Orange Unified Not Up to Par
* I have been teaching in the Orange Unified School District for 30 years, including 17 at El Modena High, and recently became dangerously angry while driving home from our end-of-the-year party to honor retiring colleagues.
Speeches were given praising their contributions to the school, the respect they earned from the students and peers and how much fun we all had working together. All were ready to leave knowing retirement would be rewarding too, except for their monthly income! All will make about $1,000 a month for life less than friends in neighboring districts. I am disheartened.
The anger surfaces when at the same function, I watch in harsh reality as five newer teachers, most with three or four years at the school, are given going-away gifts because they are leaving for work in other districts. Brilliant minds, innovative and enthusiastic individuals who are loved by students and faculty, have said no to OUSD.
Like the rest of us, they were given no respect or treated as professionals by the district and found they are welcomed in other Orange County districts with raises up to $14,000 per year. Honesty, respect and a fair salary are all any of us are asking for.
My school has outstanding academic and athletic programs, but they won’t last if an agreement isn’t reached immediately. The situation is ludicrous and a travesty.
GREG BENOIT
Costa Mesa
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