KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
I met with Dr. Fraser yesterday to talk about a calendar of potential negotiation dates. We will share the dates of upcoming sessions as they are confirmed. The ABCFT team is meeting next week to prepare for our bargaining this year.
Precedent is one of the tools we often use when trying to solve problems. Looking at what we have done in the past or what has worked effectively can be a guide for answering questions regarding new issues.
But I do want to be sensitive that we have new leadership in Human Resources and there are only so many times Dr. Fraser can hear variations of “but we’ve always done it this way” before noting that he may want to do things the way he has always done them too! We understand that there will be a learning curve for our team as we adjust to what could be a slightly different style at the bargaining table.
Monday, September 4 is Labor Day this year. I appreciate the long weekend and am aware of its cultural significance as an unofficial end of summer but suggest that we remember its more political and radical origins as well. We celebrate Labor Day in September because the association with the worldwide May Day for organized labor was deemed too controversial in America. President Cleveland did not want the day recognized in May as he felt that it would be linked to the 1886 Haymarket incident in Chicago. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 as a conciliatory gesture to organized labor after the brutal suppression of the Pullman strike. Let’s not forget the legacy of working people who fought and, in some cases, died for the rights we now all benefit from.
My movie recommendation this week is an obvious one but it still holds up as both entertainment and a powerful message: 1979’s Norma Rae, directed by Martin Ritt and starring Sally Field in an Academy Award-winning performance about the fight to organize a textile mill in North Carolina. You may remember the image of Field standing defiantly with her hand lettered “UNION” sign above her head but the entire film is definitely worth watching. My children saw it for the first time this summer and mentioned that there should be a modern day update about the push to unionize such businesses as Amazon or Starbucks.
I couldn’t help but see the film as an artifact of a labor victory in a specific time and place but also a cautionary tale for our movement in the future. The workers in the world of Norma Rae are struggling to form a union against the desperate opposition of the mill owners and bosses. They are fighting for what they have never had and against what they are actively being denied. The passion and the commitment the workers demonstrate in sticking together despite an overtly adversarial system inspired me but also felt somewhat alien to this Californian of a certain age. Governor Jerry Brown, supported by CFT, signed the Rodda Act in 1975, which gave public educators collective bargaining rights. Prior to this, public employees could only “meet and confer” and there was no requirement for good faith negotiations, arbitration of grievances, or impasse procedures. ABCFT recently celebrated its own 50th anniversary as an organization. So the gains of the past have understandably become the new normal and the expectation for the present and the future.
But there is no guarantee that this march towards progress remains an absolute given. The Supreme Court’s Janus decision of 2018 resulted from a well orchestrated campaign by business interests to destabilize and undermine the power of public workers. The insidious idea was that if enough workers opt out of their union while still receiving rights of representation there would eventually be enough “free riders” that the bargaining entity would enter into a death spiral, where a gradual percentage of dues-paying members leave so that the resulting loss of services causes the organization to lose more and more until they are no longer a valid bargaining unit.
Returning to the film, the visceral desire for the workers to overcome long odds and fight to establish their union was what stood out to me. I am aware that there are, ironically, well funded campaigns encouraging members to “give themselves a raise” by opting out of the union. Call me skeptical but I doubt the sincerity of the billionaire class when it comes to their concern for the take home pay of working people. Why are they spending a portion of their billions to mail material to my home or bankroll organizations with misleading titles involving workers' rights? Because they have taken a sudden altruistic interest in me and my family? Or because they know that weakened unions mean fewer worker protections and less regulation for big business which means higher profits for them? In the story of Norma Rae, the owners were willing to do whatever it took to keep the union from organizing. The mill workers understood that if the bosses were so adamantly against the union it would likely be in their best interest to fight for a union. The contrast between the textile workers struggling to achieve what they had never had with some of their modern counterparts' willingness to give up these hard-fought gains was particularly sobering for this union activist.
Have a great weekend. Good luck to your favorite college football team. Watch an inspiring film if you get a chance. Celebrate your birthday in style. Enjoy your Labor Day. You and those who came before us literally earned it!
In Unity,
MEMBER-ONLY BENEFITS By Tanya Golden
ABCFT union membership has its benefits which are detailed in the image below.
Members have access to benefits provided by our national affiliate, American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Click here to access AFT's member-only benefits.
1. Scroll to the bottom of the webpage to create a log-in.
2. Click on “What’s My Member Number”
3. First, enter “02317” for the Local Union Number. Second, enter your last name. Finally, click on the blue “Lookup” bar.
Once you have created your AFT account you will have access to the expansive member-only benefits.
MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES
Labor Day and Labor History Month Lesson Plans and Resources
Do your students know where Labor Day began? How labor unions work? What impact have they had on the course of history, workers' rights and workplace safety, particularly in the United States? Did you know May is Labor History Month, as recognized by the American Labor Movement? Share My Lesson has curated a collection of lesson plans, activities and resources to help you explore the role of labor unions in society with your preK-12 students from fair wages and safe working conditions to supporting civil rights and social justice.
Click here to access the Labor Day and Labor History Month Lesson Plans and Resources
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 end 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.
“The road to success is always under construction.” - Whoever wrote this quote must have been a teacher or worked in education in some capacity. It is truly a reflection of what is happening in ABC at the moment.
This week has been a busy one at the school sites, and the challenges you face throughout the week can often test your patience. There have been some hiccups in textbooks and materials, as there always have been, but Academic Services is doing everything possible to find solutions right now. If you are missing materials, my suggestion is to make your administrator aware so that they can assist you in getting those materials in a timely manner….which was yesterday, right? Dr. Wise (secondary curriculum) and Dr. Balbuena (elementary curriculum) in academic services are working behind the scenes with the textbook department and publishers to get materials to teachers. They are already discussing about how to streamline this process in the Spring to avoid any issues for next year, and if anyone can get it right, it will be those two directors. For now, we plug the holes, find stopgap issues, and do the best we can to wait for materials.
Construction issues continue to be high on teachers' minds in those sites that are impacted by renovations. This week, I spent time at Ross Middle School and Gahr High School to check up on the construction concerns that are part of their everyday landscape. ABCFT is working closely with site representatives and principals to monitor the progress of construction and its unintended impact on classrooms and your teaching. Something as simple as walking into your classroom ready to teach but only to find that your furniture has been completely moved around, or that your power to your Chromebook cart was cut, or that construction workers have left their lunch trash scattered around the desks. Yeah, construction is messy and if you’ve ever had construction work happen at home, you know that it isn’t as easy as it looks on HGTV. Serenity NOW!
Next week, I’ll be spending time at Cerritos High School to talk with members and administrators about the progress of their renovations. I look forward to seeing the changes but my function is to advocate for sensible solutions that take into account how construction work impacts teachers and students.
In other news, on behalf of the ABC Federation of Teachers, I have been asked to write a blog post for the American Federation of Teachers website called AFT Voices. This article will highlight some of the work your site representatives did in culture building last year in collaboration with the principals that were centered around staff depletion (“burnout”). Over 400 teachers were part of a survey and focus group study to address staff depletion and how, as a district, we can change our behaviors and practices to minimize the causes of job depletion. I’ll write more about this topic in the coming weeks, but if you would like to see my article before the editor chops it down for “size,” here is the unedited edition.
Lastly, I hope you enjoy this Labor Day; it is your day as a union member. Without unions, we would not have almost all of the job protections or working conditions we experience. Thank you for being an active union member by reading this newsletter. You are the YOUnion!
Happy Labor Day!
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.
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Title VI and inclusion: U.S. Education Department issues guidelines
A letter from the U.S. Department of Education has stated that schools can provide children of the same race or national origin with spaces or activities to explore shared experiences as long as they do not prevent other students from participating. The letter provides guidance on how schools can create racially inclusive environments without violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It clarifies that race-related programs or groups that are open to all students would not violate Title VI. The guidance affirms that schools can facilitate discussions about race in classrooms as long as all students are invited to participate. The letter was issued in response to laws limiting instruction and discussions about race and racism, and as conservative activists have targeted affinity groups for students of a common race or heritage. Civil rights groups praised the department for releasing the guidance, as it provides more clarity to school leaders on what is and isn't legal under federal law. The letter also outlines examples of how schools can create inclusive environments without excluding any students.
Education Week News
Navigating inclusion: U.S. Education Department's race-related guidance
A letter from the U.S. Department of Education has stated that schools can provide children of the same race or national origin with spaces or activities to explore shared experiences as long as they do not prevent other students from participating. The letter provides guidance on how schools can create racially inclusive environments without violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It clarifies that race-related programs or groups that are open to all students would not violate Title VI. The guidance affirms that schools can facilitate discussions about race in classrooms as long as all students are invited to participate. The letter was issued in response to laws limiting instruction and discussions about race and racism, and as conservative activists have targeted affinity groups for students of a common race or heritage. Civil rights groups praised the department for releasing the guidance, as it provides more clarity to school leaders on what is and isn't legal under federal law. The letter also outlines examples of how schools can create inclusive environments without excluding any students.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Parents' school safety concerns dip slightly, but remain high
According to a new poll, parents' concerns about school safety have fallen marginally in the last year, although they remain greater than in previous years. Gallup's survey results, released Thursday, revealed that 38% of parents are concerned about their child's safety at school, down from 44% last year following the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which killed 19 children and two adults. Gallup noted that Thursday's results mark one of the highest percentages since the organization began tracking the measurement in 1977. Parents were separately asked about their children's safety worries, with one in seven - or 14% - of parents saying their child expressed fear about school safety, which Gallup said is higher than the historical average, which is 12%. "Though memories of the tragic Uvalde shooting have faded somewhat, parents are still more likely to be concerned about their children's safety than before the attack," Gallup's analysis wrote. The results are from the annual Work and Education survey conducted August 1-23, which randomly sampled 219 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia who have a child attending grades Kindergarten through 12.
Transgender students spark ideological rebellions in Virginia and California
State-level policies on transgender students are causing conflicts at the district level in Virginia and California. In Virginia, one school district is refusing to follow new state standards that require transgender students to use facilities corresponding with their sex assigned at birth. In California, multiple districts are implementing policies that require educators to inform parents if a student wants to change their name or pronouns. These battles present challenges for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and California Governor Gavin Newsom. The fights have drawn attention due to the high profiles of Youngkin and Newsom, who have both been asked about their interest in running for the White House. A recent poll shows that voters in battleground states now trust Republicans more than Democrats on education. While conservatives in California are making progress at school boards, they may face pushback in one of the most liberal states in the country. Extremist views on transgender student policies could impact the 2024 election.
Back-to-school dilemma: Teachers shoulder financial burden
Teachers are spending their own money on school supplies, with some spending hundreds of dollars each year. According to a survey, parents plan to set aside $225 for back-to-school supplies, while teachers expect to spend $320 of their own money. Teachers buy a range of supplies, including pens, pencils, tissues, paper, notebooks, backpacks, uniforms, jackets, eyeglasses, snacks, cushions, furniture, plants, lighting, rugs, books, and disinfecting wipes. Some teachers even purchase mini-fridges and microwaves for their classrooms. Specialized teachers may spend even more on expensive equipment like microscopes and electronic scales. Teachers also spend money throughout the year on classroom setup, visuals, incentives, and team activities. Unfortunately, schools often don't have the budget to cover necessary supplies, so teachers rely on strategies like DonorsChoose, grants, and other organizations for funding. Teachers can also deduct up to $300 of qualifying out-of-pocket classroom expenses on their taxes.
The four-day experiment: Education's quest for balance
School districts across the country are transitioning to four-day school weeks in an effort to save costs and combat teacher burnout. While parents and students appreciate the extra day for catching up on work and spending time with family, studies show that students on a four-day schedule have lower test scores compared to their peers attending school five days a week. Educators argue that the transition benefits adults more than students and question the need for change if student learning does not improve. The shift to a shorter week also poses challenges for working families, who struggle to find childcare on the additional day off. Some educators have positive experiences with the four-day schedule, citing more quality time with students, while others find it exhausting and difficult to implement.
Rights vs. Rule: Florida's new termination threat for transgender faculty
Transgender faculty and staff at Florida state colleges will face termination if they use a bathroom that aligns with their gender identity, according to a new Florida Board of Education rule. The rule requires Florida State College institutions to update their student and employee handbooks, disciplinary procedures, and code of conduct to adhere to House Bill 1521, which mandates people to use restrooms and changing facilities that align with their sex assigned at birth. Critics argue that the new rule goes beyond the scope of HB 1521. The rule also applies to Florida's K-12 private schools, requiring them to create guidelines similar to those passed for public schools. The law was part of a bill package signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Funding surge, learning scourge: Challenges in K-12 education
America's K-12 schools have received a record infusion of federal aid to address pandemic-related challenges, but students are still struggling to catch up from the learning loss experienced during remote learning. Despite $190 billion in funding authorized by Congress, national average test scores for 13-year-olds have plummeted, with the lowest math scores since 1990 and reading scores since 2004. The learning loss may impact future earnings and the U.S. economy. Reasons for the lack of progress include districts not using funds specifically for learning loss, staff shortages, and disruptions caused by political polarization. High-poverty and high-minority districts have been hit hardest. To close the gap, schools need to add instructional time, but many programs may not be operating at the scale needed. Even with interventions, some students may still be behind when federal funding runs out in 2024. State legislators and school boards need to discuss policy changes to address the crisis.
----- STATE NEWS -----
California AG sues school district over gender identity policy
California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, has filed a lawsuit against Chino Valley USD over a policy that requires school staff to notify parents when students change their gender identity or pronouns. The lawsuit argues that the policy violates the California Constitution's guarantee of equal protection, privacy, and the fundamental right to education. Mr. Bonta stated that the policy endangers the well-being of non-conforming students and creates an unsafe environment. The lawsuit cites evidence of harm caused to transgender students and alleges "animus" by board members who voted for the policy. The Chino Valley district has not yet responded to the lawsuit. This dispute reflects the ongoing debate over transgender students' rights in schools, with conservative-leaning states and districts implementing restrictive policies. Research shows that accepting and affirming transgender students can improve their mental health and academic performance.
LGBTQ students in Southern California claim discrimination amid policy battles
LGBTQ students in Southern California say they are facing discrimination and fear for their safety as school boards implement policies that restrict their rights. The Temecula Valley USD attempted to block a social studies curriculum mentioning LGBTQ icon Harvey Milk and is considering a policy that would require officials to inform parents if their children identify as transgender. Similar policies have been adopted or are being considered in other school districts. LGBTQ students and their allies are rallying against these policies, which they see as dangerous and harmful. The changing climate has led to increased hate crimes against the LGBTQ community. Despite the challenges, LGBTQ students and their supporters are determined to fight for their rights and create safe spaces in schools.
----- DISTRICTS -----
San Francisco schools struggle with staff vacancies and financial mismanagement
Overpaid administrators, flawed payroll policies, and dilapidated facilities are causing staff vacancies and financial mismanagement in the San Francisco USD, according to a report from the United Educators of San Francisco. The report claims that SFUSD has mishandled funds for decades, leading to a shortage of qualified teachers and a budget deficit. The union president criticized the district's debt addiction, administrative bloat, and expensive contracts with unreliable consultants. SFUSD's communications team responded by stating that the district is reviewing the report and remains focused on responsibly managing resources. A separate report commissioned by Supervisor Hillary Ronen and School Board Commissioner Matt Alexander revealed administrative bloat in the district, with an increase in upper management positions. The district plans to present a $1bn bond to voters next year to address facility renovations. The school district is facing a fiscal cliff, and negotiations between the teachers' union and the district are ongoing.
Oklahoma's largest school district superintendent resigns amidst criticism
The superintendent of Oklahoma's largest school district, Deborah Gist, has resigned amidst sharp criticism and the threat of state takeover. Education Week notes that this resignation is part of a trend of unplanned departures from district central offices across the country. Over two dozen district leaders have resigned, retired, or been fired this summer, causing churn and uncertainty. The reasons for these departures vary, but tensions with school board members and the increasingly political nature of the superintendent's job are common factors. Superintendent turnover rates have increased in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic likely playing a role. While superintendent turnover generally has little effect on student academic performance, it can greatly affect consistency and progress on district initiatives. The appointment of interim superintendents during the hiring process is crucial, as they help with the transition. Districts navigating leadership changes should focus on taking care of students and ensuring a high-quality education. Transparency and community involvement in the hiring process are also important to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Diverse paths to the classroom: Unveiling the true face of educators
Educators in the classroom come from a wide range of ages, training backgrounds, and pathways. While the stereotype of a new teacher is someone fresh out of college, the reality is much more diverse. According to the National Teacher and Principal Survey, 45% of first-year educators are under 25, but there are also teachers in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Training programs for teachers also vary, with 30% following non-traditional paths. However, the distinction between traditional and alternative programs can be blurry, as some colleges offer both. The labor market for teachers is also more complex than perceived, with shortages leading to substitutes and teaching assistants seeking full-time positions. Additionally, a significant number of new teachers are reentrants, returning to the classroom after a break. In Texas, the traditional pathway is not the most common source for new hires, with alternative certification programs and hiring without state certification being more prevalent. The diversity in age, training, and pathways to the classroom presents challenges for state and district policymakers in addressing hiring needs.
Significant decline in teacher enrollment raises concerns
A new analysis of teacher-preparation program enrollment data reveals a significant decline in teacher enrollment in the United States. Between 2008 and 2020, the number of education students declined by about a quarter of a million. This decline raises concerns about the health of the teacher pipeline and the likelihood of future teacher shortages. Factors such as teacher layoffs during the Great Recession, slow investment in teacher pay, and a focus on accountability, may have deterred young people from pursuing teaching as a career. The analysis also highlights variations in enrollment trends among states, with some showing improvements while others continue to decline. However, recent data shows encouraging gains in teacher-prep enrollment, which can help reduce the teacher shortage. Completion rates have also declined, but alternative-preparation programs have seen an increase in enrollment and completion.
----- TEACHER PAY ISSUES -----
Educators supplementing salaries with side hustles
Educators are taking on side hustles and second jobs to supplement meager salaries. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 60% of public school teachers have side gigs. Rising costs and low teacher salaries have driven teachers to seek supplemental income. One in four teachers reported working 10 or more hours per week at an alternate job, and 8% reported working more than 20 extra hours. The financial struggle is taking a toll on Black educators, with low salary being a significant source of stress. Wizelie St. Jean, an operations coordinator and former teacher, worked as a teacher's assistant and waitress to fund her lifestyle. Despite the challenges, having a side hustle offered her opportunities and luxuries that teaching alone could not provide. Many educators are turning their passions into profitable side businesses to make ends meet while staying in the education field.
Majority of Americans ring bell for higher teacher pay, survey finds
A survey conducted by PDK International reveals that a majority of Americans support increasing teacher pay and believe that teachers are undervalued. The survey, which has been conducted annually for 55 years, also shows mixed feelings on curriculum control. While 66 percent of respondents believe that teachers should have more say over what is taught in schools, 51 percent support state laws regarding what teachers can teach. The survey also found growing support for a four-day school week, with 53 percent of adults in favor of a shorter schedule. The CEO of PDK International, James Lane, notes that many Americans see the teacher shortage as a serious issue and believe that increasing pay is a solution. The survey did not specifically address recent laws banning certain topics in schools. Overall, the findings highlight the public's support for teachers and the need to uplift the teaching profession.
----- LEGAL -----
State vs. District: Transgender student policies ignite conflict
State-level policies on transgender students are causing conflicts at the district level in Virginia and California. In Virginia, one school district is refusing to follow new state standards that require transgender students to use facilities corresponding with their sex assigned at birth. In California, multiple districts are implementing policies that require educators to inform parents if a student wants to change their name or pronouns. These battles present challenges for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and California Governor Gavin Newsom. The fights have drawn attention due to the high profiles of Youngkin and Newsom, who have both been asked about their interest in running for the White House. A recent poll shows that voters in battleground states now trust Republicans more than Democrats on education. While conservatives in California are making progress at school boards, they may face pushback in one of the most liberal states in the country. Extremist views on transgender student policies could impact the 2024 election.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Call for ban on high-caffeine energy drink sales to children
Pediatricians are calling for the U.S. to treat new high-caffeine energy drinks like alcohol and cigarettes and ban their sale to minors. Prime Energy, which launched in the U.S. this year, has 200 mg of caffeine within its 350ml can - exceeding permissible caffeine levels in Canada, Australia and New Zealand - as do rivals such as Ghost and Kim Kardashian's Kimade. Competitor Monster Energy contains 150mg of caffeine. Without legal age mandates like those on alcohol and cigarettes, retailers are unlikely to restrict access, said Dr. Holly Benjamin, a professor of pediatrics and orthopedic surgery at the University of Chicago. There is no proven safe dose of caffeine for children, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. "Retailers could choose to place sports drinks and energy drinks in different locations and label the sections differently; but, I think that is unlikely to happen without regulation which starts with better product labeling and widespread education," Dr. Benjamin said. She added: "Any energy drink with a high dose caffeine in it, such as Prime Energy, is unsafe for children."
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths soar, schools called to action
Fentanyl-related teen overdose deaths have nearly tripled from 2019 to 2021, with fentanyl involved in 84% of all teen overdose deaths in 2021. Families are urging education leaders to respond to this crisis as the new school year begins. Education leaders are grappling with how to approach this drug use crisis, recognizing that schools alone cannot solve the issue. Multiple bipartisan federal legislations are being proposed to support schools in dealing with fentanyl. Families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses are leading the charge for change. They are advocating for improved drug education and awareness programs that appeal to teenagers and their social bonds. Peer-to-peer conversations and bystander intervention are seen as potential opportunities for prevention and education. The fentanyl crisis is an inflection point in the national conversation about drugs, forcing society to acknowledge shortcomings and take action. Schools have the potential to reach millions of students and play a crucial role in educating them about the dangers of fentanyl.
Students suffer in sweltering classrooms without AC
Amid sweltering heat waves, classes have resumed in many districts around the country that have outdated heating and cooling systems—or no air conditioning at all. As temperatures keep rising, schools are testing different approaches to beat the heat. The lack of air conditioning in classrooms poses health risks for students, especially those with chronic illnesses. It also affects learning outcomes, as studies have shown that students are more likely to fail exams on hot days. Even when classrooms have AC, extreme temperatures outside can still disrupt learning. The issue of inadequate air conditioning in schools is widespread, with an estimated 41% of districts in the US needing to update or replace HVAC systems. The cost and complexity of finding solutions have delayed necessary repairs.
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