KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
I was able to work with Dr. Fraser at the PAL advance meeting on Tuesday afternoon and at Tracy High on Thursday. I spoke with Mr. Nguyen when he visited Tracy High on Wednesday as well. (Who knew our continuation school would be the nexus for district communication this week?) We compared notes as to the status of budget negotiations at the state level and confirmed that we will be attending the upcoming May Revise conferences.
There is some national labor news which, while not immediately applicable to our negotiations process here in ABCUSD, is compelling in terms of overall trends. The Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee voted overwhelmingly to join the United Auto Workers. This was a significant victory given the anti-union history in the South and has positive ramifications for the growth of organized labor.
Recent research shows a persistent, positive effect of unions on members’ wages and household income. Typically, unionized workers earn about 10%-20% more than their non union peers. Aside from higher pay, union members had higher job security. Members are also more likely to have defined benefit retirement plans which feature pensions and access to better health care. On their own, individual workers have little bargaining power with their employers. When bargaining together, workers have raised not only their own wages, they have also helped to set higher standards that improve wages for union and non-union workers alike. This is an example of the concept of “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
During the PAL advance we were presented a number of quotes during an exercise. This one by Nelson Mandela, “Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment” struck me as relevant to our union movement and mission. Public investment is crucial to public education and student success. But our investment, in every sense, in our union is what helps to make our employment safety and security possible. And our solidarity with other workers helps to not only earn gains for ourselves but for the collective whole.
In Unity,
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES - YOUnion Social
It’s time to get social!
Please join members of the ABCFT leadership along with your fellow teachers and nurses for a YOUnion social on May 3rd from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at B.J.’s near the Cerritos mall. These gatherings were a mainstay of how we connected with each other prior to the pandemic. Those days are behind us, so let's reconnect and enjoy each other outside of work. We hope to see YOU there!
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE -
Teacher Leaders Program Returns to ABCFT! By Tanya Golden
Have you ever seen a news report or talk show discuss issues around education, social and emotional issues, equity, or learning and thought to yourself or said to your colleagues, “Why don’t they just ask a real educator about ___________?”
The AFT Teacher Leaders Program is a union-sponsored program designed to help prepare YOU to be that classroom teacher, nurse, or speech and language pathologist facilitating discussion of the issues that affect our profession both here in ABC Federation of Teachers and nationally.
We are seeking teachers and nurses who would like to take an active role in influencing educational policy in, for example:
Promoting children’s well-being
Supporting powerful learning
Building capacity
Fostering collaboration
We will provide participants with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to influence policy locally, statewide, and nationally. This will include framing practical policy positions that relate to improved student achievement; conducting research in classrooms and schools; engaging the public and elected officials in community conversations about education; participating on advisory boards, panels, and task forces; developing policy recommendations based on research conducted; and publishing and disseminating findings and recommendations nationwide. Click here to apply.
Members selected for the program will:
∙ Increase their knowledge of major challenges facing the teaching profession through readings and discussions with leading policy experts
∙ Improve leadership skills
∙ Be recognized by the public and media
∙ Represent teachers nationwide as spokespersons and become members of a nationwide community
∙ Participate in conducting action research and using it in influencing policy
∙ Be awarded up to a $1500 stipend upon completion of the program
We are seeking a diverse group of teacher leaders who are active in their school community and have a track record in working to improve their school. This program will take place monthly, from September 2024 to April 2025.
The Teacher Leaders application is due no later than Friday, May 3, 2024. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Tanya at Tanya.golden@abcusd.us
Make a difference and join the 45 veteran ABCFT Teacher Leaders today!
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, for Secondary PAL topics please email Megan at Megan.Harding@abcusd.us , Special Education PAL topics please email Brittney at Brittney.Parker-Goodin@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.
“Inclusion is not just about getting invited to the party but being asked to dance.” - From the PAL Advance icebreaker. At this event, ABC Site Representatives and their administrator counterparts. My other favorite quote was from one of my colleagues at the PAL Advance who talked about the tone of the event. She stated “I feel like we’re being treated as professionals and people.” This is a genuine change in behavior that we are seeing from the ABC Administrators and it is appreciated. It's a work in progress as we change how we do business together.
It's been almost twenty-five years since the inception of the PAL Partnership in ABC. The (PAL) Partnership of Administration and Labor efforts systematically enhance communication between teachers/nurses and the district/site administrators. One of the cornerstones of our sustainability has been several annual gatherings where your elected ABCFT Site Representatives have the opportunity to discuss how they will work together, the agreements for how they will engage in those efforts, and the desired products of their consistent communication with administrators as they join forces to find solutions to challenges within their school community. The regular communication effort of your ABCFT Site Representatives has a substantial impact on your working conditions and efforts to improve classroom learning conditions for teachers and students.
One of these annual PAL gatherings occurred this week….” during the most chill month and most chill week of the year.” Your site representatives and your principals showed their dedication to the PAL process by attending the PAL Advance gathering this week to discuss school wide plans and how the district office is supporting schools and teachers. I’ve noticed some significant changes in the administrative vision of the ABC School District. I’m proud to say that ABCFT Members have been a guiding influence and voice in shaping the direction of this school district over the past two years. It is also tremendously helpful to have a school board that allows labor and administration to work together to make significant systematic changes by those working in our ABC schools. As we can see playing out in other school districts in Orange County, when board members and the community do not align with the school district, it creates a climate of chaos, ultimately damaging the student's educational opportunities.
Please look at the presentation provided for ABCFT Site Representatives and ABC administrators at the PAL Advance event. You might see a change in tone and focus. The leadership of ABCFT and ABCUSD have been negotiating, discussing, and communicating perspectives of teachers and administrators, understanding State requirements together, and building working relationships that foster solutions and structural changes that impact every school site and program. All of this is done with the backdrop of what is sound for students within the guardrails of workload and expectations. One of the philosophical changes in ABC over the past few years is this belief that students' standardized test scores cannot be the only measure of success and that data-driven decisions often neglect critical pressures, context, or nuances that cannot be shown in the data. I like this slide above because it sends a message about how this direction is being discussed.
The theory is that focusing on the whole child will provide measures that show academic, social, and emotional intelligence. As our district makes this slow pivot away from test-driven decision-making, we are cognizant of the changes in workload balance and aware that cultural and philosophical changes take place over time and require consistent maintenance and support. In most districts across the country, this process of change is being done to educators. What I mean by “being done” is that in most districts, there is no chance to have a voice, no opportunity for input, and no chance for shared ownership of our public schools. I hope you continue to use your voices to find solutions and point out what directions are good for teachers and students in ABC.
Lastly, I wanted to get the August Summer PL dates, August 6-7. Your input helped to shape what will be covered at next year's professional development event. I hope you will participate in these invaluable trainings tailored to your professional needs. Your ABCFT Negotiating Team has advocated for these paid professional development days as a way to improve your profession and put some cash in your pockets. Save the date!
In YOUnity,
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-----
USC cancels main commencement ceremony
The University of Southern California is canceling its main commencement ceremony, the university announced Thursday in the latest development since the cancelation of valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s commencement speech.
The main stage ceremony, which was scheduled for May 10, was expected to draw 65,000 people.
“With the new safety measures in place this year, the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus will increase substantially. As a result, we will not be able to host the main stage ceremony,” the university said in a statement.
USC still plans to hold other commencement events, including ceremonies for all of its individual schools, where students will still have the chance to walk across a stage and have their name announced. Those events will be ticketed.
Earlier this month, the university canceled the commencement speech of Tabassum after on-campus and outside pro-Israel groups criticized her selection as a speaker. The groups attacked Tabassum over a link in her Instagram bio, which leads to a pro-Palestinian site inviting readers to “learn about what’s happening in palestine (sic), and how to help.” The website also includes information about the history of Palestine.
USC is also one of many campuses across the country where pro-Palestinian students and activists this week have protested Israel’s war in Gaza. On Wednesday evening, Los Angeles police arrested 93 individuals following protests on the campus.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Louisiana's top education official instructs schools to ignore new Title IX rules
The top education official in Louisiana, Cade Brumley, has instructed schools to ignore the new Title IX rules unveiled by the Biden administration. Brumley warned that extending the civil rights law's protections to transgender students may violate existing state and federal law. The new rules, set to take effect on August 1, drew immediate criticism from Republicans who view the transgender student protections as an attack on women's rights. Brumley argues that the new regulations conflict with a 2022 state law that bars transgender student-athletes from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. He also believes that the new rules may infringe on individuals' First Amendment rights. Brumley expects the Biden administration to use the rules to block states from enforcing trans athlete bans. Louisiana is among the 24 states that have passed laws preventing transgender student-athletes from competing based on their gender identity.
Florida law mandates teaching of 'communist atrocities' in K-12 schools
Florida public schools will now be required to teach students about the history of communism from kindergarten through 12th grade. The lessons, which will begin in the 2026-27 school year, will cover topics such as the history of communism in the United States, the increasing threat of communism, and the atrocities committed under communist regimes in foreign countries. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law, stating that it is important to provide students with the truth about communism, especially when universities may present a biased view. The bill also establishes the Institute for Freedom in the Americas at Miami Dade College, which aims to promote democracy and preserve the ideals of a free society. The law will also initiate plans for a museum on the history of communism. “My view is we might as well give them the truth when they are in our schools because a lot of these universities will tell them how great communism is, so we are setting the proper foundation,” DeSantis said at a news conference at the Hialeah Gardens Museum.
The Miami Herald Florida Politics
Texas Gov. calls for ban on non-conforming teacher attire
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has suggested that public school teachers in the state should be prohibited from wearing clothes that do not conform to traditional gender norms. Speaking at a convention in Dallas, Abbott recounted the story of a male teacher who wore a pink dress for his school's spirit day, stating that such behavior should not be normalized. While Abbott did not specify how he wanted teachers' attire to be regulated, his comments received support from lawmakers. However, if such a law were to be passed, it would likely face legal challenges. The proposal has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and is seen as an attempt to restrict transgender rights.
Denton Record-Chronicle The Texas Tribune
Biden administration extends overtime pay to 4m salaried workers
The Biden administration has unveiled a new labor rule that extends mandatory overtime pay to an estimated 4m salaried workers, going further than the previous Obama-era rule. From July 1, employers will be required to pay overtime premiums to workers who earn the equivalent of an annual salary of $43,888 when they work more than 40 hours in a week. The total will increased to $58,656 on January 1 2025. “The Department of Labor is ensuring that lower-paid salaried workers receive their hard-earned pay or get much-deserved time back with their families,” said Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman. “This rule establishes clear, predictable guidance for employers on how to pay employees for overtime hours and provides more economic security to the millions of people working long hours without overtime pay.” The salary threshold will increase over time, reaching $58,656 by 2025. The new rule is expected to face legal challenges.
US Department of Labor Reuters
----- STATE NEWS -----
California schools struggle with financial crisis
California's public schools, with nearly 6m students, are facing a financial crisis due to multiple factors, writes Dan Walters. He says the exhaustion of federal funds meant to cushion the impacts of COVID-19, school closures during the pandemic leading to declines in enrollment, chronic absenteeism, increasing operating costs, and a huge state budget deficit have all contributed to the financial challenges. Continuing, Walters adds that the state's funding of schools based on attendance has resulted in widening gaps between income and expenses for many local districts, disrupting the previous trend of increasing per pupil spending. Local school trustees have limited options to balance their budgets, including school closures, layoffs, and seeking tax increases from voters. However, these measures often face resistance. He ends by saying that the financial crisis has put California schools in a difficult position, requiring innovative solutions to ensure quality education for students.
Pasadena Star-News Ventura County Star
California schools to offer halal and kosher meals
California schools may soon be required to provide halal and kosher meal options for students. A proposed bill in the California Legislature, known as the Halal and Kosher School Meals Act, would mandate schools to offer kosher or halal meals if more than 5% of their students request them. The bill aims to ensure that students of all religions and cultures feel supported and included at school. Both kosher and halal meals follow specific dietary practices, and the bill seeks to create a more equitable system for students who observe these practices. If the bill passes, it would take effect in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill has received support from religious leaders and advocates for equal access to meals for all students. Rabbi Dov Wagner, director of the Chabad Jewish Student Center at USC, said the bill would open up meal options for all students, something that has been tough for children in the past. “Without access to kosher and halal meals, students are often put in a situation where they have to choose between their education and their religious traditions and heritage,” Wagner added.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Fresno Unified's superintendent search continues
After four months, Fresno Unified is still far away from selecting a new superintendent. The tension between focusing on internal candidates or conducting a broader search has caused division among the board members. Parents, the public, and elected officials have openly criticized the initial decision to focus on internal candidates. Board President Susan Wittrup stated that progress is being made but declined to give a timeline. The search has garnered attention from Fresno's politicians, community leaders, and advocates who are calling for a thorough and transparent national search.
Grassroots contributions fueled bid to oust two from Orange County school board
A grassroots movement propelled by small contributions from teachers and local residents ousted two board members from an Orange County school district who supported controversial causes.
The victory came despite opposing big money contributions from conservative organizations, Republican political figures and business leaders.
More than 85% of the $227,000 raised by recall supporters came from over 400 individuals giving an average of about $450 each, with the rest coming mostly from teachers’ unions. More than 1 in 10 of the donations came from people who listed their employer as Orange Unified, including more than 25 teachers and board member Andrea Yamasaki.
The money raised, said the recall movement’s co-chair, Darshan Smaaladen, “reflects the passion for our schools and our students in the district, and the care that our entire community has that we have great public schools.”
By contrast, just under a third of the nearly $260,000 raised by opponents of the recall came from 115 individual donors, with the majority coming from conservative groups — led by the Lincoln Club of Orange County, which describes itself as “the oldest and largest conservative major donor organization in the state of California.”
Contributions also came from the re-election campaigns of Assemblymember Bill Essayli and Orange County Board of Education member Jorge Valdez, both Republicans, and the law firm of Shawn Steel, co-founder of the successful campaign to recall Democratic Gov. Gray Davis in 2003.
The donations are listed in disclosure forms filed Feb. 17, with some additional large donations reported before the election in early March. Board members Madison Miner and Rick Ledesma — who were repeatedly accused of promoting their own political ideologies at the expense of student learning and well-being — were removed when the recall passed by 3,500 votes.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
Teachers' unions take the lead in cellphone use debate, pushing for classroom policies
As classrooms become increasingly digital, teachers’ unions are actively engaging in the discourse around cellphone use in schools, often advocating for policies to manage or restrict such devices during school hours. This engagement is reflected both at the local and state levels, where unions are not just participants but are driving forces behind policy changes. Local teachers’ unions, in some cases, have brought the issue to the bargaining table, proposing or supporting the implementation of district-wide cellphone bans. These efforts aim to give teachers more control over classroom environments, where distractions from cellphones have become a significant concern. At the state level, teachers’ unions are supporting legislative efforts to curb cellphone use in classrooms. The growing support for these measures is partly in response to a widespread acknowledgment of the distractions cellphones can cause, impacting student engagement and learning. States like Florida and Indiana have enacted or are considering legislation that restricts cellphone use, with unions playing a critical role in shaping these policies to ensure they align with educational goals and teachers' operational needs.
----- SECURITY -----
Nearly 60% of active shooter incidents at schools occur at high schools
The prevalence of active shooter incidents at schools, particularly high schools, has prompted increased discussions about campus safety measures. According to the Security Industry Association, since 1999, nearly 60% of such incidents have occurred in high schools. Although only a small percentage of schools are currently equipped with weapon detection devices, experts like Bobby Kipper of the National Center for Prevention of Community Violence believe that the adoption of these systems will likely grow in response to the rising number of shootings. Kipper advocates for enhanced training for students and faculty to respond to active shooter situations, rather than arming educators. Similarly, Remo Eyal of Decision Tactical underscores the importance of crisis response training for both law enforcement and civilians. In line with these perspectives, Orange County Public Schools has initiated a safety pilot program that includes the installation of weapons detection systems in seven schools, aiming to improve safety and preparedness.
----- FINANCE -----
Minority students face more financial challenges, report finds
College students from underrepresented groups are more likely to face financial insecurity while in school, an April 24 Jobs for the Future analysis found, according to Inside Higher Ed.
The report identified racial, ethnic and gender gaps in students experiencing financial insecurity during the 2021-22 school year, which is based on a financial wellness survey of 30,000 students from 89 colleges and universities across 23 states.
The analysis, according to Inside Higher Ed, found that:
Black and Latino students were more likely to need help with food, housing, utility and medical expenses
Black students were more likely to need child care assistance
Women were more likely than men to need food, housing, utility, medical and child care assistance
Black women were the most likely to need all forms of assistance, most notably childcare
If an emergency were to occur, Black and Latino students and women of all racial and ethnic groups would reportedly have more difficulty covering a $500 emergency, the analysis reported.
Because financial insecurity — which is most common among those receiving financial aid — can be the reason students unenroll, addressing the problem has become a retention and enrollment priority for higher education institutions, Inside Higher Ed reported.
The report identified focus areas for colleges and universities to consider, including: consolidating resources available to students under one basic needs center; making systemic changes to accommodate diverse student populations; and evaluating data to better serve students
----- LEGAL -----
Judge rejects changing the name of California’s trans youth ballot measure
Lea esta historia en Español
A group working on a fall ballot initiative that would limit the rights of transgender students lost a round in court Monday when a judge sided with the state in its description of the measure.
Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Stephen Acquisto ruled that Attorney General Rob Bonta’s title, “Restricts Rights of Transgender Youth,” is a fair description of the initiative, which would require schools to notify parents if a student identifies as transgender, ban gender-affirming care for those under 18 and place other limits on students who identify as a gender other than what they were assigned at birth.
The ruling is a setback for the group, dubbed Protect Kids California, as it tries to meet a May 28 deadline to collect 550,000 signatures to qualify for the fall ballot. The group has so far raised just over 200,000 signatures, organizers said.
https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2024/04/trans-youth/
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
School meals get healthier: USDA introduces limits on added sugars
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new nutrition standards for school meals, including a gradual limit on added sugars. The rules, which were revised based on public comments and listening sessions, aim to address challenges in school breakfasts and reduce sugar intake. Starting in 2025, a limit on added sugars will apply to cereals, yogurt, and milk, expanding to an overall limit of less than 10% of total calories in a week's meals by 2027. Sodium levels in breakfasts and lunches will also be reduced by 10% and 15% respectively by 2027. Schools can continue to serve flavored milks as long as they comply with sugar limits. The new rules align with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. "We are thrilled to see the USDA has followed the recommendations from a 2022 citizen petition from the American Heart Association (AHA) and other public health groups to include an added sugars standard in this final rule," commented AHA chief executive Nancy Brown, who added: “Although we are disappointed that the whole grain standard does not fully align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the sodium standard does not require more significant reductions, we understand recent legislation limited USDA’s ability to go further.”
U.S. Department of Agriculture ABC News CNN
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
California education leaders eye dual admission programs to fix transfer system
During a roundtable hosted by EdSource, education leaders from both community colleges and four-year universities discussed the effectiveness of dual admission programs as a solution to California's faltering transfer system. Hans Johnson from the Public Policy Institute of California highlighted the low transfer rates from community colleges to four-year universities, with only 10% of students making the transition within two years. Dual admission, which guarantees entry to a four-year university after completing specific courses at a community college, is seen as a potential statewide remedy. The conversation referenced California's 2021 Assembly Bill 132, which pushed for such programs, aiming to simplify the transition and increase the rate of successful transfers. CSU's permanent Transfer Success Pathway Program, which began in fall 2023, exemplifies this effort by helping students navigate their educational requirements across various campuses. Despite this, the UC system has implemented dual admission more restrictively.
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