Policy

A Teachers' Strike in Paradise

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South Orange County is a suburban paradise is southern California. The climate is unbeatable, the surfing is great and the public schools are performing well. But not everything is perfect in the Capistrano Unified School District.

In April 2010, 2,200 teachers went on strike for three days after the school board imposed a 10 percent pay cut. The children who attended school during the strike had to walk past their teachers who, instead of preparing for class, were marching in front of the school with picket signs reading "It's not about the money" and "We'd rather be teaching."

Some parents honked in support of the union as they drove by. Other parents were frustrated by union members who were unwilling to work out a compromise with a district that is facing a $34 million budget deficit. Lots of parents talked about using the strike as "a teaching moment."

Reason.tv's Paul Feine talked to the school board president, the president of the union, teachers and parents to learn more.

Approximately 8.5 minutes. Produced and hosted by Paul Feine. Shot by Alex Manning and Paul Feine. Edited by Alex Manning.

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