As a single mother living in the San Diego and Chula Vista area, the cost of living is already overwhelming. Recent hikes such as a 10% increase in rent and groceries soaring by 20-40% over the past year, have made life even more challenging. As someone who juggles the responsibility of caring for a dependent mother, while managing my finances including gas, maintenance, and insurance, the proposed reduction of $35 a day to substitute teachers’ salaries is devastating. This cut, a 14% reduction in my salary, translates to a loss of $8000 yearly. The Sweetwater District's decision to proceed with this reduction despite a stated budget shortfall is disheartening, especially when permanent teachers and classified employees are receiving a 3.5% increase.

Substitute teachers are integral to maintaining the continuity and quality of education. They provide essential services by stepping in at short notice, addressing the diverse needs of students, implementing lesson plans, and ensuring that there is no disruption in learning when regular teachers are absent. Cutting their pay undermines their indispensable contribution to our school community.

We, the members of the school community, urge the Sweetwater District to reconsider this decision. Instead of reducing salaries, which will further strain substitute teachers already dealing with an increased cost of living, we propose a fair compromise or alternative cost-saving measures that do not directly impact the salaries of essential educational staff.

Education should remain a priority, and ensuring that substitute teachers are fairly compensated is crucial to maintaining high educational standards. We urge decision-makers in the Sweetwater District to recognize the value that substitute teachers bring to the educational system and take immediate action to prevent this detrimental pay cut.

Please sign this petition to show your support for the substitute teachers who are vital to our children's education and our community's future. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that all educators receive the respect and compensation they deserve.