Dear Editor:
I’m a ABCUSD employee and take exception to the letter that Brian Nelson wrote about ABCUSD employees and their pay…I don’t know where he got his financial information but for the most part it’s false and seriously inaccurate.
NO ONE in ABCUSD has gotten a pay raise for the last 3 years I’ve been here and it may be longer since the budget crisis has gone on for more than 5 years. Our step / column increases AND COLAs have been frozen for the last three budget cycles (maybe longer as I’ve only been here the last three); all classified & certificated employees have taken 3-5% reductions each year in the form of furlough days (non paid workdays or days off withOUT pay), reductions in benefits (health or otherwise), program cuts, personnel cuts, stipends, etc.
So, I don’t know where he is getting his information but that letter needs to be corrected, retracted or indicated as containing wildly inaccurate or FALSE financial information.
I’m offended by its implications that the district & its employees are not making sacrifices financially for the kids. IF he had bothered to speak to ANYONE in the district, he would have gotten at least a few of his facts right but I think he made up most of what is in that letter, at least the the sections about district finances and employee pay.
Clay Chadbourne
Teacher – ABCUSD
