Burbank school board members say they hear teachers’ raise request ‘loud and clear’
Dozens of Burbank teachers wore black as a symbol of solidarity during a school board meeting on Thursday as several of them spoke of the need for pay increases to compensate for rising healthcare costs and expenses tied to the rising cost of living.
Among them was longtime teacher Brad Frank, who told board members that he recalled the “good old days” when his healthcare was entirely covered by Burbank Unified.
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But that changed several years ago when he said the cost of health insurance increased to $90 a month, then to more than $200, and eventually to more than $500.
Today, he said some Burbank teachers pay up to $800 a month to provide health insurance for their families.
“Imagine, board members, what you could do with $800 a month. Suffice it to say that families that work for this district would like some relief from the burdens that have been put on them,” he said.
In a letter sent to the school board by the Burbank Teachers Assn. prior to Thursday’s meeting, the union pointed to more than $8 million that has not yet been allocated and $6 million more in ongoing funding that Burbank Unified is expected to receive as possible sources that could ease the financial hardship teachers are facing.
“We often hear that teachers don’t go into this profession to get rich,” said Lori Adams, president of the association. “A wise man named Bob Shannon once said, ‘We don’t go in it to get broke, either.’”
In response to the teachers, Burbank Unified Supt. Matt Hill acknowledged the issues they raised.
“The concerns that you raised here is a common theme throughout — to be able to have a quality of life where you work and hopefully, live in Burbank, and be able to sustain your families and yourselves. I hear that,” he said.
He added that he wants to review Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget and its impacts on the district in next fiscal year before the district puts “our best offer on the table” and that he struggles personally when teachers and other district employees speak publicly to justify a raise.
“I, as your superintendent, know how hard you work and you don’t have to convince me [that] you deserve more,” he said. “I will never put you in a situation where you have to put pressure on us to get the best deal. We are going to give you as much as we can and be responsible for the future.”
Board members referred to the many emails they received from teachers leading up to the meeting.
“I have read all of them,” said member Roberta Reynolds. “I am completely convinced that my colleagues want absolutely to give a fair settlement. We all care that much and want to give you the best possible settlement while also being responsible.”
School board member Charlene Tabet said she also received emails from parents who are supporting the teachers.
The board did not make any immediate promises, but noted that the educators’ concerns have been heard.
“How could we inspire our students when our own teachers have lost hope?” asked board member Armond Aghakhanian. “I think that’s something that concerns me. We’re going to work hard for you to figure out a solution.”
School board member Steve Ferguson said he’s spoken with teachers who have expressed their concerns.
“The response you want to hear tonight, is ‘Yep, we agree, and here you go.’ And we can’t give that to you, and it sucks. It stinks. There’s nothing good about it... Tonight, although I can’t offer you anything beyond words… know that you are appreciated.”
School board President Larry Applebaum said the district must strive to strike a balance while managing its $150-million budget.
“I think somewhere between nothing and something, there’s got to be a balance that achieves the goals that we need to do,” he said. “I’ve heard loud and clear from everyone who has talked tonight and everyone who has sent us emails.”
