painful and difficult period started two years ago when the Glendale teachers union leaders announced the goal of the “double digit” pay raise and they demanded that the board approve a 15.3% increase in teacher compensation.

The teachers union’s “double digit” year was a sad chapter in an otherwise respectful and professional relationship between the board and the union. And while most of us believe that teachers deserve higher pay, many questioned the wisdom of the salary demand at a time when reductions and belt tightening were being implemented to build district reserves and maintain educational programs.

And very sadly and unfortunately, the union leaders’ mantra equated the board’s lack of acceptance of their 15.3% salary demand with a “lack of respect for Glendale teachers.”