My name is Derek Barnes. I teach Social Science at San Benito
High School. In this statement I want to address SBHS’s respect
policy.
Editor,
My name is Derek Barnes. I teach Social Science at San Benito High School. In this statement I want to address SBHS’s respect policy. All year the idea of respect has been mentioned at this school. We want the students to respect themselves, each other and the staff at this school. We want the staff to respect themselves and each other as well. The problem though with respect it is really not something you can demand; it has to be earned. Respect to me is earned by effort, building relationships and most importantly trust. Respect and trust is something though that is lacking at this school between the staff and the administration. These issues I believe will prevent this school from obtaining what it craves.
Here is why I have these feelings: the district has been telling us they do not have the money to pay for health care, but our negotiators and the administration found $8 million. The district has been telling us they cannot afford to give teachers full COLA or any type of substantial pay increase without cutting into our benefits. But at the June board meeting it was approved to give some district administrators a pay increase. The district keeps increasing our work load with class sizes, schedule changes, extra duties and no compensation. But then it is reported that district administrators received a stipend for extra work last year.
So I ask you how can you expect respect at SBHS without trust? Why does the administration keep telling teachers they cannot afford to do things for teachers, but yet keeps rewarding their own? If there is really a financial problem at this school why doesn’t the superintendent give back the raise and stipend she got? Why don’t those district administrators offer to give back their raises? Here is why they will not, because they got what they wanted, they feel respected at this school and they are happy. So why are the teachers at San Benito High School sharing in the same feelings?
Teachers deserve a raise, they deserve benefits, they deserve recognition and credit for the wonderful job they do for this high school and the community. The administration believes that they did a good enough job in their areas or they would not have got a raise, kept their benefits or got extra pay for extra work. Why can’t the teachers be given the same? If this is done you will show them respect for what they do, and it will translate into trust and respect throughout SBHS.
Derek Barnes, Social Science Teacher,
San Benito High School
