Rancho Santa Fe teachers looking for consistent salary increase as negotiations begin

By Karen Billing

The Rancho Santa Fe Faculty Association made its initial presentation to the Rancho Santa Fe School District Board of Trustees on March 6, requesting a bump in salary as sunshine negotiations begin for 2014.

The teachers have not had a salary increase since 2009.

Last year the teachers settled on what amounted to a one year-bonus for the current year of 2 percent of their current salary. It is the Rancho Santa Fe Faculty Association’s belief that the district has the resources to improve the teachers’ compensation, providing a consistent salary increase.

Third grade teacher Janel Maud addressed the board on behalf of the faculty association and many teachers were in the audience, introducing themselves and saying how long they had been with the district. The longest-standing RSF teachers present were Dave McClurg, who has been at the school 24 years, and Linda Tan, who has been there for 22 years.

Maud talked about how the teachers take great pride in providing a “five-star” education for their students and have been committed to professional development for the Common Core State Standards.

“As a parent I’m not only concerned with academic progress but with developing a love for learning. If you walk into any classroom, you can see it. Rancho Santa Fe teachers are building a love for learning,” said Maud. “We are committed to challenging their brains and nurturing their hearts as well.”

As negotiations begin between the faculty association and the district, Maud said they are looking forward to a “substantial and permanent outcome.”