FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Mateo – Results of a survey of the San Mateo Elementary Teachers Association show that the 583 educators in San Mateo and Foster City public schools are willing to strike before accepting rollbacks in their contract that would increase class sizes and eliminate counseling programs in the middle schools.
"The community has twice voted for parcel taxes that reduced class sizes and mandated that the district retain highly qualified staff. Now we are being asked by the administration to increase class sizes and eliminate counselors in our middle schools. We are saying no to that. It's not what our community wants and it's not right for our kids. We have made too much progress in this district to turn back now," said Jim Remington, president of the teachers association within the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
Voters in the district passed Measure B in 1991 to reduce class sizes, and followed up with a parcel tax last June that continues small class sizes, as well as provides funds to attract and retain quality teachers. Recent proposals at the negotiating table by the school district, however, have demanded raising class sizes significantly in the middle schools and eliminating school counselors. The teachers strongly oppose the district's proposal.
"Our members want a fair contract," Remington said. "In a recent survey, they indicated they are prepared to strike and they have given overwhelming support to walking a picket line, if that's what it takes for the district to listen to teachers and the community."
As of today, Feb. 2, teachers in the district have gone 580 days without a contract and remain stymied in their negotiations with the school district. The association plans to turn out in force at the Feb. 19 school board meeting.