San Diego Unified Parent- Life At School

Anyone catch the Union Tribune Q&A with Camille Zombro on Thursday, July 31st?  I thought I might provide a little translation for folks who (like me) are still catching up on union-speak.

But first, let me tell you the little I know about Zombro.  I like her.  I think she does a heck of a job for the teacher’s union.  She’s tasked with furthering the interest of the union in every way possible.  Clearly, she’s a person of great integrity- she never deviates from her goals, she is obviously passionate about her job. I believe we need more people like her in our world.

That does not mean, however, that I support her goals and tactics.  As faithful reader(s) of this blog know, I am a supporter of teachers, not a union.  The mantra: Teachers, YES! Unions, NO!

So- this interview.  Let me pull excerpts and try to provide helpful commentary.  

QUESTION: How would you describe the relationship between the administration of Superintendent Terry Grier and the teachers union?

ANSWER: On shaky ground. Our teachers are very skeptical and very angry at the actions Grier has taken, which appear to fit a familiar pattern. He failed us with the layoffs. He needs to be reeled in. 

Really?  And by whom?  Who, exactly is this powerful, arrogant and superior force that will clip the wings of the Grierman?  

The union wants people to believe that they are a governing body, equal (or superior!) to our elected officials on the Board of Education.  The union wants to position itself as a partner in education and education’s management.  But they aren’t. The union is an adversary to both the BOE and our children.  Let’s be clear: The union acts ONLY in the interest of the union.  And frequently against the interest of teachers- and I’ll get to that.

Is that why the SDEA has yet to offer any endorsement or support of the $2.1 billion November bond measure to repair and upgrade schools?

To ask us to work all collaboratively with people who are punching us in the stomach is a lot to ask. Our priorities are with our teachers and the layoffs. When we see a viable initiative, we’ll take a position on it.

And there it is, literally the bottom line.  They don’t consider the bond measure “viable”, because it does not fund teacher pay raises.  Teachers deserve better working conditions- better buildings, improved technology tools, more space, classrooms with ventilation, etc. As parents, we have an obligation to those that teach our children to provide these amenities.
But the union could care less about those teachers.  The union is seeking political power and the clout of a schoolyard bully.  They are withholding support of the bond measure because it puts them in a powerful position via extortion.  Translated: Load gun, shoot foot.
Teachers, let me be clear: as a parent (and the views of parents I know)-  We want to make your work environment better.  We know the state will not fund raises, but are willing to pay taxes to change our schools for your benefit and that of our children.  The union, however, wants something else entirely, and demonstrates this by withholding support for the bond measure.  They’ll fight for power and control instead of improving the lives of teachers in the classroom.