We declared impasse, Superintendent Vazquez continues to disrespect teachers
Dear Educators,
We hear it at every school and at every grade level, we need raises so we can support our families. Our concerns are continuously ignored by Superintendent Vazquez.
Today at negotiations, the Superintendent would not move from a meager 1.9% average salary increase. Teachers cannot afford this, and we deserve better. It’s become clear that Superintendent Vazquez does not think so, and she is not prepared to give us a fair contract. While we made progress on important agreements like paid bereavement leave and advanced degree supplement eligibility, we don’t understand why these values couldn’t be transferred to give teachers their earned respect.
NO. NO. NO. The Superintendent said:
- NO to fair raises.
- NO to breastmilk storage and pumping rights for new moms.
- NO to paid parental leave.
- NO to paperwork reduction.
- NO to protecting our evaluation process.
- NO to teacher respect.
ON TOP OF ALL OF THIS, we still don’t have a final answer on our Urgent Grievance on Planning Time. While it looks like the district may be trying to fix things going forward in Elementary and Middle Schools, this ignores High Schools and we don’t know the details. Memos HERE. Dr. Vazquez needs to fix this problem today and ensure ALL of the members of our bargaining unit receive their contractually guaranteed planning time. The challenges we face each day keep mounting, and the Superintendent not only won’t improve our contract but she won’t even follow it!
From the very beginning of negotiations, the Superintendent has taken a hardline approach, seeking to strip away our professional autonomy. These issues go to the heart of what it means to be a respected professional educator.
Teachers have spoken loud and clear—we will not accept an agreement that fails to reflect the value of our work and dedication. We are standing firm.
We will be going to an impasse hearing before the School Board which we expect to be next month and will continue to keep you informed. Together, we will make sure our voices are heard.
Now, more than ever, we need to join together as one profession and one Union.
