KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
Thank you to those members who participated in our recent calendar survey. This input helps guide us at the bargaining table. ABCFT’s practice is to maintain the confidentiality of our surveys. They are opportunities for our members to give their voice to the negotiating process. When we are bargaining, we can use our surveys to identify the priorities of our members. Since these goals are often linked to financial compensation, it is important to keep this information privileged as it could potentially influence our position if everything were publicly available.
This particular calendar survey, however, does not have a component explicitly linked to funding. The voluntary professional learning days would remain to be negotiated, but the information gathered here is primarily about start and end dates and the placement of holidays and breaks. So, sharing the results in this one instance should not limit us in bargaining. The comments are not included here but will prove helpful to the team.
Results of 2024-2025 ABCFT Calendar Survey
In Unity,
MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES
You're invited to join Share My Lesson for a free for-credit webinar on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3:00 p.m. EST: Jason Reynolds on Stories of Hope and Connection: Recharging Educators After the Election.
After a challenging election season, educators across the country are feeling the need to reconnect, recharge and focus on their students' well-being. Join Share My Lesson, the AFT, and StoryCorps for an inspiring webinar with celebrated author Jason Reynolds, AFT President Randi Weingarten and StoryCorps founder Dave Isay. Together, they will explore the transformative power of storytelling to foster understanding, empathy and resilience—no matter where people stand politically.
This session will highlight StoryCorps’ The Great Thanksgiving Listen, a meaningful project that invites students to record and preserve interviews with family members or elders in their community. This intergenerational activity helps students build empathy, develop listening skills, and deepen connections with people who have stories and experiences to share.
In this webinar, you’ll discover:
Engaging ways to bring storytelling into the classroom, creating a supportive environment for students to share and listen.
Practical tools for using stories to build empathy and understanding among students, while fostering a sense of community.
Strategies for incorporating “The Great Thanksgiving Listen” into lessons, inviting students to capture and honor family narratives and develop meaningful connections with elders in their communities.
A live Q&A with Jason Reynolds, Randi Weingarten and Dave Isay on the impact of storytelling in education, including how it supports classroom resilience and offers a path to connection and hope.
Join us for this special hour, dedicated to providing educators with fresh ideas, practical tools, and a renewed reminder of the joy and resilience that teaching brings through the shared experience of storytelling.
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.
“It's not what’s said; it’s what’s heard.” Randi Weingarten
I was on a virtual call with a local president from another ECK12 local in California to discuss collaboration between a union and a school district. This president opened our conversation by saying they never believed in a partnership and didn’t see its value. Still, they were reluctantly engaged in this conversation because they were not finding success in their district with their administrators. It was a rude way to start what I hoped was a productive meeting, but sometimes it’s helpful when someone is direct about how they feel about something.
In another situation this week, I received an email praising ABCFT for our collaborative work and our input and insight, which was used to produce the nationally recognized Collaborating for Student Success Workbook. The email asked if ABCFT and ABCUSD had contract language to promote employee wellness. Local leaders often see contract language as a silver bullet to solve systemic problems, but it is much more challenging to craft contract language that supports wellness or collaborative culture. Can contract language force organizations to work collaboratively or behave in ways that promote health and work-life balance? Can you force a culture or civility? Our country has a similar tug-of-war as we wrestle with our American identity. In the end, this president might have disliked what they heard because I told the president they had to forge a strong union to be heard, and that took work and effort that would be uncomfortably difficult at times.
Look, there are no silver bullets or magic wands that make all your problems go away. Ultimately, it takes sustained efforts and systems that create a culture similar to what every classroom teacher creates in their classrooms. Your classroom daily routines, the instruction and facilitation you provide, and the academic and social guidance you provide make your classroom culture. Every teacher provides a psychologically safe environment where students can feel that they belong and have the opportunity to ask questions without fear. In our classrooms, we are creating spaces for student well-being and opportunities for academic achievement. No two teachers are alike, and how we pilot our classrooms is as individual as the cars we drive, but universally, teachers provide structure, process, and social norms.
So, what’s the silver bullet for collaboration at the district level or wellness promotion? I’ll be the first to tell you it isn’t about a single line in our contract. ABCFT member wellness has everything, including the union, working hard to protect and advocate for its members. There’s no getting around the challenging job of advocating for members, and there isn’t a simple bandaid that makes things magically better. Wellness is the cumulative result of many contractual factors. For example, ABCFT members are in the top quartile for pay in Los Angeles County and have better health benefits than 95% of all Los Angeles County school districts. In ABC, we have hard cap numbers for class sizes (this is not the case in many surrounding districts), contract-protected planning time and input into curriculum decisions, employee safety and safe working conditions, planning time and hours for new assignments or classroom movement, academic freedom to deliver state curriculum in innovative ways, leaves of absence protections and the vital fact that there haven’t been layoffs of permanent employees in ABCUSD in over forty years. How can an employee have wellness if they are worried about their job every March? ABCFT is a union that reaches out directly to its membership with focus groups, empathy interviews, site visits, rep councils, surveys, and weekly communication. The ABCFT leadership is a communication network focused on its members' needs. For more details, you can always find the link to the ABCFT Strategic Plan, which outlines all of our efforts on behalf of our members.
Ultimately, those who ask about shortcuts or silver bullet solutions are disappointed when they realize that any successful system takes sustained effort and cultural vigilance. In other words, it takes hard work. Any classroom teacher will tell you that their daily attention to academic detail, behavior expectations, and classroom routines ensure their students’ success. A district or local teacher union’s success is no different. ABC isn’t an extraordinary workplace because we took shortcuts to get there. ABC is a great place to work because the employees are hard workers who are dedicated to the mission of teaching and learning. It is about the cumulative enforcement of the master contract between ABCUSD and ABCFT.
I encourage you to continue to pursue excellence, but never be shy about telling others that you work your butt off in the process. Thanks for all you do!
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Going on offense to protect our schools
On Wednesday CFT President Jeff Freitas sent a letter to CFT members recognizing the complicated emotions many are having following the results of the election. He also provided assurances that, “as unionists and as educators we will continue to advocate for what we believe in through the organizing work that we do. Together, we will defend our constitutional right to collective action. Together, we will fight for our right to self determination. Together, we will protect public education that is the basis for our democratic society...”
That work began today, when Freitas joined California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and union and state education leaders at a press conference in Sacramento, where collectively they vowed to go on offense against the attacks on our students, our communities, and our schools laid out in Project 2025.
In his remarks today, Freitas pledged to all Californians that we will continue to fight to keep schools safe and welcoming for all students, including our immigrant students, LGTBQ+ students, and students with disabilities, and that we will fight to protect public education from attacks at the federal level.
In the weeks and months to come there will be much more work to do.
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
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Trump Likely to End Title IX Trans Protections
In recent years, each new administration has led to significant changes in the rules governing how colleges respond to sexual misconduct. Don’t expect that to change under a second Trump term. Here’s what to know about Trump and Title IX.
Just three months before the presidential election, President Biden’s overhaul of the gender equity law known as Title IX went into effect, expanding protections for transgender students and changing how colleges respond to reports of sexual misconduct.
But those changes, which are already on hold in 26 states, are likely on the chopping block once President-elect Donald Trump takes office early next year.
Who Could Lead the Department Trump Plans to Abolish?
The next education secretary will likely have experience in higher ed or a zeal for culture wars, experts predict.
As President-elect Donald Trump begins to announce the individuals who will—and will not—work in his new administration, few details have emerged about the prospects of an education secretary. But that’s not stopping rampant speculation in D.C. policy circles.
Will Trump pick someone with a background in K-12 or higher ed? Will he pick someone with experience in education at any level? Or will he opt for someone who has a track record of waging culture wars?
Last time around, Trump appointed Betsy DeVos, a billionaire philanthropist known for her support of school choice, voucher programs and charter schools. She was a controversial candidate whose confirmation required then–vice president Mike Pence to cast a tie-breaking vote in her favor.
full story
Biden administration champions free college access
As the Biden administration draws to a close, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have announced that students in 34 states and the District of Columbia can now access tuition-free community college education. This initiative, part of a decade-long effort to connect classrooms to careers, aims to alleviate student debt and enhance workforce development. Jill Biden emphasized: “I knew they deserved to be seen and celebrated,” highlighting the importance of community colleges. The administration has invested over $80bn in pandemic relief to strengthen workforce programs, including the creation of “workforce hubs” to train over 1m apprentices. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona noted the need to break the “four years or bust mentality,” advocating for STEM programs in K-12 schools to prepare students for diverse career paths.
Florida schools remove hundreds of books
In the 2023-24 school year, Florida's Department of Education reported the removal of over 700 books from school shelves, a significant increase from the 400 removed the previous year. The removals were prompted by objections from parents, students, or residents. Notable titles such as “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison and “Forever” by Judy Blume were among those taken off the shelves. The state has faced criticism for its approach, with some arguing it targets LGBTQ content. The Department of Education stated: “There are no books banned in Florida and sexually explicit materials do not belong in schools.” In response to the removals, educators and students have initiated a “Banned Book Club” and established Little Free Library kiosks to provide access to the targeted books.
School leaders urge Congress to fund mental health, safety measures after gun violence
Members of the Principal Recovery Network, which consists of school leaders impacted by shootings, are advocating for expanded federal support to help schools prevent and recover from gun violence. They urge Congress to increase funding for Project SERV grants, Title II programs, and mental health staffing, all of which are essential for long-term student and educator support. They also highlight the need for new legislation, such as the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act, to support educators’ mental health and prevent fake swatting threats, which disrupt school safety. The group emphasizes that these measures are crucial for creating resilient school environments.
----- STATE NEWS -----
Ninth Circuit strikes down religious school ban
The Ninth Circuit Court recently ruled that a California law barring religious institutions from becoming state-certified special needs schools is unconstitutional. The decision reinforces the principle that eligibility for government funding should be based on an institution's ability to serve those in need, not its religious beliefs. The case, Loffman v. California Department of Education, was brought forth by three Orthodox Jewish families and two Orthodox Jewish day schools. Judge Kim Wardlaw stated that California's law “easily... fails the neutrality test.” The ruling comes at a crucial time, emphasizing the government's duty to serve all students, regardless of their religious affiliation. Michael Helfand from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and Maury Litwack, chief executive of Teach Coalition, highlighted the importance of this decision in the context of ongoing political tensions.
Thurmond vows to protect education
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond expressed strong opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s education agenda during a press conference in Sacramento. He described Trump’s pledge to abolish the U.S. Department of Education as a “clear threat to what our students need to have a good education and a great life.” Thurmond also emphasized the potential loss of $8bn in federal funds for programs aiding students with disabilities and low-income schools. He stated: “We will not allow that to happen,” highlighting the importance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in ensuring students receive necessary services. Thurmond additionally noted the risks to civil rights protections for vulnerable student populations. He called for bipartisan support from Congress to safeguard public education and announced plans for a backup strategy to mitigate potential funding cuts. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi echoed the need for collective action to protect all students from Trump’s policies.
Financing California’s public schools
Increased state spending and one-time federal pandemic funds have contributed to record K–12 funding levels in recent years.
In 2023–24, state, local, and federal funding for California K–12 public schools is roughly $131 billion, compared to roughly $125 billion in 2022–23 (estimates as of July 2024).
Between 2018–19 and 2023–24, state K–12 funding increased nearly 32%.
The federal government allocated $31 billion in one-time aid since the pandemic; federal funds accounted for 23% of K–12 funding in 2020–21 and 11% in 2021–22. These one-time funds needed to be spent by fall 2024. In most non-recession years before the pandemic, the federal share ranged from 6% to 9%.
The state provides the majority of K–12 funding.
Since 1990, the state share of K–12 funding has largely hovered around 55% to 60%; the local share is typically near 33%.
After reaching a 30-year low (51%) in 2020–21 with the influx of federal pandemic aid, the state share of funding has been above 60% for the past four years, slightly above historical levels.
More data here https://www.ppic.org/publication/financing-californias-public-schools/
----- DISTRICTS -----
Cellphone ban set to transform classrooms
Los Angeles USD is implementing a cellphone ban starting February 18, aiming to reduce students' screen time and enhance classroom focus. The ban, which also includes smart watches and other messaging devices, will restrict phone use during school hours, including lunch and breaks. “Parent and student buy-in is absolutely critical,” said Andres Chait, chief of school operations. The policy, approved in June, is stricter than the California Phone-Free Schools Act, which allows schools until 2026 to draft their policies. Schools will decide how to store devices, with options including locked storage units and specialized pouches. The district has allocated approximately $7m for necessary storage solutions. While exceptions exist for health and educational needs, violations will lead to a restorative approach, with potential confiscation after multiple warnings.
Moreno teacher's Trump comments sparks heated debate
The Moreno Valley USD board recently addressed a controversy involving a Valley View High School teacher placed on administrative leave after delivering a profanity-laden lecture following Donald Trump's election victory. During the lecture, the teacher made inflammatory remarks about Trump and Latino voters. While some students defended Perez, citing his positive impact on their lives, many parents demanded disciplinary action. Student Ezell Moreno remarked, “I believe that the way he approached it was a little unprofessional,” highlighting the mixed reactions from the community. The board has yet to decide on the teacher's future as the investigation continues.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
AI revolutionizes school bus routes
Prosper ISD is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance school bus operations. Teri Mapengo, the Texas district's director of transportation, noted: “The turn-by-turn instructions have been a wonderful help for our drivers.” The AI systems optimize routes, allowing for efficient transportation and addressing the ongoing bus driver shortage. The Stopfinder app keeps parents informed about arrival times, reducing inquiries to the district. Additionally, AI tools track driver performance, helping identify those who may need further training. The district has implemented comprehensive training for drivers and routers to ensure effective use of the technology. AI dash cameras enhance safety by monitoring driver behavior and providing real-time alerts. These advancements not only improve operational efficiency but also prioritize student safety on the roads.
Educators wary of AI in classrooms
K-12 educators are feeling trepidatious about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching, as highlighted in a recent discussion featuring Peter DeWitt, Kip Glazer, Ken Koedinger, and Kevin Bushweller. Glazer emphasized the importance of gathering input from staff, students, and parents, stating: “We are learning this ever-changing technology together.” The panelists discussed the need for educators to focus on how AI can support effective teaching strategies while ensuring that the technology does not overshadow essential pedagogical principles. They also stressed the importance of providing meaningful training to help educators understand AI's strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, Glazer cautioned against rushing AI implementation, noting that the rapid evolution of technology “outpaces our ability to respond.” The discussion underscores the need for a thoughtful approach to integrating AI in education.
----- WORKFORCE ----
'Excessed': a teacher's emotional journey
EdSouce looks at how the experience of being "excessed," or involuntarily transferred, can be devastating for teachers. As one teacher recounts, the emotional toll of packing up her classroom just days before the school year begins is profound. "I grapple with the hopes and dreams I had for these new students," she reflects, highlighting the personal investment teachers make in their classrooms. The San Diego Education Association and the district have attempted to address this issue with a new agreement aimed at minimizing fall staffing movements, but the impact remains significant. Many teachers, like the author, find themselves in a painful limbo, waiting to learn their new placements while feeling like just a number in the system. Ultimately, the struggle of excessing reveals the deeper emotional connections teachers have with their students and classrooms.
----- FINANCE -----
How realistic is President-elect Trump's pledge to cut school funds?
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to cut federal funding to schools that promote critical race theory and support transgender students. On the campaign trail in July, he stated: “We are going to cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content onto the shoulders of our children.” However, experts highlight the legal complexities involved in implementing such cuts, particularly given the limitations set by the Every Student Succeeds Act. Liz King, senior program director for education equity at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, says that the law is “very intentional about limiting the discretion [the Education Secretary] has to advance an agenda unrelated to the core requirements” of the law. King also noted: “What we've seen repeatedly from every possible measure is that instructional strategies that build students' critical thinking, that build their empathy, that build their respect and understanding for each other, that enable them to see themselves and their classmates reflected in the curriculum, those contribute to a positive and affirming classroom environment."
----- LEGAL -----
Judge blocks Louisiana's Ten Commandments law
A federal judge has temporarily blocked a new Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms by January 1. U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles deemed the law “unconstitutional on its face,” siding with plaintiffs who argue it violates the First Amendment's separation of church and state. Opponents claim the law could alienate non-Christian students, while supporters assert its historical significance to U.S. law. The legislation, passed by a Republican-dominated Legislature, is part of a broader conservative movement to integrate religious elements into education. Similar laws have faced legal challenges in other states, with the U.S. Supreme Court previously ruling against a similar Kentucky law in 1980.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Transgender youth in crisis post-election
Following Donald Trump's election victory, crisis hotlines for transgender youth have seen a dramatic increase in calls, with the Rainbow Youth Project reporting over 5,500 calls in just ten days. Many teens express fear over potential changes to their rights, particularly regarding Title IX protections. Carolyn Fisher shared her nonbinary child's struggles, explaining: "I hadn’t realized the depth of my child’s depression." The political climate has exacerbated bullying in schools, with students feeling embarrassed by Trump's rhetoric. A survey revealed that 72% of transgender and gender-questioning teens experienced persistent sadness, and about 25% reported suicide attempts in the past year. Advocates like Brian Wenke from It Gets Better emphasize the importance of community support during these challenging times, urging youth to remember, "You are not alone."
Chico Enterprise Record The Orange Country Register
LGBTQ+ youth crisis calls surge
Following the recent election, LGBTQ+ crisis hotlines have reported a significant increase in calls from youth and their families. The Rainbow Youth Project, led by Executive Director Lance Preston, noted a rise from an average of 3,765 calls to over 4,000 in just one week. Preston expressed concern, stating: “I cried when I saw that in the summary report, to be honest with you, because I understand how hard it is for a child to make that initial call.” The Trevor Project also reported a staggering 700% increase in contact volume during the late-night hours of Election Day. Experts emphasize the need for educators to create supportive environments, as LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of mental health challenges. Darrell Sampson, executive director of student services for the Arlington school district, highlighted the importance of affirming students' identities to improve their academic success. Schools are urged to implement policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights and provide necessary resources for mental health support.
Lunchables exit school lunch program
Kraft Heinz has announced the removal of Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program due to insufficient demand. The decision follows a Consumer Reports study that revealed high sodium levels, with the school versions containing up to 930 milligrams of sodium per serving. Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, stated, “We're pleased that Heinz Kraft has pulled Lunchables from the school lunch program,” emphasizing the need for healthier options. The National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30m children, and while the Lunchables contained higher protein and whole grains, the overall sales were less than 1% of total Lunchables sales. The company plans to reconsider the product's future in schools.
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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.
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- Leann Blaisdell: 562-822-5004 | leann.blaisdell@horacemann.com
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