CUSD teachers call for fair pay

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA,KSWT, T3)-Teachers across Calexico this morning took to the streets to demonstrate their support for fair wages.

Teachers and staff at the Calexico Unified School District are at risk of losing some of their healthcare benefits.

The school board and the Associated Calexico Teachers Union (ACT), are currently negotiating the livelihood of Calexico teachers.

Calexico teachers said they are long overdue for a raise and that their salary is not competitive with other school districts in the valley.

"Our biggest calling card is that we have great insurance and in order to entice teachers we need to keep that plus increase our base," said Darla Dreesen, ACT Vice President.

"We're having a very difficult time, getting teachers to want to apply to our district," said Ellie Holloway, Calexico High School English teacher.

Holloway said many students currently have substitute teachers as instructors due to a high number of vacant positions in the district. She said parents should be concerned.

"We have under-qualified teachers that are applying, if we do this we are going to lose the qualified teachers we have. They're going to go to other districts and earn more money," said Holloway.

We reached out to Calexico school board members and the district's superintendent. We are waiting to hear back from them.