Dr. Ed Ryan, district superintendent, told the Board of Education that the teaching staff in the Arcadia School District must be reduced next year by 30. There are several reasons for the cut, including decreased enrollment and lack of funds. Plans for that reduction and the position of the Arcadia Teachers Association are discussed.
Arcadia's Board of Education is cutting 6 teachers, 5 3/4 custodial positions and half of its teachers' aides. According to School Superintendent Dr. Stephen Goldstone, the board will probably have to make more cuts as well.
More information on proposed budget cuts: 53 teachers will be cut rather than the 60 that had been publicized; the instrumental music program will remain intact; academic counseling will continue but personal counseling will be cut back.
Due to a shrinking budget the audio-visual department of the Arcadia Public Library has been closed by the City Council. The Arcadia school system has been offered the films and equipment, worth approximately $100,000. The cuts in the library budget will also mean reduction in personnel and operating hours. These matters are discussed.
The Arcadia Board of Education has adopted a $63.9 million General Fund budget for the coming year. The budget contains reductions across the board, with 10% cuts at schools, a reduction in categorical programs and no cost of living increase from the state.
Arcadia teachers learned that their stalled contract negotiations with the district will advance to a stage called fact-finding (meaning an impartial panel paid by the state will judge disputes between the teachers and the district).
Patricia Ann "Pann" Baltz, one of 5 California Teachers of the year, was honored at the Arcadia Community Center by city and school district officials.
The proposed $1.2 million in program cuts will affect almost everyone in the Arcadia Unified School District. Discussed here is the recommended 47% reduction in support services staff, including counselors and nurses.
State drought. Overall California residents cut water use by 27% in June, beating governor's mandate, but some cities fall short. Arcadia's target was a 36% reduction but in June, the city achieved a 28% reduction.
The Arcadia Board of Education ratified a new contract with the district's teachers by a 4-1 vote, but with some reservations about a binding arbitration provision (which would have district-teachers disputes resolved by a 3rd party). The contract includes a 10% salary increase for 1984/85 and an increase from a 177-day a year student school year to 180 days, along with lengthier instructional time per day.
The Board of Education has begun deliberations on cutting programs to match the $1.2 million in budget cuts that must be made. Sixty teachers may be terminated. Other possible program cuts are discussed.
The prospect of a strike by Arcadia teachers looms large, after negotiations between school district and teachers' associations officials broke off Wednesday, August 15. The negotiations ended after the 2 parties failed to reach a settlement on their year-long salary dispute. No new talks have been scheduled.
A tentative 3-year salary and fringe benefit contract agreement was reached between Arcadia teachers and the district, averting a teacher's walkout that had threatened the district since January.
Superintendent of Schools, Stephen Goldstone said he is "very disappointed" that the Arcadia Teachers Association has rejected a district proposal to listen to a presentation on a new style of labor negotiations known as the "win-win system."
Parents and children rallied at three Arcadia middle schools, in an effort to prevent the potential layoffs of 105 Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) teachers and staff, blamed on an anticipated budget shortfall of at least $2 million next school year. Since the campaign started in late January, Arcadia Educational Foundation (AEF) has raised about $225,000, which will be presented to the AUSD. That is enough to save 3 teachers' positions.