Board Member goes Rogue

 Dear KHSTA Member:

You may have seen one of our school board members recently on the news advocating a 5 % cut in our salary.  I wanted to take this opportunity to put his remarks into perspective.

The proposal he is making is on behalf of himself and the Bakersfield Republican Assembly, a group he currently presides over.  As an individual board member, he has no authority to act or speak on behalf of the district.  Board members only hold authority when the Board is in session, and policy of the Board is only established when the board votes on an item and three of the five members vote in the affirmative.

The offer currently on the table for next year by the District has not been altered since we began negotiations and does not include any cut in compensation for next year.  Ken Mettler’s remarks, therefore, should NOT be viewed as a proposal from the District.  Rather, they reflect his position as an individual citizen.

The Association feels strongly that Mr. Mettler’s insistence on speaking publicly to the media on bargaining matters when the District and Association are attempting to bargain in good faith is uncalled for and unwarranted, and we are deeply disappointed in his actions.  It is very important, however, that you not confuse his actions with the actions or intent of the Superintendencey and his other colleagues on the Board.  We have every indication that the District is still committed to good faith bargaining, and Mr. Mettler’s side show is of his own making.

There has been a lot of rhetoric about what is best for the students we struggle so hard to serve.  Remember, that an enormous body of research conducted over the last 15 to 20 years shows clearly that the asset that matters most for improving student academic achievement, the primary purpose of any school, is good teachers.  Retaining seasoned educators and having a salary schedule to attract quality new teachers in the future is undeniably what is best for this and future generations of students.

The Association is continuing to monitor the situation facing our district due to the largest cuts to education in California’s history.  The cuts we face are real and will have an impact no matter what is decided.  We will, however, continue to advocate on your behalf consistent with the priorities you have conveyed to us via our surveying and other communications.  And please know that we are deeply committed to ensuring that our district continues to offer us fair compensation for our labors. 

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Sincerely,

Mitch Olson, President
Kern High School Teachers Association