School board faces backlash over staff pay cuts and morale

During a recent school board meeting, parents and community members voiced significant concerns regarding changes to educational programs and staff compensation within the La Jolla Independent School District.

One parent expressed frustration over the elimination of an English-only program, questioning the rationale behind setting a minimum class size of 22 students. This parent highlighted their child's academic struggles and emphasized the importance of maintaining English language instruction, arguing that cultural education could be taught alongside language skills without compromising the primary focus on English.

Another speaker, Jorge Villarreal, criticized Superintendent Dr. Sorensen for her decision to cut additional days for coaches and sponsors, which he claimed disregarded the extensive time these staff members dedicate to their roles. Villarreal noted that this decision has led to financial distress for many educators, prompting some to leave the district. He called for greater transparency regarding the impact of these changes on staff morale and student support.

Joe Lopez Morales echoed these sentiments, questioning how the district could uphold its commitment to valuing employees while simultaneously reducing their wages by withholding stipends. He urged the board to consider the financial hardships faced by staff and the potential negative effects on students.

Pamela Flores, another concerned parent, highlighted the importance of high-quality instruction and the role of coaches in student success. She criticized the current state of staff morale, stating it is at its lowest in a century, and called for fair compensation adjustments to reflect the hard work of extracurricular staff.

The meeting concluded without immediate resolutions, but the comments underscored a growing discontent among parents and educators regarding the district's recent policy changes and their implications for both staff and student outcomes. The board's next steps remain to be seen as they navigate these pressing concerns.