Children were caught up in a chaotic scene at the San Ysidro Elementary School District Office as a group of striking teachers and supporters pushed their way into the building Friday.
The protest was held in support of a teachers strike ongoing since Wednesday after last-minute negotiations between the district and teachers union failed. [[278814081,C]]
Chanting and carrying signs, dozens of people pushed against the district office doors that were guarded by what appeared to be two or three school police officers.
After several minutes, the door opened and approximately a dozen protesters made their way into the building to the sound of cheers behind them. Among those entering the building were dozens of children, some in strollers.
Esmeralda Cortez said she brought her children to be part of Friday's protest because the teachers at the school were part of her kids' lives.
"They know what's going on, the district doesn't," she said.
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Substitute teachers have been brought in so that classes could continue while the teachers were out on strike. [[278795921,C]]
"We're not walking out on our students," said teacher Beatrice Bautista. "We're fighting for their rights we're fighting for their needs."
After teachers successfully made entry into the district building, school police asked them to leave the office and stand outside. The crowd complied with no arrests.
No one was injured in the incident.
San Ysidro teachers say they’re facing a 6.5 percent pay cut and some of the worst health benefits in the county. They're also calling for smaller class sizes and more manageable workloads.
However, district officials say they're dealing with a financial crisis. Interim Superintendent George Cameron, Ed. D., says the district is in negative certification, meaning its finances are so bad that the San Diego County Office of Education has to oversee its spending. [[78785171,C]]
“Any settlement we reach with the teachers is going to have to take that into account,” Cameron said.
The teachers accuse of the district of lying about its budget and even bullying them. The district argues that it respects and supports its teachers, but needs to face financial reality.
According to Transparent California, the median teacher in the San Ysidro Elementary School District received $80,259.86 in total pay and benefits in 2013.
