KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
The ABCFT negotiating team has a bargaining session scheduled with the district on February 7.
As noted previously, our policy is to not bargain in public or publish the back and forth progress (or lack thereof) during the process. We do this with the intent to negotiate the best possible agreement for our members.
But when people ask the reasonable questions of “what are we bargaining for?” or “what is taking so long?” here are some responses. The COLA for 2023-2024 remains 8.22%. The COLA or Cost of Living Adjustment provided by the state is to account for all ongoing district expenses. Beyond the costs like step and column, pension costs, or health benefits we are also having to account for a significant number of students lost to declining enrollment. The district has approximately 2000 fewer students than it did 5 years ago. And a demographic report predicts that we are on schedule to lose another 2000 in the next five years. The state provided an accounting mechanism to help districts avoid a financial “cliff” but the reality is that ABCUSD has lost a great many students in recent years and even with spreading it out as a three year average the number has a negative impact on the amount remaining for costs such as ongoing compensation. The ABCFT team has been consistent with our argument that this year is this year and next year is next year; meaning that despite a poor COLA projection for 2024-2025 we want to be able to achieve needed gains on our salary schedule in the here and now.
I would offer that the pace of negotiations has been impacted by the low projection of a 0.76% COLA for next year. The district needs to submit a three year budget to the Los Angeles County Office of Education or LACOE and the negative news about next year has likely made them leery of committing what they are concerned could be too much in the present year. That is where we are in the process at the moment. The ABCFT team has been mindful of the real costs of declining enrollment but also been steadfast regarding the expectations of our members. We continue to negotiate in good faith and hope to be able to share a tentative agreement, and accompanying calendar, with the membership soon.
In Unity,
MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES
Teaching about Black History is an essential and important part of any history curriculum and an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black people throughout history, and also serves as an opportunity to acknowledge and learn about the struggles and injustices of the past and present. By incorporating these lessons into our curriculum, we not only acknowledge the diversity of our society, but also gain a deeper understanding of our shared history and the ways in which it has shaped our world today.
Review sample resources from our curriculum-spanning collection of free preK-12 lesson plans and activities, then begin your lesson planning here.
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 data don’t matter unless there’s meaningful chatter.” - CSI training
Some weeks I have a bit more time to think about what I’m going to write about in my weekly message. This week….not so much time.
Teachers and nurses in ABC are doing what they do best on behalf of their students as always, however, there is this dark cloud of the facilities committee that is looming over the district. Tanya and I are visiting schools and addressing some of the frequently asked questions that members and classified employees have about the facility meetings' findings, the future town halls, and what it means for educators, parents, and students.
So behind the backdrop of significant academic progress and program improvements for students and teachers in ABC, this spector of unanswered questions, fear, loathing, and distrust permeates the district. One issue that stands out paramount in my mind is that even though I’m on the facilities committee as the union representative for ABCFT, I don’t understand the exact reasons why we are subjecting our ABC Community to possible school closures and all the turmoil it is creating. If I had known that this push to look at facilities was because of some pressing financial situation, I would have been on board. If I knew that our current staff were utterly overwhelmed because of the limitations brought about by a smaller staff, I would be on board. If it were about tangible programs possibly disappearing in the next couple of years because of declining enrollment, I would be on board. If it were about us not being able to afford our support personnel or all of our intervention specialists and TOSAs over the next two years, I would be on board. I guess what I’m asking is for a clear purpose of why we are driving to close school(s).
Don’t get me wrong, I think awakening the community and giving them the space to voice their input in the coming weeks at the town hall meetings is absolutely critical as part of having difficult conversations. I’m asking for a clear message from the school board members about the purpose of these meetings and what circumstances are driving this effort. I want to support whatever is best for the students of this school district, as does every school board member.
Another thing I’m worried about is how this is impacting our parents' support of our school district. I’m worried that the same population of parents who voted for a bond will now see this as a betrayal of their support. I’m worried that when this decision is made in April and May, our testing scores will suffer because our students are worried about what will happen to their school or they are confused about why their parents are so upset and handing out flyers in front of their school. Someone asked me yesterday, “Can the committee be disbanded before they reach a conclusion?” I don’t know, but I worry about how this exercise will a lasting affect the ABC Community and their trust in public education.
If the reasons for closing schools are in the data, then let's make that well known. If it's about money, then show the community how the budget is hurting. If it's about programs and supports, then show the community how redistribution of resources in fewer schools is a good thing for all students. I want to be on board and support this school board because they have demonstrated their trust and fiduciary care of all ABC students and employees. I just want to know why this process is happening so I can feel like I understand the reasons for continuing this heart-wrenching process. I’m just asking for clarity.
My questions raised today are really to create a space for facts to be shared. As a member of the facilities committee here’s what we were told during our first meeting. We are having the committee study enrollment and facilities because we have lost 2,000 students in three years and are projected to lose another 3,000 through 2029. That’s 25% of our student population in 10 years. Many of our schools are at half capacity and that’s about $70 million in funding we will lose. Now those are facts.
I guess what I’m asking for is even more communication to our school community so that they can see not only the facts but also that if there are any benefits for consolidation of schools, what does that look like? As always this is food for thought.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) Now Available
As you may know, the federal government has updated the FAFSA form and website but the roll out has not been smooth. See articles here and here. Here is the latest update from the state.
As reported by the state, “the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA), which provides access to state aid for undocumented students, are now available to students.
“The new FAFSA reflects major changes, including a reduction in the overall number of questions on the form, a transition from Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the Student Aid Index (SAI) and an expansion of Pell Grant eligibility for low-income students.
“As a result of the delay, California’s financial aid priority deadline has been extended from March 2 to April 2, giving students more time to complete their applications and qualify for the most aid. Students planning to attend a California community college have until September 2 to submit a FAFSA or CADAA.” (As reported by the Ca Community College Chancellor’s Office on Jan 24, 2024).
The latest CFT articles and news stories can be found here on the PreK12 news feed on the CFT.org website.
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
AFT Resolution
Calling for a Bilateral Cease-Fire in Gaza and Promoting a Two-State Solution and an End to the Weaponization of Hate
The war in Gaza must end, and diplomacy that creates two states for two peoples must start. Far too many Palestinians and Israelis have perished, and far too many Palestinians and Israelis have had their lives shattered and destroyed. As educators, healthcare professionals and public service professionals, we are sick at heart over the toll this war has taken on thousands of innocent people, particularly innocent children.
We have long recognized the right of Israel to protect its citizens against crimes of war and aggression. The horrific slaughter of Israeli civilians perpetrated by Hamas, Islamic Jihad and others on Oct. 7 was the largest mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust. To this day, Israeli civilians taken as hostages on Oct. 7 are still in captivity in Gaza.
The ongoing war in Gaza—its terrible toll of tens of thousands of civilian Palestinian deaths and its widespread destruction—has created a humanitarian tragedy that must end.
Further shedding of blood in Gaza and the infliction of more pain and anguish will not bring peace and security to either Palestinians or Israelis. Cycles of violence and retribution in Israel and the Palestinian territories for the better part of a century cannot be broken with more of the same. Moreover, there is real danger of the expansion of the current war in Gaza to other nations in the Middle East and beyond.
For all these reasons and more, the American Federation of Teachers supports a negotiated bilateral cease-fire, agreed to by both sides in this war and guaranteed by the international community. A cease-fire agreement must include humanitarian aid for the immediate provision of desperately needed food, water, medical care, clothing and emergency shelter to Palestinians and the release of all hostages taken on Oct. 7.
The AFT reaffirms its support for a two-state solution, with true self-determination for the people of Israel and the people of Palestine. Both peoples have deep roots in that land and the right to live there in peace and with freedom. A bilateral cease-fire is necessary to start the process of negotiating a lasting agreement that ends the decades of conflict and bloodshed by recognizing the rights of both peoples and providing each with its own government—two states for two peoples.
The Palestinian people of Gaza have suffered under the dictatorial rule of Hamas, which has brutally repressed and eliminated its Palestinian opponents. Hamas declares its intent to destroy the state of Israel and has a massive terrorist infrastructure. Hamas is not a partner for peace, security or a two-state solution; that is why the peace initiative organized by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states does not include Hamas in its proposals for the future governance of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government are a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace, freedom and security. He has opposed a two-state solution while enabling numerous illegal settlements on the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu’s government has stood idle in the face of violence and land theft that extremist settlers have waged against Palestinians in these territories. Netanyahu has an interest in prolonging the war to escape the public scrutiny of his colossal failure to protect Israeli citizens, and to escape his ongoing trials. Despite the Israeli Supreme Court’s ruling against his effort to override that very court, he continues to undermine Israel’s democracy. It is time for another election in Israel so that Israelis can elect leaders who truly believe in democracy, security and a peace process.
We support those forces in Israel and in Palestine that seek a different future for themselves—a democratic future where Israelis and Palestinians both can live in dignity and with self-determination and security for all.
Meanwhile, the war has also unleashed a wave of hate and incitement to violence in the United States, with appalling demonstrations of antisemitism and Islamophobia. The AFT reiterates our long-standing and uncompromising opposition to antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate and incitement to violence. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring our work and teaching environments are safe and welcoming for the people we represent and those we serve, and to promoting a democratic education that builds understanding and mutual acceptance across different religions, races and ethnic groups. Whatever one’s view of the war and the issues raised by it, there is no justification for using it to spread hate and intolerance.
The weaponization of incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia in campaigns to censor dissenting views of the war and the underlying conflict between Israel and Palestine is also deeply disturbing. These campaigns are particularly troubling in education, where they strike at the heart of the freedom to have unfettered, intellectually honest and respectful discussion and to freely debate ideas, even controversial ideas. That is the hallmark of both American education and American democracy. We will defend the rights of educators and their students to participate in intellectually honest discussions, to articulate and rally around their views, including the underlying conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Moreover, we will not tolerate the weaponization of academic discourse to be used in political attacks on American colleges and universities, and as a pretext for attacks on efforts to increase diversity, promote equity and advance inclusion.
Our campuses must be places of dialogue for the furtherance of understanding in a pluralistic society. Teachers and students must be free to express different views on the burning issues of the day, without fear of loss of position and retaliation, and without intimidation and threats of violence.
As a union deeply committed to teaching, to healthcare and to defending democracy, we pledge to continue our advocacy for democracy at home and abroad, as we support the principles of dignity and freedom for all.
(2024)
Please note that a newer resolution, or portion of a resolution, may have superseded an earlier resolution on the same subject. As a result, with the exception of resolutions adopted at our most recent AFT convention, resolutions do not necessarily reflect current AFT policies.
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
FBI flags hate crimes in schools
Around 10% of hate crimes in the United States in 2022 occurred in schools, according to a new report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), equal to 1,336 incidents out of the total 13,346 reported hate crime offenses that year. Schools ranked as the third most frequent setting for hate crimes, following residences, and roadways. Preschool to 12th grade experienced the most hate crime incidents, followed by college settings. Black students were targeted the most, followed by Jewish students, then LGBTQ students. Reported hate crime incidents and related offenses increased between 2018 and 2022. Intimidation was the most frequent form of hate crime at schools, followed by simple assault, then aggravated assault.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
States and districts' latest ESSER spending detailed
States and districts have spent nearly all of their awarded federal funding for the first allocation of K-12 COVID-19 recovery efforts under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES, according to a senior U.S. Department of Education official. About 99.6% has been spent and reimbursed from the $3bn dedicated under the CARES Act for the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief fund for K-12 and higher education, and the $13.2bn provided through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund. States are also reporting strong K-12 spending activity for the second COVID emergency allocation of about $58bn under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, or CRRSA. Only 3% of those funds for both ESSER and GEER remain unspent or are awaiting reimbursement. March 28 is the deadline to spend down all of the CARES Act funds for states approved for late liquidation. For CRRSA funds, that late liquidation deadline is March 28 2025.
Millions announced for school-based Medicaid services
The federal government is to award $50m in grants to states to implement, enhance, and expand Medicaid school-based services. HHS’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plans to award 20 state grants of up to $2.5m each over three years for improvements to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program school-based services, according to a letter to state governors from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Education, with particular attention to be paid to rural and underserved areas. For the past year, HHS and the Education Department have teamed up to ease reimbursements to schools for various school-based Medicaid activities, including by issuing a long awaited revised guide for services and billing, and launching a new technical assistance center.
Heavy rains close schools nationwide
Heavy rain has closed schools and elevated flooding risks around the country. Some areas of Texas have received more than eight inches of rain within 48 hours, including Austin and Houston, leading to class cancellations and the closure of local government offices. Elsewhere, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Ventura and San Diego counties due to heavy rains and flooding.
Title IX regulations likely delayed again
The U.S Department of Education appears likely to again miss the deadline it set for finalizing two highly anticipated Title IX regulations. One of the department’s regulatory plans would direct how K-12 schools investigate and potentially punish sexual assault. The other would prohibit blanket bans on transgender athletes participating in sports teams aligning their gender identities. However, colleges and schools could bar transgender players from joining teams if they decide they need a sex-based restriction to preserve fairness or prevent injuries. “If we give the Department of Education another few weeks to get it ready for publication, we’re looking at a June 2024 release at the earliest,” says Melissa Carleton, a lawyer specializing in higher education at Ohio-based firm Bricker Graydon. The Biden administration has prioritized remolding policies around Title IX, a law banning sex-based discrimination, including sexual assault, in federally funded colleges and K-12 schools.
----- STATE NEWS -----
States taking action to combat cyberattacks on schools
State lawmakers and governors are responding to the increase in cyberattacks on schools by enacting more cybersecurity laws, according to a report from the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN). While many of the new laws focus on addressing cybersecurity in K-12 schools and connecting districts with technical expertise, only a few provide additional funding. The report highlights the urgent need for increased investment in cybersecurity, as K-12 schools are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Last year, governors in 33 states signed 75 cybersecurity laws with education implications, more than double the number enacted in 2022. Additionally, legislators in 42 states introduced 307 cybersecurity bills related to education, more than triple the number in 2020. Some states, such as Texas and Minnesota, allocated funding for K-12 cybersecurity, but experts argue that more substantial investment is needed. Efforts are also underway at the federal level to secure cybersecurity funding for K-12 schools.
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.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Temecula Valley Unified working to fill vacant board seat
The Temecula Valley Unified School District is looking to fill an open board seat, but the names of the applicants have not been released. The public will have limited time to learn about the candidates before the board members interview them on February 13. The replacement for the vacant seat could determine the board's conservative majority. The district is withholding the names of the applicants, which has raised concerns about transparency. However, the district may have legal cover for not disclosing the names based on previous court cases. The departure of board member Danny Gonzalez has set up a potential deadlock on the board. If the remaining members cannot agree on a replacement, voters will choose who succeeds Gonzalez. In addition, board President Joseph Komrosky is facing a recall election. The upcoming interviews for the board seat come amidst this possible board shakeup.
Los Angeles Unified enjoying 'more cooperation' under Carvalho
The board of the Los Angeles Unified School District has experienced a shift towards more cooperation and less division in recent years. This change may be attributed to the all-hands-on-deck approach necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has solidified his office's control over the district, with the board playing a more muted role. However, the outcome of this year's election could potentially alter this dynamic. Incumbent Tanya Ortiz Franklin, a former L.A. Unified teacher and administrator, is seeking a second term and is the better choice for board District 7. Franklin has helped create a calm and well-run board that operates through collaboration and common sense. She has also shown enthusiasm for learning from fellow board member Jackie Goldberg. While there are areas that still need improvement, such as grade inflation and the shift away from the successful Primary Promise program, the district's emphasis on community schools and responsiveness to the needs of underserved students and families are widely seen as positive developments.
Temecula Valley Unified president faces recall election
Joseph Komrosky, president of the Temecula Valley Unified school board, will face a recall election this spring. Since his election, the board's conservative majority has made several controversial decisions, including banning critical race theory and firing the former superintendent. One Temecula Valley PAC submitted the signatures for Komrosky's recall, with 4,884 voter signatures confirmed. Co-founder of One Temecula Valley PAC, Jeff Pack, expressed hope that the recall election would correct the wrongs that have occurred under Komrosky's leadership.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Thousands of Cal State student workers voting to unionize
Over 20,000 student workers across the 23 California State University campuses are voting on whether to form a union, a move that would make them the largest undergraduate union in the United States, The Orange County Register reported. Voting began Thursday and will continue until Feb. 22.
“There’s this idea that it’s just supposed to be a fun college job to get some extra spending money,” said Elisa Mendez-Pintado, now a graduate student at San Diego State University. “But in California, these jobs are what keep us living.”
Mendez-Pintado became a union organizer in 2022 during her senior year at the university; she worked on campus to pay for rent, food and gas, the Register reported.
According to The Register, organizers hope a union contract will secure raises and benefits such as sick pay.
A union of student workers, if approved, would join campus unions of dining hall workers, faculty, adjunct professors and doctoral students.
“Student work is real work, and therefore we should be treated like real employees,” Mendez-Pintado told The Register.
—Lasherica Thornton
----- CLASSROOM -----
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.
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