As Brentwood teachers push back on unpaid hours, Heritage High clubs hit pause button - Local News Matters

Teachers at Heritage High School in Brentwood have limited their involvement in extracurricular clubs due to ongoing negotiations over wages and working conditions. The adoption of a “work-to-rule” policy has restricted teachers to their contracted hours, impacting club activities. Maxwell Lim, who advises multiple clubs, lamented that three of his five clubs have become inactive because advising requires unpaid hours. Students have felt the impact as events and meetings are postponed, with robotics team member Esra Halloum noting that the situation has disrupted students' schedules. While many students are disappointed, they also express a growing understanding of the teachers’ challenges and the need for fair compensation.

Jessica Banchieri, Heritage’s club manager, highlighted the dedication teachers show by giving up their duty-free lunch to support students. The situation underscores the longstanding issue of unpaid overtime in education, prompting discussions about fair treatment for teachers. As negotiations continue, the future of club activities remains uncertain.