After going close to two years without a contract, members of the San Mateo Elementary Teachers Association (SMETA) are awaiting the results of a fact-finding report before deciding on their next steps - which could include a strike.
"No one wants to go on strike, but that's what we are prepared to do to get a fair contract," says SMETA President Jim Remington. The chapter represents 583 educators in San Mateo and Foster City schools.
The chapter is incensed that the district has proposed to cut the entire counseling program at three middle schools despite voter approval of two parcel taxes for exactly such programs.
"We are adamantly opposed to cutting a program that has had major benefits for students who are at a critical age," says Remington. "Our counselors not only help students with their academic goals, they are on hand to provide guidance, work with at-risk students, assist students in crisis, and work with parents as well. To eliminate the program would be penny-wise and pound-foolish."
The district's move affects nine counselors, seven of whom will be reassigned to non-counseling positions. The others, who do not have credentials in other subjects, have received layoff notices.
"Interestingly, these same two counselors received notices last spring, but the community passed a $2.4 million parcel tax just last spring that specifically funds counseling, music, technology and other programs, and the counselors were put back. Now the district wants to eliminate the same program again this year," says Remington. "It's a crime to let this happen."
Dale Martin