Saratoga News

Board gives teachers 5.31 percent increase

Board also considers reduction in second-grade class size

By C.J. Cannino

Teachers in the Saratoga Union Elementary School District will receive approximately a 5.31 percent cost of living wage increase under a new contract ratified by the school board last week.

Some teachers in the district will receive more than the five percent and others will receive less, depending on the length of time instructors have been teaching.

"I think the teachers were fine with it," said Bonita Calder, representing the district's Teachers Association. There was no public comment on the "sunshine" agreement, which is so named to indicate that the meeting was held during daylight hours, therefore giving the public the opportunity to attend.

The board decided to continue to the next meeting discussion on the ratification of the contract for nonteaching employees in the district.

As this school year comes to a close, officials discussed what's in store for next year, particularly class size.

According to board member Cindy Ruby, the reduction of class size in the first grade has been a success, and now school officials are focusing on reducing the number of students in second-grade classrooms.

The board is also considering the possibility of cutting down the number of students in third grade and kindergarten as well.

"It may be one, the other, both or neither," said Ruby.

On May 27, the school administrators will report to the board on what they think is possible for the district to accomplish when it comes to creating smaller classes. The discussion of reducing class size for kindergartners and third-graders will continue on the 27th, and Ruby said parent input is welcome.

"We may decide there are too many unknowns," says Ruby, but she added that it's important for the decision to be made as soon as possible, so more teachers can be hired right away.

Calder would like to see the district go ahead and begin reducing class size in kindergarten and third grade. "I've been a teacher for 38 years, and class size is really a factor (in learning)," Calder said.

The last item on the agenda was the state of Saratoga Union School District's budget.

According to business manager Ellen Tipton, the district has an income next year of $10.2 million, but expenses are running at about $10.4 million.

"We have a list of half a million dollars of proposed expenses that we have to take a look at," Tipson said.

Some of the things on the list include a computer systems specialist, more money for testing, and adding a part-time psychologist to the staff, since there is only one that serves the entire district.

"It's going to be difficult to do without some of these things," Tipton said.

Looking on the bright side, though, Tipton said that the level of funds the district is receiving from the state is improving, although she's a bit skeptical about Governor Wilson's plan to spend a state revenue surplus on education.

Tipton predicted the money will most likely come with strings attached. "He might be giving us more money, but he's going to make us do more things," she said. Tipton said that many of the cuts the district suffered in past years have still not been restored.

Calder said that from the teachers' perspective, things are looking optimistic. "People are recognizing that schools need money," Calder said. "I think it's an exciting time to be in education."

A special budget committee will continue to meet regularly until the budget is ratified in early July.

School officials were treated to a presentation by the French foreign exchange students from Foothill School at Tuesday's meeting, the last to be held at various elementary schools in the district.

"We've enjoyed going to all the schools and seeing the students' work," Ruby said. She hopes to continue to hold meetings at various schools, but for now, the meetings will be held in the normal spot, Redwood Middle School Library.

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