Ramona Unified School District board votes to cut teachers’ salaries

A meeting held Monday night, April 22, was a disappointment for Ramona’s teachers and many parents and students. In a 4-0-1 vote, the board passed a three-year agreement, retroactively effective July 1, 2012, and ending June 30, 2015.

Teachers will sustain an 8 percent pay cut for fiscal year 2012–2013 and a 9.5 percent pay cut for fiscal years 2013–2014 and 2014–2015. Because the cuts are retroactive and there are only two more pay months this fiscal year, teachers’ next two paychecks for May and June will be dramatically reduced. Over the next two years the cuts will be spread out over the entire year, lessening the sting.

The board also approved six furlough days per year, again retroactively, so five days will be taken the week of May 20–24, 2013, and one day on June 13 for the 2012–2013 school year. Dates for the following two years will be announced at a later date.

Healthcare benefits were also affected, although the board agreed not to impose the changes retroactively. Effective June 30, 2013, the district will pay 90 percent and the members will be asked to pay 10 percent of their healthcare coverage. Previously, members did not contribute to their healthcare benefits.

The meeting was packed to capacity, with standing room only. Many teachers, parents, and students spoke to the board prior to the vote. After four members voted yes and one member voted present, the resolution passed and the disappointed crowd erupted in shouting.

The board, having made their decision, now leaves the Ramona Teachers Association having to make a decision of their own, as they consider their strike options.

Source:  Ramona Unified School District Resolution No. 2012-13-15