Focus on TUSD - August 2007

School Year 2007-08 Starts with Contract Negotiations Concerns -
The 1 Percent Offer: We're Not There Yet
First let me welcome you all back to school year 2007-08. I am looking forward to a great year of consolidating, aligning and achieving. At our back-to-school conference we explored the possibilities of our learning communities. We affirmed the power of positive relationships between teachers and students, and we discussed motivation and engagement - applicable to all of us - as key factors to reaching goals.

Last week these issues seemed to be overshadowed by the outcry and allegations surrounding this year's negotiations. It reminded me of some of my experiences with reluctant travelers. At some point during any long trip there is always someone who asks, "Are we there yet?" Those negotiating on behalf of TUSD's employees reacted to our first offer with extremely misleading rhetoric implying that it was the final offer - and that it was an insult. My response to them and to those they represent is, "Hold on! We've barely pulled out of the driveway."

Because the process and protocol of budget negotiations is not open to the public, many of those represented by the unions don't know that by definition, negotiations move offers back and forth between interested parties. The different bargaining units represent their respective employee groups. The Governing Board represents employees as well, but is also equally responsible for adopting a balanced budget. It cannot pull extra funds out of the sky. In sorting out the over $400 million District budget there are a multitude of far-ranging consequences that must surface for consideration - by all stakeholders - as offers and counter-offers are volleyed back and forth.

In a transparent budget development process for this year, one that has, in fact been publicly acknowledged as such by more than one union, a 1 percent increase was shown to lead to a balanced budget. As part of this process, we shared new costs we considered to be necessary and/or legally required and we showed how a 1, 2, or 3 percent salary increase for employees would affect that budget.

Using those calculations, the District opened negotiations with an offer of 1 percent. That offer was not meant to devalue its employees or to make light of anyone's financial needs. Without exception, our employees are the heart and soul of what we have to offer the children of this community. That first offer simply described to employees and taxpayers alike how the District would need to allocate its funds to avert budget cuts in any number of areas.

Unfortunately, budget cuts seem to be a central and universal factor in education these days. Thus, budget cuts that will allow for more employee pay are not out of the question. But keep in mind that each cut has its consequence and deserves thorough and serious scrutiny. That is where the energy of negotiations should be spent as we move forward.

Our agreement will grow out of the discussion of valid information, not side-tracking hasty judgments. I am looking to the organizations representing our valued employees to study very closely the options for the cuts that must come, and submit a counter offer that minimizes negative consequences and best serves students and employees alike.

And no, we're not there yet. But it is my hope, and I will work hard to make it a reality, that we can conclude these negotiations both successfully and quickly so we can return our focus and efforts toward achieving the wonderful possibilities ahead for us with our students.

Respectfully,

Roger F. Pfeuffer
Superintendent