KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
The negotiating team will meet with the district this afternoon to hear a presentation regarding the 2025-2026 state budget from our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Nguyen. Our ABCFT master contract survey was sent to members only on January 16. This survey closes on January 31. The negotiating team will then meet on February 3 to review the survey as we prepare to head to the bargaining table.
Thank you to those who participated in our YOUnion chat this week. We had a positive discussion about salary scales and benefits packages. The moving target nature of data reporting and the difficulty in comparing apples to apples in terms of total compensation by like districts remain a challenge. The “soft” part of our salary schedule for our mid-career members was noted again, as was the importance of a strong benefits package to help retain these teachers and nurses. Our district features coverage for the entire family; I hesitate to label it as free because there is an associated cost. Some members pointed out that in previous districts where they had worked, they could pay sizable health care premiums for what is wholly covered in ABCUSD. While we do have the choice of receiving cash in lieu of benefits, there is no a la carte option to get one portion of the district contribution put towards a benefit package, and the remaining part is going to the salary scale.
We did get a “golden handshake” question, and while we have not begun formal negotiations and don’t want to bargain via this update, I will share that it has been part of our previous proposals. The logic of it continues to make sense; if the district can incentivize teachers who are close to retirement into leaving then that allows for more savings to hire newer teachers who make less on the pay scale. The scattergram, or employee’s placement in terms of years served, is what the district would be looking at while matching that with their placement needs. If they have a large number of employees who are, in their estimation, likely to retire anyway, then they may not see the need to offer an incentive. If they have a number of members who are further away from the typical standard for retirement, the question becomes, what would it take to get them to file their retirement paperwork? The tension is in finding a place where the district feels that funding an incentive to achieve a targeted number of retirements is “worth it,” while the members want to see a number that makes it “worth it” to them.
I will write about the state budget workshops we recently attended in more detail during a later update, but here are some initial takeaways: TK-14 does pretty well in this budget proposal, particularly compared to other sectors. There has been a modest increase in ongoing resources, flexible one-time money, and fewer new programs or obligations. There is an improved economic outlook since the 2024 Budget Act - inflation cooling, stronger than anticipated performance in the overall economy, stock market, and cash receipts. Governor Newsom keeps his focus on major programs - UTK, ELOP, and Universal School Meals. Significant changes in revenue estimates are possible by the May Revision.
These budget conferences are well organized and informative, but they often feel as if the target audience is the business services part of the audience. Just yesterday, a comment was made that “after the main presentation, we are going to have an after party for the CBOs.” This was the first time I was aware that the CBOs in fact had an after party! In terms of pop culture, I can trace my career arc by the warm-up music played at these events. I could be high and mighty when it felt resolutely safe and old school, with most of the artists originating from the 60’s and 70’s. But this Gen X’er was taken aback when they played Everclear this time around. Everclear’s Sparkle and Fade album from 1995 is a personal favorite. Those songs conjure memories of freedom and rebellion…not the background tunes for a state budget. Cue Abe Simpson from the Homerpalooza episode, “It’ll happen to you”, right? I have become “that guy” who thinks the playlist at Nordstrom Rack is pretty good. If “She Sells Sanctuary” is playing, I’m staying. It just hurts a little bit that I might be hearing it at a market or a bank!
In Unity,
MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES
Dear ABCFT Members,
Join the AFT Professional Learning team this February for an engaging series of FREE virtual workshops designed exclusively for AFT members. These dynamic sessions aim to energize you for the winter season and equip you with practical, ready-to-use strategies for your classroom. With a wide array of topics—ranging from differentiated instruction and integrating technology to engaging civics lessons—there’ssomething valuable for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to refresh your skills and enhance your teaching toolkit.
Workshops begin Feb. 3, and space is limited. Register now to secure your spots!
Workshop Offerings
Full descriptions, dates and times can be found online at aftpd.org/program/winterpd. These workshops will take place on Zoom. Please plan to join through a device that accommodates Zoom interaction.
Civics 101
We’ll dive into the core tenets of civics education, the pillars of democracy and tackle the question “What is truth?” Be prepared to engage with other members in discerning misinformation from disinformation as we equip you with the tools and strategies to be informed digital citizens. You will walk away with strategies you can implement the next day in your classroom, work site and in daily life.Differentiating Instruction
This Strategies for Student Success (SSS) module will examine three models of differentiated instruction: Tomlinson’s tiered lessons, Conklin’s choice boards and Sternberg’s triarchic model.Students, Advanced Technology and Learning
Today’s students are regularly using advanced technology as they tap into their natural inclination to access information, communicate and create. It is essential for all educators to have the opportunity to build their own knowledge and skills with advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, in order to use it most effectively for instruction.Students with Challenges
In education, currency is a medium of exchange, and any behavior students use to acquire knowledge and skills functions as currency. However, students who are “wired” differently or face traumatic experiences may not possess this currency. This session demonstrates how to meet students where they are to ensure success.Teach Them to Think
There seems to be little time to teach the soft skills that standards and curricula have always demanded. In this SSS module, we will show educators how to make decision-making, problem-solving and assessing the reliability of a source more explicit during instruction.Trauma-Informed Strategies to Help Students Heal
Participants will learn and practice 10 research-based trauma-informed practices to boost student resilience and will gain a deeper understanding of how adversity can impact children’s developing brains, bodies and behaviors. Participants receive materials by mail. Deadline to register is Jan. 22.
Workshops begin Feb. 3, and space is limited. Register now to secure your spots!
Resources to support LGTBQ+ youth at school
With the beginning of the second Trump administration just getting underway, now is a good time to review important resources available to us to support LGTBQ+ youth at school.
CDE page on supporting LGBTQ+ students – The California Department of Education has an excellent page which includes instructional guidance, law, and policies for local educational agencies to support LGBTQ+ students and provide safe learning environments that protect the health and safety of all students.
EQCA Safe and Supportive Schools Resource Center – Equality California has put together this comprehensive resources page that includes essential information and resources to foster a safe and supportive climate at school for all students.
GLSEN resources – GLSEN has comprehensive materials and resources to help cultivate a safe and supportive environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Includes how to be a supportive educator and advocate for inclusive and affirming curriculum.
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Ray Gaer
Consistent and regular communication is a union’s most important tool for advocating for its members at the bargaining table. Every conversation with members is focused on the result of negotiating for the future prosperity and well-being of ALL ABCFT members. This weekly report informs members about issues impacting their working/learning conditions and mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation and united, we make the YOUnion.
“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” — Elie Wiesel
This week, we have a new U.S. President, and in the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, many are feeling exhausted, worried, and unsure about the future. As much as I would like to put my head on the ground and not think about the fast-moving train of political changes and natural disasters, I know I need to stay aware of what is happening worldwide.
The biggest lesson many learned during the pandemic is that we must take care of ourselves physically and mentally. Look at the positives to help you overcome the challenges. Focus on the things you can control and not dive too deep into social media. Trust the process. Elected officials, labor unions, and advocates are on the front lines, fighting for the rights of all citizens regardless of their immigration status. I appreciate that the ABC Superintendent put out a statement of support for protecting from discrimination, for promoting safe schools, and for protecting the privacy of our students, families, and ABC employees.
We have collectively worked hard to build an ABC education community that supports students, their families, and all educators. We have award-winning schools with outstanding teachers, nurses, and staff. We have site and program administrators who are supportive and actively working to help their staff navigate daily challenges. We have a district administration that values what teachers and nurses bring to the classroom learning equation. Most importantly, we have a school board that supports diversity, inclusion, and the value of all employees and the future of our students. All of these attributes make a district we are built to withstand the elements of change and disruption, and together, we will rally and support one another, our students, and their families. We are ABC and fighting for what we believe in as “easy as ABC” (it just takes a lot of training, meetings, endless paperwork etc. LOL).
Ruben and I attended a couple of essential budget meetings this week, and we gathered as many resources as possible so we can pass those on to you over the next month in digestible chunks. Next week I’ll add on to the joint statements that Dr. Castro and I worked on as a result of the TK/K Empathy Interviews. I’d like to highlight the process strengths, how we achieved the results, and the path forward.
I hope you had a good week in the classroom and could stay focused on the key to our future sitting at a classroom desk right there in front of you. Our students are watching us and will look to us as a guiding voice and a steady hand.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
More details on Governor Newsom’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year
In his January budget proposal last week, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a $322.2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year that includes a 2.43% COLA for K-14 education. The Governor’s proposed budget also defers the 5% base funding increase for the University of California and a funding cut of 7.95% of the UC’s ongoing funding from the state general fund.
CFT will continue to advocate for full funding of California schools, including resources above and beyond the governor’s current proposal. Full and stable funding through progressive taxation is critical, especially with potential cuts in federal funding threatened by the incoming Trump administration.
For the highlights and overview of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget, click here.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FEDERATION
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
President Trump's executive order reshapes Title IX
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that reverses the Biden administration's efforts to extend Title IX protections to transgender students. The order, one of many published on Monday, defines sex strictly as male and female, impacting government documents and civil rights laws. The move has drawn criticism from educators and LGBTQ+ activists, with leaders like Becky Pringle of the National Education Association arguing that it undermines the needs of students. The order is part of a broader trend of limiting transgender rights, as seen in recent legislative actions across the country. Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, noted that many organizations were prepared for such political challenges. In other news, Trump has selected Penny Schwinn, the former Tennessee Education Commissioner, to take on the role of Deputy Secretary of Education in his new administration. “Penny has a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for children and families,” Trump stated. “As a former teacher, she went on to become the founding principal of a charter school, driven by her belief in School Choice. She is dedicated to helping the next generation achieve the American Dream by restoring control of education to the states.” With Linda McMahon awaiting her confirmation hearing as Education Secretary, Denise Carter, acting chief operating officer at Federal Student Aid, will head the department on an interim basis.
The Hill The Tennessee Tribune Education Week
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Penny Schwinn: Trump's education pick
Penny Schwinn has been nominated by President Donald Trump for the position of deputy secretary of education. Known for her significant contributions to education in Sacramento, Schwinn founded Capitol Collegiate Academy, a charter school aimed at supporting socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Trump praised her, stating she has a “strong record of delivering results for children and families.” After her tenure in Sacramento, Schwinn held various educational leadership roles, including chief deputy commissioner of Academics in Texas and education commissioner in Tennessee. Her time in Texas was marked by controversy over a no-bid contract related to special education data. Most recently, she served as the University of Florida's vice president of PK-12 programs before her departure following the resignation of UF President Ben Sasse.
The Sacramento Bee The Tennessee Tribune Education Week
New immigration policy sparks controversy
Federal immigration authorities are now authorized to arrest individuals in sensitive locations, including schools and churches, marking a significant policy shift. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman stated: “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.” This change contrasts sharply with the previous policies under the Biden administration, which aimed to protect these areas from enforcement actions. Several schools said they were fielding calls from worried parents about rumors that immigration agents would try to enter schools, but it was too early to tell whether large numbers of families are keeping their children home. Educators at Georgia Fugees Academy Charter School have learned even students and families in the country legally are intimidated by Trump’s wide-ranging proposals to deport millions of immigrants and roll back non-citizens' rights. “They’re not even at risk of deportation and they’re still scared,” Chief Operating Officer Luma Mufleh said. Officials at the small Atlanta charter school focused on serving refugees and immigrants expected so many students to miss school the day after Trump took office that educators accelerated the school’s exam schedule so students wouldn’t miss important tests.
Florida schools face start time shakeup
In Florida, a new proposal by Sen. Jennifer Bradley aims to repeal the 2023 legislation mandating later start times for high and middle schools. The current law requires middle schools to start no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Supporters argue that these changes would benefit students' sleep and health, but school districts have raised concerns about logistical challenges, particularly with bus schedules. Okeechobee County Superintendent Dylan Tedders emphasized: “That system works for us,” highlighting the complexities of adjusting start times. A report from the Legislature's Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability noted that 48% of public high schools currently start before 7:30 a.m. The proposal will be considered in the upcoming legislative session starting March 4th.
Abbott pushes for K-12 DEI ban
Gov. Greg Abbott is advocating for a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 public schools in Texas. He warned: “No taxpayer dollars will be used to fund DEI in our schools,” emphasizing a focus on fundamental education rather than what he calls indoctrination. This proposed ban would extend the existing law that prohibits DEI programs at colleges and universities, which was enacted two years ago. Abbott's comments were prompted by a video showing a Richardson school district official discussing policies regarding transgender students. The push for this ban reflects a broader trend among Texas officials to limit discussions on gender and race in education. Abbott's initiative has garnered support from state lawmakers, including Sen. Brandon Creighton, who views the current DEI law as a national model. As public education funding becomes a central issue in the 2025 legislative session, Abbott is also looking to advance a school voucher program.
Denton Record-Chronicle The Gilmer Mirror
Parents push for K-12 school choice
In post-COVID America, parent demand for K-12 school choice remains high, with over 60% of U.S. parents considering alternative schools last year, according to the National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF). Black parents showed the highest interest at 68%, while military families also expressed significant interest. Despite strong interest in public education, many parents are exploring private schools, homeschooling, and micro-schools. NSCAF President and CEO Andrew Campanella emphasized the importance of starting the school choice process early, saying: “The more time families have, the more likely they are to complete it.” While 25 states have expanded school choice options, bureaucratic barriers still hinder parents. Campanella noted that addressing these barriers could enhance funding for traditional public schools, as funding is tied to enrollment. Ultimately, 28% of parents who considered new schools enrolled their children elsewhere, with 60% choosing public schools.
----- STATE NEWS -----
Protests erupt over border patrol policy
On January 14, 2025, protests erupted in Bakersfield against a new Border Patrol directive allowing immigration enforcement near schools. California officials, including Alex Traverso from the State Board of Education, emphasized that “schools must be safe spaces, not sites of fear.” The directive, issued by Department of Homeland Security acting secretary Benjamine Huffman, reverses a 2011 policy that protected sensitive locations from immigration enforcement. California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the move: “It is disappointing... that President Trump... is focusing on making his inhumane and irresponsible mass deportation agenda a reality.” Local education leaders, including Debra Duardo of the Los Angeles County Office of Education, reaffirmed their commitment to protecting students' rights, emphasizing that “all students possess the right to a public education, independent of their immigration status.” Teachers’ unions also voiced strong opposition, pledging to protect every student regardless of immigration status.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Pasadena schools set to reopen
Pasadena USD has announced a phased reopening plan for schools affected by the Eaton fire. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco announced: “We are expecting approximately 3,400 students to be able to return,” starting with Tier 1 schools on January 23. These schools include Hamilton Elementary and Blair High School. Tier 2 schools are set to reopen on January 27, while Tier 3 schools are expected to resume on January 30. The reopening timeline is contingent on passing environmental safety tests conducted by the California Office of Emergency Services. Blanco expressed hope that some Tier 3 schools might advance to Tier 2 based on cleaning progress and test results. The district aims to have all students back in classrooms by January 30.
Pasadena Star-News SGV Tribune
Riverside school board rejects transgender sports repeal
The Riverside school board voted 3-2 against a proposal to lobby for the repeal of a law allowing transgender athletes to participate in sports. Board member Amanda Vickers, who supported the proposal, said: “The current system is not working; someone needs to stand up for our girls.” However, Board President Brent Lee emphasized the need for a replacement solution before considering such a repeal. Critics of the proposal argued it was anti-trans and harmful, with Jonelle Bates from the Inland Empire Prism Collective highlighting that “trans youths experience detrimental effects to their health and mental well-being when they are pushed out of affirming spaces.” The board's decision reflects ongoing tensions surrounding transgender rights in athletics, particularly following a federal lawsuit alleging discrimination against female athletes.
Press Enterprise Redlands Daily Facts
----- WORKFORCE ----
Indiana teachers could see pay boost
On Wednesday, Indiana senators discussed a significant proposal aimed at enhancing teacher support through Senate Bill 146. This bill would introduce paid parental leave for teachers for the first time, granting 20 days of leave for various family-related events, including childbirth and adoption. Currently, teachers can only access unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The bill, authored by Republican Sen. Linda Rogers, also proposes raising the minimum salary for teachers from $40,000 to $45,000. Secretary of Education Katie Jenner noted that nearly 25% of Indiana's school districts already provide some form of paid leave. If passed, this legislation could make Indiana more appealing to both current and prospective educators.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Students fear Trump’s immigration plans
With President Donald Trump settling back into office, international students at Bay Area universities have expressed deep concerns about his potential immigration policies. Many institutions, including the University of California and California State University, have pledged to support undocumented students and those facing immigration challenges. The Higher Ed Immigration Portal estimates over 408,000 students in the U.S. are living illegally, with 87,000 enrolled in California colleges. Students like Fan Yang from China worry about their ability to return to the U.S. after graduation. Bay Area schools are committed to protecting student privacy and not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, aiming to alleviate fears among their communities.
----- LEGAL -----
Supreme Court takes up parents' fight over LGBTQ+ books
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday it will hear Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case that would determine whether school districts violate parents’ First Amendment religious rights when they don’t provide notice or a way to opt children out of curriculum related to gender and sexuality. The case was brought against Maryland’s Montgomery County Board of Education by a group of Christian and Muslim parents, represented by he Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, in reaction to a pre-K-5 LGBTQ+-inclusive language arts curriculum. The books included “My Rainbow,” about a mother who makes a rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, and “Love, Violet,” a story about a girl who develops a crush on her female classmate. Another book, “Pride Puppy!”, concerns a puppy who gets lost during a gay pride parade. “Cramming down controversial gender ideology on three-year-olds without their parents’ permission is an affront to our nation’s traditions, parental rights, and basic human decency,” commented Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket. “The Court must make clear: parents, not the state, should be the ones deciding how and when to introduce their children to sensitive issues about gender and sexuality.” The case is expected to be argued this spring.
USA Today The Hill K-12 Dive New York Times
----- INTERNATIONAL -----
Taliban official wants schools to be opened to girls
Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban's acting deputy foreign minister, has publicly urged the leadership to open schools for Afghan girls, marking a significant rebuke of the current policies that have led to international isolation. In a recent speech, he stated "We request the leaders of the Islamic Emirate to open the doors of education," emphasizing that restrictions on girls' education contradict Islamic Sharia law. Stanekzai highlighted the injustice faced by the female population, noting, "Today, out of a population of 40 million, we are committing injustice against 20 million people." Despite previous promises to reopen schools, the Taliban has yet to provide a timeline for girls' education, which remains a contentious issue affecting their recognition on the global stage.
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- Cancer Coverage
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The best part? Most of our benefits are guaranteed renewable for life, meaning you can keep them even if you switch districts or retire.
We’re so thankful for the strong partnership we have with ABCFT, and we look forward to continuing to support and serve your incredible educators.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out anytime:
- Leann Blaisdell: 562-822-5004 | leann.blaisdell@horacemann.com
- Shannon Donovan: 714-727-8261 | shannon.donovan@horacemann.com