At first glance, Proposition 74 on the November special election ballot might seem like a good idea. The initiative’s supporters claim that making teachers work for five years on probation instead of two before earning permanent status will make sure our kids have the best teachers possible. But under closer scrutiny, Proposition 74 reveals itself to be unfair, ineffective, and punitive. It would take away some of the due process rights that currently protect our children’s teachers.
In California, probationary teachers have no protection and can simply be fired without recourse. By increasing probation to five years, Proposition 74 would give school districts five years, instead of the current two, to dismiss teachers without having to defend their decisions or even offer reasons.
The measure is retroactive. Employees hired in 2003-04 have just completed the two-year probation required by contracts they signed just two years ago. If Proposition 74 passes in November, it would deprive these employees of their newly acquired permanent status. They would have to work another three consecutive years to again successfully complete probation. It would change the terms of the contract under which they were originally hired. How can that be fair? It can’t be. The writers should pay closer attention to the Constitution.
Join the League of Women Voters, the PTA, the California School Boards Association, teachers’ associations and many others across the state and vote “no.” Our children deserve better. We deserve better.
Barbara Inatsugu
Past President
League of Women Voters of Santa Monica