COPE POLITICAL UPDATE
In compliance with legal guidelines, ABCFT does not use the ABCUSD server to host information concerning political actions. This is an informational item to inform our members where they can find political materials not hosted on the district servers. Reminder - Never use district technology or school sites to distribute, print, or campaign for political purposes.
Click here for all political information on ABCFT’s COPE Committee Webpage.
Click the Educators Choice Picture to go to the CFT website
KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update
By Ruben Mancillas
Reminder that the second Keenan deadline is next week, November 1. Many of you have completed all of the Keenan videos weeks ago but the final three videos (Cybersecurity Overview, IPM for Teachers and Office Staff, and Youth Suicide: Awareness, Prevention, and Postvention) have a due date of next Friday.
This week we held two days of site rep training after school at the union office. The training was designed for both new and veteran representatives to be able to ask questions and receive some guidance about how to best serve their fellow members. Thank you to the reps from our Speech and Language program, Willow Elementary, Kennedy Elementary, and Cerritos High School who participated.
The two areas that received the most questions were about how to represent teachers with administrators and how to handle grievances. We reviewed that grievances are a violation of the contract that seek a specific remedy within set deadlines. In most cases, a violation of the contract can be resolved in an informal meeting but a grievance is a tool that provides procedural steps for focusing attention on and documenting a particular issue.
Similar to the empathy interviews mentioned last week, any meeting with members offers the opportunity to discern priorities for this year’s master contract negotiations. Former team member Jill Yasutake even gave her list a name, Jill’s Bills. That is, policies or language that she would want to see enacted in exchange for a district proposal. Not surprisingly, issues related to TK/K were mentioned as was independent study. Additional planning time was noted as were class maximums. ABCFT will be sending out our calendar survey and this will be followed in coming weeks with a master contract survey so that every member will be able to provide input for the team. Additionally, Dr. Fraser will be reaching out to sites soon for information regarding stipend subcommittees. This will allow respective grade levels to give data that can help us update our stipend schedule to match the reality of what teachers and nurses are actually experiencing at the sites.
In Unity,
UNDERSTANDING THE MASTER CONTRACT
During this week’s site rep training, there was a request for clarification regarding elementary planning time. Here is the relevant passage in the contract:
Each elementary and site-assigned special education class teacher shall be provided at least 40 minutes of individual planning time per week, exclusive of time passing to or from a grade level, collaboration, or parent meeting.
Any additional preparation time provided by the site administration shall be used for class preparation, staff collaboration, grade level planning, parent conferences, and other instructional-related activities to meet site goals as deemed appropriate by the school administrator in consultation with each unit member.
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 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’ve been sick most of this week but I did do a presentation with Dr. Zietlow in a neighboring school district and received some positive feedback from teachers and administrators in that district about how they will work to incorporate some of the communication strategies that we have implemented in ABC.
Hay fever is not my friend so I’m gonna give it a rest this week so I can rest up to return next Monday.
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
https://www.aft.org/column/stakes-election randi article
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Biden's historic apology to tribes
President Joe Biden is set to deliver a formal apology for the federal government's Native American boarding schools during his visit to Arizona, marking the first public apology from a sitting U.S. president regarding the issue. Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis stated: “This is going to really start the healing and the reconciliation and the redeeming of this sad part of history.” The apology comes as part of Biden's commitment to address the historical trauma inflicted on tribal communities, which included the operation of over 400 boarding schools aimed at cultural assimilation. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is accompanying Biden, continuing her “Road to Healing” tour, which allows survivors to share their experiences. The visit fulfills a promise made by Biden to tribal leaders during the 2022 tribal summit at the White House.
CNN Edition. NPR / National Public Radio. Politico
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
November ballots put school choice to the test
In the upcoming November elections, school choice measures in Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska are among 11 education-related ballot initiatives across nine states. These initiatives, if passed, could pave the way for expanding private school scholarships, education savings accounts, and school vouchers, continuing a national debate over public vs. private education funding. Other ballot measures focus on upgrading school facilities, revising high school graduation requirements, and shifting school board elections to a partisan format. Proponents of school choice argue it provides families with more flexibility and educational opportunities, especially in underperforming districts. Critics, however, caution that such programs could drain vital resources from public schools, deepening inequalities in educational access. With both sides mobilizing substantial funding for campaigns, the measures are expected to draw significant voter attention. Voters will also weigh in on issues like school safety, mental health programs, and funding allocation models that could impact public schools for years to come.
----- STATE NEWS -----
Inequities persist as $190bn ESSER fund comes to an end
The $190bn Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) has ended, raising concerns about how schools will continue addressing pandemic-related learning gaps. Marguerite Roza, Director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, notes that while ESSER funds provided some improvement in math and reading, the gains were insufficient, with researchers suggesting between five and 10 times more funding would be required. Roza highlights that how districts spent the funds did not consistently lead to better outcomes, such as tutoring investments not always correlating with higher performance. State leadership played a pivotal role, with states like Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee seeing better returns due to strong focus on learning outcomes. Leaders like Catherine Truitt, Carey Wright, and Penny Schwinn prioritized reading and math, driving better results. However, inequities persisted, especially in large districts where wealthier schools saw more resources. Roza argues that traditional district budgeting processes are not focused on outcomes, with only 16% of ESSER-era budget workshops considering maximizing student performance. Moving forward, district and state leaders should prioritize smarter investments, streamline procurement, and focus on budgets tied to student progress.
California schools face urgent repairs
California's schools are in dire need of repairs, with 38% of K-12 students attending institutions that fail to meet safety standards. State superintendent of public instruction Tony Thurmond has highlighted the urgency of Proposition 2, which proposes $8.5bn for TK-12 school renovations and $1.5bn for community colleges. "Without Proposition 2, schools in smaller and lower-income areas would have no other way to pay for these critical improvements," he stated. The measure aims to ensure equitable funding distribution, particularly benefiting low-wealth districts and those with high numbers of disadvantaged students. Additionally, Proposition 2 is expected to create thousands of construction jobs, boosting local economies while addressing the significant backlog of necessary school repairs.
California university surprises in rankings
WalletHub's 2025 ranking of the best universities in the U.S. has placed the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) seventh, ahead of other prestigious Ivy League institutions. Princeton University topped the list, followed by Yale and Harvard. WalletHub evaluated over 700 schools based on metrics such as cost, campus safety, and career outcomes. Notably, Caltech, known for its science and engineering programs, has fewer than 2,500 students enrolled. Other California schools to make the top 100 include Stanford University at No. 12 and UCLA at No. 24.
California's foster care system in crisis
California's foster care system is facing a significant crisis with many agencies, including Koinonia Family Services, receiveing non-renewal notices for their insurance policies. The situation threatens the stability of approximately 9,000 school-aged children who rely on these agencies for support. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO of California Alliance of Child and Family Services, stated: “If you're worried about where you're going to sleep, how well do you show up?” The crisis stems from rising litigation costs and changes in laws regarding child sexual abuse, leading to a lack of available insurance. As agencies struggle to find coverage, the potential for increased displacement of foster youth looms, impacting their education and well-being. Advocates are urging educators to be aware of these challenges and to support affected families during this tumultuous time.
----- DISTRICTS -----
San Francisco school superintendent resigns
Matt Wayne resigned as the San Francisco USD superintendent on Friday night, prompting the school board to announce Maria Su, the Executive Director of the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, as his successor. This leadership change comes amid concerns regarding potential school closures, leading to an emergency meeting by the San Francisco Board of Education. Dr. Maria Su addressed the new school stabilization team, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy in education.
Political tensions rise in school board races
As Ventura County approaches the November 5 general election, nearly 50 school board seats are up for grabs, impacting over 150,000 students. While many races remain uncontested, ideological divides are evident, particularly in districts like Oxnard UHSD, where candidates Mari Estrada and Dirk Z. Lay represent starkly different views. Estrada, a Democrat-backed educator, aims to enhance educational resources, stating: "If you want to make change, you have to be at the table." In contrast, Lay, a Republican, expresses concerns over curriculum content, arguing that teaching children to identify by race or gender is harmful. Other districts, such as Conejo Valley USD, also showcase political tensions, with candidates debating issues like state Assembly Bill 1955, which addresses LGBTQ+ rights in schools. The outcome of these elections could significantly influence local educational policies and governance.
California school board races face crisis
California is facing a significant shortage of candidates for school board positions, with 56% of races not appearing on the ballot due to unopposed candidates or a lack of candidates altogether. Troy Flint, chief information officer for the California School Boards Association, noted that this issue is particularly severe in rural areas, where smaller populations limit candidate pools. In Siskiyou County, for instance, 14 school districts have no candidates for open seats. The reluctance to run is attributed to political hostility and a lack of incentives, as many rural residents are satisfied with their schools and do not view board positions as stepping stones to higher office. John Rogers from UCLA highlighted that “there’s a lot of hostility out there,” which discourages potential candidates. The situation raises concerns about the future of democratic representation in education.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
Teachers unprepared for AI education
A new report from the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) reveals that U.S. teacher training programs are struggling to keep pace with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), leaving future K-12 educators unprepared for AI-integrated classrooms. The survey of over 500 education schools found that only 25% of institutions incorporate AI into teacher training, with most focusing narrowly on plagiarism prevention rather than AI's broader educational potential. Faculty resistance and a lack of confidence in using AI were cited as major barriers to progress. While some institutions, like Arizona State University and the University of Northern Iowa, are making strides, most programs are falling behind in equipping teachers with AI literacy and ethics training. The report calls for systemic investments in AI education and urges policymakers to revise teacher certification standards to include AI competencies. It also highlights the need for alternative training methods, such as micro-credentialing, to help preservice teachers stay ahead of the curve. Experts warn that without significant changes, new teachers will be unprepared for the evolving demands of the AI-driven economy and education landscape.
AI in classrooms: A teacher's dilemma
Adam Patric Miller, a high school teacher with 25 years of experience, expresses his concerns about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. He recounts a colleague's meeting with his daughter's Advanced Placement English teacher, who utilizes AI for instant feedback. While some educators find AI beneficial for saving time, Miller argues that teaching is an art that requires personal experience and emotional depth. He reflects on his own teachers, who endured hardships to impart knowledge, stating: "Teaching is an art. And art requires the pain of living, endurance, and love and loss." Miller warns that relying on AI could undermine the learning process and diminish the human connection essential in education. He emphasizes that while AI can provide information, it lacks the emotional understanding necessary for effective teaching.
----- WORKFORCE ----
California tackles teacher shortage head-on
Four California education organizations, including the Tulare County Office of Education, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and San Diego USD, have received nearly $665,000 from the California Apprenticeship Initiative Grant Program to develop teacher apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the Center for Collaborative Education was awarded a $4m Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America Grant. Mary Lynne Vellinga, deputy secretary for communications for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, stated: “This working group’s goal is to establish, scale and sustain registered apprenticeship programs in teaching in California.” These programs aim to provide a paid, high-quality pathway for individuals interested in teaching, allowing them to earn their bachelor’s degree and teaching credentials while gaining practical experience. California joins over 20 states in the initiative, supported by new national guidelines from the Labor Department.
----- LEGAL -----
Teacher of the Year sues Louisiana
Christopher Dier, Louisiana's 2020 Teacher of the Year, has filed a lawsuit against the state over a new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms by January 1. The lawsuit, filed in New Orleans on September 23, is the second against the law, which has faced criticism for potentially violating the First Amendment. Dier stated: “I don't believe in doing something that is unconstitutional and harmful to students.” The law, known as HB71, requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed prominently alongside a contextual statement. State officials argue that the law has historical significance and have moved to dismiss Dier's lawsuit, claiming he has not yet suffered any harm. Meanwhile, another lawsuit is pending in Baton Rouge, where a judge is considering motions to block the law's enforcement.
Oklahoma faces lawsuit over Bible mandate
State Superintendent Ryan Walters and other officials are facing a lawsuit from 32 Oklahomans, including parents, teachers, and faith leaders, regarding the use of state funds to purchase Bibles for public schools. The lawsuit, filed with the Oklahoma Supreme Court, aims to block the $6m allocation for the New King James Version of the Bible, which Walters mandated to be included in the curriculum for grades 5-12. Rev. Lori Walke, a senior minister and one of the petitioners, stated that the mandate "interferes with parents' ability to direct the religious and moral upbringing" of their children. The petitioners argue that the mandate violates the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act and state procurement requirements. They also claim that the spending of state funds on Bibles contravenes religious provisions in the Oklahoma Constitution. Walters defended the mandate, asserting that understanding the Bible is essential for grasping American history and culture.
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
UCLA 's campus tensions escalate
The UCLA Task Force to Combat Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias has reported a significant increase in antisemitism on campus since October 7, 2023. The 93-page report highlights that 84% of Jewish respondents believe antisemitism has worsened, with many feeling unsafe and considering leaving the university. The report cites over 100 incidents of threats or attacks against Jewish individuals, including the use of swastikas and derogatory slogans. Concurrently, the Task Force on Anti-Palestinian, Anti-Muslim, and Anti-Arab Racism has raised concerns about the suppression of pro-Palestinian voices, claiming that excessive security measures infringe on their rights. Professor Saree Makdisi emphasized that “criticism of Israel is too often equated with antisemitism.” As UCLA navigates these tensions, Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt is reviewing the findings to enhance campus safety and inclusivity.
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The best part? Most of our benefits are guaranteed renewable for life, meaning you can keep them even if you switch districts or retire.
We’re so thankful for the strong partnership we have with ABCFT, and we look forward to continuing to support and serve your incredible educators.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out anytime:
- Leann Blaisdell: 562-822-5004 | leann.blaisdell@horacemann.com
- Shannon Donovan: 714-727-8261 | shannon.donovan@horacemann.com
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