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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 On Tuesday night, the Bakersfield City School District heard directly from teachers over their frustrations on the proposed wage increase from the district.<\/p>\n
Teachers asking for help are still awaiting a decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI stand here tonight to let you know that 1.5% with a tiny bump to 2% in the last hours is insulting,\u201d said Kayla Ferguson, a BCSD teacher.<\/p>\n
A 2% raise for teachers, and a\u00a02.5% raise for classified employees like bus drivers and custodians.<\/p>\n
An offer many deemed offensive.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re worth more. We are worth more,\u201d said Ferguson.<\/p>\n
Teachers took a stand Tuesday, and expressed frustration that the proposed increase fails to meet the growing cost of living, let alone reflect the importance of their role.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have teachers telling me: this summer: I\u2019m going to eat ramen noodles and hot dogs so that I can afford to feed my kids,\u201d said Lance Jacobs, a board member for the Bakersfield Education Teachers Association.<\/p>\n
These discussions follow an annual stipend increase from $8,400 to $36,000 for the part-time board member, approved in February.<\/p>\n
An entry level salary for a teacher sits around $60,000 annually, and for an entry-level full-time custodian, around $3,000 a month.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re waiting to see are we going to be seen in those results, we can\u2019t wait any longer,\u201d said Ferguson.<\/p>\n
Classified employees, or those without a teaching credential, are also fighting their own battle.<\/p>\n
Drivers, custodians, but also administrative personnel, feel they are still being treated unequally.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels like sometimes we\u2019re overlooked, especially when you look at our salary scale,\u201d said Rebecca Abla, a BCSD HR Technician for over a decade.<\/p>\n
For classified employees, not only was there no raise last year, but raise increases every five years, rather than a yearly basis adds fuel to the fire.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, we\u2019re getting\u00a02.5%. That 2.5% doesn\u2019t go very far and if I have to wait until 2029 for a step increase, that\u2019s disappointing,\u201d said Abla.<\/p>\n
As discussions continue both parties involved are clear on the same goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like a raise that allows us to maintain our dignity and our standard of living,\u201d said Jacobs.<\/p>\n
In a statement from BCSD Board President Laura Guerrero-Salgado said:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are committed to taking thoughtful next steps as we work toward an agreement that allows our teachers to feel supported and valued, while also maintaining the fiscal responsibility necessary to serve our entire district community.\u201d<\/p>\n
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