Teachers’ Vote Goes Against Chancellor

More than 99% of the 400 community college teachers in his district voted no confidence in Chancellor Philip Westin’s ability to lead, according to results released Thursday by the American Federation of Teachers’ local chapter.

“The surprisingly strong vote lays to rest the fairy tale that only a dozen or so faculty members are unhappy with the chancellor and the board,” said Elton Hall, the union’s chief negotiator and a Moorpark professor.

“It’s time for the board to get real and negotiate a reasonable settlement.”

The union’s three-year contract expired June 30.

After several negotiation and mediation sessions ended with the two sides at an impasse, the union’s 700 members were invited to drop ballots in boxes at Ventura, Oxnard and Moorpark colleges this week.

Voters had a choice of either checking a box showing that they had no confidence in Westin or that they endorsed him.

The district has about 1,000 full- and part-time teachers.

Westin was not available for comment Thursday.

“The [vote] is something the board needs to think about,” said Board of Trustees President John Tallman, adding that he sees the vote as a message directed at trustees as well as Westin.

“That is a pretty startling percentage.”

Tallman added that he shares the faculty’s concern that there is “too much money in the district office” and wishes negotiations would move along.

The vote of no confidence sends a message to the board and to the community that the teachers are unhappy, said Larry Miller, union president.

The district’s 350 classified personnel workers are also taking a vote on a no-confidence measure, said Service Employees International Union Local 535 President Candace Peyton.

Results should be posted Wednesday.

The classified union is also negotiating a contract with the district.

“The vote sends a statement [about] just how bad morale really is,” Peyton said.