Where’d the money go?
Right or wrong, salaries in public education are not merit-based. Instead, they are negotiated collectively and established by public policy. Consequently, salaries in public education do not respond quickly to the pressures of the economy, primarily inflation.
Recently, California lawmakers recognized the effects of historic inflation and included an 8.22% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in the 2023/2024 state budget. At some public institutions, COLA has already been passed through to employee salaries, as seen in the contracts signed at institutions such as the Chula Vista Elementary School District, where employees received a 12% increase — 9% this year, retroactive to July 1, 2023, and an additional 3% for the next school year. In the Sweetwater Union High School District, employees received a 9% increase this year, retroactive to July 1, 2023. California State University (CSU) faculty received a 10% increase — 5% this year retroactive to July 1, 2023, and an additional 5% increase that will take effect July 2024.
Southwestern College (SWC) has yet to allocate COLA to employee salaries and claims it cannot financially afford to do so, which raises the question of why. Where did this money go? Did the administration mismanage the budget and then use COLA to backfill budget shortfalls? Did they overspend on administrator reclassifications, new programs, and hiring? The administration, led by Superintendent President Mark Sanchez, EdD, has offered a few explanations but has not sufficiently addressed the COLA funds already received from the state.
If SWC employees do not receive COLA retroactive to July 1, 2023, due to budget mismanagement, the Governing Board Trustees must hold the Superintendent President responsible for his decisions. The mismanagement of public funds concerns college employees and the community’s taxpayers. The district’s current offer falls well below COLA and includes contingencies warranting an explanation.
This is not just about COLA; it’s about ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness.
Lisa Ballesteros resides in Chula Vista.
