Mount Diablo Adult Education teachers seek union support for better pay and conditions

During the recent Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board meeting, a heartfelt plea from a parent highlighted the challenges faced by students in the district's dual immersion program. The parent expressed frustration over the denial of their child's continuation in the program, which has been a significant part of her education since kindergarten. The child, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, has built strong connections with her peers over the past six years. The parent emphasized the importance of maintaining these relationships as the child transitions to middle school, noting that the social impacts of COVID-19 have made it particularly difficult for her to make friends.

Despite the family's efforts to appeal the decision, they received a response indicating that no further appeals would be considered. The parent questioned the fairness of the process, especially given that only one child was accepted into the program this year. She urged the board to reconsider their policies, suggesting that if her child cannot remain in the program, they should be allowed to transfer to another school district.

The meeting also featured discussions on the state of adult education within the district. Several educators from the Mount Diablo Adult Education program voiced their concerns about low wages and the lack of support for adult educators. They highlighted the critical role adult education plays in the community, particularly for immigrant families seeking to improve their language skills and job prospects. The educators called for union representation to advocate for better pay and working conditions, emphasizing that many talented teachers are leaving due to inadequate compensation.

The board acknowledged the contributions of adult education and the need for improvements, with several speakers sharing personal stories about the transformative impact of these programs on their lives and the community. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges within the district, particularly regarding educational continuity for students and fair compensation for educators, as the board considers the next steps in addressing these pressing issues.