DOWNEY : County Resolves Pay Dispute With Teachers

The county Office of Education has agreed to pay $4,000 each to nine special-education teachers who claimed they were underpaid, and is considering similar claims of at least $100,000 from 85 other teachers.

The teachers, who instruct physically, mentally or emotionally handicapped students in schools throughout the county, requested compensation for such activities as overseeing recess, helping students on buses and escorting students between classes. The teachers contended that such responsibilities should be counted as paid instructional time.

Attorney Joseph Semitian, who represents the Office of Education in Downey, said an administrative review procedure will be established to reconcile future differences over instructional pay.