OXNARD : Teachers, District Divided Over 3 Issues
Salary, fringe benefits and class size emerged Tuesday as key issues in contract negotiations in the Ocean View School District in Oxnard.
The board of trustees rejected a proposal by teachers for a three-year contract at a meeting Tuesday.
Superintendent Robert D. Allen said the three main points of difference appear to be salary, fringe benefits and class size.
“The teachers have asked for a 10% salary increase,” Allen said. “But our preliminary answer at this time is no increase.”
The teachers also want fringe benefits maintained, Allen said, which may be difficult for the district to approve, since Blue Shield premiums are increasing by about 50%.
“We just can’t afford it,” Allen said.
In addition, teachers are reportedly asking that class size be kept at the district average of 28 students per class. Allen said the district countered that classes be increased to 31 students per room.
The teacher’s contract expires June 30. The Ocean View Educators Assn. represents 110 teachers.
A critical factor in district finances is state aid to education, with appropriations now being debated in Sacramento.
“The only problem with the contract is timing,” Allen said. “We can give no specific answers until Gov. Deukmejian issues his budget.”
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