James Wright: Top district officials get 20 percent, offer staff 0.5; that’s unfair | Modesto Bee

As a life long educator, I have deep concerns on how the Merced Union High School District values staff members. In a recent board meeting, top district officials voted themselves a 20 percent raise providing the top two payees – Ralph Calderon and Alan Peterson – with salaries that are over $150,000. Yet when the time came to recognize classified and certificated with compensation 0.5 percent was the starting position of the district negotiator, Calderon.

This is the wrong message to send to your staff. The division between leadership and staff is now a deep concern for stakeholders; transparency is a must. Please hold them accountable and attend the next board meeting and let your voice be heard.