Make teachers feel appreciated

Editor: I recently shifted career paths from a successful administrative role in higher education. I was compelled to make this shift in hopes of experiencing greater and more tangible impact on the lives of youth. While an exciting salary was never my objective - and I intentionally left a career which promised one — I am disheartened by the apathy of the Lodi Unified School District’s Board of Education.

Attrition through failed strategic talent management is a most expensive and avoidable tragedy. LUSD is not competitively compensating in comparison with neighboring school districts. Have they perhaps made the assumption that they will be able to maintain their ability to retain and recruit talent in spite of their apathy? From a public relations perspective alone — as it relates to how much they value their teachers and in turn value the students that those teachers have access to everyday — it would seem wise that they redirect from pretty words of flattery and gratitude to instead expressing through their actions that Lodi Unified School District is in fact blessed to have such big-hearted, hard-working, community-centric men and women committed to educating our local youth.

I hope that LUSD will take the necessary steps to secure its strong reputation as a desirable place of employment for many future generations of students. The first action they might consider is to disseminate the COLA funds with which they were entrusted to help their teachers remain financially secure. Perhaps we need to stop using the “COLA” acronym and instead keep it in our consciousness that these funds are meant to help teachers keep up with the increasing costs of living. LUSD has instead opted to store those funds away to offset any potential threats to the District when in fact their employees’ security is being threatened RIGHT NOW!

Dr. Nichols-Washer, President Freitas, and members of the Board: Please offer very tangible budget items or concerns that are more important than your teachers’ financial security if you maintain your position to not disseminate the 2019-2020 cost of living adjustment funds. AMANDA LINN

Lodi