Ya know, 9 years ago, this was supposed to be my final career. One doesn't move on to a new lifestyle at 40, thinking they're going to have to worry about trying to keep a job 10 years later. And yet, here we are again. Two entities with their flys undone, trying to see who's is bigger in the annual Johnson-waving war.
This year is different, they say. We really need you to give up your (insert fairly negotiated contract stipulation here) or else we're going under, they cry. We're not kidding around this time...the wolf is really here...I mean it...call the villagers!
Bite me. For the last five years, I've been told this claptrap. For five months or so I agonize, worry, get depressed, cry, scream, and lose my passion for the classroom. Can't teach - sorry, gotta look for another job before the school year ends. And then...after hitting the bottom of my cup of despair, and staring at the paperwork to raid my retirement money...here comes the notice that I've been recalled.
Five Fracking Years! Just because they need to have their almighty Positive Rating from the County office of Education. No matter that the governor has said to spare the teachers...we have to listen to the local government...
Bullshit. The SDUSD board need to grow a pair and stand up to the COE and tell them We're Mad As Hell And We're Not Going To Take It Anymore!
They could, you know. They may not get their positive rating...but they could do it. I know. I've seen the numbers. I've seen what they really have at the end of the year in their tight-fisted coffers. I can read a budget proposal as well as the next man. 122 million? Try less than 15 million in the hole. That's right - they're screaming their heads off about going insolvent, when in reality they're just trying to take advantage of our past years of good-will and making us look like the goats in this crappy war.
Enough. Quit playing games with my life. Do the right thing.
Next - the proof is in the numbers...stay tuned.
