The Arcadia Teachers Association will file unfair practice charges against the Board of Education for "clear and obvious harassment of a teacher." At issue is a leave of absence sought by Jean Voznick.
Jean Voznick, president of the Arcadia Teachers Association, presented the teachers' case to the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce. Some of her statements were later rebutted by Superintendent Ed Ryan.
Teachers are looking for an effective way to show the School Board just how unhappy they are over their failure to support an override election which might have funded a 15.4% pay raise.
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.
The Arcadia Teachers Association (ATA) as an affiliate of the California Teachers Association and the NEA was for many years considered the bulwark of professionalism in Arcadia. Now the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has gained important inroads.
Thirty-two first year teachers and various administrators have received notices that they may not be rehired. If a revenue increase fails in the April 1975 election, Arcadia will be $1 million short.
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.
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
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.
With the passage of the Rodda Bill, teachers must be represented by a single bargaining agent. Undoubtedly, unions will merge. The Rodda Bill allows bargaining on: wages, hours and working conditions which take some jurisdiction from the School Board.
A public hearing to air teachers' contract proposals was well attended by an angry public. Some expressed the view that teachers were out to get everything they can.
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.
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.