Nearly Half of Teachers in District Stage Sick-Out

Nearly half of the teachers at Compton’s three high schools called in sick Friday in an ongoing protest over the lack of a contract.

Thurman Johnson, associate superintendent of the Compton Unified School District, said 118 of the district’s 243 high school instructors were absent. Administrators and substitutes took over teaching duties.

Teachers at various elementary, middle and high schools in Compton have called in sick over the last two months. They have been working without a contract this school year.

The teachers, who complain they are among the lowest paid in Los Angeles County, want a comprehensive revision of the pay scale that would increase some teacher salaries as much as 12%. The district is offering a 6% pay raise.