Educator talks about communication

This is in response to Gretchen Larson's Dec. 14 letter, whereby she expressed "dismay" at what she thought was Pleasant Valley School District's teachers' intentional ceasing of communication with parents. Unfortunately, there has been a misunderstanding.

Responding as one of PVSD's elementary school teachers whose contract currently gives us just one hour of unrestricted planning per week, and because the composition of newsletters and the management of websites are extra duties that teachers assume on their own time, we were encouraged to stop "these modes of parent communication."

Teachers were never encouraged to "cease communication with parents" as Mrs. Larson states. In fact, there has been much discussion among teachers about ways we can positively change how we communicate with parents. Many teachers, including Mrs. Larson's child's teacher, are sending home short notes that can be produced during the school day in lieu of full-length newsletters which are often written at home. Teachers have seized this opportunity to instruct students to be responsible for recording nightly assignments, a skill that will serve students well in the future. As always, parents are encouraged to call, stop in or e-mail whenever they have questions.

Newsletters and websites are not contractually mandated means of communication, and many PVSD teachers have never elected to use them. Mrs. Larson is most fortunate that her child has a dedicated teacher who has gone the extra mile, on her own time, and produced a weekly newsletter all these years. Furthermore, Mrs. Larson's child's teacher, like many other PVSD teachers, has expressed her discomfort with the fact that she's not using "my newsletter" that she has grown to rely upon. We are committed professionals, and making these changes is no fun.

PVSD teachers are grossly underpaid! Countywide we receive the lowest health benefits, 33 percent less than the next lowest district, and the second lowest total compensation. To add insult to injury, PVSD's last proposal included giving administrators control of all our prep time, including the meager one hour we are currently allotted.

Although many PVSD teachers are uneasy making changes in the ways we communicate with parents, we recognize that these are benign options compared to the looming possibility of more serious organized labor actions. Negotiations are at an impasse. It is a difficult time for PVSD teachers. We ask that parents please try to understand our position. We invite all local citizens to attend future school board meetings and to access our PVEA website for more information. Angela Light Educator, PVSD Camarillo