By Mary-Justine Lanyon
In honor of 100 days of school having passed, Sydney McCook – who teaches transitional kindergarten at Valley of Enchantment Elementary School – offered 100 reasons why teachers and staff of the Rim of the World Unified School District deserve a raise.
“Teachers do the impossible every day,” McCook told the trustees at the Jan. 25 school board meeting. She pointed to the rising costs of staples at their homes: bread, milk, rent, fruit. She said she had been hit, bitten slapped and spit on. Her colleagues have been threatened.
“We teach patience, understanding, routines, reading, writing, arithmetic, how to share, how to hold a pencil, how to use scissors. We give hugs, smiles, encouragement.”
And Number 100: “We are highly educated and dedicated people who deserve adequate compensation.”
She was the first of five teachers who spoke at the meeting.
Alicia Wilson reminded the board that she had been the Rim Teachers Association secretary in 2018. “We went through tight times in the district. The RTA agreed to many changes – increased class sizes, the elimination of some prep time. We lost our retirement medical benefits.
“The goal,” Wilson said, “was to increase the salary schedule to attract and maintain teachers. At that time, we were one of the lowest paid districts. To hear the district’s reserve is over twice the maximum recommended is heartbreaking. To know the district has had the money to settle.”
Wilson went on to note the district is having a hard time getting teachers to come to the district. Her sixth-grade daughter, she said, did not get a full-time math teacher until the week before winter break.
“I don’t know any teacher who doesn’t work 50 hours a week and spend their own money,” Tracy Marinaro told the trustees. “Our job duties have grown exponentially.
“Last year my homeowners insurance doubled. It’s hard to live on such a small salary. Our education system is broken. Even seasoned teachers are turning to other careers. What is happening to teachers up here is happening to all teachers.
“I hope you will consider giving teachers a raise,” Marinaro said. “Please be the positive change and recognize the positive sacrifice made by teachers.”
“I have experienced first-hand the struggles of students when teachers leave mid-year,” said Kristie Phillips, who teaches third grade at VOE. “I have been asked in the grocery store why Rim cannot hire and keep teachers. I have been told Rim pays less because they pay for health insurance.
“This district has failed in preparing students for college,” Phillips continued. “Rim is losing and continues to lose teachers who have passion for the job because we are one of the lowest paying districts.”
“I wanted to be here in support of my colleagues,” Rim High teacher Debbie Bennett said. “There is so much we do outside of the classroom. You know how much we’re worth and you’re going to make fiscally sound decisions. I hope you’ll do the right thing and do it quickly.
“I’m so proud to work with the people I work with,” Bennett said. “We all really care about our students. Do the right thing and don’t drag it out. If you have the money, give the teachers a raise.”
Amanda Markovich, the RTA president, thanked the teachers for attending the meeting and speaking to the trustees.
“We gave up a lot,” Markovich said. “The promise was we would have decent salaries. We are still waiting for a counter proposal to the proposal we gave in November. Surrounding districts are getting a higher percentage than we asked for.
“We aren’t catching up,” she added. “We are falling further behind. When people start commuting (to other districts) from the mountain, they eventually move and take their families with them.”
Markovich referred the trustees to a bar chart representing the district’s reserve she had sent them. “There’s no reason we can’t get what we are asking for this year.”
The four trustees present – Scott Craft was out of town – addressed the teachers’ concerns in their comments.
“I thank everyone for coming out,” President Jordan Zarate said. “Know that you are heard – we are listening.”
Clerk Dana Ridland echoed Zarate’s comments and commended the teachers for attending the meeting: “You already have an extraordinary weight on your shoulders. I know you’re dealing with a lot of chaos. I want to help, want to learn. We care.
“Teaching was the second hardest job I’ve ever had, parenting being the first. We are listening.”
“Your insight and perspective are much appreciated,” said Trustee Cindy Gardner. “This nation as a whole has a problem with elevating teachers to where they need to be in terms of respect and compensation.”
“Teachers are my heroes,” was the comment from Trustee Bill Mellinger. “I’ve been married to one for more than 40 years. We are listening. We care. Your letters are getting through and we read every one. We are actively engaged in the process.
“As a board,” Mellinger added, “we have to look at total compensation. Everything you’re dealing with personally – all those increases – those same things occur for us across the district. It’s impossible to compensate you the way you deserve. Giving you millions of dollars wouldn’t compensate for being spit on or working extra hours because you do that from your heart.
“You have a calling, a passion. We want to give you as much as we can and will strive to do the best we can,” Mellinger said. “We really do care, really do appreciate you. We have tremendously gifted students and staff in our district.”
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