GARFIELD Gleanings
by Marcia Walerstein-Sibony, Garfield Guild Steward

     Construction of the new facilities is bringing some headaches, notably the impending lack of parking spaces. At a division meeting on Oct. 5, the administration stated that the 20 or so places left beside the building should go to student parking. The faculty say they need it.  Many teachers are on a schedule that doesn’t allow for distant parking.  Let’s hope we can get this problem solved in a way which is relatively convenient for all the teachers, considering what they have to shlep, their ages, and the tight multi-job schedules many have.

     A lot of classes are now being held in the temporary trailers.  Although that may sound primitive, they are a far sight better than the old bungalows.  These are the portable classrooms seen throughout the schools in the greater L.A. area, and are actually very well designed for teaching, with such mundane conveniences as walls that will accept thumbtacks; a sink, for whatever reason; a relatively functioning air conditioning system, and restrooms with school children-sized potties, to remind us of our previous school days.

The cut in parity
     The cut in parity funds from Sacramento, which resulted in a 3.76% reduction in salary was unanticipated, announced as a given only in early September, with notification that this may happen in late August.  It has already had a sizeable effect on our October paycheck. What, if anything can be done about this is a matter of negotiations.  I had hoped for better news by now, but nothing has been worked out. 

The Garfield Master Plan
     The first meeting of a representative between the KH Consulting Group, which has been hired to develop a master plan, and faculty, students, staff, and administration, took place on Monday, Oct. 5. Each group had a separate meeting. There was a fair amount of criticism as to how the meeting with faculty was conducted, but it is the beginning of a chance for all to air their opinions and offer their visions for the future of the Garfield Campus. With luck, our comments will be well considered before the next meeting.

     Once again, this is a new column, and I don’t necessarily have to be the author of all articles.  But I strongly encourage you to use this as a civilized forum to express your informed opinions or have a discussion about issues which concern the Garfield Campus faculty. Meanwhile, as Guild steward, I am taking the responsibility for the column.

     That’s all for now.

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