Experience Matters.
Re-Elect Michelle Nelson
Gilroy Unified School District
Trustee Area 3
About Me
I’m running for reelection for the Gilroy Unified School Board because I want to continue the work I started.
I first ran for the Gilroy Unified School Board in 2020, when a prominent member of the Gilroy Teachers Association, with whom I had worked, asked me to fill a vacancy. I had previously served as a negotiator for the teachers for 24 years and President of the Association for 12. As a teacher, I had seen firsthand the issues with facilities, working conditions, and low compensation. At times, I also felt there was a lack of accountability, transparency and communication.
When I retired in 2019 after 39 years with GUSD, there had been improvement in many areas, but I thought I could continue the work I had engaged in as a union representative, but in a different capacity, particularly in the area of compensation.
I realize that our salaries have lagged behind other districts in Santa Clara County. I was on the frontlines fighting for higher compensation for years, and it was always a struggle. Part of the reason is that other districts have a higher tax base, with revenues far ahead of Gilroy’s. We will never catch up with those.
I have encouraged both sides (in Open Session) to agree on a list of comparable districts, with the same funding sources and similar demographics as GUSD’s. It doesn’t fix the problem, but it’s a start.
On the brighter side, we have an extremely competitive benefit package. Sometimes, teachers don’t think about this, because they don’t see it, but the contribution from the district is significant: $14,026.32 annually for single coverage, $28,052.64 for 2-party coverage, and $36,468.48 for family coverage. GUSD also contributes toward dental and vision. What this means is the employee’s out-of-pocket cost is less than it would be otherwise.
For contrast, the Morgan Hill Unified School District contributes $9,600 for single coverage, $12,600 for 2-party, and $15,600 for family.
Furthermore, GUSD has made health coverage equitable for all employee groups, as we believe that everyone’s health is equally important.
In addition, we have not closed a school since 2020, and have not had layoffs since 2011. Our financial status is excellent and we are extremely fortunate to have a stable and competent administrative team. We also have a cohesive Board of Education. We can respectfully disagree, then move on.
Our bottom line should be to provide the best education possible for our children. It is clear that there is room for improvement. Our attendance and proficiency levels are not where they should be. There are many factors responsible for our results, most of which are beyond our control, but we must not give up.
39
Years
Serving GUSD
6
years
School Board Member
24
Years
Teacher’s Union Negotiator
Get Involved
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