Where did TVUSD put the money?

My wife and I have lived in this town for 29 years. During that time we raised four wonderful children with the help of this School District. That, together with the fact I have been an employee of this district for 24 years, makes me feel like a guardian or caretaker of the district. Thus, I felt compelled to address the Governing Board. 

I am concerned about the well-being of this district. The foundation for this concern is in one word. Zero. The English language provides a variety of definitions for this one word.  The actual meaning is determined by the context of usage. This requires a need for clarification at times. The question I have is, why would the district offer a zero percent increase in wages? When Murrieta received 4% and other surrounding districts were offered 3-6% Does TVUSD think the teachers are not deserving?

As a numerical symbol, zero is used to represent null, nil or empty set. Was the Zero percent offer based on the fact that there is no money available? If that is the case, then where did the money go? Was there gross mismanagement of the district funds? Could fiscally irresponsible leadership be the possible cause?

Zero is also used to describe the interaction between two or more things. Zero does not change the value of anything it reacts with. So now are you saying the teachers of this district have no impact on their students? The interaction our four children had with their teachers at Rancho Elementary, Margarita Middle and Chaparral High was incredible! They were all fantastic teachers. But, all they get offered is Zero

Another definition of Zero is that it refers to somebody that is a complete failure. The teachers of this district could not be farther away from that idea. The acknowledgements and awards that have been bestowed on them are well documented. Yet, they get offered Zero. 

In meteorological terms Zero visibility is used to describe a lack of vision or unsafe condition to travel in. Has the district lost site of their vision? The main reason this district has progressed to the level it has achieved is due to the employees of this district. Are you sending a message that this would have happened without their efforts? That the staff had no impact on what progress has taken place?

An offer of Zero percent was shocking and unfathomable! It wounded many wonderful, outstanding people that did not deserve to be inflicted with such pain. There has not been a raise for the staff of this district for almost eight years. In those eight years numerous changes have occurred. Families have grown. Kids have gone to college. Spouses have lost jobs. Along with a variety of other events that have financially hindered staff. Budgets have shrunk and cutbacks were made. The staff of this district has done an admirable job in dealing with all these set-backs. So finally, when there is available funds is any of input aside for them? What compensation is offered for their efforts? Zero.  

Do you as a School Board feel that the teachers of this district are Zeroes? Whose decision was it to treat the staff in such a deplorable manner? No matter which of these factors you decide is or are the cause for this disgusting offer they all point back to the Administrative Leadership. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to provide for the well-being of all concerned including students, staff and community. I do not feel the teachers of this district have been properly considered in regard to their just reward. Do you, as a Governing Board, wish to have such a dismal offer imply you do not value the teachers efforts? What are the priorities of the TVUSD Board of trustees? According to the district web site there are NO Fiscal Responsibility Goals or Priorities! Who is minding the till?

There is one more definition for Zero. It refers to resetting the dial or gauge to Zero so that you can start over and begin again. That would be my hope for this extraordinary, fantastic District. Because the people that work in this District are Heroes not Zeroes.

Thank you for your time in reading this.

Respectfully,

Michael Wilga