By Cheryl Ayers Senior administrative assistant, SMMUSD
I am writing in reference to a recent guest commentary published in the Santa Monica Daily Press by SMMUSD board member Shane McLoud in which he attacked the classified employees in the district (SMDP, Oct. 30, page 8).
LETTERS, from page 6 I am one of the administrative assistants of which he speaks. I have been employed for over 35 years in the secretarial field and have worked for the district for “only” 15 years. I hold a secretarial science degree in order to provide my “moderate skills.”
Mr. McLoud’s contempt of classified employees in the Santa Monica-Malibu district is unbelievable. Where would our district’s 12,555 students be without the support that these “highly paid” carpenters, electricians, administrative assistant, etc. provide? What part does electricity play in education he asks? We have two electricians — one who is almost 100 percent devoted to the alarm systems in our schools. And, how about that plumber (we have one) he spoke of — we don’t need working facilities at the school sites? Most, if not all, of the positions you speak of are employees who have spent many years of dedicated service — some in excess of 30 years. Our one locksmith maintains all of the locks in all of the facilities in our district. Our metal worker (one) provides the support for all of the lockers at our middle schools and high schools. Not to mention security for our children provided by the electrician (alarms), locksmith (locks) and metal worker (fencing).
These “moderately skilled” employees maintain our 18 school sites, all of our child care facilities and the city of Santa Monica’s CREST program. All in all, our classified employees do a great job in support of our schools and our administrators.
Morale is already low in the district due to cuts and vacant positions not being filled. Mr. McLoud’s lack of support lowers it more.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 4, 2004. Read the original PDF.