Pleasanton Unified School District leaders are putting themselves before teachers and students.
Michael Fullan, a leading educational scholar, states that the most important strategy for school districts to improve student learning outcomes is by creating the conditions necessary for teachers to thrive. Instead of doing what's best for students, senior district leadership is taking care of themselves.
The employment agreements in place approved by the PUSD Board of Trustees for the superintendent and his executive cabinet give them a 3.5% raise each July 1 for the duration of their contract. That's a 3.5% raise each year in addition to having medical, dental and vision benefits for themselves and their families paid for -- and this was confirmed in June, before they settled with their teachers union.
Teachers have to pay for their benefits. For example, a teacher insuring themselves and their families with Anthem Blue Cross can pay $2,641 each month. The total cost of medical for a teacher under this middle-of-the-road plan is $31,692 a year!
By putting their own interests first, and by undermining teachers, district leaders are creating conditions that lead to divisiveness, toxicity and distrust. When we fail our teachers, we fail our students.
A meal has been served, and district leadership is at the very front of the line to make sure they get theirs. True leaders who care about the people on their team and who strive to get results and achieve their mission eat last, not first.
The overarching mission of all schools and school districts is to educate and prepare all students for success. Our economy, our democracy and the welfare of our communities depends on our school systems being able to achieve this mission.
No question, the people who have the greatest impact on our children's learning and socioemotional well-being are the teachers. District leadership's job is to recruit, hire and retain the most qualified teachers. After that, their purpose is to serve and support the people working with students.
PUSD used to be a destination district. Salaries and benefits were competitive, and they invested in the teacher's professional learning. I came to Pleasanton to teach because I could do what I loved, and also be able to support my family living in this area.
This is no longer the case for many of our teachers. Many are working two jobs, have long commutes because they cannot afford to live in the area, and some are having to take in roommates. Many other teachers are leaving our district.
School district leaders in Pleasanton have it all wrong. They should not be at the top of the pyramid. Students are at the top, and teachers are next, as they matter more than anyone else for preparing our children for success. It's about time that district leadership creates the conditions necessary for teachers to thrive.
Editor's note: Jeff Keller is a Pleasanton resident who has worked in education for more than 25 years. He taught for four years in the dual-language immersion program at Valley View Elementary School in PUSD before becoming principal of Marylin Avenue Elementary School in Livermore. After six years as director of educational services in Stockton, he now works as a principal in Santa Clara.
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October 29, 2021 at 01:41AM
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Guest Opinion: Pleasanton Unified leadership is cheating students - Pleasanton Weekly
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