It is disturbing to see the lack of respect that the Lakeside Union School District is showing its classified employees in the current negotiations of its contract. Sadly enough, this scenario is not a new one, as I have seen it through school boards throughout the county where districts do their best to strip away the given rights by the California Education Code in collective bargaining.
It is disturbing to see the lack of respect that the Lakeside Union School District is showing its classified employees in the current negotiations of its contract. Sadly enough, this scenario is not a new one, as I have seen it through school boards throughout the county where districts do their best to strip away the given rights by the California Education Code in collective bargaining.
There is still much more to be said about this story as it goes along because more often than not it is a desire for a lack of transparency that fuels these decisions. In looking at the current proposal, the District does not reword the contract, but rather it is systematically eliminating the rights of its classified employees, striking out completely the portions that deal with collective bargaining.
The process of collective bargaining is essential in our educational system, giving everyone a voice in decisions that have a direct impact on their jobs and work environment. Without this process, students, teachers, classified employees and most important, the students, are left out in the cold at the mercy of decisions made by the District. This is unacceptable at all levels and tears down the very fabric of the California Education Code.
I will continue following this story, as there is more than just the CSEA contract that does not seem right. Further investigation is needed in why the new superintendent, Dr. David Lorden is building up an arsenal of lawyers. One of the most unexplained expenses I have seen over the years is the endless need to spend outrageous amounts of money on law firms and consultants when the system is set up for the majority of problems to be solved within the collective bargaining unit.
It is highly apparent that I have not spoken to the District at this time, but rather just covered the rally and its purpose. My reasoning behind this is simple. I do not have the evidence yet concerning the new superintendent, the increase in legal fees and the board member’s reaction. But everyone deserves a fair shake and representation, so I will continue to follow and follow up on these issues. But it is easily said by looking at the current proposal that something is rotten in Lakeside and the finger is not pointing towards classified employees. Between the 24-hour limit to finalize the contract, along with the increase in salary it is apparent that the District is pushing the CSEA to make a quick decision without the ability to retain their given rights. At the surface, the pay increase looks more like a distraction rather than a bonus.
The District needs to back off and come back to the negotiation table with reasonable and fair language that protects its classified employees. Without them, our schools would not function and our children’s education is at risk. The Governing Board has the right to hire and fire, and the ability to advise, but it is prohibited from interfering with the superintendent’s daily functions in running the schools. But in this case, the board has every right to direct the superintendent in the right direction, and if not the ability and right to fire, just as well as hire. Lakeside CSEA #240 deserves a fair agreement and the District and the superintendent need to get onboard in creating a contract that does not strip away their rights in the process.
