The Morning Report
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While the teachers union supported Proposition S, a $2.1 billion facilities bond to repair schools in San Diego Unified, unions that represent other school employees such as custodians, bus drivers and secretaries have not thrown their support to the bond, citing their displeasure with layoffs during the budget crisis.
“It is very disheartening that the District would look upon the labor groups in support of a multi billion dollar bond, but would show us a lack of respect by laying off close to 1200 classified employees without thinking twice,” Frances Fierro, president of a union representing office and technical workers, wrote to me in an e-mail.
Fierro wrote that her group wouldn’t back the bond unless the school board decided to rehire hundreds of employees who were laid off this summer, and are instead devoting its energy to “electing a pro labor, pro worker school board.” The group has endorsed Richard Barrera, incumbent Shelia Jackson, and John Lee Evans, who aims to unseat incumbent Mitz Lee.
Proposition S has won support from a number of other groups and individuals, including Mayor Jerry Sanders, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, and the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council.