‘Is a drool’ warranted over teacher pay? and can integrity and
politician be used in the same sentence?
Let’s take a closer look at the salary and benefits for teachers
Dear Editor,
In Cynthia Walker’s latest attack on the public school system, she states that, “The salary and benefits package offered by the Gilroy Unified School District ($42,588 for a nine-month year plus $5,600 in benefits) is enough to make me sit up and drool.”
Let’s do some comparisons and see if the “decent salaries” GUSD teachers earn really do warrant a “drool.”
According to the Web site for Live Oak Academy, where Mrs. Walker works, “students (at the secondary level) receive instruction at the Academy two to two-and-one-half days per week, depending on course load.”
In our district, if a teacher works 50 percent, the salary is 50 percent, as are the benefits.
Mrs. Walker, who is in her second year at the Academy, states that her gross pay, (including other income), will be $17,000.
In GUSD, a second-year part-time single teacher, (with out-of-pocket deductions for her share of the benefits), now earns $18,487.70. (Before the raise, this would have been lower).
In the area of parental support, at the Academy, “students spend more than half of their time doing independent study at home under the guidance of their parents.”
In this district, as in any public school district, we would welcome that level of parental involvement and guidance. Unfortunately, that is not always possible.
In the area of class size, at the Academy, the ratio is one teacher for every 12 students.
At Gilroy High School, teachers would smile, (perhaps even drool), if each of their five classes were limited to “only” 32 students.
In the area of teacher preparation, according to the Home School Association of California, “Teachers in private school do not need to hold state teaching credentials.”
Teachers in public schools not only need to earn credentials, (30 units above and beyond the degree), but must continue their professional growth throughout their careers.
To gain admittance to the Academy, prospective students and parents not only must agree to the Academy’s “Confession of Faith” and “Philosophy of Education,” but may also be interviewed as a condition of acceptance. A photo of the family is also required.
In the public school system, we are obligated to accept and educate everyone.
In addition, if we have students with emotional problems, discipline issues, learning disabilities, autism, etc., we must continue to provide them with the free education to which they are entitled, until (if ever) another placement is deemed appropriate (and available).
In contrast, “membership in Live Oak Academy is determined by the sole discretion of the Academy Board, who may … revoke membership at any time for any reason.”
In closing, I ask the readers, “Is a drool warranted?”
I also ask Mrs. Walker to reconsider the column title “Walk the Talk” which accompanies her name. Until Mrs. Walker works in the public school system, the “Walk the Talk” claim is primarily … talk.
Michelle Nelson, President, Gilroy Teachers Association
‘Can integrity and politician be used in the same sentence?’ Yes
Dear Editor,
Can the words integrity and politician be used in the same sentence? In the case of Mayor Al Pinheiro, the answer is yes.
It is my privilege to know and to have worked with Mayor Pinheiro on a variety of projects for the past eight years. He is a person with the utmost personal and professional integrity. I, for one, value that above much else in the person who leads our city. Mayor Pinheiro truly cares about Gilroy as his community, as evidenced by his constant willingness to give of his time and resources to support community groups and causes, both as mayor and as a private citizen. I have attended events hosted by Mayor Pinheiro to support everything from Gilroy Sister Cities to the Antonio Del Buono violin students.
Mayor Pinheiro is a well-respected businessman in this community as well, having been in business here for 30 years. He obviously understands long-term budget projections and planning for the future. He is an advocate for business development to meet the needs of all of Gilroy’s citizens and enhance consumer choice. He is determined that our downtown will be an area of pride, and the improvements that have occurred there in the last four years are dramatic proof.
Mayor Pinheiro has the necessary experience to lead our city into the next four years. He knows how to organize input, and build consensus from varying viewpoints – not to be confused with “rubber-stamping”.
These are important skills as the city council hires a new chief of police, and a new city administrator. There is often a fine line between the role of the city council and the role of the city administrator in the operations of the city. Because of this, as is so often the case, communication is the key. Mayor Pinheiro has excellent communication skills, and I know it will be a priority for him as the newly elected council moves forward.
My vote will go to the candidate who represents the values of the Gilroy community. Please join me in re-electing Al Pinheiro for mayor.
Lonna Martinez, Gilroy
