On November 12, SEIU Local 99 members working in Special Education at LAUSD went before the School Board to express their concerns over how a reduction in work hours is impacting students. Local 99 President Eddie Reed, Vice President Barbara Torres, and members Marjorie McDonald, Ronika High, and Zsa Zsa Kovats, urged the Board to support a resolution by Board Member Steve Zimmer that directs Superintendent John Deasy to review this issue, including evaluating “the impacts the reduction in staff hours has had on student health, safety, and learning…” Click Here to read the full resolution (#35)
“Our priority should be to take care of our students,” Zsa Zsa Kovats, a Health Care Assistant at Perez Special Ed Center, told the Board. “We are here to teach them how to be the best possible human being they can be. Those of us working in Special Education teach them with our hands, with a touch, with an understanding look. You have to pay attention. You have to learn to recognize what they are saying with their eyes. But when we have to rush through our day because work hours are shortened, it’s difficult to make those human connections.”
After listening to member speakers, Board Member Steve Zimmer said, “We appreciate you … We are going to honor you in the ways you deserve and, most importantly … in the way our kids deserve.”
UPDATE!
In the weeks following the School Board Meeting, Local 99 members followed up with each of the Board members to further discuss this issue.
The District has begun to take action. We are currently in discussions with LAUSD to find a solution that addresses time lost and better supports the students we serve. Because we are making progress, the Board will postpone its decision on the resolution originally scheduled for December 10th.
We will continue to push forward on this issue until we reach a fair resolution. We will keep you updated as conversations with the District continue.
