Miami-Dade teachers protest after school board denies pay increase
MIAMI (WSVN) -- Miami-Dade teachers are protesting and asking for support Monday afternoon after the school board denied them a promised pay hike.
The United Way met this afternoon for their annual budget meeting and now teachers are reaching out to them, asking for their help. "We're reaching out to the United Way because we need their help. We support the United Way 100 percent," said Frederick Ingram of the United Teachers of Dade.
Harve Mogul, president of the United Way in Miami-Dade County said his nonprofit organization will help out for the sake of the students. "We're siding with our children," he said. "We need, in Miami-Dade, teachers who feel empowered and respected."
Sunday night close to 200 angry educators gathered in an auditorium Sunday night to fight for what officials promised them. "We're not asking for a six-figure salary here," said Katie Patterson. "I'm a third-year teacher. I'd be making $43,000. It's not like it's a big, big deal."
School district officials backed out of the scheduled pay increases after they were confronted with a $250 million short fall. "There's a provision in our contract that says that if the funding is inadequate, we can sit down and reopen the agreement, which is what we're doing," said Deputy Superintendent Ofelia San Pedro.
The decision to suspend raises was made by Miami-Dade School Superintendent Dr. Rudy Crew, who was not present at Sunday's meeting.
Last week, Crew responded to people who thought he should be the one cut. "It's a statement of frustration, and I don't take it personal," he said.
Many teachers are taking the matter personally. "We all know what the cost of gas is. We all know what the cost of milk is. How are to survive?" said Karen Aronowitz, President of the United Teachers of Dade.
The United Way said they will do whatever they can to keep things amicable between both sides. "These are all well-meaning people, on both sides of this," said Mogul. "It's up to us, in this county, and somehow or other we've got to figure it out."
Both sides are expected to meet again on Wednesday.
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