Letter to Editor

We certainly are living in the so-called “interesting times” aren’t we?

There is much upheaval, uncertainty, and chaos in Washington and across the country. This is mirrored in a smaller, but absolutely impactful way in the Grossmont Union High School District.

On a 4-1 vote the school board recently voted to eliminate 61 teacher positions, including all district teacher librarians. This would leave the district high schools without critical staff that create lessons, hold trainings, manage millions of dollars in budget, and form essential bonds with students. Teacher librarians help students learn about responsible use of technology, proper research and citation, find books of interest for them, and become some of the most trusted and loved adults on school sites. How, as the lone no vote trustee Chris Fite, asked, is the Grossmont district going to remain competitive in bringing in new students if they no longer offer full library access and support as part of their education?

How indeed…and this is a pressing question given that the district claims money shortfalls as the reason for layoffs, but is paid based on student attendance. Students choosing to enroll out of the district because of less robust academic support will take their funding dollars with them.

The money problems, claimed by the district, do not appear to hold up under closer scrutiny.

There has been a decline in enrollment, but it is modest, spread over many years, and one of the smallest in the county overall. Although the board majority claims they must hold onto reserves for uncertainty, these reserves are approaching 20%, far above the minimum 3% the state requires. Trustee Fite noted that the taxpayers are paying to support education now, not to treat school districts like a bank. There is enough reserve money to easily make up the modest shortfall this year and for many years in the future if needed. Claims that the wildfires or state tax revenue issues are a problem also don’t hold up. The wildfires will be covered by insurance and a special fund from the Edison utility. According to recent state budget updates, the tax revenues are coming in ahead of expectations and better than last year.

In addition to the terrible cuts to teacher librarians, there are also numerous layoffs for academic teachers, assistant principals, counselors, and psychologists.

All of these positions serve the students in the Grossmont district. The students count on them to help them prepare for their progress into adulthood and to be ready for jobs, college, and other adult opportunities and responsibilities. The district has a good history of strong programs blending academics, career training, and a campus culture that promotes both emotional and learning growth. Reducing the needed staff that makes these things happen, places all of these strengths at risk. As educators, the first thing learned is to always consider the best interests of students first. These layoffs are not in the best interests of students. In fact, they will do harm to students.

Unfortunately, these bad board decisions are not new.

The district leadership has been called out far too often for misguided or ill-informed decisions regarding the loss of special education and training staff, lack of LGBTQ+ inclusion, and problems with mental health supports.

The public is now speaking up in greater numbers, but the most powerful voices now are the many students who are coming to board meetings and sharing their concerns. Most have never spoken in public and their voices are shaky but also fiercely determined. The students are asking the board to listen to what they are saying. This is advice long overdue for the board majority to follow. Listen to the voices of your teachers, staff, community, and especially the students.

Do the right thing and reverse all the layoffs at the April 24th board meeting.

jay steiger

Spring Valley

Editor’s note: Jay Steiger is a public school teacher in the Poway Unified School District and the former chairperson of the GUHSD Prop U/BB Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.

PHOTO CAPTION: Seating inside the Grossmont High School gym was limited so some stayed outside to picket during the meeting earlier this month. (Photo by Drew Sitton)