Opinion: A Warranted Pay Raise

By James Kelly

Friday, March 13, 2020 – a date forever etched into the minds of leaders of school districts across Orange County. An immense weight was thrust upon educators on that day, and it was palpable in any room where school boards were taking action to “close” schools. I think we all had the unnerving sense that it would be some time before our lives returned to normal; it would only be a few days before “transition to distance learning” replaced “schools closed,” and the landscape of education changed forever.

It has been 228 days, at the time of writing, since that day. With tremendous confidence, I can assert that it has probably been approximately 228 days since our district and school leaders have had a solid night’s sleep—give or take a few weeks of growing trepidation leading up to March 13.

We have all experienced the all-consuming effects of this pandemic; inescapable as they may seem at times, we have found moments of respite. Our school leaders have not had the same luxury. There is no “off” button, no “pause,” and no, “the work will always be there.” Disconnecting from reality is not an option. Most importantly, despite how many believe they have all the answers, there is no perfect solution; there is no decision or action that will unequivocally address every individual situation in our school district. Those with multiple children may relate, as I am sure they have realized that what may work for one child may not work for another. I repeat, the perfect solution does not exist.

As a former president of a college, I have unique insight into the challenges that educators face. Under the current district leadership, we have borne witness to the exceptional work of teachers and staff within and outside of the pandemic. In the last five years, our schools have made tremendous strides towards ensuring that every single student has access to the social-emotional supports they need to be successful in school and in life. One cannot deny that Laguna is one-of-a-kind with teachers and staff that are creating a lasting impact on the lives of our children. The plane has not flown itself.

When the then Mrs. Winston’s job description and title were updated to reflect the responsibilities for instructional services, the change saved the district close to $100,000. Since then, Dr. Winston, has not only upgraded her prefix, but she has also overseen the activities and operations related to human resources – an arena that has grown increasingly complex in the midst of COVID-19. Most recently, she led a committee of LBUSD teachers in an instructional reopening task force that completely reinvented education for the 2020-2021 school year.

At the height of the pandemic, Mr. Dixon undertook the work of refinancing bonds that saved taxpayers $5 million. Dr. Viloria has overseen these changes, in between the light work of dealing with a public health crisis and its implications on student learning, social-emotional health, and the well-being of teachers and staff. The school district’s budget reflected a $3 million surplus at the end of the last fiscal year.

I suggested giving all groups a bonus for exceptional work at end of the last fiscal year but did not get the support of administration nor the other board members. In the business world this exceptional performance would have earned large bonuses and I am proud to have supported the 1.75% negotiated pay increase for all LBUSD employees that have been called upon to sacrifice so much of themselves this year, including their own mental health and well-being.

James is a member of the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education.”