From a Concerned Teacher Facing Loss and Recovery:
Dear Caddo Parish School Board Member,
I am one of your employees who has continually demonstrated my commitment to the boys and girls of Caddo. I am writing to express my concern regarding the one-time supplement of $1,000 you have on your agenda for March 23rd. While this amount is far less than other districts, we are further jointly insulted that you are voting to leave employees out who missed too many days for various reasons.
In October, I watched my mother, who was a faithful substitute teacher in Caddo Parish Public Schools for over 20 years, battle and succumb to cancer during a pandemic. After saying goodbye to my mother, I was diagnosed with COVID. After overcoming COVID, my doctor informed me I needed to have a major surgery.
I have worked for Caddo for 13 years, and to know I am being excluded because I chose to mourn the death of my mother and have lifesaving surgery makes me feel like I am not valued as an employee or a person. Why should I be penalized for circumstances that were not under my control? How can you tell me I am important and needed in the district while at the same time excluding me from this supplement?
I have dedicated my life to Caddo Parish and my students. Please consider my story and the story of many others like me when you vote on this supplement on March 23rd because WE, the teachers and school employees, truly are Caddo.