KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
On Tuesday night, I attended the last ABCUSD school board meeting of 2024. We were able to thank outgoing board president Sophia Tse for her service this past year and welcome our two new board members, Leticia Mendoza from Trustee Area 1 and Tatiana Yokoyama Bui from Trustee Area 4. Mrs. Mendoza was newly elected for this term but had previously served on the board. All four candidates endorsed by ABCFT’s COPE committee were victorious in this past election, with Mr. Noyola and Mrs. Tse running unopposed for their seats. Congratulations to our new board president, Mr. Nishii, the new board vice president, Mr. Noyola, and Mrs. Yokoyama Bui, the new clerk of the board.
Negotiations season will commence when the Governor releases his budget next month. ABCFT will be sending out a general survey to all members in January. During a recent strategic planning meeting with the district, the issue of maintaining competitive salaries and benefits was discussed again. Some neighboring districts have higher salary schedules than ABCUSD. This is real, and our members recognize that one of the most concrete ways to show that professionals are valued for their work is to be compensated appropriately.
There are many factors to consider when evaluating compensation packages. We have consistently fought to maintain substantial benefits for our members. LACOE provides a metric to rank the 84 reporting districts in Los Angeles County by the total compensation, which accounts for both salary and the amount of benefits contributed by the district. There is always a data lag because the numbers shift after the reporting times but a recent document can be seen here:
At the bargaining table, we are always looking for innovative ways to increase our salary schedules—that “headline” amount of dollars matters. But we are also aware that the amount contributed toward benefits, while sometimes less recognized, is significant, too. When added together, this generates our total compensation ranking for unified districts in Los Angeles County.
I wish everyone a happy holiday and a well deserved break. Last week this report got a little wonky crunching budget numbers from the state, so this time I will close with something lighter. My wife and I have a tradition of watching one Hallmark-style Christmas movie every holiday season. For those unfamiliar with the genre, I will spare you all of the details but they generally adhere to an agreeable formula. Picture an overworked young professional from the big city who returns to her hometown for the holidays to surprise herself by finding love with a man wearing a vest and sporting an immaculately trimmed beard. Scarves and hot beverages are consistent accessories. I apologize for sounding snarky; these films have their charms and typically clock in under 90 minutes. But we recently watched one featuring a city manager and a high school teacher. To my amazement, the production designer had apparently never set foot in a public school! The teacher’s classroom featured not one but two full Christmas trees, complete with lights and decorations. The only clue that her workspace was not the North Pole was a chalkboard hanging between boughs of greenery and multiple wreaths. And it was an actual old-school green chalkboard! Where did they even find one nowadays?!? The hallways were equally festooned every step with garlands and fully decorated trees. The students could hardly get to their lockers between the wall-to-wall decorations. I am making fun of the film, but it must have made an impact because I am still talking about it!
In Unity,
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INJURED AT WORK: PRE-SELECTING YOUR OWN DOCTOR
Recently, we received a number of questions regarding Worker’s Compensation. Unless you make arrangement prior to any injury you receive at work, you must go to the District assigned clinic for evaluation and treatment. However, a member can designate their personal physician or medical group if they have a pre-designation form on file with Risk Management prior to the injury.
If you are injured at work you will automatically be sent to a District assigned clinic. If you prefer to go to Kaiser, or your own private doctor, you must, in advance of the injury, file an “Industrial Pre-Designated Physician Instructions and Agreement Form” with the Risk Management Office. (click the link to download the form)
1. Call Cyndy Patino at ext. 21212 to find out if you have already pre-selected Kaiser or your own private doctor.
2. If you haven’t, ask Cyndy to make an appointment for
you to pick up the required information.
3. Complete the form according to directions and return
the form to Cyndy.
The relevant section in the contract is Article XXI: Leaves of Absence on page 77. Industrial Accident and Illness Leave (With Pay)
Definition
An Industrial Accident Leave is a leave granted to a unit member for each absence because of occupational illness or injury which arose out of and in the course of school district employment, and which qualifies under Worker’s Compensation.
Requirements
The injury or illness was directly related to the performance of the unit member’s duties in the District.
The District has the right to have the unit member examined by a physician designated by the District to assist in determining the length of time during which the unit member will be temporarily unable to perform assigned duties and the degree to which a disability is attributable to the injury involved.
ABCFT’s Ruben Mancillas Appointed to California State Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Gov. Gavin Newsom taps appointees to California education panels
On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the following appointments to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.
Among those appointed is Ruben Mancillas, of Long Beach; he has been appointed to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Mancillas has been a special education and resource specialist teacher at ABC Unified School District since 2000. He is a member of the California Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, and Little Owl Foundation for Childhood Education. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Mancillas is a Democrat.
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.
Last week flew, and this week crawled. This seems to be the sentiment for many this week, but I know everyone is looking forward to some unstructured downtime in their pajamas and nothing to think about.
On Tuesday, I attended the school board meeting, where they went through the annual “reorganization,” where board members vote to elect the president, vice president, and board clerk for the coming year. The overall atmosphere of the board meeting was positive and hopeful, and members of the community and their elected officials enjoyed connecting. The ABCFT leadership thanked board member Sophia Tse for her leadership as board president for the last calendar year.
I saw some recent news coverage from the Santa Ana School District and thought many of you may have also seen this report on the local news. When I see the push for possible layoffs before the governor’s budget release in January, it is typically a strong-arm move from the administration to get concessions at the bargaining table by forcing the teachers’ union to fight to keep jobs and to reduce their position for compensation or concessions in the contract. It is a brutal tactic, but in districts with a lack of respect and communication, organizations take actions that hurt people and their families. What a crummy way to negotiate.
A deeper dive into the Santa Ana situation highlights some common conditions impacting schools up and down the state. Almost every district is struggling financially this year because of the weak one percent COLA that is causing districts to deficit spending. Many districts, including ABC, use their one-time reserves to compensate for ongoing funding loss. In the case of Santa Ana, it is struggling with the loss of five percent of their student population in one year, which is about 2000 students. The impact of declining enrollment creates facility situations where districts have more schools than they need for financial and academic efficiency. Smaller schools pose a number of challenges, and at some point, those challenges become a financial burden that impacts employee compensation and health benefits.
This incoming school board has some critical decisions to make over the next year. ABC is no stranger to the impacts of declining enrollment, its impact on our financial situation, and our ability to move temporary teachers into permanent positions. In addition, ABC is also starting to look at serious cost-cutting measures to maximize each dollar and focus on student outcomes and the maintenance of employee compensation and benefits. Cost cutting has its benefits, but it is also a temporary solution to the larger problem of having less money each year to continue to maintain high expectations and good working conditions. I don’t anticipate this school board going down the road of savagely cutting teaching positions to get bargaining table concessions where everyone loses, but this is a critical year for ABC to look for other opportunities and solutions to maintain its fiscal sustainability.
So long to 2024, it’s been another eventful year, but as I walk around this school district, I can see that people believe in the mission of public education. Employees and students are valued, and the community is rallying around their school district. Sure, ABC has its fair share of challenges, and we can’t shy away from the ugly truths, but we can work together to find solutions and support each other.
I wish you and your families the best of the holiday season. See you next year!
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-----
Senator Schumer pledges to bring up Social Security Fairness Act for a vote in the US Senate
During a rainy rally co-sponsored by AFT this Wednesday in Washington, D.C., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged to bring the Social Security Fairness Act up for a vote in the Senate. The critical bill would repeal the WEP/GPO penalties, which take hard-earned Social Security benefits away from many CFT members who participate in CalSTRS.
Let’s keep the pressure on California’s senators! If you haven’t yet, please sign the CFT WEP/GPO letter and call our senators’ offices urging them to push to get the legislation to a vote and to VOTE YES when it reaches the Senate floor.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Is TikTok's ban finally happening?
The banning of TikTok in the U.S. appears to be imminent following a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which denied the firm's petition to overturn a law requiring it to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance Ltd. TikTok has requested a pause on the law's enforcement until the U.S. Supreme Court reviews its appeal. While some educators welcome the ban due to concerns over mental health and attention spans, others appreciate the platform for its ability to connect with students and serve as a professional development tool. TikTok argues that the ban would infringe on the freedom of speech of over 170m Americans. Meanwhile, the platform faces additional legal challenges regarding its impact on children's mental health and privacy violations.
K-12 leaders brace for budget challenges as Trump's tariff plan looms
K-12 Dive looks at how President-elect Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico could significantly impact K-12 school budgets, driving up costs for construction materials and major purchases. Economists warn that such tariffs, aimed at addressing drug trafficking and immigration issues, may increase the price of critical resources like Canadian lumber and imported goods, leading to higher costs for school renovation and construction projects. Ken Simonson, chief economist at the Associated General Contractors of America, cautioned that tariffs could exacerbate existing labor shortages in the construction industry, where 33% of workers are immigrants. This could delay project timelines and inflate budgets, potentially forcing schools to postpone essential capital projects. In Illinois, West Aurora School District 129’s plan to purchase 27 electric buses with a $5.5 million EPA grant faces uncertainty as Lion Electric, a Canadian supplier with an Illinois factory, evaluates potential operational changes due to tariff concerns. Associate Superintendent Angie Smith noted that these developments could alter pricing, complicating the district's budget planning. Nationwide, K-12 leaders are bracing for potential ripple effects on infrastructure, procurement, and operational costs, underscoring the challenges schools may face if these tariffs are enacted.
Alabama families can get $7,000
Starting January 2, Alabama families can apply for up to $7,000 in state-funded education savings accounts (ESAs) to help cover private school tuition. This initiative, part of the CHOOSE Act, aims to provide financial support for K-12 students wishing to attend private institutions. According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, students enrolled in a participating school will get up to $7,000 beginning July 1, 2025. Initially, ESAs will be available to specific groups, with broader eligibility starting in the 2027-28 school year. Families must meet income guidelines and provide necessary documentation to apply. The funds can be used for various educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and tutoring.
----- STATE NEWS -----
Newsom's plan to boost job access for those without a college degree
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is to unveil an initiative aimed at improving job opportunities for Californians without college degrees. The plan, known as the California Master Plan for Career Education, seeks to create pathways to well-paying careers by emphasizing hands-on learning and job-related skills. Newsom said: “Every Californian deserves the opportunity to build real-life skills and pursue a fulfilling career.” Key components include a digital “career passport” for showcasing skills, increased work-based learning opportunities, and a doubling of state jobs that do not require a degree, from 30,000 to 60,000. The initiative also aims to assist 30,000 military veterans in converting their service experience into college credit. The final plan will be presented early next year, with an estimated $100m allocated for its development. The initiative seeks to address California's significant economic divide, where the top 10% earn an average of $300,000 annually compared to $29,000 for the bottom 10%.
Schools urged to plan as Trump immigration policies loom
In 2006, a federal immigration raid at a food processing plant in Grand Island, Nebraska, left thousands of students in uncertainty, with 2,500 absent the following day and 500 never returning. Former Superintendent Steve Joel shared his experience at a Colorado conference, urging school leaders to prepare for potential mass deportations under incoming President Donald Trump. Joel advised having clear communication plans for families, verifying student guardians, and working with community groups. He emphasized the need for emergency funds to support impacted students, including housing and food, and creating informal lists to identify affected students. Denver and other districts are already hosting "know your rights" events to help families prepare. Joel stressed the importance of keeping the focus on children and ensuring schools remain a safe haven.
California schools shielded from ICE raids
California leaders are advancing a bill to shield schools from immigration enforcement in response to President-elect Donald Trump's mass deportation threats. Introduced by Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, the legislation would ban ICE cooperation within a one-mile radius of schools, building on 2017’s Assembly Bill 699, which restricts enforcement on school grounds and sharing immigration-related information. The bill addresses cases where undocumented parents were arrested near schools, aiming to protect families and maintain attendance-based school funding. A 2018 Stanford study linked strict immigration enforcement with declining Hispanic student attendance and performance. Approximately 146,000 undocumented children are enrolled in California schools. “All California children deserve safe environments,” Gonzalez said, emphasizing the need for prioritizing student learning regardless of immigration status.
NBC Palm Springs Newsbreak The Sacramento Bee
----- DISTRICTS -----
Temecula school board reverses course
The Temecula school board unanimously voted to rescind two controversial policies on December 17, following a challenge from a state agency regarding unfair labor practices. The decision reflects the board's response to external pressures, emphasizing the importance of compliance with state regulations.
LAUSD principals say demands are too high, hours too long. They are joining the Teamsters
Los Angeles Unified school principals — saying their workload is too heavy and the pressure to raise student achievement, manage complex budgets and keep campuses safe is too intense — have voted to join the Teamsters union in a rebuke to the leadership of Supt. Alberto Carvalho and the Board of Education.
In an election that concluded last week, 85% of voting members, who include principals and other mid-level administrators, chose to unionize. In essence, the leaders of 1,300 public schools in the nation’s second-largest school system — known for strict adherence to policies and for echoing the district’s messaging — have said their burden is unfair and their voices go unheard.
“What I hear from the field is people want out, people want to retire early, and they don’t feel supported,” said Maria Nichols, president of Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, the union that already represented school administrators and which conducted the election to affiliate with the Teamsters. “It’s task upon task upon task. They’re overworked and on overload.”
----- WORKFORCE ----
Four-day school weeks: a new trend
Tre Sisco, a high school teacher in Independence, Missouri, appreciates the district's shift to a four-day school week, stating, “It's been amazing to have an extra day to relax.” This trend is emerging in rural areas to attract teachers amid a nationwide shortage. The Independence School District has seen a 360% increase in teacher applications since implementing the four-day week in 2023. Superintendent Dale Herl noted that the extended weekend allows teachers to prepare and reduces stress. However, research indicates mixed results regarding student achievement, with a 2021 RAND study showing no significant improvement compared to traditional five-day weeks.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Seal of Biliteracy: A nationwide success
All 50 states and the District of Columbia now permit high schools to award a Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing graduates who master English and another language. The latest Seal of Biliteracy national report indicates a rise in graduates earning this distinction, from 147,937 in 2021-22 to 158,384 in 2022-23. Samuel Aguirre, a co-author of the report, noted: “The rise reflects rising interest in the distinction as a way to recognize both English learners and native English speakers.” States have implemented various strategies to broaden access, including assessments for less common languages. In New Mexico, students can demonstrate proficiency through a portfolio process, enhancing inclusivity. While federal support remains uncertain, educators are optimistic about the seal's future, emphasizing its importance for all students.
All 50 states now award Seal of Biliteracy to multilingual graduates
For the first time, high school graduates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia can earn a Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing proficiency in English and another language. This milestone, celebrated by outgoing Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, reflects growing student interest. In the 2022-23 school year, 158,384 graduates earned seals, up from 147,937 the previous year, across 143 languages. The program, which began in California to honor English learners' linguistic skills, has expanded nationally, with states like New Mexico offering portfolio-based assessments to include more languages. Federal Title III funding could further support the development of assessments for less common languages. However, educators continue grassroots efforts to sustain the program amid uncertain federal support.
----- SECURITY -----
School shootings surge post-pandemic
School shootings in the U.S. have more than doubled since students returned to classrooms after the COVID-19 pandemic, with 144 incidents reported in 2024 as of December 18, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database. This continues a troubling trend, as annual shootings have consistently exceeded 100 since 2021, compared to fewer than 50 per year pre-pandemic. Experts attribute the surge to factors including widespread gun accessibility and societal stressors. Behavioral threat assessments and anonymous reporting systems are highlighted as early prevention tools, alongside addressing mental health concerns and fostering a cultural shift away from violence. “There needs to be a focus on detecting early signs and connecting students with mental health resources before a violent act occurs,” said Marc Zimmerman of the University of Michigan. Experts also call for federal policies to curb gun access and promote conflict mediation. With a culture of violence deeply ingrained in the U.S., the path to reducing school shootings is complex and requires systemic change, they warn.
Gun violence epidemic continues: Wisconsin teen opens fire in study hall
A 15-year-old girl opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, fatally shooting a teacher and a student, injuring six others, and then taking her own life. The shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, targeted a mixed-grade study hall, prompting a swift lockdown and a 911 call from a second-grader. Two victims remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while others are expected to survive. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes questioned how a teenager obtained the handgun, while Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and President Joe Biden renewed calls for stricter gun control. Biden emphasized that gun violence should not be normalized, urging Congress to act. The shooting, one of 322 school incidents this year, highlights the growing epidemic of gun violence in U.S. schools. Despite calls for stronger background checks and safer gun storage, legislative progress remains limited due to political divides. School officials praised students' quick response during the lockdown, but authorities underscored the long-term emotional trauma the tragedy will leave on survivors and the broader community.
The Hill CNN Edition CNBC Politico Reuters
----- LEGAL -----
Book bans spark legal battle
The Elizabeth School District has permanently removed 19 books, including The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, from its libraries, citing highly sensitive content. In response, two students and organizations, including the NAACP and the Authors Guild, have filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, claiming these removals violate free speech protections. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions in the Elbert County community regarding book bans, LGBTQ rights, and critical race theory. The removed titles predominantly feature themes related to LGBTQ individuals and people of color, with discussions on racism and police violence. The district's recent switch to a new book fair vendor, Sky Tree Books, which avoids certain content, has further fueled the controversy. As stated in the lawsuit, the school board members labeled the content as "disgusting."
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
LGBTQ+ youth face mental health crisis
The Trevor Project's 2024 national survey highlights the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, revealing that transgender, gay, and nonbinary teens experience worse mental health than their peers. The survey, which included over 28,500 participants, indicates that restrictive school policies exacerbate these struggles. Senior researcher Jonah DeChants noted: “When LGBT young people have access to people who support them... they report better mental health and lower suicide risk.” The findings also show that supportive actions from adults can significantly improve mental health outcomes. However, nearly one-third of participants reported their schools had at least one anti-LGBTQ+ policy, correlating with increased rates of anxiety and depression. The survey underscores the urgent need for supportive environments to foster the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.
Justice department report into Ellensburg schools concluded
The U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into the Ellensburg School District revealed a failure to protect Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ students from severe harassment, including intimidation and death threats. The investigation, which began in August 2023, involved interviews with over 100 individuals and a review of records from the 2021-22 to 2023-24 school years. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated: “All students, whether Black, Latino or LGBTQ+, have a right to attend school free from harassment.” As part of a settlement agreement, the district will implement a new system to document harassment reports and train staff by the 2025-26 school year.
At NTA Life, we’re here to provide extra peace of mind with individual supplemental benefits that offer tax-free financial support directly to you or your loved ones. Our benefits are designed to go above and beyond your major medical insurance, helping cover things like deductibles, co-pays, and those unexpected expenses that can come up during an illness or injury. We offer the following programs:
- Cancer Coverage
- Heart Coverage
- Hospital Coverage
- Accident Coverage
- Disability Coverage
- Life Insurance
- Specified Disease Coverage – which even comes with a return of premium after 20 years!
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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