Since October 1975 a committee of citizens, teachers and
administrators have been studying requirements for graduation from high school. They recommend raising the units needed to graduate from 160 to 170. The School Board will vote on this proposal on April 14.
The School Board has passed and adopted a new teachers salary schedule for 1975-76. The teachers unions have not yet ratified the agreement. Salaries range from $9553 for a first year teacher to $19,918 for a teacher with extra college credits, including an MA.
Salary negotiations are still underway with teachers insisting that no strike is planned. Specific salaries are given for various levels: 1. beginning - $9012 2. average - $14,254 3. maximum with masters degree after 14 years - $18,589
New State Department of Health regulations require that all children entering first grade after July 1, 1975 have had a health check within the past year. This may be had at designated community health centers free of charge for those in need or otherwise by a family doctor at his regular fee.
Some teachers began picketing in front of the district offices. At issue were charges of stalling on negotiations and the 1% increase offer by the School Board which the teachers called "an insult." Superintendent Ed Ryan said that if the two unions had been able to get together on their demands the problem might have been resolved by now.
Beginning October 1, Arcadians will pay more for their water. The increase will be in two steps. The first will be an increase of 6% per 100 cubic feet. The second will be dependent on possible increases in the Edison rates for pumping.
SCAG will conduct hearings on an area transportation plan. The results will be incorporated into a comprehensive plan for all of Southern California due to be completed April 1, 1975.
With the tax base increase having been approved by the voters on April 15, both Unions representing teachers in Arcadia presented new contract terms to the School Board.
Arcadia teachers picketed the open house at Arcadia High School to protest the 1978-79 raise offered by the Arcadia Board of Education. The teachers claim they received a 3.5% salary adjustment (vs. the average San Gabriel Valley increase of 5.5%) while the Board claims a 5% increase retroactive to December 1, 1978.
On April 21, 1975 Arcadia will start a Dial-A-Ride service. A ride between any two points will be $.50. This will be a 3 month experiment. More details on the service are given.
The School Board has begun discussions on a proposed tax increase election to cope with galloping inflation. The Board hopes to hold the election on April 15, 1975 in conjunction with the election for Board members.
A $9 million budget has been proposed for 1975-76. City manager Lyman Cozad feels that no tax increase will be necessary due to the higher valuation of city property.
A summary of the first full contract between teachers through their union ATA and the Arcadia Unified School District since the Rodda Act became law in 1975.
A small group of teachers, dissatisfied with an 8.5% salary increase, may go on strike. Both the Arcadia Teachers Association and the American Federation of Teachers local have disavowed the action.