Hello everyone,

I hope that everyone has survived the always challenging month of September.  Going back to a daily work schedule, new kids, ever changing curriculum, standards, parents etc is an adjustment after the relaxing slow days of summer. I congratulate you for surviving September, tomorrow is payday!  I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to having that entire week of Thanksgiving off to take a moment to catch my breath. We've already earned it.

It got a little crazy at the Union office this month with all the changes we are going through as we create better structures and systems to make the ABCFT work better for you. So I want to just tell you that these updates will be much more often in the coming months.

FYI:  Here is an interesting bill (SB161) that is in the legislator and concerns all school employees and the administering of medicine for students with a certain type of seizure . Take one minute to scan the info so your aware of the bill.

This is to alert you all that Gov. Brown is expected to take action on this bill anytime before Oct. 9th. And so your letters, emails, and phone calls are urgently needed ASAP!

For more information on this bill, please see this link to CTA's alert: http://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Health-Care/Index.aspx

Here is  a link for sending the Gov. an email: http://govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/mail.php it's easy and quick and will take you one minute to send them an email.

Have a good day!
In Solidarity,

Ray Gaer
President, ABC Federation of Teachers
Local #2317

ABCFT Endorses Five Candidates for School Board

Last week the Executive Board of the ABC Federation of Teachers democratically decided which candidates we would endorse for the five contested school board positions in ABC. It is vital to the survival of the ABCFT/ABCUSD Partnership that the school board continues to understand that being a school board member is more than balancing a ledger as is the case in a majority of school districts. A Partnership requires that all school board members have a deep emotional connection with the teachers and students in the communities they serve. Serving on a school board is about keeping focused on the "main thing" which is student achievement and teachers are essential to that equation. We believe that the five candidates we have chosen to endorse will fulfill our expectations and will continue to make the ABC School District a shining light that other districts can look to for inspiration.

There are many good candidates that are running for the school board and the ABCFT would like to thank all of those candidates who were interviewed at the Union office and during the public interview forum for spending their time to get to know the ABC teachers union.

The ABCFT was impressed with Lynda's current and historical envolvement in the ABC school community. Lynda is deeply committed to the students and parents in the community and those teachers who have worked with her have commented on her dedication to our local schools even after her children have graduated from ABC Schools.  Lynda is an excellent choice for ABC and we hope that you will place your trust in her as we have.

Tonight (Friday September 9th), Mark Pulido will announce his endorsement of Lynda Johnson for the two year open school board seat. Please see the press release below for details.

Here is an overview of who the ABCFT is endorsing for this election.

In Solidarity,
Ray Gaer
ABCFT President

Welcome Back!

Fellow teachers,

On behalf of the ABC Federation of Teachers Executive Board I would like to welcome you all back for the 2011-2012 school year. I hope that your summer vacations were relaxing and you were able to turn your attention elsewhere to replenish your energy for the new school year. As teachers do we ever fully not think about the classroom? I think not since teaching is in our blood, we strive to reach those who need our guidance to learn effectively and that's what keeps us coming back each year. 

Last year, teachers in ABC worked both harder and smarter than ever and the District and the Communities you serve have expressed their thankfulness for the time, care, and professionalism you pour into your classrooms and students each day. Your efforts continue to get Local, State and National attention as ABC continues to be a shining star that others look to for both inspiration and guidance. 

The ABCFT Executive Board and I look forward to visiting all of the ABC school staffs throughout the year to hear your stories, victories, observations, and concerns so that the ABC Federation of Teachers can continue to serve you to the best of our ability. Have a FANTASTIC opening day and a GREAT year!

In Solidarity,

Ray Gaer

ABCFT President Local #2317

Stay informed

Here is some useful ABC information: