Members of Oceanside Teachers Association (OTA) have worked for months on a settlement with Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD). Thursday night’s rally with over 600 people attending was a reminder to the school board that OTA and their supportive local parents and allies want that settlement now.OTA’s communications liaison Patricia Ramirez explained her frustration over these last months; “As a teacher, one of the most important things I do on a daily basis is to show respect to my students. In return, I expect respect from them. That’s why our current bargaining situation is so hurtful to me. It feels like our district has disregarded us and devalued us as professionals. I don’t feel respected. My hope is that we can work together to negotiate a contract that is fair and shows respect to the teachers of OUSD.”OTA and OUSD have a scheduled mediation session Friday, January 26th. OTA President Jennifer Skellett believes the message carried by the rally resonated with every board member Thursday night; “Our teachers and community have spoken clearly and they aren’t going away. It’s time for the district to help us make this deal happen.”
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