After months of debate with teachers over their required salary increases, Vancouver Public Schools’ board voted to further increase an overpaid superintendent’s income, increasing Superintendent Steve Webb’s salary $5,700 annually, with $30,000 going toward his retirement fund this year.
With the teachers strike earlier this year, the school board agreed to make funding cuts to special education programs throughout the district. In a standing room-only meeting of the board on Tuesday evening, board members stared blankly as educator after educator spoke out, sometimes through tears. Paraeducators and teachers explained their inability to successfully manage and educate students due to reduced educators in the classroom as well as the expunged preparation time for those remaining.
The same day the school board heard that special education was in dire fiscal need, they voted unanimously to reward Webb $35,000. This is despite the contentious teacher agreements in August, along with frivolous spending of money that should go to schools.
Please write to the board or come to a board meeting. Special education needs your help.
