Written by Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA)

Fillmore Teachers reacted with deep concern this past week as the Fillmore Unified School District submitted an initial bargaining proposal that is a massive list of rollbacks that would greatly harm students and educators. Among the many proposals:

• Elimination of class size balancing at Fillmore Middle School, Fillmore High School and Sierra High School.

• Elimination class size balancing at elementary schools.

• Elimination of preparatory time at the elementary level.

• Elimination of experience, credentialing, and seniority in transfer, reassignment and other assignment decisions.

• Elimination of the Fall Break, a calendar Fillmore went to for the educational benefits of our students and has been in place for over 25 years.

• Still no calendar for the upcoming school year, leaving parents and families unable to plan.

“It is beyond comprehension that the Board and Superintendent would willingly delay working with teachers until May and then make proposals at the expense of students, teachers, and this community,” said FUTA President Jennifer Beal. “None of the proposals will help student achievement and none seem to support the dedicated educators here in Fillmore. We sincerely hope these proposals fall away through the negotiations process. FUTA will continue to pursue an agreement that benefits students and recognizes the hard work teachers do on their behalf.”