KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
Happy Labor Day weekend!
A recap of our negotiating status: we bargain for salary and benefits every year. This year we will also be negotiating our master contract, which runs through June 2025. We bargain for contract language every three years. The COLA for the 2024-2025 school year is 1.07%. Given that the COLA is the amount of ongoing dollars the state provides for all district expenses, including health benefits and the costs associated with declining enrollment, this will be a very challenging environment for any potential increases to our salary schedule.
There is a formal process, with the clumsy verb of “sunshine”, where ABCFT and the district agree as to what parts of the contract we will be negotiating. This year we will be sunshining, or opening, the entire contract to discuss since it is a master contract year. This will present us an opportunity to define and refine language that can help teachers and nurses with working conditions in their classrooms and programs.
There are four school board seats up for election this November. Typically, the district prefers to wait to bargain for salary until after the new board is seated in December. Another factor in the process is the ongoing state budget calendar. In January, the Governor will present his proposed 2025-2026 school year budget. While we are bargaining for this current year with numbers for this year, the projections for the following year do have an influence. Suppose the economy continues to improve, and the COLA for next year is promising. In that case, the district is more comfortable committing to ongoing funding, while if the projections are pessimistic, then we tend to be more conservative with our budget commitments.
Yes, this is the anniversary of the Battle of Blair Mountain but I will forego my usual history lesson regarding Labor Day. Wait, I just did it again. I won’t even mention the legacy of Sid Hatfield. Uh oh, I can’t help myself! Seriously though, while the nation enjoys a three day weekend please take a moment to honor the heroes of the past and recognize the crucial role you all play in our union’s present and future. I have been fortunate to be able to meet with some sites and programs in these past weeks and look forward to working with other schools soon. If you would like a visit, please let your site representative know and they can sign up during next week’s rep council meeting.
In Unity,
RECEIVE A $1500 STIPEND FOR IMPROVING YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS.
THE TEACHER LEADER PROGRAM -
Accepting Applications for
ABCFT’s Teacher Leaders Program
Deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, September 13, 2024
We are seeking a diverse group of teacher leaders who are active in their school community and have a track record of improving their schools. This program will take place monthly from September 2024 to April 2025.
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
The Teacher Leaders application is due no later than September 13, 2024. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Tanya Golden at ABCFT2317@gmail.com or Patty Alcantar
AFT CONVENTION - DELEGATE REFLECTION
Megan Mitchell - Vice President of Elementary School
6th Grade Teacher- Cerritos Elementary School
“Got motivation, I done found me a new foundation.”- Queen Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter
Three weeks ago, the 2024-2025 school year train left the station and has been steaming forward ever since. With a much-needed three-day weekend loading, I finally had time to look up, catch my breath, and breathe a sigh of relief! Back to School Night is behind us and it finally feels like we are ACTUALLY supposed to be back in school (I can’t be the only one still adjusting to the early start of the school year).
This summer was definitely interesting but one highlight was having the opportunity to represent ABCFT as a delegate during the 2024 AFT Convention. While contracting dysentery (yes, like the Oregon Trail) definitely rained on my convention parade and the rest of my July, the bacterial infection wasn’t the only thing I brought home. After my second convention, I brought back a renewed dedication to advocacy for teacher and student voices and a stronger connection to our ABCFT Legacy. I had the privilege of meeting active members from the ABCFT Retiree chapter, the people waiting till the cows come home during the 1993 strike, who laid the foundation for our union.
It was also incredibly eye-opening to meet our fellow union brothers and sisters from all over the country, spanning all facets of professions within the education and healthcare sector. Overall, it served as a reminder that our responsibility as a collective organization is to continue advocating for the needs of our communities, continue to press forward to make our world a safe and welcoming place for all and that we truly are stronger when we stand in unity.
As this school year moves forward, I am excited to enter into the second year of service to elementary teachers and I want to extend gratitude to each one of my fellow elementary colleagues, especially our TK and Kinder brothers and sisters. The work that you are doing is incredible, the time and energy that you OVERspend do not go unnoticed, and those of us who teach the older kids could not do our jobs without you. Thank you! 💙
FULL Slate of School Board Endorsements from ABC Federation of Teachers to be Announced Next September 6th
Tune in next week for a full story on the ABCFT endorsements and how to get involved. Elections have consequences if we don’t participate as a UNION.
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.
“I know it’s only been the 3rd week of school, but it feels like the 30th week!” - A long-time ABC Champion Educator.
The first month of school is almost behind us, and a welcome three-day weekend is ahead of us. The Labor Day three-day weekend is significant for what it represents concerning the value of labor and hard-fought labor protections. Still, it’s also a thankful pause before the next long leg of consecutive school days (Veteran’s Day in November). The increased number of school days before the Thanksgiving Break feels significantly different from our school calendar of ten years ago. With those changes, there must be new considerations for the pace in the classrooms, the timing of professional learning, and the workload of all educators and nurses.
I used that quote today because it is how many feel early into this school year. Our job as the leadership of ABCFT is to examine what factors make your days challenging. As teachers in the classroom, you are taught to use data to influence our classroom decisions regarding curriculum, pacing, mastery, grading, and behavior management strategies. In my position as president, I don’t always have the opportunity to work with students and teachers directly in the classroom, so in an attempt to stay grounded, I like to visit staff as often as I can, and I look forward to many opportunities to come and visit and learn from you throughout the school year.
This year, I want to share some longitudinal data I have collected for the past thirteen years through your input in the annual ABCFT Presidents survey. You can find the Summary of ABCFT President's Survey from 2011-2024 in this link. Some interesting trends can be found in the data. Things that jump out to me in the data are that a drop in overall job satisfaction in ABC and every school district in the country is remarkably evident. ABC Teachers tend to like being teachers, but they feel overwhelmed. Over the years, as principals also succumbed to the pressures of constantly just being in survival mode it is evident in the data that this has harmed the relationship between teachers and administrators. The data shines a light on the fact that principals support teachers when it comes to behaviors, but there has been a drop-off in how often principals can get out to the classrooms to see what is happening in instruction. Expectations have made it hard for principals to be the instructional leaders we crave to have as leaders.
After looking at the data from the multiple choice questions, I had serious questions about the causes of these opinion changes in ABC and the teaching profession. I will keep your individual answers from the survey private, but it is essential to share a few common themes. Some powerful evidence is evident in question #20: “What do you believe will be the most significant challenge that you will face during the 2024-25 school year?” Three hundred forty-nine teachers had consistent areas of concern, especially concerning the challenges of student behaviors, managing increasing district and school expectations, time management, consequences of low enrollment, adjusting to new administrators or fledgling administrators who are also overwhelmed, huge gaps/deficits in student abilities, students being younger in TK/K classrooms, and class sizes. Top answers focused on discipline and growing populations of students with social-emotional problems that exacerbate their academic challenges. It’s a lot.
I couldn’t hold this information to myself so in my weekly meeting with Superintendent Dr. Zietlow, I shared the summary data and gave her a list of the above-mentioned conditions that attributed to the changes in the data. The ABC Superintendent needs to know the state of mind of her employees. Putting the data together with the teacher's comments paints a harsh picture for anyone interested in teaching. As a union and school district, we must find a way to find more balance between support and discipline. A balance between mandated teaching strategies and the academic freedom to deliver a curriculum that meets students where they are. Most of all, finding a healthy balance between expectations and reality is essential to the survival of public education and the career longevity of teachers and nurses. Solving these challenging issues is a lofty goal, but if we sit apathetically and do nothing, nothing will change. I encourage you to work with your colleagues, classified employees, administrators, parents, and students to find common ground and a common purpose. We must seek balance together.
Speaking of which….go home; it’s Friday! Enjoy your three days and savor every moment that is focused on you and those you love.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS (from CFT News Desk)
CFT members feel joy at the DNC as Harris and Walz accept nomination
The Harris-Walz ticket is official and the joy is felt! CFT members and leaders made the trek to Chicago this week to attend the DNC and show their support.
Many speakers expressed their gratitude and support for public school teachers and unions in their speeches. One of our favorite quotes came from the Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz himself, stating “Never underestimate a public school teacher!”
Regina Chagolla, Vice President of Berkeley Federation of Teachers #1078 who spent the week in Chicago stated, “The convention has sparked renewed hope and an energy of joy that’s contagious. It’s important for CFT members to be here in this space representing educators and labor because together we can make a difference in an election that will have profound consequences on our profession and our union.”
Check out this video of AFT President Randi Weingarten's speech and this video of Jeff Freitas repping at the DNC.
Stay tuned for ways to volunteer and get involved in this election cycle in the coming weeks and months.
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
Top national officers reelected, recommit to Real Solutions
On the final day of the AFT convention, delegates reelected Randi Weingarten as president, Fedrick C. Ingram as secretary-treasurer and Evelyn DeJesus as executive vice president. Additionally, 43 vice presidents were elected to the union’s executive council.
DeJesus expressed her gratitude to the delegates for reelecting the “A-Team” and highlighted the union’s accomplishments since the last convention. She mentioned the creation of task forces, meetings with local leaders and members, and the distribution of 10 million books. DeJesus emphasized the AFT’s commitment to finding real solutions for children, communities, higher education, healthcare and public employees. She concluded with a call to action, urging delegates to support Vice President Kamala Harris in November.
Ingram also thanked the delegates and delivered an inspiring message. “Remember that our best days are ahead. Excellence is our weapon of choice. We must vote and vote and vote. We must be fierce and philosophical. We must be intense but intelligent.” He added that the AFT must take calculated risks—not cowardly caution—to organize and negotiate. “As long as politicians are involved in education, education must be involved in politics,” said Ingram. “And let me tell you, as I used to say in Florida, if a politician goes after my job, I will certainly go after theirs.”
In her acceptance speech, Weingarten expressed her honor and gratitude to the delegates. “I want to thank all of you. These are the best of times and the worst of times. You saw and I saw the electricity when Harris announced her candidacy,” she said. The electricity in the convention center was also palpable, said Weingarten, pointing out that the AFT was the first union to endorse Harris.
She then posed a series of powerful questions to the delegates asking if they cared about a number of things from making people’s lives better to public education to the freedoms we need to protect and grow. Weingarten concluded with a rallying cry: “If we care about all these things, are we going to do everything we can for our union, our families, our communities and our country in the next 103 days?”
To which the crowd responded with a resounding, “Yes!”
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Teachers face tough return to school
As students return to school, the Wall Street Journal reports that teachers across the nation are feeling demoralized and exhausted. The challenges they face include student behavior issues, cellphone distractions and the rise of artificial intelligence in cheating. Pay is another source of stress. Average teaching salaries fell by 6% between 2019 and 2021, adjusted for inflation, and continue to lag behind most other professions. These factors are compounding the pressures that America's approximately 3.8m teachers have experienced, especially following the difficult pandemic years. The situation highlights the urgent need for support and resources for educators. In a recent Education Week poll, just 18% of public-school teachers said they were very satisfied with their jobs, while an additional 46% said they were somewhat satisfied. But the share of teachers who were very satisfied was lower than at any point between 1984 and 2012, the last pre-pandemic period in which the question was asked.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Views of K-12 education improving from record low
A new poll from Gallup has found that Americans' views of the K-12 education system has improved from last year's record lows. Satisfaction with K-12 is up seven percentage points, increasing from 36% in 2023 to 43% in 2024 according to the poll, which was conducted August 1-20 among 1,015 U.S. adults. Fifty-five percent said they are completely or somewhat dissatisfied with K-12 education, while 9% said they are completely satisfied. “As has consistently been the case over the past 25 years, parents of school-aged children are much more likely to express satisfaction with the quality of their own child’s education than the U.S. education system overall,” Gallup reported. For Republicans, satisfaction is up eight percentage points from last year at 33%, and Democrats are up nine percentage points at 53%. The gap between the two parties is the largest ever seen by Gallup.
----- STATE NEWS -----
Bill would let California teachers decide whether to press assault charges
Rep. Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) has introduced a bill in the California legislature that aims to give teachers the freedom to decide whether to file charges after a student assaults them. Currently, teachers are required to file a police report, but this bill seeks to change that. After passing the Assembly with a vote of 41 to 22, it is now pending in the Senate. Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones expressed concerns, stating: “This is going to make our school campuses less safe.” However, Kalra argues that the bill addresses the disproportionate arrests of students of color, noting: “The data very clearly shows that when law enforcement is required to come onto campus, those that they choose to arrest are disproportionately people with disabilities and students of color.” A recent investigation by EdSource highlighted the significant police presence in schools, with 23 assaults reported on school personnel.
Ethnic studies bill pulled from vote
The proposed Assembly Bill 2918, aimed at addressing antisemitic content in California's ethnic studies curriculum, has faced significant opposition, and consequently has been withdrawn from consideration. Authors and Assemblymembers Rick Zbur and Dawn Addis plan to return next year with a revised version, emphasizing the need for a broader coalition. The bill sought to enhance public review and anti-bias provisions in ethnic studies courses, which have been criticized for promoting a one-sided view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Unfortunately, we are witnessing harmful situations where... some ethnic studies curriculum... is creating classrooms that Jewish students are not experiencing as safe,” said Addis. The ongoing conflict has intensified scrutiny of ethnic studies, with investigations into several school districts for their handling of antisemitism. The authors aim to clarify that the proposed changes are meant to protect all communities, not just Jewish students.
Study reveals funding flaws in California schools
The Reason Foundation's study on 'ghost students' highlights the inefficiencies of California's "hold harmless" funding policies, which protect school districts from financial losses due to declining enrollment. For the 2022–23 school year, districts like West Contra Costa USD and San Francisco USD received substantial funding for students who were not actually enrolled, totaling nearly $82m combined. The report reveals that California spent approximately $4bn on students no longer attending their districts, with 85% of districts benefiting from these policies. Aaron Smith, co-author of the study, emphasized: “If you’re going to fund public schools... you should do so in a way that ties dollars to students.” The study raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of these funding practices as enrollment continues to decline.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Campus crime continues to decline
Recent federal data indicates a significant decline in campus crime, continuing a long-term trend of decreasing school violence. In 2022, students aged 12 to 18 reported 15.6 incidents of violence per 1,000 students, a drop from 24 incidents in 2018. Deborah Temkin Cahill, chief research officer at Child Trends, stated that schools have “doubled down on their efforts to improve school climate and to implement social-emotional learning.” However, school shootings remain at an all-time high, complicating discussions about the necessity of school police. Following the 2020 defund-the-police movement, many school districts reassessed their relationships with law enforcement, with only about 20 of California’s 977 public-school districts making significant changes to school policing.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
AI poses challenges for educators
As the new academic term approaches, concerns about the impact of large language models (LLMs) on education are rising. Ian Bogost, a professor at Washington University, highlights the absurdity of the situation, stating: "Teachers struggle to continue teaching even as they wonder whether they are grading students or computers." The Wall Street Journal reports that OpenAI has developed a method to detect ChatGPT-generated content but has not released it, leaving educators frustrated. However, experts like Alison Gopnik suggest that LLMs should be viewed as "cultural technologies" that augment human capabilities. To address these challenges, educators must emphasize the writing process's importance and adapt their teaching methods. Josh Brake argues that if students do not value writing as a process, they will turn to LLMs for assistance.
Newport-Mesa board approves AI-enhanced Campus Surveillance System
A new artificial intelligence-enhanced surveillance system has been approved by the Newport-Mesa USD Board of Education, with installation expected by February. The California district has awarded a $5.22m contract to Everon LLC, providing for automated cameras capable of detecting intruders, listening for gunshots, and monitoring emergencies. Lance Bidnick, the district's director of maintenance and operations, stated that the system will also track student traffic and identify suspicious vehicles. School board President Carol Crane expressed relief, saying: “I think a lot of parents can take a deep breath knowing this will be there.” While the system is not foolproof, it will streamline the review of footage by flagging key moments. Privacy measures include automatic face masking in recordings, with strict access controls for footage. The district plans to store footage for up to 30 days, with options for longer archiving.
----- CLASSROOM ----
Texas school district adopts policy that teachers must use pronouns consistent with students' biological sex
Keller ISD in Texas has implemented a policy mandating that teachers use pronouns aligned with a student's birth certificate. Under this new rule, parents must be informed if their child wishes to adopt a different name or pronoun, requiring written notification from the parents for any changes. This policy has ignited a national debate regarding parental rights versus the needs of LGBTQ+ students. The American Civil Liberties Union has raised concerns about the legality of the policy, but the school board unanimously approved it.
Students of color face barriers to AP courses
Students of color are facing significant barriers in accessing advanced coursework, particularly Advanced Placement (AP) courses, according to researchers. Kristen Hengtgen, a senior policy analyst at The Education Trust, emphasized the need for "granular data" to assess these inequities. The College Board's recent data from the 2022-23 school year highlights disparities in access, participation, and performance in AP courses across the U.S. Despite some states seeing a decline in AP enrollment, there has been an increase in participation in dual credit programs. Hengtgen noted that even when students of color enroll in AP courses, they often struggle with feelings of belonging. This situation underscores the importance of understanding the factors contributing to these disparities in educational opportunities.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Transgender students more likely to turn to schools for help
According to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, transgender students are significantly less likely to seek help from their parents compared to their cisgender peers. The research, led by Mollie McQuillan from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, found that trans teens are 74% less likely to turn to parents for support, opting instead for school staff. The study analyzed data from over 92,000 Wisconsin high school students, revealing that trans teens face higher risks of bullying and mental health issues. McQuillan emphasized the importance of school environments, stating: “These bills dissolve and prevent school environments in which transgender students can seek and receive support that could save their lives.” The findings highlight the critical role of educators in providing necessary support for transgender youth.
Transgender students rely on school staff for support
According to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, transgender students are significantly less likely to seek help from their parents compared to school staff. Trans teens who experience depression and anxiety are 74% less likely to seek support from their parents, according to research by Mollie McQuillan at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Instead, they often rely on school staff, highlighting the critical role schools play in providing necessary support. The study analyzed data from over 92,000 Wisconsin high school students, revealing that trans teens face higher risks of bullying and mental health issues. McQuillan emphasized the importance of supportive school environments, stating: "These bills dissolve and prevent school environments in which transgender students can seek and receive support that could save their lives."
----- SOCIAL & COMMUNITY -----
Back-to-school spending hits record high
Last year, back-to-school shopping reached an unprecedented $41.5bn, averaging over $890 per household, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). This surge was fueled by a strong labor market and easing inflation. However, consumer sentiment has shifted this year, with spending expected to drop to $38.8bn, or $874.68 per household, as families become more price-conscious. Mark Mathews, NRF's executive director of research, noted, “Consumers are definitely out there looking for sales.” Despite the economic slowdown, essential spending remains a priority, with many families seeking bargains. For instance, Lisa Castruita from Gainesville, Florida, has reduced her back-to-school budget by 60% to 70% through resourcefulness and community support. As families adapt to changing economic conditions, the back-to-school season serves as a crucial indicator of consumer behavior and economic health
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