Desert Sands Unified school teachers rally for recognition

Hundreds of teachers, parents and students stormed the Desert Sands Unified School District in a “Rally for Recognition” Tuesday afternoon.

“We’re getting down to the end of the school year, we want a contract, a fair and equitable contract and we want it now,” said Mona Davidson, Desert Sands Teachers’ Association president.

Their calling for a contract that would include a raise for teachers, equal contribution to medical benefits for all district employees, additional planning time for K-3 teachers and more support for special education teachers.

While Palm Springs Unified and Coachella Valley Unified School districts reached contract settlements, DSUSD teachers who rallied said its their district’s turn.

“We have the highest paid superintendent and the lowest paid teachers. Everything I’ve given the district they have not given back,” said La Quinta High School teacher Athena Martinez.

Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Sherry Johnstone said the district can’t afford to spend supplemental and concentration money on raises across the board. She along with many teachers are hopeful the governor’s May Budget Revise will help.

“We do want a deal. We want to resolve this, that’s why we asked for a mediator. Nobody pushed away from the table. We asked for a mediator,” said Johnstone.

The Desert Sands Teachers’ Association said superintendent Dr. Gary Rutherford received a five percent raise this year, but for teachers the district won’t budge.

“Would Dr. Rutherford come to work without a contract, no, but yet we do and we do it because we love our kids but that’s not enough, that doesn’t pay,” said teacher John Leinhard from Indio High School.

And students said they love their teachers.

“I want her to have the best students and the best school to work at that’s why I’m supporting the teachers today,” said student Brooklyn Huber.

The district said a mediation date is set for June 15.

Davidson said the DSTA will be happy to come back to the table if the district can come with meaningful offers.