Raise Lowers Morale

Tom Payzant, superintendent of San Diego city schools, received a glowing performance evaluation from trustees. He also received a very generous four-year contract, which included a 26% pay raise, which will bring his pay in 1991 to $129,000, plus a $6,500 expense account, a $75,000 life insurance annuity and an annual car allowance of $9,268.

While Payzant is a dedicated and talented administrator, there are also many equally dedicated and talented teachers in San Diego. It is discouraging when teachers who are making far less and who are often struggling to make ends meet are not even able to negotiate a contract to keep up with the rate of inflation.

The teachers settled on a contract this year with a 2.5% raise and a one-year contract extension. The superintendent and Board of Education stated that funds to raise teachers’ salaries equal to the rate of inflation of 5% were not available.

The Board of Education should have given Payzant the same percentage raise that the teachers received. The action the board took lowers morale, and those who believe in doing the most possible for our children should be concerned about the morale of our teachers.

STEVEN BYERS

San Diego