Teacher Contract Is Finalized but Funding Issue May Delay Board Vote

Settling their differences on key teacher empowerment issues, the Los Angeles school district finalized its contract with the teachers union Wednesday, clearing the way for the school board to ratify the agreement.

Supt. Sid Thompson has said that payment to restore 2% of teachers’ salaries will be made only after Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, who as mediator forged the agreement, makes good on his promise to help the district fund the $36-million accord.

“We cannot meet the requirement of that 2% proposal without the money. That’s the bottom line,” Thompson said. “I don’t know when that will be. . . . (Brown) is controlling this.”

Neither Brown nor his aides could be reached for comment Wednesday.

Despite Thompson’s strenuous objections, Brown let stand several important contract provisions that will dramatically change the way teachers are assigned to classrooms. Principals traditionally have made teachers’ class assignments, but the contract allows for seniority to be the primary factor.

Brown has promised to use his influence to help the district obtain state waivers allowing it to use restricted funds for textbooks and school supplies to fund the contract.

United Teachers-Los Angeles President Helen Bernstein said that she received a telegram from Brown on Wednesday confirming that he had received the contract and had been advised by the district that the package will be submitted to the Board of Education for final adoption Monday.

At least one school board member, however, said that the board has not agreed to vote on the contract Monday and that Brown is pressuring members to approve a settlement they cannot pay for yet.

“This board can’t be pressed by anyone at this point, whether it be Brown, Bernstein or even the governor,” said school board member Roberta Weintraub, who abstained from voting on the settlement. “The fact is, until the money is in our hands, the board cannot sign the contract.”

Bernstein said that she expects the 2% restoration to be made in teachers’ April or May paychecks. She said that after speaking with Brown she was confident that the district will fulfill the contract terms and has pledged to join Brown and district officials in seeking additional funds.

The contract must still be reviewed by Los Angeles County Supt. of Schools Stuart Gothold, who under state law must advise the district whether the accord is financially sound.