Following on the heels of 2020’s 12% raise for BUSD, parents in the district are proposing an additional 75% pay hike for all district employees.
“Voters just approved a 75% pay hike for the Mayor and members of the City Council,” said Yur Gonnapay. “Justice demands that we provide equivalent support for teachers and other employees, especially during COVID.”
BUSD teachers are particularly hard hit by the pandemic, unable to fulfill their duty to educate the next generation. “We have no choice but to wait until the virus is 100% eradicated,” said Washington teacher Abe Surd.
“The 12% raise is just not enough for me to pay for the stress reduction resources I’m relying on to survive another year without in-person contact with students,” noted BHS Chemistry teacher Thad S. Rich.
“Parents are reaping the benefits of hearing their children play video games during school hours.” said Berkeley PTA Council President Privy Leged. Leged added: “without in-person contact with her teachers, my student is being deprived of the opportunity to gain valuable life experiences she can bring to BUSD Stop Harassing. We must support our teachers during this difficult time for all.”