Why OUSD Teacher Morale is Low - Talking Points

 Salary:

In 7 years we have received one-time payments and only 3% ongoing on the salary scale (7 years because 2013-14 has not reached a successful negotiation). This is a dismal reflection of the Trustees’ and Superintendent’s appreciation and attitude towards the certificated workforce.

OUSD salaries have slipped below the Contra Costa county median although performance in our district is the highest in the county. During this time the cost of living has continued to rise.

Previous Superintendent, Dr. Frank Brunetti believed that salaries impacted the ability to attract and retain quality teachers, and made an effort to fiscally appreciate and support teachers.

Workload and Common Core Implementation:

Although the majority of teachers devote significant hours beyond contract time creating Common Core units of study and collecting materials and resources for student use, we are not compensated for this extra work. Other districts used LCAP money to compensate teachers and had the foresight to prepare for Common Core over three years ago in order to be able to provide their teachers with transitional materials and training (Martinez, Walnut Creek, Mt. Diablo).

Benefits:

Support for employee medical benefits dropped by 20% on July 1, 2014 as the district contribution fell from $1100.00 to $915.00. This decrease significantly affects couples and families.

Loss of Elementary Preparation time for Teachers:

During the CA financial crisis, half of our art for 1^st through 3^rd grades and all of our computer education and library informational literacy instruction was eliminated.  Credentialed teachers were released reducing our overall prep time for completing the increasing number of tasks required by the district. 

Today, OUSD enjoys a greater carry over than it has seen in the six prior years and yet those specialist programs have not been restored. Many teachers who have no background and experience in those subjects are expected to teach the content and spend even more of their personal time preparing for those required activities. We have not had art training and only limited library and tech training. As a result, student instruction in these subject areas is not equitable from teacher to teacher and not consistently aligned with the Common Core.

For more information and issues, see the OEA Fact Sheet.