Dear LLESD Community,
As you may know, the district is currently negotiating with our teachers’ union, the Las Lomitas Education Association (LLEA). As we return to the bargaining table this week, we want to reiterate our deep respect for LLESD’s teachers. We recognize that our “exceptional educational program and the everyday growth of our students is only made possible through the dedication, talent, creativity, and compassion of [our] hard-working educators” (as stated in last week’s board resolution).
The district’s current proposal to the LLEA offers a compensation package at the high end of the teacher-pay scale compared to our peers in Woodside, Portola Valley, and Menlo Park. Our competitive salaries and benefits allow LLESD to retain our educators year over year, resulting in a low turnover rate. In fact, only one staff member in the last four years mentioned compensation as a reason for their departure.
At the same time, the district acknowledges that our teachers’ cost of living has increased over recent years due to surging inflation, interest rates, and healthcare costs. We’re working diligently to keep pace with these challenges while staying within the confines of what we can afford. For this reason – and in a significant departure from past practices – the school board is open to using one-time reserves to fund ongoing salary increases for our teachers and staff.
LLESD’s school board and administration are committed to maximizing our resources for the benefit of our students, staff, and community. Alongside our educators, who work tirelessly every day in every classroom and beyond, we will continue working towards our district’s vision to “empower and inspire all students to reach their full academic and social-emotional potential” while prudently managing our finances in the process.
Thank you for your patience and support. We will update the community once we have signed an agreement with the LLEA.
Best,
Dr. Beth Polito
Superintendent
