Irvine - South Orange County teacher associations in Capistrano, Irvine, and Saddleback Valley held a news conference to point out inept administration, warped budget priorities, and poor advice from School Services of California, Inc., the consulting firm employed by the three Orange County school districts, as the cause of the contract negotiation crisis.
CTA President Wayne Johnson talks with OUEA President Paul Pruss
The association presidents contend that each of the three school districts have sufficient funds to settle the 2001-2002 contracts with fair teacher salary increases. A five-year teacher who left from one of these three districts is making $5,000 to $14,000 more in another Orange County District this year. "It's hard to retain and attract new teachers at this point," said Anne Caenn, President of the Irvine Teachers Association.
TV camera films teacher holding map
CTA President Wayne Johnson and CTA Secretary-Treasurer, David Sanchez spoke in support of the South Orange County teachers, who have been offered 1% or less by their respective school districts. The average salary increase for the rest of Orange County is 5.09%. "Teacher morale is low," says Frank Weirath, Capistrano Unified Education Association President. "Can you blame them?"
ITA President Anne Caenn is interviewed by NBC
Teachers also note that the superintendents from these districts are among the highest paid in the county and administer the only districts without teacher contract settlements. "You need to bring up the entire profession," said Janet Henry, President of Saddleback Valley Educators Association. "All employees need to be treated the same."
CUEA President Frank Weirath and SVEA President Janet Henry speak to reporters