I'm reaching out today to provide an update and information to our families, employees, and taxpayers regarding ongoing negotiations for a new contract and compensation agreement with the labor organization that represents our District's teachers.
Like all school districts throughout California, we are entering an uncertain economic period. We sincerely wish we were in a better position, but the District is facing a $3.8 million deficit next year due to rising employee costs and a state proposal to lower payments to schools. We are, as always, confident that the District will eventually reach agreement, because despite disagreements at the table, both we and our employee groups ultimately want what's best for our students. That's why it can be such an emotional issue for so many.
Folsom Cordova is one of the best school systems in the state because of the hard work and sacrifice of our teachers and support staff. The District wants to do all that it can to attract and retain the highest quality employees; that's why, after the recession, we provided a 5% bonus to pay back days lost to furloughs; in 2014-15, we provided a 5% permanent pay raise to our employees; and another 4.5% raise the following year, 2015-16. We also increased the District's contributions toward health insurance premiums.
As we negotiate a new contract with our teachers union, it's equally important that we uphold our commitment to our families and taxpayers to be the best stewards of their public investment. While it would not be appropriate for the District to bargain in public,we do want to provide some factual information to our stakeholders. Here are a few major points related to our position:
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The District is anticipating a
$3.8 million deficit in the next fiscal year
beginning July 1, and
a $1.3 million deficit the following year
, in 2018-19. Rising retirement costs are a driving factor, as are scheduled increases in employee pay. Because Gov. Jerry Brown is proposing lowering projected payments to schools in the short-term, school districts across California face a funding gap in at least the next two years.
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We have a legal and moral obligation to set aside money for textbooks and technology so that all of our students - including our neediest students living in poverty and English learners - are ensured a level playing field.
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The state requires that we maintain a minimum 3% reserve to plan for economic uncertainty.
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Using any
one-time revenue sources
for salary increases - which commit the district to permanent, ongoing costs for years to come - would be irresponsible.
If you haven't already, I encourage you to regularly visit
www.fcusd.org/negotiations
, where anyone can access negotiations summaries, financial data, updates and fact sheets on topics related to ongoing contract discussions. The District will continue to post updated information and resources on this site regularly.
We look forward to reaching a sustainable and responsible agreement so that we can continue to partner in the success of our students.
Sincerely,
Deborah Bettencourt
