With nationwide economic uncertainty, organizations everywhere are being forced to make cutbacks. The Manhattan Beach Unified School District is no exception. Certificated staff employees have not received a market-rate adjustment since 2002, and a Manhattan Beach city parcel tax would provide for this increase.
It’s no question that the 331 members of MBUSD’s certificated staff form a uniquely talented educational body. Although Manhattan Beach Unified Teachers Association members suggest using district reserves, this method isn’t the most responsible as reserves represent a fixed amount of money, whereas pay increases are an annual cost.
According to Deputy Superintendent Rick Bagley, MBUSD’s staff benefits package already makes employment desirable, salary aside. However, a recent study by the California Teachers Association ranked MBUSD 10th out of 13 neighboring districts for benefits packages. Employment competitiveness significantly depends on both of these factors, and a market rate adjustment would do well in attracting talented teachers to MBUSD.
Union members claim that allocating reserve funding toward salary increases is a logical option. However, MBUSD has been in a process of deficit spending for several years now. If Gov. Jerry Brown’s Tax Increase Initiative fails, these reserves will be depleted by 2014, according to district projections.
The most prudent course of action to fund a market rate adjustment would be a parcel tax for the city of Manhattan Beach. A $75 annual tax for the city’s roughly 15,000 parcels would net $1,125,000 per year. Such initiatives require a two-thirds majority to pass, but given the community’s previous support of school improvement programs, it is not unreasonable to expect approval of a similar proposal, especially once tangible results from Measure BB are witnessed.
According to MBUTA figures, a 3% salary raise for MBUSD certificated staff would cost less than $1 million annually. With this extra revenue specifically directed to teacher salaries, staff could see individual yearly increases in the thousands of dollars, putting MBUSD salaries on par with neighboring districts.
Negotiations are largely dependent on the passage of several tax initiatives this fall, though. If Gov. Jerry Brown’s Tax Increase Initiative fails, MBUSD projections show drastic revenue reductions. Negotiations passed in the near future should leave room for contract adjustment after the passage or failure of these upcoming initiatives.
Financial times may be difficult, but this should be all the more incentive for MBUSD to increase teacher salaries. New revenue streams could be responsibly used to adequately provide for current staff while simultaneously attracting future talent.
Leave a Reply