PALMDALE – Nearly 300 teachers and parents gathered for a protest at the Palmdale School District Tuesday afternoon.
“Hey hey! Ho ho! Gallizzi’s got to go!” the group chanted, referring to Palmdale School District Superintendent Roger Gallizzi.
The latest protest, which was organized by the Palmdale Elementary Teachers Association, is one in a string of demonstrations to voice disapproval with what they say are unfair contract negotiations.
“The District would like for us to take a cut on our health care benefits, they would also like to have nine days of instruction cut off for the next two school years, they also want teachers to take a pay cut, and they want this to be ongoing… But teachers are standing up for themselves and not taking it anymore,” said Kathy Vanderzee, Lead Negotiator for the Palmdale Elementary Teachers Association.
“We feel disrespected, we feel like there is no need for cuts, and I think that our superintendent keeps getting raises while he continues to want to cut our days and benefits and student time too,” said Leticia Merrill, Fifth Grade Teacher at Cimarron Elementary School.
Parents are also fed up with the Palmdale School District, said Nichole Harris, whose children attend Cimarron Elementary School.
“We have parents here that are donating extra things, they’re bringing in paper, they’re bringing in pencils, stuff that should be funded by the School District but it’s not because they say there’s not enough money,” Harris said. “I watch these teachers struggle every year and they haven’t had a pay raise in I don’t know how many years, whereas our superintendent, he gets a raise every year, so something has got to be done,” Harris continued.
During the protest, the group distributed a leaflet chronicling Palmdale School District Superintendent Roger Gallizzi’s compensation from 2007 to 2013.
A portion of the handout reads:
“Roger’s W2 form shows his taxable income from PSD in 2012 was $241,045.45. This does not include his health insurance or long term care dollars paid by the district.
Now think about what the board has been saying to teachers over this same time period and that we have had no raises (except health care increases) during this same time period. Roger has been given annual raises that amount to an increase of $66,045.45 more this year than he received in 2006. This is more than a 37% increased during the “Hard” years at the district. How can the board of trustees talk to the teachers about money problems and continue to give the superintendent additional dollars and benefits (not included in that percentage is additional sick days, the additional life insurance, the long term care premiums and the right to sell back vacation day[s] for cash ($801.31 per day).
These board members are not looking out for the students or the teachers; they are taking care of Superintendent Roger Gallizzi.”
Read the entire handout here.
Sitting in his office Tuesday afternoon, Gallizzi said he was well aware of the protest raging outside.
“They’re protesting a proposal, and it’s only just a proposal, for nine furlough days and an eight percent across the board pay cut that would apply to me as much as it applies to any other employee in the District. It’s not just the teachers,” Gallizzi said. “Last year when we had furlough days, I took the furlough days and the pay cut as well.”
Gallizzi said the union has tried different tactics for several weeks to voice disapproval for the School District’s proposal, which would affect approximately 2,500 employees.
“Going to Board member’s properties, passing out leaflets, and now they’re doing this,” he said. “They’ve been packing the board meetings for the last couple of board meetings… and at some point along the way, they attack the superintendent, that’s what they usually do.”
Gallizzi said he had received raises over the years, but not in the last two years.
“Over the average amount of time I’ve been superintendent, they amount to about four percent per year,” Gallizzi said. “That’s not outrageous, but when you make a big salary, that adds up to be a lot of money.”
“And teachers, their salary creeps up every year as well, it usually creeps up more than four percent,” Gallizzi added.
He said furlough days were not unusual to balance the budget, and several neighboring school districts have had furlough days for many years.
“For instance, Lancaster has had 15 furlough days, Hughes-Elizabeth Lake has had 15 furlough days, Westside – four furlough days, Eastside – seven furlough days… so everybody’s had furlough days except Palmdale School District,” Gallizzi said. “Sooner or later you’ve got to pay the piper.”
Gallizzi said the District had run out of money and spent down its reserves, therefore the proposed cuts were necessary to move forward and reduce projected deficits for the upcoming school years.
District officials have created a report on the District’s current budgeting challenges and the effect of those challenges on negotiations, Gallizzi said. That document is available on the District’s website. (Read it here).
For more information on the Palmdale Elementary Teachers Association and updates on the status of their negotiations with the Palmdale School District, visit their website at www.avpeta.org.
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Leonel says
The school board is now changing their bylaws to allow them to cancel meetings any time they want. This policy is being read again this Tuesday. They are rephrasing the words “…shall have two meetings a month” to “may have two meetings a month.” Already they have canceled two meetings violating their own board by-law. Now they want to change it so they don’t violate the by-law every time they cancel. Again, after the fact that they violated the by-law. Tax payers need to call them on this change. It is their responsibility to hold two board meetings a month. Three requests for change of venue have been submitted and denied by board president, Sandy Corrales.
Parent says
Sandy Corrales needs to come out and do a lot of explaining. I am starting to see her as part of the corruption.
Quigley says
I think she just needs to go away, resign and give PSD a new start. She has worn out her welcome and lost the respect needed to sit in that chair as a school board president! Hopefully her true friends are encouraging to do so!?!?
Michael Rives says
Solution to the educational system in the AV:
1. Instead of 9 different school districts, we have one for the whole AV.
2. We have a 15 member school board to represent the 500,000 residents of the AV.
3. The members of the school board be elected by districts.
4. The pay of all of the teachers be published along with the administrators.
5. A yearly score be published on the success of the schools. Under performing schools would have new administrators the following Fall.
6. Steve Fox and Steve Knight press Governor Brown to let our schools be classified ‘under performing’ so we can get the monies Brown wants to give to such schools.
7. School Board members be limited to two terms and administrators be changed after a designated number of years.
sammy P says
I guess these teachers are fighting just as hard as Gallizzi would fight if someone tried to cut his salary. We live in a world where there is a perception that all teachers, firefighters, soldiers and police officers are good honest people but it’s not true, but the perception is always there and many americans believe it, so teachers will milk it for all its worth.
But all the teachers know the truth, that many kids in their classrooms have no chance of any kind of future except for prison, homeless drug addict, or fast food job.. not all of them, but many of them, and if we did the right thing, which is to separate those 2 groups of kids and only provide a “basic education” to the group with no chance of a bright future and an “advanced education” to those who do have a chance, then the state would save a bundle of money that would not be wasted on kids with no chance of a future.
How do you seperate the 2 groups? Thats the easy part. When a kid turns 12 the parents are given 2 choices:
1) Kid can stay in school till he graduates high school.
2) Kid can leave school and parents receive $500 cash and kid receives a free 1 year of trade school which starts at age 18 and Kid receives a $2000 savings bond that can’t be cashed until age 19 (And only by the kid)
Note- cost of putting 1 kid through 4 years of public high school: $40,000.
(I’m not even counting the Jr. high cost saved)
I believe it is time we abandoned the “lets force every kid to go to school till they graduate high school and let taxpayers pay for it” rule that this country has had for so long and start being realistic and start saving the state a ton of money.
In the apartment building I live in- Kids who just learned to walk are running through the parking lot unsupervised in diapers as their parents are too high and drunk to care, 3 and 4 year olds wearing the same dirty clothes are running across the grass playing with whatever toy they can find, a rock, a shovel, a dead rabbit, whatever.
These parents would jump at the chance of a free $500 when their kid turns 12 and at least the kid would have a little nest egg for his 19th birthday and a chance.
Parents who decided to keep their kid in school till he/she graduates high school- Now theres a kid who actually has a chance. A kid WORTH our taxpayer money.
The Truth says
Wow !! well said. Perception is one thing, the truth is another.
K says
Public education is sometimes the only “normalcy” a child like those you write about experiences. Teachers and education do make a difference and let children like this see another way and have the ability to change their life.
Ernie Bridges says
Wow, I guess you think we should just give up on, according to you, 1/2 of the population? Some of the reasons for an educated society are to keep society as a whole in a better place as a whole. I have been to several other countries and I am convinced the United States is still the best country in the world. It has it’s problems but it is still the best. If that were not so we wouldn’t have an illegal immigration issue, right? I don’t know how you were brought up but I don’t have a give up bone in my my body. That’s what being an American is all about. If there is something wrong or in need of repair, then make fix it or make it better! And don’t stop until it gets there. That includes education. It’s sad that we have to force some to attend School. You should want your kids to attend school so that they have the best chance at getting “Gainful Employment” so they can be productive members of society. Advancing society as a whole, so that we all can live in a better place! That’s the way it’s supposed to work.
K says
Well said!
Brandie Partello says
So if you have a bunch of druggie parents who would rather take $500 cash then to see you get an education you have no choice?!?!?! That is insane! Maybe at 16 and the child needs to sign on it as well. Not 12!!!!
sammy P says
Thats why I added the “trade school” part – is being a plumber or auto mechanic or AC repairman not a good future for a kid? Does the state need to pay for a good education for kids who are NOT going to go to college?
Ok so if a kids turns out to be a friggen genious in spite of their bad parents then exceptions can be made, but a kid who will either end up in prison or working at Taco Bell does not need to learn algebra and the history of Brazil at the state’s expense.
The taxpayers are already going to foot the bill for many of them anyhow either by paying for their incarceration or their welfare as they pop out as many babies as possible so they can get a free apartment and free food and the kids will follow in their parents footsteps and follow the same path.
My point is – Jr. high and high school should not be something thats AUTOMATIC for every kid, because a kid who graduates elementary already has enough education to sell drugs, go on welfare or join the Eastside Palmdale Crips, there is no need for further education for those kids.
Just trying to save state some money it can use elsewhere.
Welts says
Some investigative journalist somewhere needs to dig into the Palmdale School District. It so reminiscent of the City of Bell scandal. The superintendent and the board try to shift blame and attention to the teachers and classified employees while they mismanage the money and rob the taxpayers blind. One of these days the truth will come out and everyone will say, “How did this happen?” Well it’s happening right in front of you but you are blinded by their smokescreen.
Quigley says
Welts your post is right on regardless of which side of the fence you’re on. PSD needs to be held accountable!
Raptormann says
Prior to 1970, California had some of the finest schools in the country. That was because they were LOCALLY FINANCED AND RUN! Parents had greater say in the local district and the teachers associations had not become full blown unions bent on sucking every dime possible from the tax payers.
A California Supreme Court ruling in 1971, Serrano v. Priest, was the beginning of the end for educational excellence in the Golden State. It made school financing a state wide effort and removed much of the local control. Unions like it because it’s easier to deal with the state legislature than hundreds of districts for total funding and power.
The Losers = Taxpayers
See: http://scocal.stanford.edu/opinion/serrano-v-priest-27628 and http://californiawatch.org/k-12/spending-far-equal-among-state-s-school-districts-analysis-finds-10567
This is why I disregard and disrespect the loony behavior that has now become part and parcel in local political discourse. Look at what has come here in this discussion where I have played the antagonist and to prove a point. Examples:
Gallizzi = Evil
Sandy Corrales = Evil
School Board = Evil
Teacher’s Union = Evil and/or Good
Teachers = Good
Teachers and children Protesting = Good
More Money = Good
Less Money = Children and Teacher haters
My thoughts; We need a paradigm shift from the little brain thinking that comes from people who chant and use children as human shields in the quest for money and power. Likely, the best answer may be privatization of the educational system and returning it to local control. Government has proven to be incompetent.
Two things are certain, the politicians have failed and unions have utterly failed. And, I don’t even give an E for “Effort.”
Quigley says
Raptor the “taxpayers” have always been “the losers” and aways will…never been anything different. So let’s just throw in the towel and pretend the lies and deception of the Palmdale School District never happened. Great lesson for our students. Sorry, I think the Antelope Valley deserves better and giving up is not a lesson to teach!
Raptormann says
Does the AV deserve better? The voters and by the way, the unions elected the current board. Those of us who opposed these people deserved better and we went and used the private sector while still paying for the public. I HAD TO PAY TWICE so People like me deserved better.
If you voted for this board and with the unions and the Leftist-Liberal politicians in this state, YOU GOT EXACTLY WHAT YOU DESERVED!
Quigley says
Actually I, and so many who work for PSD don’t live in Palmdale, so we are unable to vote. I personally NEVER vote on anything that will raise taxes. CA is a moey pit sucking us dry and it isn’t all on the school districts….a whole different topic.
The Truth says
Wow are these the same self serving people that ask for a raise when times are tough. You teachers should do a little basic math. 160+ billion is California’s debt. Think it will be paid?….really. You better start worrying about your pensions, I hear CalPER’S is under funded (big time).
Sure looks like this page is shilled by the pack, of greedy, self serving, group known as teachers. Unemployement will suit you well. You deserve it. You will be shown the same compassion that you have shown the american taxpayer…none. You are soon to be replaced by computers, and home schooling. Teachers read the writing on the wall, you will be extinct here shortly.
J. Long says
Well we pay part of our salary in the taxes we pay. Get better information before you slam teachers, you sound ignorant.
Dave says
Mr Long you guys do the best jobs with the kids educations,and there no way you guys should take any cuts,keep on going to the board meetings and you will get your point across,and for some peoples comments on this sight, there not to Bright,and are sharp as a bowling bowl
The Truth says
lol Underling. Nothing like sucking up..huh. Maybe you will get to sub, for a day or two. You will be obsolete before you know it. The writings on the wall “Teachers”
The Truth says
Oh a teacher…go figure. I knew you were shilling this site. You don’t sound ignorant, you are ignorant. Nothing like stepping into a trap. At your last meeting were you forced to visit this site, by your Rep. Now be stupid and ask for a raise.
“Self Serve” your motto is at every gas station. Same for your co-worker..Dave (son ?, underling)
yolanda freiser says
truth palmdale shieffs taking education from furture of. our kids there lying taxpayers money not use or aircrafts u pay for in divorce they attack me since oct 15, 2012 not in palmdale in san fernando valley and ventura got pictures to back my statements this should go to kids
Angel says
You sound bitter. Teachers and classified employees barely make enough to get by. They are just as hard working as any other professional out there and alot of the times more giving and selfless. Teacher appreciation week Board members (who by the way, we’re elected by teachers and classified staff) and superintendent did absolutely nothing to recognize them. Their own schools probably did. These teachers and classified staff are the same type of individuals, as the Oklahoma heros who were selfless and helped their students. Do you think they were “self serving”? These teachers and classified employees have for gone raises and have taken furlough days in order to keep their benefits.
“The Truth”…You cannot handle the truth. Talk about self serving, Why are you not angry at the superintendent. $245,000 + expenses and long term care have been paying for, which you (assuming you live in Palmdale), teachers, classified staff, and all their other staff, and I pay for). Including….we pay for his portion of Medicare and retirement pension…I repeat his portion. In full, does your employer pay your Medicare and retirement in full? Mine does not, I pay my portion of both. Yes, these have been hard times, it should not always be carried on the backs of the employees, while the superintendent sits behind his high paying lawyers to handle everything. Again, Palmdale is not Beverly Hills or Malibu. Get the factual amounts, be angry at those facts.
These teachers and classified staff deserve better. I for one appreciate what they do. They all need to stay United and continue on. Vote these Board members out and get rid of the problem…the Superintendent and their business person. Hire a competent professional superintendent for half of his salary. I am sure there are alot out there who could do a better job.
Let’s support our teachers and classified staff. Keep doing what you are doing.
The Truth says
Yes $245K is way too much. Cut the supers pay, and divide it amongst yourselfs.
Mr. Mister says
Hmmmmm…so teachers show no compassion to the american tax payer by teaching their children? Or staying at school late and/or staying up late at night to grade papers and read essays? Your totally right, no compassion for the american taxpayer or their families. Such ignorance, probably the super or another board member.
The Truth says
Lets not forget the teachers that lied on their students test score to recieve a Pay Raise, that describes your group to the tee
Nancy P says
Lets not forget the Principals who force special ed teachers to sign evaluations on kids they have never even seen. Or those same special ed teachers who are given a huge class room of kids with all different levels of disability and no teacher aide.
Mr. Mister says
I have no group good sir/ma’am. I work for the banking industry. Some teachers don’t do their job, sure, but most do. There are always weak links in EVERY field.
How about our soldiers raping innocent foreigners? They’re okay to get paid a decent wage, right?
No complaints about your tax dollars going to military sex offenders?
Teachers are important, whether they be public or private, and all deserve a liveable wage.
Natalie Ynocente says
Do your diligent research, my friend. Which schools have given pay raises and bonuses for state test results? It sounds as if you just watched a movie and have decided that all teachers are ” bad teachers”. What a shame.
Mr. Mister says
Think of the teachers you had growing up…think they should’ve took a pay cut? Or would you feel okay knowing the superintendent makes almost 5 times as much as your teachers that helped give you an education while he just sat around doing his “oversight”. If so, then you are very cold hearted or were fortunate enough to have private schooling, therefor not understanding the public schooling system and their struggles.
may24 says
I think a lot of people in city/government positions are getting paid way too much. I’m sure there are many people who would work for less. Imagine, more employees for the same amount there paying one guy.
Nancy P says
Agree 100%. Too many people getting paid to sit around and talk about who they can hire and keep on staff long enough for them to get another pension…
The Truth says
I paid over $65K to send my son to private school. His teachers did not impose their political will on him. The public school system is pathetic, and all you teachers made it that way.
Lets not forget the teachers that lied on their students test score to recieve a Pay Raise, that describes your group to the tee.
Quigley says
How fortunate for you to afford a tuition of $65K. The majority of teachers don’t make a salary of that amount in a year, including your private school teachers. “His teachers” can’t “impose” a thought without administration approval or they willbe fired
The Truth says
I know a school janitor that says he makes more than teachers (at least teachers that are just starting their careers). I had the opportunity to teach a couple of teachers the other day a lesson.
I informed them they would be obsolete, here shortly. They smiled and disagreed. A short time later I mentioned that I had a Pool heater malfunctioning, and asked if either knew anything about pool heater repairs. Both said “no”. So we went to YouTube, and found a very infomative video stating how do repair a Sta-Rite SR400 heater. After watching the video, we all smiled, and I said “hey now we can become heater repair tech’s ”
They both shook their heads in agreement, then I said……(listen closely teachers) “And we did not need a teacher to aquire the information”..OUCH !!!
Quigley says
Hey Truth…do you have a job? Do you receive cost of living raises annually? Do you ever get a pay increase? Well FYI, the classified & certificated employees have not. It has been SEVEN YEARS and not one cent! I’m sure all would agree this is wrong….don’t forget Gallizzi still received his!
Mrs M says
And isn’t it true janitors and maintenance people are paid overtime, while classified and certificated are not?
Quigley says
Janitors & maintenance are classified employees. So what is your point?
The Truth says
Hey Quigley, teachers days are numbered. Basic math must elude you teachers. Prices are not increasing, except gas. Your paid what you are worth. If times were good , no doubt you all would go on strike, for more pay. Times are tough, unless you believe the president (who you all voted for). You reap what you sow.
Now enjoy the change you ALL supported.
Quigley says
Hey truth you didn’t answer any of my questions…why not? I wrote the truth…can’t handle it??
The Truth says
Hey Quigley..Wrong. I am a Day Trader, I receive gains and losses according to my actions. Now I have a question for you, did you vote for Obama, if so why? Your quick to assume, does that also apply when you ask for a pay increase.You wont be able to handle my questions. I have one more question..”your not a math teacher are you” I look forward to your reply.
Quigley says
Truth, I did not vote for Obama. FYI, school district’s receive COLA funds yearly to be used for cost of living raises. PSD Employees have not seen a dime of that money in 7 years. Hmmmm, wonder who did? No math….handled!
The Truth says
Quigley…”I did not vote for Obama.” your saying you did not vote for Obama? although anyone who did, would not admit it. What with his pathetic attempt to revive the economy (fail).hmmm. Are you a teacher (or your spouse)?. you seem educated in the field. Did you not vote at all, do you support Obama ?
Darius White says
While I don’t feel that teachers will ever become obsolete, I do agree with “Truth’s” statement of “your (sic) paid what you are worth.” The philosophy I was taught was that if you want more, you must become more. You must increase your value to the marketplace. Unfortunately, and it’s not just teachers but rather the majority of workers in this state, the thought is “the longer I’ve been here the more you must pay me, regardless of the results of my work.” That being said, “Quigley” is spot-on: Gallizzi should be the first one to take a pay cut. It’s much easier to be a leader if you are in front of your team; you’ll have their support and they’ll be on your side. Anything else will breed hate and discontent (not unlike the current environment).
Quigley says
Right on Darius! Team player’s in any profession will produce a better product….a paycheck worth receiving.
The Truth says
Well said especially “if you want more, you must become more”, and to add to that note “not form a group that holds the community, and children hostage”.
Quigley says
Truth….I am just a blogger sharing my views.
The Truth says
Quigley, you have avoided my question(s)..why ?
Your not running are you. Because it sure looks that way.
Quigley says
Truth I’m flattered that you are so interested in me. Didn’t your mama teach you that some things are not for the asking…NOB! Furthermore, if I was looking for a new BFF I would ask you for your personal email address. I blog what I feel, and respond how I feel. So take it and run!
The Truth says
LMAO words of a true coward. lol lol … who knew.
You are quite gifted at changing the subject, or at least attempting too. You have avoided my question..why ? we both know “The Truth” stay in the shadows in the future, your safe there. :)
Quigley says
Truth, my favorite color is purple, my favorite food is bbq, my favorite place to vacation is Hawaii. I would really like a new Cadillac! It sure is frigin hot in the AV! The neighbors dog sh#t on my lawn again!
The Truth says
Tsk Tsk who knew… Stay scared. ;)
Quigley says
Shakin in my boots…..
Astrid says
FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!! This event was organized by PETA AND CSEA JOINTLY!! I will personally take the time to write an article and speak to the editor of this web paper because classified is non-existent in this article. THIS is the reason why classified staff is always taking the biggest hits EVERY SINGLE YEAR!! Parents, media, and even other staff forget we are the back-bone of school districts. I am so tired of being ignored publicly, but as soon as someone needs something done with professionalism and timeliness, they always remember who to go to….classified!!!
As a Palmdale parent, resident and employee, I demand that M. Dilworth (writer of this article)write a correction and include pictures of the classified staff that was present. I saw the photographer taking pictures and I feel as though we were purposely left out. I am insulted and even more outraged than yesterday.
BJ says
Teachers with the most amount of years of service, experience, education, and training do not receive annual increases. This fact never seems to be published. The superintendent’s raises are justified by the fact that teachers have a graduated pay scale that takes into consideration education and years of service. Teachers move over a pay column for improving their craft through education. Following completion of 15 units, they move over a column and receive an increase. They spend money to take these classes. Graduate classes are expensive. Teachers who do not move over due to coursework, move down a step each year and will have an increase. This step down ends in each column, offering no additional increases. Without a negotiated raise, there are teachers who do not receive a pay raise. Teachers have gone several years without any negotiated salary raise.
Angel says
This superintendent leads this school district by intimidation, retaliation and bullying. Employees are scared of him. They are scared of losing their jobs, no one will speak up out of fear of his retaliation. There have been so many unnecessary positions created, that are truly not needed. If he truly did his job, there would not be a need for all those other positions.
Palmdale School District is not a district like Beverly Hills. It appears to be pretty easy to sit there as an elitist photo op superintendent and have attorney’s paid between $700 to $1100/hour (yes, per hour) to do your bidding or fixing your messes. These facts are online on their agendas and board items.
The press should ask for attorney fees expenditures for all the years the Superintendent has had his contract. I think it would be cheaper if the district would eliminate those positions that are not needed and hired their own in-house attorney. Also hire a competent business person who knows accounting. This is Palmdale, not Beverly Hills or Malibu.
The teachers and classified staff should not have to be the sacrificial lambs all the time. Get rid of all of the Board members, Gallizzi, and their business person.
Quigley says
While your on the subject I think Gallizzi should be questioned about his screw up and pay out to Smith and a few others….rumors, but usually true when it involves him.
Angel says
This truly appears to be a “Bell” type of situation. It just needs to be investigated and set to right with “we” the taxpayers looking out for our teachers and students by being vigilant, getting the correct facts in written form. This is a “public” school district. Almost everything is public record.
Quigley says
Exactly! However, the majority of PSD staff including Gallizzi, don’t live within the District boundaries. The PSD taxpayers need to step up and take action!
KK says
It amazes me that the classified staff has not been mentioned, there were CSEA members outside protesting as well. I wonder, who is going to clean the classrooms and feed the children? They are laying off more that 60% of the classified work force. Over the last 4 yrs, certain classified staff was terminated because of a 1.2 million dollar mistake, made by the current management. While Gallizzi received an excellent praise from the current board members, which gave him a 2.5% raise increase. Also, as we face this current deficit, that the district keeps changing, Gallizzi did not receive a raise, but he received the option to purchase as many unused vacation days as he would like. So if he has 30 days on the books, he can request compensation for each one of those days. His average classified staff makes maybe $30,000 a yr, compared to his $241,000 plus extra paid benefits. They have too much management staff, the average manager makes $80,000 and up, plus extra paid benefits (read their leadership contract, public knowledge). The district may spend on the average $1,000 per student, the rest is on unnecessary conferences and legal fees. Check out there online agendas, you will find fictional bookkeeping…….
DD says
Is Raptormann actually Gallizzi? Or a board member? Sounds suspicious how supportive he/she is of a selfish, narcissistic, over-paid superintendent who needs to go. Teachers have been mistreated in PSD for years! It’s about time we (yes, I AM a teacher) stand up for ourselves and push for an entirely new school board in November! Let me just say that Gallizzi is manipulative and sneaky and doesn’t deserve any positive recognition. He’s only gotten worse over the years!
Jeff says
I’m all for fair compensation for the teachers but the real tragedy is what’s happened to the support staff over the last four years. Where was the teacher support for them (us) over the last few years? We’ve been seeing these cuts EVERY YEAR! Librarians work three schools now. The nurses have been cut to 5.75 hours, losing health care coverage. Secretarial staff has been reduced to 11 months. We’ve taken far more furloughs. Night custodians have taken a 40% reduction in force. They are being reduced to 11 months plus furloughs. Grounds maintenance has been cut 50%.
Quigley says
Jeff you are absolutely right. The Classified Employees have always been over looked and are the back bone of the district. All schools and offices can not run without the Classified Staff and yet to this day this large group of hard working middle class men and women do not have the respect they deserve. How bout one day a week you All call in sick and let’s watch the entire District fall while the District office, administrators, and teachers try to do your jobs. Guess what? They will all fail!
Raptormann says
Interesting that you would say something that stupid since I said I would fire Galilizzi and the Board for wasting money.
And “Mistreated”? Come-on!
Every friggin Politician out there does backflips to try and be the first to kiss the teacher’s collective posteriors! Sounds like you’re having your own personal pitty party.
I stand by my statement about “chanting nitwits!”
10dog says
The unions are too strong. I did not sent our kids to public schools, but the public schools still get our money. We should have a choose as to pay or not.
Amy R. says
Gallizzi’s lying about the number of furlough for surrounding districts. I work for Lancaster, and we had 3 this year. Next year we have NONE! That’s far from 15. My son goes to Westside, and they had none this year and none next year.
Dave says
How dare the superintdent,say pay the the piper,These great Teachers are our kids Future, i guess he doesnt get it.Why dont you give your sick time and payed vacation time to the Teachers so you dont have increases in there health care
and keep the schools running,please ask him this at the meeting.
sammy P says
Wow $241,045.45 annual salary? What does this guy do thats so special that he deserves a salary that big? I bet there are TONS of people who are more qualified who would do the job for $65,000 a year.
Perhaps there should be a rule that the superintendent’s salary should be set at exactly 25% higher than what a teacher makes, THEN I bet he would find a way to increase the salary teachers make.
KatieG says
He actually makes more than the Governor.
Raptormann says
We don’t get our money’s worth there either.
Quigley says
I will assume by now Gallizzi is aware of the damage, and how he has managed to destroy a once highly respected school district. The only chance the community has to try and repair the damage, is to clean slate Gallizzi and his Board. When you have lost the respect of your parents, students, and staff it’s time to tuck your tails and move on. Gallizzi & Corrales when you read this, please sit back and ponder…hmmm, maybe we should have been team player’s?? Damn! Too late now!
Raptormann says
I wouldn’t blame Gallizzi alone. Education in this country, especially this state, was put on the wrong path by “political correctness” and that is the fault of Leftist and the unions.
KatieG says
I would disagree with “leftists”. It’s come about from the push to get everyone a trophy. We have standards that don’t measure knowledge but measure fact regurgitation. And these standards have snuffed out the real education: exploration and expansion. Teachers are limited to teaching to these standards because of all the cuts to hours and funding.
It’s come from everywhere. Every president since Regan actually. That plus cutting out topics like evolution in science and art just to not offend people is ridiculous.
PSDParent says
I think its time for a changing of the guard at PSD! Sandy Corrales has got to go as she is now a career politician and part of the problem.
another PO'd resident says
She is not a teacher, never has been a teacher, does not have kids in the district, never has had kids in the district and has no kids of her own. Can someone please tell me why she is on A SCHOOL BOARD again?
She ran on having a Spanish last name in a district with a lot of Spanish speaking parents. That was her ticket in. You’re right that she is a career politician!
Quigley says
Her E ticket and she knows damn well what she’s doing. The spanish speaking parents have no idea they are being used to keep her in that chair. FYI, Gallizzi has no kids…
Mr. Mister says
It’s disturbing how rough teachers have it. By far, their jobs are more important than most of ours’ and they constantly have to bite the bullets. I feel for you teachers out there and hope that one day, you are granted what you all deserve. As far as the superintendent, his job is important as well and he should be purchasing students’ needs with his own money, much like the majority of the teachers, take a pay cut, or have his wages stagnated. How can someone at the top continue to live prosperous, while all of the teachers doing all of the footwork get the short end of the stick? I don’t doubt he had to work hard to get where he is and probably knows the struggles of the classroom teachers, but he should look into furloughing the higher paid administrative staff. The higher the pay, the higher the savings, which would result in less cuts for the teachers. Ultimately this impacts our childeren most of all. I encourage all to attend any open meetings and voice your concerns. Good luck to our instuctors and students out there.
Raptormann says
Yep, this one was written by a teacher.
Time all of y’all start telling the truth about how much money is spent in PSD per student. Then we can go after waste.
By the way, once tenured a teacher is near impossible to fire. Change that, and I’d be willing to talk salaries.
Mr. Mister says
Actually I am not a teacher, just a concerned parent and citizen of the AV. It’s so funny how people that advocate for fairness are labled as what they are advocating for. I guess it’s my diction and/or grammar that would lead you to believe I am a teacher. Truth be told, I am just a High School Graduate that was in honors classes with a pending AA degree, I have no shame. But if you want to continue to cut teachers’ pay, which would lead to a decrease in morale, which it shouldn’t, but we’re all human and it would, then a high school education will begin to look more like a middle school education. But I guess that’s fine because those of us coming from generations that maybe had it a little bit better are fine, we should let future generations suffer. I guess it is easier to govern those less educated because they’ll never have a real understanding of how things work. Let’s continue to think for ourselves and no one else and we’ll all get very far in life. Homeschooling will work for everyone, right? If you think it’s fair this guy has gotten his salary increased by the amount of a teacher’s salary over the course of 7 years, then you must be this guy, or sitting in his pocket.
Raptormann says
That’s pure idiocy and does not address one thing I said. Teachers are neither sinners nor saints and there are both good and bad. We have a system that doesn’t address the bad at all. READ what I said point by point.
You are using the unions talking points to perfection, that’s what I noticed. I would rather look for reason. Hey that’s an idea; go look at http://www.reason.com and there are some good points for the teaching of the youth that doesn’t include chanting nitwits.
By the way, I’d fire the board and Gallizzi too for wasting money.
Mr. Mister says
I guess I am a teacher because I support fair treatment for them…I am also a dog, a lion, a dolphin, and a whale too because I think they should be treated fairly and humane as well.
Well, I have no truth in how many dollars are spent per student is PSD as I am purely a spectator and a resident of Lancaster. I read the articles here, just like any other resident, and then proceed to form an opinion, much like everyone here. Waste would be paying the superintendent his current salary.
And tenured teachers are let go of for poor or underperforming students and/or SAT scores. No resluts=no job. It’s a shame that logic doesn’t apply to the higher offices, which is why there are protests.
As far as union talking points, please READ the first sentence of this comment again. Everything I stated in relation to this article, was purely organic, common sense thoughts. It’s like with customer service jobs, the biggest savings come from cutting at the top. Why fire 6 employees making 30,000 a piece when you can fire 1 employee making 180,000? If thats in line with what the union is saying, then it seems they have a 6th grade understanding of math as well.
So tell me again, where does the idiocy lie?
Mr. Mister says
But at least you’d get rid of the people that are causing the problem, which has me scratching my head because it seems like you’re defending them and shifting blame to the teachers and union.
voteoutcorrallesandstanford says
Raptormann, it is “nearly impossible” to get rid of a tenured teacher. You simply have to follow a set of rules. Those who don’t like that idea are usually people who aren’t used to following them.
Raptormann says
Look at the record, getting rid of bad teachers just doesn’t happen. Boy, did I light a fire under the union sycophants or what?!
Ryan says
Little mention is made of all the additional staffing positions this superintendent has created to do his job for him. All of these unnecessary positions add up to many hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions. All of the individuals hired to do his job for him are personal friends and personally loyal to Roger, not the children he was selected to advocate.
Nancy Redican says
If a child is holding a sign, it’s because her parent gave it to her. We didn’t bring students to the meeting, but parents brought their children.
Yes I am a Teacher says
Yes I am a teacher and that is my daughter that goes to school in the PSD system. She was mad and made the sign herself. She is very bright and wanted her voice to be heard.
Raptormann says
Using children as political props borders on child abuse. As is sending them to the open cesspools that we call public schools.
You know, many teachers send their kids to private schools because they personally understand this truth.
Politicians and unions have destroyed the educational system for their own benefit without regard to the outcome of their actions. It’s all about power and picking the pockets of the taxpayers these days.
Quigley says
My kids & grandkids have all attended public schools and continued thru to college. I am convinced to this day, that a strong family support is the key to making that happen. A large part of our society today do not have the family values to make this happen. Stop making excuses….California is a hand out state, and has emptied their banks to foolish spending. Education should always be on the top of the list so perhaps the hand outs could stop, and just maybe the freeloaders would learn the definition of “JOB”.
Fed Up says
What’s the little blond girl holding up the orange sign no about unfair teacher contract negotiations? The teachers are obviously using her as a pawn.
Never the less, “Hey hey! Ho ho! Gallizzi’s got to go!”
J. Ripper says
Yeah, those teachers are nothing but pure evil, manipulating our children for their own greedy benefit.
Note to the clueless: that’s sarcasm.
Raptormann says
Truthfully, they all gotta go!
Yes I am a Teacher says
First of all you used the wrong version of “no” it should be know. 2nd that is my daughter and she knows more than you think. She knows I buy my own supplies for my class, I work long hours, I have three degrees and i sometimes struggle by the end of the month when I am down to my last few dollars. These cuts will affect her as much as me. We will lose our house and she will lose out on days of education. I worked hard for what little I have. It’s about what is right and wrong not contract negotiations.
Mr. Mister says
Good luck to you. Furloughs are not the way to go. If you add up say 15 furloughs a school year, then multiply that by 13(K-12), your looking at 195 days of lost education. That’s more than half a school year lost! Please let us know if there will be an open meeting and I’ll have no problem standing up to the board on behalf of the teachers. I have nothing to fear as they have nothing to threaten me with. Absolutely nothing…
Angel says
Good luck with that. The Superintendent is a bully and stone walls everyone who does not agree with him. Why was the Board Meeting not held at a school gymnasium in order to accommodate its constituents (parents, concerned citizens, teachers, classified staff, etc.)? Could it be because they do not want them to get up there and ask the hard questions of them and express their opinions? The community and teachers should be demanding that the Board, these elected officials, to have the Board Meeting at a school site. If you have nothing to be concerned with, open the meeting up in a place that can accomodate their constituents. A school gymnasium would work just fine. Then people would not be so upset because they are having to stand outside on the sidewalk and street, not being able to hear or being able to participate in the meeting. I say accommodate all your constituents at a Board meeting.