KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
Thank you to the site reps who attended our January rep council meeting yesterday. We had some excellent discussions and were able to share a great deal of information. To recap: nomination forms for delegates to the CFT convention in San Diego March 14-16th were sent out electronically this last Monday. Nominations close on Tuesday, January 14. Nominated members will need to accept their nominations by Tuesday, January 21. This will lead to the creation of a ballot and an electronic election that will take place between January 27-31. Election results will be distributed via email on Monday, February 3, and there will be a convention delegate meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25.
A general negotiations survey will go out to all members of ABCFT on January 17. As noted in earlier reports, we will be bargaining for salary and benefits this year and looking at language in the master contract as well. The Governor has released his initial budget, and members of the negotiating team will be attending two budget conferences in the coming weeks to learn about the implications of education funding for the 2025-2026 school year. At the rep council, we talked about the pressure to meet the moving target of keeping salary schedules competitive. It was mentioned again that starting and ending salaries are not the only metrics to consider, that a “soft” section in our salary schedules is particularly challenging for our mid-career members. And then there is the balance of salary and benefits; we used the example of one district that folded all of its benefits costs into its salary schedule over a decade ago. This resulted in a significant spike in their salaries, which of course, positively impacted the final STRS calculation for those retiring. Over time, however, healthcare costs have risen at a rate that has eroded those initial gains. For some, money on the scale is the most critical factor. For others, the protection of health care being covered has its own value. There can be a generational component to these arguments as well. If I am at the end of the pay scale and my children have aged out of my insurance, money on the salary schedule leading to an increased STRS pension could be my priority. But suppose I hypothetically had a younger family and was dealing with the weaker middle years of our salary schedule at the same time. In that case, full medical coverage might be weighted as a more meaningful benefit. Please share your ideas regarding this ongoing series of interconnected issues in our upcoming survey.
This is the first YOUnion news of 2025 and I wish everyone a Happy New Year. The devastating fires do give everything a new perspective. At the beginning of yesterday’s meeting, we all received evacuation updates to our phones, and while we checked and realized that we weren’t in the affected zones that moment of pause was a reminder of the threat that so many people are living under at the moment. ABCFT sent an email on Thursday regarding aid and assistance for union members impacted by the fires in Southern California. It was a positive recognition of the power of solidarity, having our brothers and sisters support us even in these most challenging times.
Our next article is about the impact of the Social Security Fairness Act so I won’t go into all of the details, but I want to point out what a significant accomplishment this is. Occasionally, we will receive questions along the lines of “why do we need to partner with a larger affiliate when the focus should be on local issues?” or “I have concerns about my dues going to my state or national organization; that feels like politics, and I don’t think we should be getting involved in politics.” ABCFT is what may be described in terms of numbers as a mid-sized local. We are strong and we are involved. Our members are experts in their field and committed professionals who serve our community. We are sending a healthy contingent of delegates to our state convention to vote on and give a voice to issues that will impact educators up and down the entire state. But we can only do so much in isolation. Being partnered with our state and national affiliates allows us to “punch above our weight” in terms of advocacy. The Social Security Fairness Act is good legislation that has been a long time coming. But getting it passed was an act that was political by its very nature. No matter how dedicated, the work of any single local would not have the impact of the combined forces of millions of labor members working together to achieve this outcome. CFT and AFT lobbied tirelessly to get this legislation passed. Labor federations across the entire country knew how vital this fix was to working people and helped to get this crucial job done. So take pride that YOU were part of this historic legislation being passed. In trying times, it is heartening to have such a concrete example that solidarity matters and that collective action works. Another job well done, ABCFT!
In Unity,
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT
Social Security Fairness Act FAQ
What does the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) do?
The SSFA repeals provisions of law that reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other pension or disability benefits from a system that does not require participation in Social Security, such as California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS). The rules that reduce Social Security benefits are called the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Once signed into law, these changes are effective for benefits payable after December 2023.
In short, this act eliminates the WEP and GPO penalties. By eliminating these penalties, it gives the promised benefits from all systems a worker has paid into and doesn’t penalize anyone for being in multiple systems during different periods in their working life.
What are WEP and GPO?
WEP is a formula applied by the Social Security Administration that can reduce the size of a worker’s Social Security retirement or disability benefit. It applies to people with a combination of Social Security-covered employment and non-covered employment (e.g. a teacher or faculty member in California who had other jobs that paid into Social Security).
It impacts public employee retirees who participate in a public pension system such as CalSTRS who do not pay into Social Security but paid Social Security taxes while at other jobs.
An example of this would be a person who worked at a private company before getting into teaching or a school nurse who works extra shifts at a hospital.
The WEP reduction does not apply to workers with fewer than 10 years (40 quarters) of employment covered by Social Security. So, for example, if you taught for decades and worked five summers outside the school system, WEP would not impact you.
The WEP reduction does not apply to workers with more than 30 years of substantial earnings from employment covered by Social Security. So, for example, if you worked in the private sector for 30 years and then worked as a substitute teacher, WEP would not apply to you.
The GPO reduces the spousal or widow(er) benefit by two-thirds of the monthly non-covered pension and can partially, or fully, offset an individual's spousal/widow(er) benefit, depending on the amount of the non-covered pension.For instance, an individual with a $900 spousal benefit from Social Security, who also has a $1,000 non-covered pension like CalSTRS, would see their Social Security benefit reduced by $667, or two-thirds the non-covered pension amount. That leaves them with a $233 remaining spousal benefit. With the GPO measure repealed, the same individual would be entitled to the entire $900 spousal benefit amount without an offset reduction.
Who does this affect?
For CFT members, this affects those who are retired (or one day will retire), in the CalSTRS system and have paid into Social Security for another job and/or have a spouse who pays or has paid into Social Security. Teachers do not participate in Social Security when they are members of the CalSTRS Defined Benefit plan.
Neither of these penalties, nor the elimination of these penalties, applies to benefits derived from CalPERS since those workers (mostly classified professionals) simultaneously contributed to Social Security.
Does this change my contributions to my pension fund or Social Security?
This does not change anyone's current participation in Social Security, nor does the act change anyone’s contribution to their pension fund or Social Security. Participation in whatever retirement system a person is in will continue with no additional cost to the employee or employer. This only affects the benefits received in retirement from Social Security into which a person has already contributed.
Does this apply to those already receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits?
Yes, this applies to current recipients. We believe this will be retroactive to December 2023. The law states the following:
The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to monthly insurance benefits payable under title II of the Social Security Act for months after December 2023. Notwithstanding section 215(f) of the Social Security Act, the Commissioner of Social Security shall adjust primary insurance amounts to the extent necessary to take into account the amendments made by section 3. Once the bill is signed and the Social Security administration can apply the rules, the reduction in payments will be eliminated and all new payments should be based on the normal calculation for Social Security benefits.
When does the change in law take effect?
President Biden still needs to sign the law and then the Social Security Administration will need to make rules and create a process to implement this for millions of current and future beneficiaries.
Other questions?
We will continue to update you in the new year as more answers can be verified. We also know that individual retirement circumstances may be complex. More detailed answers may be obtained by using the CalSTRS and My Social Security websites or calling CalSTRS or the Social Security Administration. It is recommended to get advice from retirement specialists before making any decisions on retirement.
New law could boost Social Security checks for thousands of retired California teachers
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed by President Joe Biden on Sunday, will increase retirement benefits for many educators and other public sector workers, including nearly 290,000 in California. The act repeals both the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset laws, which reduced Social Security benefits for workers who are entitled to public pensions, such as firefighters, police officers and teachers, according to the Social Security Department.
The change in the laws does not mean that California teachers, who do not pay into Social Security, will all get benefits. Instead, teachers who paid into Social Security while working in non-teaching jobs will be eligible for their full Social Security benefits, as will those eligible for spousal and survivor benefits.
Teachers who had previous careers, or who worked second jobs or summer jobs, benefit from the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision, said Staci Maiers, spokesperson for the National Education Association.
California is one of 15 states that does not enroll its teachers in Social Security. Instead, teachers receive pensions from the California Teachers’ Retirement System, or CalSTRS.
“This is about fairness. These unjust Social Security penalties have robbed public service workers of their hard-earned benefits for far too long,” said Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association in a media release. “They have hurt educators and their families — and damaged the education profession, making it harder to attract and retain educators. And that means students are impacted, too.”
ACADEMIC SERVICES UPDATE
This month’s academic service update is vital for all teachers. We hope you will take a moment to look at this monthly report, which discusses changes in academic services that could impact your classroom. This document provides the union with a means of giving the District feedback on the many programs or changes they are proposing at any time. Without your feedback or questions on these changes, it is harder for ABCFT to slow down and modify the district’s neverending rollout of new projects. Please submit your comments and questions to the appropriate ABCFT liaison.
For Elementary curricular issues, please email Megan at Megan.Mitchell@abcusd.us , for Secondary curricular issues, please email Catherine at Catherine.Pascual@abcusd.us, for Secondary PAL topics please email Megan at Megan.Harding@abcusd.us , Special Education PAL topics please email Brittney at Brittney.Parker-Goodin@abcusd.us if you have any questions or concerns.
Click Here For This Month’s Full Report
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.
“I blame the education system.” is heard about anywhere on social media or any talking head.
Like many people, I get a ton of my entertainment and information from social media and television and there is always a scapegoat when things go wrong. Who can be blamed is the mantra of our society. Over the years, I’ve become accustomed to the regular gut punch when a “talking head” or a writer blames the public education system for all of the earth's evils and social breakdowns. I say that is nonsense, and hear me out as a fellow educator.
First, let us contemplate how teachers have worked for change in how we teach our students to be critical thinkers, honor diversity, and speak up when they see something wrong. They are the generation of learners who see something and say something. But it wasn’t always like this. Before 2010, parents, educators, and, most of all, students lacked any voice in public education.
In the early 2000s, the focus of our government was to create standardized tests so that teachers would teach to a test that could be used as an evaluation tool for both students and teachers. Students were dehumanized with endless testing and teachers were driven out of education as their practices became scripted and teachers were driven to teach to a test regardless of a student's needs or academic capacity. For many veterans, it devalued educators, and as a result, a decade of teachers weren’t made to feel like they had any say in their classroom curriculum delivery. As a teacher who saw this change, I watched the craft of teaching students go from an art form that reached students uniquely to an endless scripted drive by publishers to address how to do better on standardized tests. Critical thinking took a back seat, and the shining star of education lost its luster for many educators. It was the dark ages of teaching.
Over the last decade, the educational pendulum swung back to meeting the needs of our students as the drive to standardized testing had unfortunately resulted in several harmful side effects for both students and teachers. Under the weight of standardized testing, academics plateaued, attendance rates dropped, critical thinking was noticeably diminished, and mental health issues for both teachers and students became a crucial issue. Thankfully, concepts like PBIS, restorative justice, mental health support, and equity have been resurgent over the last decade. We have been teaching our students to be critical thinkers and to look at all sides of an issue. We’ve focused on community and working in collaboration and taught them to value not only each other but their time on this earth. We have taught a generation of students that their voice matters and that abuse should not be tolerated. We are teaching students in the way many of us only dreamed about being taught in school. We’ve tried our best to put the human back in education. Students and teachers are not machines.
So, as teachers, what we are doing is working. We’ve taught a generation of students how to think critically about their lives and the world around them, and to our student's credit, many of them are outspoken about how they disagree with some of the societal norms that were passed on to them concerning, working, careers, higher education, family and friend structures. It is a clash of generations.
Older Americans have difficulty understanding these students and how they think once they become adults. These Gen Z’ers are saying no to many of the pillars of our society that were passed on to us through education. Things like you work a 9 to 5 for forty years, that you go to college, that you don’t quit your job, or that you don’t have to smoke or drink (both are down nationally), and that you don’t have to follow traditional media or traditional norms. I think we’ve educated a generation of free spirits.
So, when people blame education for things they don’t understand, we should take pride when it is directed at our students. Generation Z’s reality is much different than anything we grew up in, and education continues to evolve to meet those new demands. Maybe those who use education as a scapegoat just don’t like to look in a mirror and see that Gen Z has options they never had. Maybe, as teachers, we didn’t know what the result of our efforts to humanize education again would be noticeable. We are starting to see the results of those efforts, and it's scary for many people. Generation Z has its fair share of issues, like any generation. Still, our society's inability to understand this generation of students says more about our society's limitations. Maybe we are doing something right and not getting the credit we deserve as educators. Food for thought.
Our collective hearts go out to those impacted by the fires. If you have been affected directly, please let your administration know and contact us at the ABCFT office (abcft@abcusd.us) so that we can assist you in any way possible.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
The latest CFT articles and news stories can be found here on the PreK12 news feed on the CFT.org website.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FEDERATION OF LABOR
Click here to see the attached letter regarding the fires affecting Southern California.
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Over the last 24 hours, communities throughout Los Angeles County have been devastated by massive fires that have burned tens of thousands of acres, destroyed over 1,000 buildings, and killed five individuals. As the fires continue and families face many challenges, Labor Community Services (LCS) is ready to support and assist those in need during these historic fires in Southern California.
If the fires have impacted a member of your Union, we are ready to provide aid and relief.
Below are the available resources included in this attachment: Housing Assistance, Utilities, Food.
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Social Security Fairness Act signed into law, expanding retirement benefits for teachers
On Sunday afternoon, President Joe Biden signed a Social Security bill into law that repeals statutes that diminished payouts to teachers, firefighters, and other public sector workers. One of the statutes the Social Security Fairness Act repeals, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), was enacted in 1983 and reduced Social Security benefits for workers receiving government pensions not covered by Social Security. The Social Security Fairness Act also repeals the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which was enacted in 1977 and shrunk benefits for spouses, widows and widowers with spouses receiving public sector pensions. "The bill I'm signing today is about a simple proposition: Americans who have worked hard all their lives to earn an honest living should be able to retire with economic security and dignity," Biden said. He added that the bill should lead to an estimated average monthly increase of $360 for certain public employees and their spouses and survivors. More than 2.5m Americans are set to receive a lump sum payment worth "thousands of dollars" to make up for the shortfall and the benefits they should have received last year. The bill will cost $196bn over the next 10 years, according to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office.
ABC News USA Today The Hill CNBC
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Biden Administration drops Medicaid change for special ed. services
The Department of Education is withdrawing a proposal that sought to streamline how schools bill Medicaid for the mental health and medical services they provide to students, partially with the goal of giving schools new resources to tackle students’ worsening mental health. The department withdrew the proposed regulation late last month, along with two others that were intended to expand protections for transgender student-athletes and cancel student loans for more than 38m Americans. The department’s withdrawal of the Medicaid proposal is a blow to school administrators, who have long criticized the lengthy bureaucratic process that makes it more difficult for schools to use available funds to help students with mental health and medical needs. The proposal would have changed a requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that schools must get written parental consent before billing Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. School officials have said that requesting that consent is burdensome on staff and is confusing for parents, who have already consented to schools serving their children through the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and other provisions in IDEA.
House Republican resurrects bill to limit sports participation for trans students
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) has reintroduced a bill that would amend Title IX to prohibit federally funded colleges or K-12 schools from allowing transgender girls and women to participate on sports teams aligning with their gender identity. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act says it doesn’t prohibit institutions from “permitting males to train or practice” with women’s teams so long as “no female is deprived of a roster spot” or other athletic benefits. Opponents of Steube’s bill have argued that it would create barriers for transgender students, who already face heightened risk of experiencing violence and mental health issues. Similar legislation was introduced in the California Legislature on Monday by Assembly Member Kate Sanchez, R-Rancho Santa Margarita (Orange County). California is one of 24 states that protects the rights of trans students to participate in gender-segregated sports matching their gender identity. It’s not clear how Sanchez’s measure would square with state education code language guaranteeing that students are allowed to participate “in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.”
Senate committee announces delay for Ed Sec confirmation hearing
The Senate HELP Committee, the panel overseeing the confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Education Department, says it is still waiting for documents from the transition team before it can proceed with the hearing. Linda McMahon's confirmation is now not likely to take place until after Inauguration Day, according to committee chair Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA). He added: “It really depends on us getting paperwork. Right now the hold seems to be on their side.” Current Education Secretary Miguel Cardona's confirmation hearing took place on February 3 2021, a fortnight after President Joe Biden's inauguration, while predecessor Betsy DeVos' hearing occurred on January 17 2017, just three days after Donald Trump was first sworn into office.
----- STATE NEWS -----
California schools see attendance rise
California schools are witnessing a positive trend in attendance and test scores as they recover from the pandemic. Chronic absenteeism has decreased from a peak of 30% to 19%, thanks to significant investments from state and federal governments. Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, stated: “We're getting students back to school, getting more of them prepared for college and careers.” However, challenges loom ahead, including budget uncertainties and potential school closures due to declining enrollment. Proposition 2, a $10bn bond for school repairs, offers some relief, but the future remains uncertain with possible federal changes affecting education policies.
California Lottery raises $2.25bn for public schools
In 2024, the California Lottery generated over $2.25bn for public schools, contributing to a total of $46bn since 1985. This marks the third consecutive year that the lottery has surpassed the $2bn mark for education. Notably, sales from the recent Mega Millions jackpot contributed an estimated $78.8m to public schools. The lottery's sales reached a record $9.27bn during the fiscal year 2023-24, exceeding the previous year's record of $9.24bn. Lottery funds are flexible and can be utilized by school districts for various purposes, including attracting and retaining teachers and funding after-school programs.
California teachers struggle with funding
California teachers are facing significant challenges due to insufficient school funding, as highlighted in “The State of California Public Schools,” a report from the California Teachers Association. The report reveals that many educators struggle with low wages and high health insurance costs, leading to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of support staff. David Golberg, President of the California Teachers Association, said: “Many educators are spread thin and frankly aren’t able to make ends meet financially.” The survey of nearly 2,000 TK-12 educators found that 91% of renting teachers cannot afford to buy homes, and 37% have delayed medical care due to financial constraints. Despite these challenges, 77% of teachers still find their jobs rewarding, although 62% are dissatisfied with their working conditions. The report underscores the disconnect between California's wealth and the resources allocated to education.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Placentia-Yorba Linda board votes to place superintendent on leave
In a surprising turn of events, the Placentia-Yorba Linda USD board voted to place Superintendent Alex Cherniss on leave, just a month after making it more challenging to terminate him. The unanimous decision, made during a special meeting on December 19, also affected six other employees, including Deputy Superintendent Issa. This move has sparked discussions about the board's recent actions and the future of the district's leadership.
Small schools at risk: Rethinking staffing to keep doors open
As falling enrollment pressures cities to close half-empty schools, districts are exploring alternatives to closures by rethinking traditional staffing models. Low-enrollment schools often cost more per pupil due to standardized staffing structures, but examples nationwide show small schools can operate cost-effectively by employing nontraditional approaches. These strategies include combining grade levels, having staff take on multiple roles, offering electives online, and partnering with community groups. In contrast, "zombie schools" with full staffing for fewer students drain district funds, prompting calls for more flexible budgeting practices. While some argue that nontraditional models may not suit every student, proponents highlight their potential to preserve school communities and maintain solid student outcomes. Districts may need to move beyond rigid staffing formulas to adapt to declining enrollments while ensuring equitable resource allocation.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Teacher satisfaction hits new lows
A recent Study.com survey of nearly 900 teachers reveals that while job satisfaction has increased from 12% to 20% this year, it remains significantly lower than a decade ago. The survey found that 30% of K-12 teachers plan to seek new jobs, with only 48% recommending the profession. Key factors contributing to teacher turnover include manageable workloads, in-class support, and work-life balance. The survey also indicates that 54% of teachers struggle with work-life balance, and 70% feel staff shortages impact their workload. To improve retention, 46% of teachers believe more in-class support would enhance their experience and student outcomes. Overall, fostering inclusivity and addressing administrative burdens are crucial for improving teacher satisfaction and retention.
Insufficient school funding is hurting California teachers and their students, according to “The State of California Public Schools,” a report from the California Teachers Association released Tuesday.
The lack of funding has meant insufficient wages and high health insurance premiums for teachers, crowded classrooms and a lack of support staff, according to the report, which is based on a December survey of almost 2,000 TK-12 educators.
Most of the educators surveyed said that their pay is too low to afford housing near their jobs and that their salaries aren’t keeping up with the rising costs of groceries, childcare and other necessary expenses.
Ninety-one percent of the educators surveyed who rent reported that they can’t afford to buy a home. Only 12% of the teachers surveyed said they were able to save a comfortable amount for the future, while 31% said they are living paycheck to paycheck.
“Many educators are spread thin and frankly aren’t able to make ends meet financially, and are working in a public school system that continues to be underfunded year after year,” said CTA President David Golberg at a press conference Tuesday.
The California Teachers Association represents 310,000 of the state’s educators, including teachers, nurses, counselors, psychologists, librarians, education support professionals and some higher education faculty and staff. The survey was conducted for the union by GBAO Strategies, a public opinion research and political strategy firm.
Teachers who took part in the survey, which targeted teachers throughout the state to provide a representative demographic, overwhelmingly agreed that California schools don’t pay high enough salaries to teachers or have the resources to meet the needs of the students.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Teachers face rising aggression in classrooms
Lydia Kulina-Washburn, an urban educator in Philadelphia, highlights the alarming rise of teacher harassment in schools, particularly following a recent incident in Malvern, Pennsylvania. In her article, she notes: “The deterioration of boundaries, compounded with poor teaching conditions, leads to a myriad of problems.” Teachers are facing increasing aggression from students, including threats and online impersonation, which have become more prevalent with the rise of social media. Despite efforts to report these incidents, many educators feel that school interventions are ineffective. Kulina-Washburn calls for greater awareness and accountability regarding teacher harassment, emphasizing that this issue is not isolated but rather a national concern that needs urgent attention.
Girls losing ground to boys in test scores, claims new data analysis
A Wall Street Journal analysis of student test scores from across the U.S. has found that girls' results have dropped sharply since 2019, and in some cases to their lowest point in decades. Boys’ scores have also fallen during that time, but the decline among girls has been more severe. Boys now consistently outperform girls in math, after being roughly even or slightly ahead in the years before 2020, although girls still tend to perform better in reading. The Journal reviewed data from 15 nationally representative exams given to students before and after the pandemic. In all cases, the tests—which spanned grades and subjects—indicated that girls logged steeper drops than boys. On some exams, the difference was small, even trivial, but in other instances the gap was substantial. The same pattern was evident in state exams, which were compiled by Zelma State Assessment Data Repository. Shutting down schools might have hurt girls more because they tend to do better in school generally, said David Figlio, a professor of economics and education at the University of Rochester who has studied gender gaps in education. “Girls have a comparative advantage in school and you take schools away, they’ll suffer more,” he added. “This not only will hurt girls now—it will change college enrollment, it will change the talent pool that we have,” said Harry Patrinos, chair in education policy at the University of Arkansas.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
AI revolutionizes learning for disabled students
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education for students with disabilities, offering tools that enhance learning and comprehension. Makenzie Gilkison, a 14-year-old with dyslexia, credits AI-powered tools for her academic success, saying: “I would have just probably given up if I didn't have them.” Schools are increasingly adopting AI to support students with various impairments, with the U.S. Education Department prioritizing access to assistive technology. However, concerns remain about ensuring that AI does not replace essential learning processes. As Paul Sanft, director of a Minnesota-based center for assistive technology, noted: “There are definitely going to be people who use some of these tools in nefarious ways,” but the focus should be on empowering students.
----- LEGAL -----
Community divided over transgender rights
The Riverside USD is facing intense scrutiny following a federal lawsuit alleging violations of transgender students' rights and free speech. Over 200 attendees gathered at a school board meeting, where calls for Superintendent Renee Hill's resignation echoed amid heated discussions. The lawsuit claims that a female athlete was replaced on the cross-country team by a transgender athlete, leading to accusations of unfair treatment. Assemblymembers Bill Essayli and Leticia Castillo criticized the district's handling of the situation, with Castillo stating: “For that attack to come from the superintendent is the greatest violation of all.” Pro-LGBTQ groups reported increased bullying against transgender students, highlighting the emotional toll on the community. Milton Foster, a legal expert, defended the district's adherence to state laws allowing transgender participation in sports, emphasizing that “transgender students are required to be allowed to participate in sports of their choosing.” The board did not take any votes on the matter during the meeting.
New laws boost LGBTQ+ student rights
California has enacted new laws aimed at enhancing the rights and protections of students, particularly those from LGBTQ+ and minority backgrounds. Assembly Bill 1955, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, prohibits school staff from notifying parents if a child identifies as transgender, ensuring that “discussions about gender identity remain a private matter within the family,” according to Assemblymember Chris Ward. Additionally, Assembly Bill 1821 mandates that California's history curriculum accurately reflects the experiences of Native Americans during colonization. Assembly Bill 1815 extends protections against hair discrimination in schools and sports, addressing biases related to hairstyles. Furthermore, new laws protect child content creators by requiring a portion of their earnings to be placed in a trust for future access. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of safeguarding children from exploitation, stating: “Today, that modern exploitation ends through two new laws.”
-----CHARTER SCHOOLS -----
Musk's new school: a bold venture
Jared Birchall, Elon Musk's money manager, and Jehn Balajadia, a longtime aide, are linked to Musk's new Montessori school, Ad Astra, located outside Bastrop, Texas. The school aims to foster "curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking" in children aged 3 to 9. Musk's educational initiatives include a $100m investment for a technology-focused school in Austin and an additional $137m from the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra has received a permit for 21 pupils and is partnering with Xplor Education, known for its work with high-profile clients. Musk's focus on education aligns with his political interests, as he campaigns for Trump's administration, advocating for a shift in educational priorities. "The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life," Musk stated. The school is designed to cater to the children of Musk's employees, reflecting his vision for a hands-on learning environment.
----- OTHER -----
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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
