“Evaluate the role of teachers’ and school employees’ unions in the education process. Do they have too much or too little power?” That’s what we asked candidates for the Orange County Board of Education. Here’s how they responded.

Lisa Sparks:

“Teacher’s unions with a small ‘t’ can play an important role in supporting teachers, parents, and students in their independent school districts. Teacher’s union bosses with a big ‘T’ dictating and making power moves that hurt our teacher’s and children’s educational setting often are overreaching and yielding too much power that is not productive for lifting up quality education for all. Often, it is the underserved and vulnerable students who are most harmed by these overreaching policies and approaches to education. As an educator most of my career spanning more than 25 years, this truly breaks my heart for these families and I will do all I can to help all of our Orange County families to have a chance at a quality education where every child develops a thirst for learning that will carry them toward success throughout their life.”

Mari Barke:

“Teacher’s unions have enormous control over the educational process to the detriment of students, school choice and parental involvement.”

Tim Shaw:

“Public employee unions wield too much power over the educational process. The union’s primary responsibility is to look after the interests of their members, which we have seen may occasionally diverge from the interests of many students and their families. I fear that too often policy-makers and those running our department are only concerned with the unions.”

Paulette Chaffee: 

“Teacher and school employees have the right to unionize. All bargaining must be done in good faith on both sides.”

Sherine Smith: 

“Teachers and school employees are not required to join a union. We have robust union membership in Orange County, which is a testament to the efficacy and leadership of these unions. I served on negotiating teams for many years and found that districts can have a mutually respectful and productive relationship when we focus on what’s best for students and our schools. We can reach excellent agreements based on collaboratively identified needs. I also have great respect for other public unions in Orange County, including the fire, police, and nurses unions.”

Martha Fluor: 

“It is important to remember that 80 – 85% of a school district’s budget is dedicated to salaries and benefits. They are the backbone of the educational system — from our janitors, nurses, teachers, counselors, to our district admin teams. They are our essential workers. Local districts must work collaboratively with their employee groups to ensure that our students meet the necessary grade-level standards, graduate, and become educated taxpaying citizens. When there is trust, cooperation, and collaboration there is a sharing of power — every student wins.”

Chris Gainer:

“Government employee unions have too much power. Gov. Jerry Brown said as much before the state employees were allowed to unionize.”

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