MY CONCERNS RE CURRENT LABOR DISPUTE

By Ron Lackey

MY CONCERNS RELATE TO THE CURRENT LABOR DISPUTE BETWEEN BOARD OF EDUCATION & CAPISTRANO UNIFIED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

My concerns relate to the Board of Education's budgeting practices and spending priorities, as reported to me by the CUEA.

My concerns include the following:

1. District has received 4.11% in new ongoing revenue for 2001-02.
2. District is growing and received additional new unrestricted money for growth totaling approximately $7.7 million.
3. District consistently ends the year with 2 to 3 times more money than expected.
4. District has offered teachers 50% less in cost of living increases compared to other Orange County school districts, while passing along a 230% increase to teachers in out-of-pocket health benefit contributions.
5. Budget for 2002-03 has been recommended tht has over $17 million in carryover reserve funds that were not expended on teachers and students in 2000-01.
6. District will continue to receive millions in new student growth money that will continue to be stockpiled in special reserve accounts.
7. District is moving forward to use money meant to renovate existing schools to build a new District Office complex.
8. Superintendent is highest paid top administrator in Orange County, and site administrators are the second highest paid in Orange County. Teacher compensation remains below the county median.
9. District's salary offer for last year is 50% less than what the other Orange County school districts offered their teachers.

As a member of the Board of Education, I will make the strongest effort possible to help our teachers achieve salaries commensurate with the very high proven achievement that their students are demonstrating!!!