KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
I have been in contact with Dr. Fraser regarding timelines for our upcoming checks. He will be sending out a communication confirming the particular dates.
Ray, Tanya, Patty Alcantar, and myself are in Sacramento today for CFT councils and a leadership conference. I am interested in learning about the latest legal updates and how proposed legislation may impact our members in the classroom. I am always impressed with the lobbying that CFT does on our behalf. The relationships that CFT has with legislators and the input we have in various committees helps support public education. When the question is asked, “what do our CFT dues go towards?” I often think of pro-teacher laws that they have championed or proposals with harmful implications that they have been able to contain in committee.
On Tuesday, members of the ABCFT executive board and negotiating team attended the district’s LCAP meeting for all employee groups. This was an opportunity to give input as to the progress on identified LCAP goals and dashboard results. ABCFT has consistently advocated for the LCAP, which is not part of the funding to be negotiated for salary and benefits, to be spent on actions that support teachers and nurses. For example, the much-needed addition of Mental Health Professionals, or MHPs, at our sites was eventually brought under the umbrella of the LCAP as a sustainable resource. During Tuesday’s meeting we shared ideas that we have heard in our rep council meetings, our site visits, and our YOUnion chats. At one point, Ray and Dr. Zietlow made the link between increased attendance and increased funding explicit. On the one hand, it is an identified dashboard goal but it is also the fact that every percentage point improvement in attendance also provides more money to the bottom line of funds available for salary and benefits.
March movie update: part of my nostalgia for older films and the theater experience is the artwork and media associated with promoting them. Nowadays, trailers are widely available online but iconic movie artwork and the impact of a striking image on a poster may become more an artifact of the past. (Don’t get me started on the lost art of the album cover). As an English teacher, I also applaud marketing movies with effective taglines that hook a potential viewer. Next week I am going to see a double bill of Play It As It Lays and Puzzle of a Downfall Child at the New Beverly Cinema. Play It As It Lays stars Tuesday Weld and Anthony Perkins in an adaptation of Joan Didion’s novel. It has been on my list of films I would like to see but what will get me to drive to Los Angeles on a Wednesday night was this description from the poster, “an acid-paved freeway trip which has the sting of a rattlesnake!” What does that even mean? Feels a little over the top. But in keeping with the tone of that era, it at least promises something out of the ordinary. Wish me luck!
In Unity,
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, and for Secondary PAL topics please email Megan at Megan.Harding@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 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.
“Trust and community become our new density.” - AFT President Randi Weingarten
This week, members of the ABCFT leadership team are attending the California Federation of Teachers’ Leadership Conference. At this three-day conference, we hear from researchers and union organizers about issues that are important to members of the CFT membership. It is a time to exchange ideas and provide training for union leaders to use in their locals. Another purpose of this in-person meeting is that it is an opportunity for the leadership team to engage with local leaders to hear what their current issues and challenges are in their locals and to discuss possible solutions or supports that CFT can provide.
Before leaving for Sacramento, Tanya, Ruben, and I were able to visit a number of schools and programs to have face-to-face opportunities to hear how things were going across the district. These face-to-face meetings inform us of what issues are key in every school site and provide your ABCFT leadership with the stories, examples, and encouragement that are most useful in negotiations and in our weekly meetings with our district counterparts. When I visit a school site and talk to you directly, I’m not sure that members understand how important these conversations are in guiding our school district. What you tell us in these conversations is critical to our classroom and district health. Only a classroom teacher in the classroom can tell me about what students or teachers need to be successful. I pass that information on to a much wider audience. Weekly I meet with Superintendent Dr. Zietlow, daily I am in contact with Dr. Fraser in Human Resources. I’m in contact with Dr. Castro in Academic Services, and I have daily communication with principals. I’m texting and phoning site representatives/executive board members and other members. I’m in regular contact with board members, members of the community, and the broader educational community at the state and national levels. My face-to-face conversations with members allow me to function as a voice for the classroom teachers and nurses on a much bigger scale than a single classroom or school site.
Let’s return to the quote on building trust as a community as our new density. Yes, Randi Weingarten was also referencing the parent community, but in a broader sense, all education partners are part of this community, which includes teachers and nurses. The depth and fidelity our conversations are key to our success as a school district. Every conversation or chance to network with others is an opportunity to learn from each other, share perspectives, and pass knowledge from level to level so that, as a community, we can make better decisions for students.
I guess this week’s message is just a long way to say THANK YOU for all the amazing conversations throughout the week. Your willingness to have conversations is the greatest show of trust that we can receive as a union. The vitality of our conversations and their far-reaching impact illustrate the density of our community. The density of our network is our greatest strength as educators.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
President Biden offers strong support for public education and working people in fiery State of the Union Address
President Joe Biden’s powerful State of the Union address last night was filled with real solutions for workers across the nation—expanding child care and elder care, providing opportunities for hands-on learning and ensuring all third-graders can read, investing in a cure for cancer, protecting in vitro fertilization, lowering medical costs, giving teachers and other workers a raise, and making wealthy corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
He also reminded the country that he is one of the most pro-union presidents in history, having walked the picket line with UAW auto workers in their historic and successful strike against the major automakers last year.
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-----
Chino Valley Unified updates policy on gender pronouns
A school district in Southern California has updated its policy on gender pronouns, following a lawsuit filed by the state. The Chino Valley USD board approved the revised policy, which now only requires staff to notify parents when a child requests a change to their student records. The original policy, which mentioned gender identification changes, was deemed discriminatory. LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the new policy is just a legal loophole that still violates students' rights. The battle over gender pronoun policies is part of a wider national debate on the rights of parents and LGBTQ+ students. California is considering a measure that would require schools to notify parents if a child wants to change their gender identification. Critics argue that such policies could put students' safety at risk if they live in abusive households. The district believes the existing policy is legally defensible and constitutional.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Florida bans classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation
Florida education officials have voted to ban classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in all public school grades. This expands on a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that previously barred such lessons for younger students. Florida and LGBTQ advocates have settled a lawsuit over the state law, with both sides claiming victory. The settlement establishes guidelines for state and local educators, allowing students and teachers to more openly discuss sex and gender topics. However, it also bans instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through the third grade. The settlement protects student clubs such as the Gay-Straight Alliance and reinforces nondiscrimination protections. It also prevents the banning of library books related to classroom topics.
Schools face financial cliff as pandemic relief funds expire
The clock is ticking for schools to spend COVID-19 relief money in the next six months, creating a “financial cliff” for districts. Over the pandemic, Congress gave schools almost $200bn in three rounds of funds referred to as Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER). Experts fear districts face a monumental strain for how to keep up these new programs with the funding expiring at the beginning of September. An EdWeek Research Center survey in the fall showed 48% of district leaders expect to use state funding to cover the cost of the new programs when ESSER runs out. District leaders will have to decide how to spend the rest of their ESSER funds by September 30. From there, they will have four months to actually spend the money, unless they get a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education.
Advocates working hard during National Reading Month
With National Reading Month nearly halfway over, advocates are concerned about the decline in students' reading habits. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 14% of students read for fun every day. This is down from previous years, with 31% of students never or hardly reading for fun. The decline in reading is often attributed to the increased use of phones and tablets among children. However, experts argue that reading for fun can include various digital spaces, such as social media. While there has been a shift towards teaching the science of reading, there is a need for more emphasis on knowledge and vocabulary. Additionally, the political fight over book bans in schools and libraries raises concerns about access to diverse and inclusive books. National Reading Month serves as a reminder of the importance of reading and the role of educators and libraries in promoting literacy.
----- STATE NEWS -----
Science assessment added to California School Dashboard
The State Board of Education has decided to include the state's science assessment in the California School Dashboard, adding it to the statewide school accountability system. Starting in 2025, district, school, and student groups will receive one of five dashboard colors based on their performance in the science assessment. Science teachers have welcomed this move as it will draw more attention to science instruction. However, there have been challenges in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards in districts, with slow progress, alongside a lack of funding for teacher training and textbook purchases. The inclusion of the science assessment in the state dashboard will entitle low-performing districts and student groups to assistance in science instruction. The State Board of Education is also discussing the adoption of a system to measure individual student growth on standardized test scores. This measure would provide a more refined analysis of students' gains and losses over time.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Parents and students protest teacher staffing cuts in Anaheim
Two dozen parents and students marched against steep cuts that will reduce teacher staffing by 10% across Anaheim UHSD campuses. Protesters gathered at the Brookhurst Community Center in Anaheim after school on Thursday and descended on the district's headquarters a mile and a half away with the chant “no teachers, no future.” A petition circulated online has also garnered over 3,000 signatures from those opposed to the staffing cuts. According to district officials, enrollment has declined by nearly 5,000 students since the 2011-12 academic school year, a drop that is expected to double within five years. Superintendent Michael Matsuda addressed the layoffs in a video message released on Tuesday and likened declining enrollment to losing a “high school and a junior high school worth of students.”
Nearly 200 positions to be cut in Pasadena Unified
The Pasadena USD Board of Education has approved a fiscal stabilization plan and second interim budget that will result in the elimination of nearly 200 positions. The district aims to "rightsize" due to declining enrollment and financial constraints. Chief Human Resources Officer Sergio Canal stated that only around 50 employees will receive notices about potential job cuts, with the final decision expected in May. The board made the decision during a special meeting on March 14. The district is looking to redesign and reduce its staff. The fate of the affected employees will be determined in the coming months.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Superintendent pay fails to keep pace with inflation
Superintendent pay has not kept pace with inflation, according to a new salary study. When factoring in inflation, the median superintendent salary in 2023 was about $7,000 less than a decade ago. Overall, the median superintendent salary in 2023 was $156,000. Despite men still accounting for nearly three quarters of superintendents (73%), those women who have attained the superintendency are earning a median $156,780 compared to $156,000 for men. Notably, superintendents are now more likely to use legal counsel or other third parties to help negotiate or develop their contract terms. Some 36% of superintendents said they did so in 2023-24, compared to 30% of superintendents in 2019-20. Also, the percentage of superintendents who were 60 or older decreased from 20% in 2012 to just 10% in 2023-24, while the percentage of superintendents aged 41 to 50 was found to be “noticeably higher,” at 35% in 2023 compared to 30% in 2012.
----- CYBER ISSUES -----
Nude photo scandal rocks another Southern California school
LOS ANGELES – A 16-year-old sophomore at Calabasas High School says she was mortified when she learned a former friend allegedly spread images that she claims were manipulated to show her in nude, compromising and even pornographic positions.
She has since struggled, saying she didn’t want to leave her room, much less go to school, because she felt embarrassed and humiliated.
“To my understanding, she manipulated my face onto another image taken from Pornhub of a girl who could have a similar body type to mine,” the teen told KTLA’s Samantha Cortese.
Jacqueline Smith, the 16-year-old’s mother, said that the photos were sent via Snapchat and Airdrop and that they spread like wildfire.
The incident, according to Smith’s daughter, stems from a fight that she and the other student got into over a boy and a concert, and that’s when the other student allegedly chose to share the images as revenge.
KTLA,
Cyberattacks on schools continue
Cyberattacks on schools have been on the rise, with an estimated 108 school districts attacked in 2023. These attacks can involve ransomware, "zoombombing," denial-of-service attacks, and phishing. Sensitive data, including social security numbers and discipline records, has been stolen. The costs of cyberattacks are significant, with downtime alone estimated to have cost schools and colleges $9.45bn in 2022. Recovery efforts can strain budgets, with some districts spending millions of dollars. Many districts are reluctant to report cyberattacks, but experts emphasize the need for transparency and preparedness. Preventive measures include complex passwords, multi factor authentication, and keeping software up to date. The federal government is providing resources and funding to strengthen cybersecurity in schools, but more robust efforts are needed to address the issue.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Health issues keeping many kids out of school
Close to 6% of children in the United States were chronically absent from school due to injury, illness, or disability in 2022. A new report reveals that chronic absenteeism among public school students in the U.S. grew by more than 90% between the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 school years. Data indicates that white and Hispanic children, along with those from the lowest income households, were more likely to miss class due to health related reasons. The report highlights the negative impact of chronic school absenteeism on academic performance, school engagement, and the risk of school dropout. Efforts to address the issue include targeted interventions and early warning systems. Access to healthcare is also identified as a key factor affecting school attendance. Strategies such as school nurses, school-based health clinics, and telehealth are recommended to help improve attendance rates.
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