For nearly two years, the YCJUSD has been working hard to ensure that its teachers are the lowest paid in the region. The Second Interim financial report filed by the district lists a 1.2 million dollar increase in the legal fees and consulting budget (this is an increase above the previously budgeted amount). A 1.2 million dollar expenditure is approximately a 4% raise for every district employee. So, since saving money is not the goal, we ask what is the goal of this decision? The money just budgeted for attorneys to fight on the district's behalf could have funded a full COLA raise for district employees, plus continuation of district health and welfare benefits. Instead of attempting to repair the damage done by an increasingly large gap between Yucaipa salaries and other local districts, our district seems bent on "winning". Perhaps our board and district administration would do well to familiarize themselves with the concept of a Pyrrhic Victory. Sometimes, even when you win, you lose.
591 Days Without a Settlement!
