A Perspective on the ABC District Teachers Strike

The recent strike by teachers in the ABC district was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Union political gain is the reason that ABC children, parents and staff were subjected to eight days of disruption and stress in an environment which gave rise to tactics that included death threats, nails strewn under substitute’s tires, children being told of imminent physical danger and secretaries and other support staff being terrorized. Union activists now openly admit that the election of their slate of candidates to the ABC Board of Education was their chief motive for striking.

The financial problems facing the new board majority remain the same regardless of the election results. We still must meet critical and competing needs for textbooks, supplies, employee salaries, science labs and class-size reductions while revenues from the state continue to be unpredictable and inadequate.

Now, though, we must also factor in further deficits which will result from the numerous campaign promises made by the union slate regarding the restoration of over $10 million in budget reductions. The new majority has also made strong commitments to eliminate the district asset management plan, a program which was designed precisely to provide what appears to be the only viable source of income for such unmet needs as roof repairs at Cerritos, stadium bleacher repairs at Artesia and Gahr as well as the development of a gym at Whitney.

In response to all of the above, as the new majority takes office I will continue to fully support all proposals which positively affect student achievement. I also pledge my support for any proposals that help solve the fiscal problems currently facing our district--as long as they are not quick fixes for today that will merely delay and compound the problems facing ABC tomorrow. Hopefully my colleagues will also demonstrate like viewpoints for the sake of our staff, students and community.

BOB HUGHLETT

Member, ABC Board of Education