KCBA - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-Pink Slips Are Making Teachers Rethink California
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Monterey, Calif- Sunday was the state deadline for school districts to notify teachers that they could be laid off by the end of the semester. A local husband and wife who both received pink slips say that if they lose their job come May 15th it could send them packing to another state.
Victor and Kelly Garcia's love of teaching brought them together eight years ago. They have a three year old little girl and live in their dream home. They can't imagine living anywhere else until they were handed pink slips.
"I've looked into what other jobs there are in Arizona and Virginia. They're giving them bonuses to cross the state lines like $5,000"
Combined they have over two decades of teaching experience in California. Their love of Monterey brought them to the district just a little over two years ago, which puts them on the chopping block like many other thousands of teachers that are seeing pink.
"Seems like every year there is more and more taken away from the schools. We lose class size reduction with these cuts. We lose art programs and music programs things that help kids a lot."
They both say that they are sick and tired of California making education their last priority. Although they feel that the golden state is turning their back on teachers their passion remains.
"How you help them grow. Half it is academically and half is it socially."
"When you see the kids get it they get that look, they've got it. It makes you feel great that you've imparted some bit of knowledge in them. To help them grow academically and socially. Just helping them."
For Monterey County School Districts the list of seniority starts at zero with the least amount of experience at the district. Victor is one seventy three followed by his wife Kelly who is one seventy four. They hope that they will be safe come this May but keeping their options open.
The California Teacher's Association says more than one hundred and sixty thousand teachers will be laid off, that will increase class size by more than fifty percent. Voters will decide the fate of California education in a special May election. There are several measures on the ballot that could provide more education funding.
