Comment: It's sad to read the many negative comments about teacher's salaries and benefits, especially considering 35 plus students per class. Unfortunately, it's not unusual, in all parts of the country.  I was in high school teaching for four years in California. Left as soon as I could, partly for the lack of support from local school board and community.  Fortunately, the National Science Foundation paid me to get my M.S. degree in Chemistry with all fees covered. I quickly moved on to an outstanding community college at one of the highest paying colleges in the country.  The respect from community, administration, and students was the difference between night and day.  

By having decent salaries and benefits, Eugene is able to attract the better teachers from all parts of the country.  Consider this (baby sitting wages): $10 an hour per student times 35 students equals $350 per class.  Five classes at $1750 a day times 190 days equals $332,500 per year.  $103,000 a year is a bargain!