KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
We have a tentative agreement that can now be discussed and voted upon.
The ABCFT executive board voted to move it forward to the rep council and the rep council then voted to move it to the full membership for a ratification vote. We held a general meeting in person last evening and now we have a week to vote electronically on this agreement. Click here to view the TA and related documents.
There is an annotated document that details the specific elements of the agreement that appears in the link above. We have received the updated salary schedules as well so everyone can see what their respective compensation would be if this tentative agreement were passed with a majority vote.
Thanks again to the members of the negotiation team, Patty Alcantar, Edith Corrales, Kelley Forsythe, Ray Gaer, Tanya Golden, Cami Hadden, Daren Ham, David Hind, and Jill Yasutake for their hard work in bargaining this tentative agreement.
I acknowledge my bias as the chief negotiator but this agreement is a good overall compensation package that we were able to achieve despite a last minute decrease in next year’s COLA and the well documented decline in enrollment that ABCUSD has been dealing with and will continue to confront in coming years.
And while it is not technically part of this agreement I do want to note that this is the first year that our “escalator clause” for stipends will come into effect. Last year we bargained for a formula that all stipends would increase the following year by half of the on schedule raise. So with a 4.5% raise that means that the stipend rate will increase by 2.25% for the 2024-2025 school year. Stipends are not retroactive but this new mechanism means that ongoing raises to the salary schedule will bring incremental boosts to our stipends every subsequent year.
The 4.5% on schedule increase in this agreement follows an on schedule raise of 7% in 2022-2203 and a 5% on schedule raise in 2021-2022. The ABCFT team have negotiated on schedule raises equalling a 16.5% improvement to the salary schedules over the last three years.
I encourage a yes vote.
Lastly, in terms of process everything that we do within this ratification process is dependent upon board approval. That is, if we pass our tentative agreement with a majority it will then go to the board meeting of March 6 for approval. If a majority of the board, or four votes, approve of our ratified agreement it then becomes official and the process is complete.
In Unity,
MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES - Black History Month
(Content from California Federation of Teachers)
As we continue our celebration of Black History Month, we have more great materials to use in the classroom and to share with family and friends.
To start, check out this CFT Instagram post on the March on Washington in 1963. Though it is often overlooked, one of the main objectives of the march was to fight for fair wages, economic justice, and a good education for all students. And don’t forget to check out this excellent reading list from the AFL-CIO, and this children's book list from the Anti-Defamation League.
More Black History Month materials and resources can be found on the CFT website.
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.
“Mental health is the invisible disability.” Adrianne, our former Equity Officer. I hope you had a good week and are planning how to spend your three-day weekend best to recharge for March madness. Put your mental health first in the coming month because you matter to everyone around you.
Tanya Golden and I continue to visit sites and programs throughout the school district as we discuss site concerns and answer any questions about the Facilities Committee process or the Tentative agreement. Thank you to the Bragg, Head Start, Carver, Artesia High School, and Aloha teachers for your time and meaningful discussions about workloads and the facilities' concerns.
Last night was the second town hall meeting for the Facilities Committee, and about two hundred people were in attendance. Parents, students, and concerned citizens continue to voice concerns about the impact this could have on their communities. A number of teachers spoke in support of not closing any schools and often provided important information that spotlighted pupil data and financial questions that need to be addressed by the board. At one point, a city council member from Artesia stated falsely that teachers could be the reason that the district was in financial trouble. Let me make a clarifying statement for that councilman, THE ABC SCHOOL DISTRICT IS NOT IN A FINANCIAL TAILSPIN, and for him to call on teachers to take a pay cut was entirely out of line. The closing of schools was never about our current financial situation but it will be in possibly five years but we aren’t there yet. The community cannot be lied to that closing schools is totally financial. Maybe the board may have plans to close a school to sell it so that they can use that money to enhance the remaining schools, but I’m just speculating. It’s not about money at this point. I’ll have more to report about the town hall and next week's committee meeting next week.
Lastly, thank you to those teachers who have raised concerns about the calendar negotiations for 25-26. There are concerns about Spring Break and how that will impact testing windows and compression of everything teachers have to complete in the Spring of any school year. The ABCFT negotiations team will survey members next year to ensure that any future calendar will reflect what the members feel in the classroom. We want to negotiate additional calendar years in advance so that we can all anticipate our start and end dates.
I hear that you are overwhelmed, and I will make sure that district administrators are well aware of your distress in juggling so many academic campaigns in addition to preparing for testing. Thank you for all you do, and Tanya and I look forward to seeing you soon.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Upcoming online CFT trainings
Ways to engage equity partners in developing a District Equity Plan
Wednesday, February 21: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
This training session will discuss steps you can take to create an equity plan and engage partners (students, staff, and families) in your school district. Through grounding in purpose, reflection, and examining challenges, the session will allow for reflection and discussion. Join us in a learning community and leave with practical strategies to cultivate equitable spaces for school sites. Register here.
A conversation about the Pink Tax
Wednesday, February 28, 2024: 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Starting at birth, from baby toys to clothes, deodorant, car repair, and medicine, products and services geared toward women cost more than those geared toward men. Join us for a courageous conversation about the pink tax. Learn about efforts being made to address this unacceptable practice. Share your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for ways that the union can address this hidden and shameful practice of taxing women for being women. Register here.
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-----
Growing concerns over aging school buildings
The average school building in America is nearly half a century old, with a significant number of schools having portable or non-permanent structures. Research shows that well-maintained and modern school buildings lead to better student performance and health outcomes. However, close to half of educators surveyed gave their buildings a poor grade. It is estimated that an additional $85bn per year is needed to adequately renovate all school buildings. The latest survey reveals that 21% of school buildings were constructed after 2000, while 12% were built before the 1950s. Funding for school modernization primarily comes from local governments, with little federal investment. Despite a decline, 30% of schools still have temporary structures. Disparities exist in access to specialized spaces, with some schools lacking libraries and STEM labs. Schools with mostly white students and those in cities are more likely to have dedicated library space. Larger schools are more likely to have STEM labs. The survey also highlights the rise of outdoor instructional spaces, along with the need for indoor air quality coordinators in schools.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Funding initiatives for schools set to expire
A slew of federal and state funding initiatives that helped schools weather the logistical and financial chaos of the pandemic are set to expire in the coming months. The highest-profile funding program set to dwindle is the last and largest round of $190bn in emergency aid Congress sent to districts in three rounds between March 2020 and March 2021. Districts will have to commit all their remaining funds from ESSER to specific expenses by September 30 or forfeit the remainder. Several states, including Idaho, New York, and Rhode Island, are winding down so-called “hold harmless” policies that temporarily allowed districts to receive per-pupil funding based on larger student-body numbers from previous academic years to prevent steep drops in state aid tied to enrollment declines. Major sources of funding for expanding access to essential technology are also drying up. Supplemental federal investments or temporary provisions aimed at preventing children from going hungry, allowing low-income families to obtain medical care, and supporting schools that serve large numbers of homeless students have either already receded or soon will. “The end of these programs marks the largest-ever reduction in publicly available resources in education and we've known for a while it's been coming,” says Katie Silberstein, strategic project lead for the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University.
Alabama's high school suspension rates underlined
Alabama has the sixth-highest suspension and expulsion rates, and eighth-highest youth incarceration rate in the nation, according to a report by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The report highlights the overreliance on juvenile detention centers in Alabama, which disproportionately affects Black youth. The report reveals that Black students in Alabama are 19% more likely to be suspended than their white counterparts. The excessive use of out-of-school suspensions contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline. The high costs of incarceration are also highlighted, with the report showing that it is significantly more expensive to incarcerate a young person than to provide education or community-based programs. The Southern Poverty Law Center recommends raising the minimum age of youth incarceration, ending punitive discipline practices, investing in community-based alternatives, and discontinuing the use of for-profit youth incarceration facilities in Alabama.
School districts could be underestimating homeless numbers
School districts could be underestimating the number of homeless children in their communities, according to a new study. While schools report that over 1.2m students are homeless each year, researchers argue that the information gathered by districts is not enough to accurately track homelessness. The study found that homelessness could be more than four times greater than officially recognized levels. By testing various strategies to track homelessness, researchers discovered significant unidentified student homelessness in a New Jersey school district. The lead author of the study, J. J. Cutuli, stated that these findings likely apply to many other school districts as well. The study emphasizes the need for better identification and support for homeless students in order to ensure they receive the assistance they need.
----- STATE NEWS -----
State budget tight for schools
State budget cuts have left some school districts in California struggling to manage their finances. Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget report revealed a lower deficit than expected, but funding for schools remains tight. The cost of living adjustment (COLA) for schools is lower than anticipated, and one-time funds for COVID-19 relief are running out. As a result, districts are facing deficits that may impact their ability to finance future school years. Declining enrollment and the expiration of federal relief grants further compound the financial challenges. Districts are advised to examine their programs and reduce costs to avoid further cuts. Three districts in Sonoma County are already facing qualified status and will need to make significant cuts. The situation is similar in Santa Rosa City Schools and Sonoma Valley Unified. Cuts to staff positions and programs are being considered to align with enrollment numbers and budget constraints. The districts are seeking solutions through budget advisory committees and exploring cost-saving measures. The impact of the budget cuts is already being felt, with job eliminations and reductions in services. The districts are striving to prioritize resources and maintain quality education for students despite the financial challenges.
A-G completion rates in California are low
The overall A-G completion rates in California are low, with Black and Latino students being the hardest hit. The lack of access to rigorous coursework and support, as well as disparities within schools, contribute to these low completion rates. Improving A-G completion rates is crucial for preparing students for the future job market, where a college degree or post-secondary education will be required for 72% of jobs by 2031. While progress has been slow, districts like Victor Valley Union High School are implementing changes to increase A-G completion rates, such as prioritizing scheduling and providing tutoring. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all students have equal opportunities for higher education.
California schools among nation's most diverse
Two California school districts have been listed among the top 10 most diverse school districts in the United States. The rankings, based on racial and economic diversity, as well as survey responses on school culture and diversity, were conducted by Niche, a ranking and review website. Natomas Unified secured the second position in the rankings, while Elk Grove Unified ranked sixth. The next most diverse school district in California is Fairfield-Suisun Unified, which ranked 29th. Other diverse school districts in California include Culver City Unified, San Francisco Unified, New Haven Unified, San Diego Unified, San Leandro Unified, Santa Clara Unified, and Sacramento City Unified.
California bill seeks to extend 'district of choice' program indefinitely
State Senator Josh Newman has sponsored a bill in California to extend the District of Choice program indefinitely. The program, established in 1993, allows students to transfer from one public school district to another, providing more educational options. The legislation aims to make the program permanent, offering certainty to families and ensuring students can graduate alongside their friends. The program has been praised for giving families access to educational opportunities that may not be available in their home district. The Legislative Analyst's Office has recommended reauthorization of the program, stating that students who transfer under the District of Choice gain access to additional courses. While some districts choose not to participate, others, like Walnut Valley Unified, consider the program essential for providing quality education to all students. The bill also proposes increased funding for students in free or reduced-price lunch programs, foster youth, and English learner programs. Foster and unhoused youth would receive priority admission into the program. Supporters believe the program fosters healthy competition and allows students with different learning styles to excel.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Job Cuts for Teachers at Sonoma Valley Unified
The Sonoma Valley Unified School District's Board of Trustees has eliminated seven full-time secondary school and six full-time elementary school teaching jobs, along with other positions, in an effort to address a massive revenue deficit. The cuts are expected to save the district about $2.5m annually. The district's revenue dropped from $75m to an estimated $67.5m, and projected economic conditions and enrollment were also factors. Trustee John Kelly attributed the deficit to fiscal mismanagement and emphasized the need for balanced budgets. The district has until March 15 to notify affected individuals. The Sonoma County Office of Education has warned the district about its failure to meet the state minimum reserve for economic uncertainty. The board has until May 15 to make additional cuts.
Temecula Valley Unified pursues board election
After hearing from nearly a dozen candidates to replace former board member Danny Gonzalez, who resigned in December, the Temecula Valley Unified School District board failed to reach a decision at Tuesday’s meeting and instead voted to pursue an election. In December, as calls for improved governance rang, the board opted to move forward with an appointment process in hopes of avoiding an election. Each candidate was given the opportunity to speak for 15 minutes, during which they gave a two-minute opening statement and answered a series of five questions from the board. Before the public interviews, each candidate also had to submit information on their academic and professional background, along with responses to 14 written questions. The candidates included Suzette Jacobsen, Cole Everi Mann, Danny Shaw, Emil Barham, Angela Talarzyk, Martin Bermudez, Cynthia Allen, Gary Oddi, Aaron Hoover, Andrew Letona, and Susan Evans.
Los Angeles Unified limits charter schools on district campuses
A divided Los Angeles Unified School District board has adopted a controversial policy limiting where charter schools can operate within the school district, and further inflaming long-standing tensions between charter schools and traditional public schools. The policy aims to prevent charter schools from serving the most vulnerable students on LAUSD campuses. LAUSD school board President Jackie Goldberg pushed for the district's new policy regarding co-location of charter schools on district campuses. The decision has sparked debate and opposition from charter school advocates.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Teachers fear discussing political and social issues in class
Most American teachers are circumscribing lessons on political or social topics due to worries over parental complaints. Amid a wave of legislation that has reshaped how educators are allowed to discuss race, history, sex, and gender in the classroom, a report by Rand Corp. found that 65% of K-12 teachers reported restricting instruction on political and social issues. As of late 2022, legislators in 25 states had passed 64 laws restricting what teachers can teach and what children can do at school, and more than two dozen similar laws passed in 2023. Teachers’ most common reason for curtailing some forms of education, the report found, was their worry that school or district leaders would not support them if parents expressed concerns.
Educators call for artificial intelligence guidance
The majority of districts in the country have not released guidance for the use of artificial intelligence in schools, despite the increasing use of such technology. Only five states have provided AI guidance, California, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and West Virginia. Others, including Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming have declined due to local control rules. Tennessee is among the first states to require districts to create AI policies. Some organizations have already stepped into that void. For instance, the Council of Great City Schools and the Consortium for School Networking have released a list of 93 questions for schools to consider when using AI. Teach AI meanwhile, an initiative launched by a cadre of nonprofits to help schools think through AI guidance and policy, has offered a toolkit of principles to think through when crafting AI guidance.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Lower-income families in some states missing out on Summer EBT funding
Lower-income families in 14 states are being denied assistance from a federal program that helps pay for groceries during the summer. The rejections, all from states with Republican governors, stem from objections to welfare programs, technical challenges, and satisfaction with other nutrition programs. Many states have rejected federal funds on principle, or for technical reasons, similar to their rejection of enhanced unemployment benefits and Medicaid expansion. The Summer EBT program, which aims to combat child hunger during school breaks, is expected to cost $2.5bn this year and help feed 21m children. However, another 10m eligible kids live in states that turned down the funding. The program provides $40 per qualifying child on an EBT card for groceries and food from farmers' markets. Despite the rejections, advocacy groups believe that all states can be persuaded to join in the future.
Chronic absenteeism 'greatest challenge' for schools
Chronic absenteeism has spiked since the pandemic, with more than one out of four students missing at least 18 days of school a year. An even higher percentage of poor students, more than one out of three, are chronically absent. According to Nat Malkus, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, chronic absenteeism is the greatest challenge for public schools at present. Common approaches to combating absenteeism may be more effective with higher-income families, while low-income families require help that schools cannot provide. This necessitates partnerships with community organizations and social service agencies.
CDC considers loosening COVID isolation policy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may soon loosen the five-day COVID-19 isolation guidance. Reports say officials want to align the COVID-19 recommendations with ones for the flu and RSV, which would mean that people who have tested positive could return to school and work once they’re fever-free for at least 24 hours without taking medication, and their symptoms are mild and improving. Any potential new guidance would come as schools are struggling to combat a drop in student attendance and stagnant academic performances blamed on pandemic-related setbacks that started nearly four years ago with the global onset of COVID-19.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
Castaic Union restoring operations after cybersecurity attack
The Castaic Union School District is working to restore its information technology operations after a cybersecurity attack. Superintendent Bob Brauneisen stated that the district began investigating the incident immediately upon learning of the attack. Brauneisen emphasized the district's commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of its data. The district is diligently working to restore operations and further investigate the incident. Updates will be provided once the investigation is completed.
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