MEMBERSHIP DUES UPDATE
In September 2024, ABCFT discovered an error in our dues calculation for that one month. This was detailed in an email sent on October 1.
This discrepancy resulted in a one-time overcharge of $7.51 for full-time members.
At that time, we stated that we would update the membership as soon as we determined a solution. We have been working with Human Resources and the Payroll department and can report the plan moving forward.
The one-time overcharge will be distributed over the remaining eight paychecks of the year (December, January, February, March, April, May, June, and July). It was requested that we spread the dues “fix” over the rest of the year rather than as a one-time deduction. Link to Adjusted Dues Schedule here
So, for most members, beginning in December and continuing through their June paycheck, there will be a 94-cent reduction in their monthly dues to make up for their one-time overcharge of $7.51. Thank you for your patience regarding the resolution of this matter, and thank you to Human Resources and Payroll for working with us to come up with this solution.
KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
On Tuesday, I joined district and community members on a school bus tour highlighting the work completed as a result of Measure BB. In 2018, local voters passed a measure authorizing 258 million dollars of bonds for school improvements. The tour visited Fedde Middle School, Bragg Elementary School, and Gahr High School. The different phases of implementation began in the high schools and middle schools. Bragg was featured as the first elementary school to receive some of the upgrades, so we were able to get a preview of what to expect at our other elementary sites.
In her remarks before the bus tour began, Board President Tse expressed her gratitude to the voters for passing this bond and noted the timing of the Thanksgiving holiday to recognize the positive improvements being made. The emphasis on school safety can be seen with additional cameras or strengthening ingress and egress points at different sites. There was a stated goal of parity: every site won’t receive exactly the same things, but based on their identified needs, they will receive improvements that are equivalent to other schools.
Some context: while Measure BB passed, a similar school bond, Measure AA failed some years earlier. ABCFT supported both school bond measures. They were explicitly targeted for school improvements and not for compensation purposes but we felt strongly that supporting the infrastructure of our district and investing in the future of our students was the right thing to do. A refrain during the bus tour was that the buying power of Measure BB has necessarily been compromised by inflation. That the rising construction costs since its passing mean that we may not be able to achieve everything on the original plan. So while it was gratifying to see some of these long hoped for projects come to fruition, there also should be an acknowledgment of opportunities that were not maximized as a result of not passing the initial bond the first time around.
I did joke that for every upgrade that takes place out of sight, there is an understandable desire to “see” some tangible gain. Brand new wiring inside the walls or improved connectivity is a laudable goal that enhances our student's ability to access technology, but if a community member wanted to be able to point to a visible thing, where is the “wow” factor? So I am pleased to report that there was indeed plenty of “sizzle” to be observed. For example, the media center/library at Gahr looked equivalent to a college-level space for students. I was interested in the balance between improving some of the existing infrastructure and the construction of brand-new spaces for educators and students. The classrooms and larger common areas we observed had new technology and additional space for support personnel.
However, my biggest takeaway was how much activity was going on at each site. The bus tour took place between 3 and 6 p.m. During this afterschool time frame, we saw intervention services and dual enrollment classrooms. Our EXCELS program was servicing students, and Gahr band members and soccer players were on campus. The classrooms we visited were filled with engaging and inspiring material. They reflected the conscientious effort of our ABCFT members. Our members work diligently and late into the day to serve our students.
So, to echo Board President Tse, I, too, am grateful this week before Thanksgiving. I am thankful to work alongside teachers and nurses who provide innovative and caring services for our students. Enjoy your Fall Break! My three kids will be home together for the first time since August so the Mancillas family is excited. I hope everyone can have a restful holiday that allows you to recharge your batteries and reconnect with loved ones.
In Unity,
(Thanks to district communications officer Scott Smith for the photo credit!)
RESOURCES - IMMIGRATION & DEPORTATION CONCERNS
We know there are serious concerns from educators, students, families, and community leaders about the mass deportation threats under the Trump Administration. There are many unknowns, but it’s important to remind our members and leaders that immigrant students and families have rights. There are things educators and schools can do to help immigrant communities prepare. Families should create a Family Immigration Emergency Plan if they don’t have one already. The Department of Homeland Security has had a long-standing policy on sensitive locations that safeguard protected areas from immigration enforcement actions ie, schools, hospitals, rallies, and places of worship. The Trump administration kept those in place during the first term and was strengthened under the Biden Administration. It’s unclear if this policy will remain with the appointment of the new border czar, Tom Homan, but educators and families need to prepare. Here are a couple of documents that might be helpful.
Q&A to help educators help impacted families on Colorin Colorado developed by our Ed Issues team with clear and specific tips on how to make children feel less anxious, stem bullying, and encourage families to seek help from community based organizations.
One pager, reaffirming the rights of immigrant students and the do’s and don’ts when encountering an immigration officer.The law is clear. All students, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a K-12 public education. Denying children residing in the United States a public education based on their immigration status, or the perceived status of their parents or legal guardians, is illegal.
Creating a family emergency plan of action, one pager (English/Spanish)
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - SOCIAL SECURITY PENALTIES
Repeal Unfair Social Security Penalties (S. 597/H.R. 82)
The U.S. Congress is currently attempting to pass the Social Security Fairness Act, which would fully repeal GPO/WEP.
More than 2.8 million hard-working Americans, including many educators, have their Social Security benefits reduced—or lose them entirely—due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
The Social Security Fairness Act (S. 597/H.R. 82) fully repeals both the GPO and WEP. In a huge leap forward, Reps. Garret Graves (R-LA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced a discharge petition to force Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the bill to the floor. On Sept. 20, we reached the magic number of signatories to the discharge petition—a majority of 218—that triggers a floor vote on the Social Security Fairness Act.
On Nov. 12, for the first time ever, the House passed H.R. 82 by a vote of 327-75.
The bipartisan push to repeal the GPO/WEP is a direct result of your advocacy and the momentum we have built. It also shows that reaching across the aisle can get results, even in these fractious times!
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.
Click the picture or here for the video link.
Have a great Fall Break!
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Remembering former UESF President Dennis Kelly
We are very saddened to report the passing of CFT Council of Retired Members President and former UESF president Dennis Kelly. In addition to being one of the founding leaders of UESF, Dennis was a stalwart member and leader of CFT and AFT for decades. He was also a foundational figure in San Francisco labor and politics, mostly through the San Francisco Labor Council.
Dennis’s teaching career and unionism began in the 1960s in San Francisco, and since that time, he was always in the mix fighting for the members and for all working families.
For his incredible service to CFT, Dennis won the Ben Rust Award in 2018, our union’s highest honor. He will not only be remembered for his leadership, but also for his wit, his speeches, his categorical knowledge of Robert's Rules of Order, and his caricature drawings.
Rest in Power Dennis.
The latest CFT articles and news stories can be found here on the PreK12 news feed on the CFT.org website.
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
AFT President Randi Weingarten on Nomination of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education
WASHINGTON—In response to President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education, AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement:
“While the job of education secretary should not be a consolation prize, we are pleased that Linda McMahon wanted to teach in her early life and that her work on the Connecticut State Board of Education led to her interest in literacy and building career pathways.
“We will try to work with anyone who puts the aspirations of our students, families and communities first. That means strengthening public education, not undermining it. Voters made it clear that’s what they wanted in November’s down-ballot elections.
“We look forward to learning more about Linda McMahon, and if she is confirmed we will reach out to her as we did with Betsy DeVos at the beginning of her tenure. We hope Donald Trump means it when he says he wants a focus on project-based instruction, career and technical education and apprenticeships. This will improve education and job options, making schools more relevant and engaging for young people.
“But we question the future of these popular ideas and more if the Trump administration follows through with plans to close the Department of Education, leaving in doubt a federal-funding lifeline that disproportionately goes to children in need, children with disabilities and young adults who are the first in their families to go to college.
“And college has always been the engine to innovation and opportunity in America, to individual growth and improvement, as well as strengthening communities, which is why we fight so hard for young people to be able to attend without pauperizing student debt, and for educators to have the academic freedom and supports they need for our young people to soar.
"Families with wealth may be able to cover these college and university costs, but not the working-class and middle-class families that we serve every day and have the honor to represent. And speaking of my members, they have always wanted and understood the importance of local schools and local control, not state control. They want the latitude to teach, not test, to meet their students' needs.
"They are asking, 'Who's going to fund services for kids with special needs in Mississippi? What happens to poor kids in South Dakota, Montana and Alaska? How do we ensure there is funding to prepare students for career opportunities? For college? “Will Linda McMahon support us as we teach students to read? Will she protect kids and families, so that everyone in a school feels welcome and can learn?’
“We don’t know the answers to these questions. And while we expect that we will disagree with Linda McMahon on many issues, our devotion to kids requires us to work together on policies that can improve the lives of students, their families, their educators and their communities.”
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
LAUSD takes a stand on immigration
In response to the anticipated return of President-elect Donald Trump, Los Angeles USD is taking decisive action to reaffirm its commitment to immigrant and LGBTQ+ protections. Board President Jackie Goldberg stated, “We're going to fight you, every inch of the way,” during her last meeting before retirement. Four emergency resolutions were introduced, including one to update policies ensuring respectful treatment of all individuals, regardless of gender identity. The resolutions also address the rise in anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, aiming to protect students and families from discrimination. Additionally, a proposal for a new high school course on contemporary political issues is under consideration, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in understanding current events. The district's actions reflect a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students amidst a changing political landscape.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Over 10,000 book bans reported nationwide
OPEN America's report “Banned in the USA: Beyond the Shelves” reveals a staggering 10,046 book bans in U.S. school districts during the 2023-24 school year, affecting 4,231 titles. Florida and Iowa led the way, with over 4,500 and 3,600 bans, respectively. The report highlights that 60% of the banned books target young adult readers, addressing critical issues like mental health and substance abuse. “This broad campaign uses falsehoods, fear, and hatred to dehumanize, dismiss, and diminish important voices in the public sphere,” the authors state, emphasizing the negative impact on K-12 education and public libraries. The findings underscore a troubling trend of educational censorship, particularly against works featuring LGBTQ+ themes and people of color.
Trump picks Linda McMahon for Education Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, a billionaire and former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment, to serve as the next secretary of the Department of Education. The choice surprised many education experts, as McMahon was not on the initial shortlist. Trump praised her as a “fierce advocate for parents' rights,” emphasizing her commitment to school choice and local control over education. Critics, including Shaun Harper from USC, expressed concern over her lack of educational experience, saying, “America's schoolchildren and college students deserved an Education Secretary who brings deep education experience.” Supporters, however, believe her business acumen will benefit the education system. McMahon's past roles include leading the Small Business Administration and serving on the Connecticut Board of Education. In the near future, she could potentially be tasked with overseeing the Department of Education's demise or diminution, after the president-elect repeatedly called for abolishing the agency on the campaign trail. The Trump administration may also use the formal regulatory process to undo changes the Biden administration made to Title IX that sought to expand protections for LGBTQ+ students.
CNN Politico Los Angeles Times
----- STATE NEWS -----
Graduation rates rise at most Cal State campuses
Fourteen CSU schools notched six-year graduation rate increases over the previous year, including San Jose (+ 4.6 percentage points), East Bay (+ 2.4 percentage points) and Fresno (+ 2.1 percentage points.) The university system is nearing the end of a decadelong campaign to graduate more students, which will conclude in spring 2025. It has made marked improvement toward hitting top-line goals across the system, but is falling short on some targets. Cal State officials have said that the pandemic set back progress on some graduation metrics. They also cite a need to focus on retaining students entering their second and third years of school, particularly students of color.
California's bold move to tackle teacher shortage
Over the past decade, California has invested billions to address its ongoing teacher shortage. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislators have implemented various programs to recruit, train, and retain educators, including changes to credentialing requirements. Teacher candidates now have multiple pathways to enter the profession, such as traditional programs, residencies, internships, and apprenticeships. The California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program also supports school staff pursuing teaching credentials. To earn a preliminary credential, candidates must complete a bachelor's degree, an accredited teacher preparation program, and 600 hours of student teaching. As Newsom stated: "We are committed to ensuring that every student has access to a qualified teacher." The state continues to adapt its requirements to attract more educators, including the elimination of certain testing requirements.
California schools make strides in recovery
California's K-12 schools have shown notable improvements in various areas, including a slight increase in graduation rates and a reduction in chronic absenteeism, as reported in the School Dashboard. "Today’s Dashboard results show California continuing to make important strides in post-pandemic recovery," stated Linda Darling-Hammond, President of the California State Board of Education. The dashboard indicates that 436 districts required support this year, down from 466 last year, reflecting a decline in chronic absenteeism rates. However, 215 districts were flagged for needing assistance, particularly due to the performance of long-term English learners, a new focus in the accountability system. Martha Hernandez, executive director of Californians Together, emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of long-term English learners, stating: "Long-term English learners’ needs will no longer be hidden." Overall, while progress has been made, challenges remain in achieving full recovery and support for all student groups.
Trans athletes face backlash in California
California is at the forefront of a national debate over transgender student athletes, with significant legal challenges emerging. Despite strong protections for LGBTQ+ students, two public universities are leaving the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics due to a ban on transgender athletes in women's sports. In a notable case, four teams in the Mountain West Conference forfeited games against San Jose State's volleyball team after a player identified a teammate as transgender. Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, commented: “California has robust non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ students.” However, 26 states have enacted bans against transgender women competing in women's sports. The ongoing legal battles, including the lawsuit Gaines v. NCAA, highlight the tension between state protections and national policies. Advocates argue that access to sports is crucial for the mental health and well-being of transgender youth, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies.
Pasadena Star-News SGV Tribune
----- DISTRICTS -----
Placentia-Yorba Linda board modifies superintendent's contract
In a meeting on Tuesday, a majority of Placentia-Yorba Linda USD trustees voted to modify Superintendent Alex Cherniss' contract, making it harder for him to be terminated. The California district's new rules require a supermajority vote for dismissal, a measure that will last until the end of 2026. The decision comes as the board faces potential changes in leadership following upcoming elections. Teacher Tricia Quintero criticized the changes, stating, “Unfortunately, the impression I have of these changes is not what is best for the community but, instead, is best for a select few.” The California Teachers Association has raised concerns, arguing that the amendments could violate education law and lead to legal challenges. The current board, which has been aligned with conservative policies, approved the changes in a 3-2 vote, with a new board set to take office on December 17.
Philadelphia schools prepare for potential closures
The School District of Philadelphia is preparing for potential school closures, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process. Oz Hill, the interim deputy superintendent of operations, stated: “We first and foremost have learned that there has to be increased community engagement.” The district faces challenges such as declining enrollments and aging school buildings, many of which are over 70 years old and contain environmental hazards. The district aims to improve student learning conditions rather than merely save money, with plans to repurpose closed schools for community use. A draft facilities plan will be released next year, with community feedback expected in late 2025. Hill expressed a desire for “mass participation” from parents in future meetings to ensure their voices are heard.
Modesto schools approve layoffs amid budget cuts
The Modesto City Schools' Board of Education has voted 5 to 4 to lay off 75 employees as part of a $10.6m budget reduction for the 2025-26 school year. Originally, the district estimated a need for $11.5m in cuts. The layoffs will include 36 classified employees, 22 certificated staff, and 17 management positions. Mary Mageean Morado, a second-grade teacher, expressed concern over the lack of cuts to district-level management, questioning why “if everything was on the plate,” those positions were not reduced. Superintendent Sara Noguchi emphasized the necessity of these cuts for the district's long-term fiscal health, stating: “This decision allows us to maintain core services essential to student learning and well-being.” Further cuts of $11m are anticipated for the 2026-27 school year.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
Founder of company that created LAUSD chatbot faces fraud charges
Joanna Smith-Griffin, the founder and former chief executive of AllHere - the Boston company that created the Ed artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot for Los Angeles USD - has been arrested and charged with fraud. After unveiling the chatbot in March, district officials later disconnected the tool, which was supposed to respond to any question from students or parents in an accurate, helpful and private manner. According to prosecutors, Ms. Smith-Griffin orchestrated “a deliberate and calculated scheme to deceive investors in AllHere Education, Inc., inflating the company’s financials to secure millions of dollars under false pretenses.” “The indictment and the allegations represent, if true, a disturbing and disappointing house of cards that deceived and victimized many across the country,” said LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who said recently he is optimistic that the tool can be adapted for use in the future. “We will continue to assert and protect our rights.”
Australia introduces 'landmark' social media ban for under-16s
Australia's federal government has unveiled new legislation to ban social media access for individuals under 16 years old. Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland stated: "This reform is about protecting young people and letting parents know we've got their backs." The proposed laws will impose fines of up to A$50m ($32.48m) on platforms that fail to comply. Under the new rules, social media companies will be responsible for preventing underage accounts, and parental consent will not be permitted. The legislation aims to ensure the safety and mental health of young Australians, with the ban expected to take effect 12 months after passing parliament. Australia would become the first country to implement such an age restriction, with trials for age verification already underway.
Tasmanian Examiner CNN Reuters
----- WORKFORCE ----
Commission On Civil Rights holds hearing on special educator shortages
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held an all-day briefing on special education teacher shortages on Friday, featuring the testimony of 22 panelists. Some panelists shared how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated longtime, persistent special education teacher shortages, while others said that while there are pockets of shortages across the country, they doubt there’s a generalized national crisis. To address the issues, the speakers offered such solutions as raising teacher salaries, increasing class sizes, reducing compliance tasks, offering more school choice, and investing in teacher career pipelines. To help recruit and retain special educators, districts also need to provide benefits like student loan forgiveness, along with apprenticeships, better working conditions, opportunities for professional growth, and mentoring. The commission is studying the issue and plans to publish an Annual Statutory Enforcement Report on it in the second half of 2025, with its findings and recommendations to be presented to the president and Congress.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Texas education officials vote in favor of optional K-5 Bible lessons
The Texas State Board of Education voted Tuesday in favor of a new optional Bible-infused curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grades. This initiative, part of a broader movement to integrate religious teachings into public education, includes lessons from the Bible, such as the Golden Rule, and texts like Genesis. Eight out of 15 state school board members voted to keep the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum on a list of K-5 reading and English language arts materials that could be used for the 2025-26 school year. Bluebonnet Learning is an optional, state-owned and Texas Education Agency (TEA)-developed open education resource that can earn schools $40 per student annually for adopting it. Board members who signaled their support for the curriculum said they believed the materials would help students improve their reading and understanding of the world. Members also said politics in no way influenced their vote and that they supported the materials because they believed it would best serve Texas children. TEA has said the lessons will provide students with “a strong foundation” to understand more complex concepts as they reach later grades. State officials have also said those materials are written in an age-appropriate manner.
CNN The Hill The Texas Tribune
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
Tuition hike hits California students
California universities are facing a significant challenge as the Board of Regents approved a $3,400 tuition increase for new non-resident students, raising the total to $52,536 for the 2025 academic year. This increase, which is $2,208 more than the usual inflation adjustment, aims to address a projected $500m budget shortfall. While California residents will see a smaller increase of $500, the overall financial burden on non-residents could threaten the diversity that enriches the university experience. Paul Weinstein Jr. highlighted the issue of administrative bloat, noting that "the more they cater to featherbedding bureaucrats, the less they fulfill their mission." To make education more affordable, he suggests cutting non-faculty positions by 1% annually for five years.
At NTA Life, we’re here to provide extra peace of mind with individual supplemental benefits that offer tax-free financial support directly to you or your loved ones. Our benefits are designed to go above and beyond your major medical insurance, helping cover things like deductibles, co-pays, and those unexpected expenses that can come up during an illness or injury. We offer the following programs:
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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
