Letter to the Editor: PUSD Plans to Transfer Teachers at their Whim, Changing Language of Existing Contract

During the ongoing contract negotiations between the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and the United Teachers of Pasadena (UTP), most of the public focus has been on the divide in salary compensation. It is an easy topic to explain; Teachers want more money to equate their salaries with other teacher salaries in surrounding districts, and the Superintendent and School Board counter with their positions that the District is suffering from lower enrollment and too many teachers. It is a battle of statistics and emotion, which is a dangerous combination when it comes to decrypting actual fact.

Instead, we the teachers at McKinley T-8 School of the Arts, would like to cast our spotlight on another topic contributing to the impasse. The District desires to change language in the current contract that will give them full discretion to move a teacher to any site they choose by claiming It is in, The best interests of the district: Despite crafting a community that works for the good of both teacher and students, no longer will a teacher to able to challenge such a move based on seniority. If the District wants you moved to another school after deeming it dangerous to have teachers questioning administrative decisions that threaten student achievement, you will have no option but to accede to their whim.

If a school becomes populated by collegial teachers who have discovered they possess a strong and unified voice, they might be scattered to the ends of the district to break up their cohesion. If a school, such as McKinley, has finally climbed out of a years-long morale and success slump, and through teamwork and direction is becoming a destination school for parents to send their children with confidence, there would be nothing to prevent the District from finding some reason to send those successful teachers to different schools.

As a parent, imagine planning for years, scouting and observing a prospective teacher in an effort to match the gifts of your child with someone who will appreciate and encourage your daughter or son. This teacher might have previously taught a sibling, and you were looking for some continuity and to propel a family/teacher partnership that you knew to be successful. And then… that teacher is transferred to a different school with no notice and no cause.