Not yet!

Congregating in front of the District Office prior to School Board meeting on March 14, members of the Tehachapi Association of Teachers carried signs stating that "TAT not ON STRIKE yet!". The teachers' union is still in negotiations for what they feel is a fair contract.

According to Traci Cunningham, Negotiating Chair, although the district offered a minimal cost of living increase, it was tied to a lengthening of the work day for elementary teachers. This plus the implementation of new policies without consulting those involved – the teachers, has contributed to what the teachers feel is a general lack of respect. Prime examples noted were the District decisions to institute full day Kindergarten and Benchmark Testing.

Cunningham reminded the Board that the teachers voluntarily took a pay cut during the recession when school funding was cut assuming their pay would be restored when funding improved. The School Board said that a new contract is being prepared for presentation to the negotiating team.

The California School Employees Association (CSEA) did sign their new contract on Monday which also included a Cost of Living increase.