KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
ABCUSD deputy superintendent/chief financial officer, Mr. Nguyen, gave a budget presentation to all of the district’s labor groups last week. The COLA for this year has already been established at 1.07%. The projected COLA for the 2025-2026 state budget is currently at 2.43%. There are updated numbers regarding declining enrollment, and they remain a concern. In 2018-19, ABCUSD had an enrollment of 20,299. In 2023-24, our enrollment was 18,011. This six-year decrease of 2,288 students significantly impacts our ongoing budget.
I was fortunate to be able to visit two elementary sites this week. One question was about a calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. We have negotiations sessions scheduled with the district during the third and fourth weeks of February and the calendar will be one of the first things we discuss. While nothing has been agreed to yet, we anticipate that next year’s calendar will be very similar to this year's. For my own family calendar, I am assuming that the first day with students will be August 11, 2025.
Thank you to the site reps who signed up for visits during our last rep council meeting. We have visitations planned throughout February and into March. Site visits often involve sitting in a lounge or a library for hours to address questions and gather input from members. A recent highlight from my visit to Carver Elementary was seeing some exciting work done with our students. Carver presented an art gala Thursday night featuring a 6th grade cardboard showcase and I was able to get a preview. Wow. This was inspiring on so many levels. The enthusiasm and pride conveyed by Ms. Silver regarding what her students were able to produce were apparent in the thoughtful work displayed. Congratulations to the entire Carver community on a great show, and a big thank you to all of our VAPA teachers for giving our students such valuable instruction in the arts.
I realize that members access and use the YOUnion news in different ways. The educational news articles at the end of each YOUnion news offer insights as to local, state, and federal issues. I focus my update on how these trends will impact the negotiations process here in ABCUSD but occasionally, the sudden degree of educational policy changes necessitates a pause and consideration of the bigger picture. To quote the character Howard Beale from the excellent (and disturbingly prescient) 1976 film Network, “I don’t have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad.” Executive orders from an incoming administration can be interpreted as sending a message or setting a tone, but the implications for public education are profound. A policy that promotes vouchers will defund school systems that are already struggling. The corporate attack on public education requires a premise of sowing universal public school distrust. If one can claim something is broken, one can “reform” it for profit. In a recent communication, our national president, Randi Weingarten, wrote, “The AFT will continue to fight back…we will keep you informed, but this will be an ongoing fight to protect our students, families, members, and communities.” Again, I hesitate to sound negative or defensive. My takeaway is that we are engaged and active in pushing back against a harmful agenda. This is what solidarity is all about. This is why we benefit from the collective voice and strength of a union. Individually, we would have little say in these momentous debates and less opportunity to respond with meaningful action. But even when the challenge appears the most daunting, standing together is our greatest strength.
In Unity,
PROTECTING OUR STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
There are serious concerns from educators, students, families, and community leaders about the mass deportation threats under the Trump Administration. There are many unknowns, but it’s important to remind our members and leaders that immigrant students and families have rights. There are things educators and schools can do to help immigrant communities prepare. Families should create a Family Immigration Emergency Plan if they don’t have one already.
Current ICE raids across the country have impacted immigrant families and in the process, these raids have also disrupted and victimized the lives of American citizens. Districts across the State of California are preparing their staff, students, and families against the threats of deportation of families and the impact on students and staff. Finding resources that help you understand the legal rights of our students and their families is the first step to helping our students cope with their fears.
ABCFT has gathered several resources from across the state and from our parent organization, the American Federation of Teachers. We felt it important to make you aware of these resources.
ABCFT stands with ABCUSD in providing these resources together and ABCFT supports ABCUSD’s efforts to help our students and families who are impacted by the threat of deportation.
Here is the link to the ABC Unified School District resource page.
LAUSD has a must-see set of resources and documents that are easily accessible.
https://www.lausd.org/cms/lib/CA01000043/Centricity/Domain/4/Immigrant%20Rights%20Information.pdf
The California Federation of Teachers and Classified Workers has put together a number of resources
https://www.cft.org/post/defending-immigrant-students-and-families
The American Federation of Teachers has some universal resources that have been distributed to local leaders of this 1.7 million-member union.
Q&A to help educators help impacted families on Colorin Colorado developed by our Ed Issues team with clear and specific tips on how to make children feel less anxious, stem bullying, and encourage families to seek help from community based organizations.
One pager, reaffirming the rights of immigrant students and the do’s and don’ts when encountering an immigration officer.
The law is clear. All students, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a K-12 public education. Denying children residing in the United States a public education based on their immigration status, or the perceived status of their parents or legal guardians, is illegal.
Creating a family emergency plan of action, one pager (English/Spanish)
https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/media/2018/im_knowyourrights_020817.pdf
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.
Unfortunately, I caught the virus bug impacting students and staff and was out sick for the entire week, so please excuse the brevity of my post this week. Catching up after being out is always a challenge and a game of priorities. My priority for this week's newsletter was to ensure that you know how districts and unions nationwide are rallying together to protect students and their families. Please take the time to look at these crucial resources. Know your rights!
Forced to stay home and watch the chaotic political landscape change minute by minute on television and social media, I learned an important lesson—a lesson I relearned from the pandemic. We Americans need to be aware of the big picture, focus on important issues, and find a balance between digesting the sour news of the day and taking breaks and finding inner balance. Take time for yourself.
I was wondering yesterday how former Vice President Kamala Harris was handling things. How does someone like her and her husband adjust to this new reality? Does outrage consume them? Are they overcome or paralyzed with fear for the country? Thanks to social media, I didn’t need to contemplate this for long. I found a post from Ms. Harris of her and her husband, Doug enjoying themselves at the Fire Aid Benefit Concert held last night as a fundraiser for victims of the Los Angeles fires at the Intuit Dome and KIA Forum. Their two big smiles gave me the answer I needed. Ahhhhh, they were able to find balance…..and that is when I relearned the lesson. Find balance, and don’t be consumed.
I hope you will also find balance in your approach to understanding our world situation. Be vigilant of what is essential, but also find time to self-care and laugh with those around you. I wish you all good health or a speedy recovery if you catch that bug that’s out there.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals
January 21, 2025
California Educators and Classified Professionals Stand United Against Trump’s Agenda of Hate
SACRAMENTO, CA – Following President Trump signing dozens of hate-filled executive orders in his first day in office, CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement condemning these actions from President Jeff Freitas:
“Trump’s first day in office showed us that he is exactly who he told us he would be. His first actions as president direct hate and aim to stoke fear in the hearts of immigrant families and our LGBTQIA+ community. We can’t expect students to learn when they fear being separated from their parents, being bullied for being LGBTQIA+, or being treated differently based on the language they speak or the color of their skin.
“While we still hope to see Congress and our courts block these blatantly unconstitutional actions, we won’t wait for them to act. Educators and school staff stand ready to fight back against every single action that stands to harm our members, our students, and our communities.”
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Randi’s January New York Times column is attached and linked here. She focuses on the disconnect between the promises Donald Trump made to working families as he sought re-election and the recent signs that he is doing the bidding of the billionaires who bankrolled his campaign.
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT - FILE UNDER BAD FOR SCHOOLS-----
Trump administration disbands school safety board
The Trump administration has disbanded the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, which was established to guide federal agencies on school safety practices. The board, formed after the tragic Parkland shooting, included safety experts and parents of victims. Tony Montalto, president of Stand With Parkland, expressed disappointment, stating, “What is more critical infrastructure than our schools?” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited a need to prioritize national security in its decision. The board had only met once and was in the early stages of setting priorities. Liz King, a board member, emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in school safety discussions, noting, “Every child deserves the chance to be safe in school every day.” The board's future remains uncertain as DHS has not clarified whether it will be reconstituted.
Federal school safety board disbanded under Trump administration
The Trump administration has disbanded a newly formed board meant to advise federal agencies about school safety strategies and practices to protect students, Education Week reported.
Organized in June, the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board included school safety experts, parents of children killed in school shootings, school district leaders and advocacy groups, EdWeek reported. The board held its first meeting in October and was in the process of establishing its priorities.
----- Changes in the Law -----
Social Security Fairness Act FAQ
Note: This document was last updated on January 15, 2025. We will update as more information becomes available.
The Social Security Fairness Act (HR 82) was signed into law by President Biden on January 5, 2025.
What does the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) do?
The SSFA repeals provisions of law that reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other pension or disability benefits from a system that does not require participation in Social Security, such as California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS). The rules that reduce Social Security benefits and penalize workers are called the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These changes are effective for benefits payable after December 2023.
In short, this act eliminates the WEP and GPO penalties. By eliminating these penalties, it gives the promised benefits from all systems a worker has paid into and doesn’t penalize anyone for being in multiple systems during different periods in their working life.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Trump issues orders to promote school choice, end 'anti-American' teaching
President Donald Trump has signed executive orders to promote parental choice in school selection, and to end federal funding for curricula that he said indoctrinate students in "anti-American" ideologies on race and gender. The Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will respectively be required to issue guidance on how states can use federal funding formulas to bolster K-12 education choice programs, and on how they can use block grant funds for children and families to support “educational alternatives, including private and faith-based educational options and nonprofits,” according to the White House summaries of Trump’s orders. In response, American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten said she is "disappointed" that Trump was calling for such a broad repurposing of discretionary funds from government agencies toward private education, adding: "It's a direct attack on all the parents and the families and the kids who actually go [public schools]." A separate order directs Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to develop strategies to “end indoctrination” in elementary and high schools within 90 days of the order’s signing. It defines “discriminatory equity ideology” as an “ideology that treats individuals as members of preferred or disfavored groups, rather than as individuals, and minimizes agency, merit, and capability in favor of immoral generalizations.” The directive will also reestablish the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission created in his first term “to promote patriotic education.”
Politico Pro Politico Pro NPR Reuters
Trump's education agenda: A new era
In a rapid start to his second term, President Donald Trump has issued two executive orders aimed at reshaping the nation's K-12 education landscape. The orders focus on expanding school choice and addressing what Trump labels as “radical indoctrination” in schools. Derek Black, a law professor at the University of South Carolina, commented: “This seems like a situation in which they know they don't have the power, but they seem to be more aggressive, and trying to push power where they may very well not have. Part of what we have, to be honest, are executive orders that are putting what would normally be private conversations on public display; there's a certain amount of shock and awe to that, because you just don't normally do that.” The first order threatens to cut federal funding for schools that promote what Trump defines as “gender ideology” and “discriminatory equity ideology.” The second order directs federal agencies to explore options for increasing access to private and charter schools. While these orders signal a shift in educational policy, experts note that the federal government has limited authority over school curricula. The implications of these actions are still unfolding as agencies work on implementation strategies.
White House rescinds memo on federal aid freeze
Federal agencies no longer face any pause on the distribution of federal grants and assistance to programs that fund schools, provide housing, and ensure that low-income Americans have access to health care, after the Trump administration on Wednesday rescinded its order to do so. A memo distributed to federal agencies by Matthew J. Vaeth, acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, offered no specifics about why the Office of Management and Budget so quickly decided to reverse course, stating only that any questions about implementing the president’s executive orders should be directed to each agency’s general counsel. Later on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that, while the earlier memo had been rescinded, the president’s executive orders, including an end to diversity equity and inclusion initiatives, remain in effect. “This action should effectively end the court case and allow the government to focus on enforcing the President’s orders on controlling federal spending. In the coming weeks and months, more executive action will continue to end the egregious waste of federal funding," she added.
AP News CNN Government Executive Politico Washington Post
USAID staff face administrative leave
The Trump administration has placed approximately 60 senior officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave following a freeze on U.S. aid globally. The decision affects career staff across various USAID bureaus, including energy security and children's education. The move aligns with Trump's "America First" policy, aiming to reshape the federal bureaucracy perceived as unfriendly during his previous term. The administration has also issued a stop-work order on existing assistance, jeopardising billions in aid. In the wake of the news, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for the U.S. to consider additional exemptions. "If this is not reversed, it will wreck U.S. foreign aid... It would permanently weaken USAID," said Jeremy Konyndyk, a former USAID official who is now president of Refugees International.
Reuters The Wall Street Journal
Texas senators fast-track school voucher bill
The Texas Senate Education Committee last night voted to advance school voucher legislation for a full vote in the Senate. A 9-2 Republican majority on the committee pushed the bill forward days before Gov. Greg Abbott takes the stage Sunday for his State of the State speech. It is expected that Abbott will declare the school voucher bill an “emergency item,” allowing lawmakers to pass the proposal within the first 60 days of the ongoing legislative session. During yesterday's hearing Democrats raised questions about whether the bill would actually help underserved students. However, Nathan Cunneen, Texas State Director for the American Federation for Children, said: "This bill is not intended to support private schools. This bill is not intended to hurt public schools. This bill is intended to give Texas students the option, the freedom, the ability to get the education that they need and deserve." Norma De La Rosa, President of the El Paso Teacher’s Association countered that the state of Texas already offers families the choice of where their student can go to school. "It will have a great impact financially on our public schools, which means that if we, as it is, attendance and enrollment are dropping in all of our public schools and we realize that and we understand that," De La Rosa said.
CBS Austin Dallas News The Texas Tribune
----- STATE NEWS -----
California leaders reject Trump administration order to allow immigration enforcement in schools
California state officials and leaders of county offices of education and school districts quickly rebuked the Trump administration’s new guidance allowing immigration enforcement near or in schools.
“Schools must be safe spaces, not sites of fear,” said Alex Traverso, director of communications of the State Board of Education. “Every child deserves to learn without intimidation, and California will do all we can to protect our students.”
The directive issued Tuesday by Department of Homeland Security acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman reverses guidance that dates back to 2011, restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies from detaining immigrants near locations like schools, child care centers, playgrounds, hospitals and churches.
Budget deficits and fewer students present challenges for school districtsPublic school districts in Southern California are experiencing significant enrollment declines, driven by lower birth rates, outmigration, and a shift toward alternatives such as charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling. Since 2019-20, Los Angeles USD (LAUSD) has lost 59,249 students, Long Beach has dropped 7,746, and Santa Ana has seen a decrease of 7,552. The National Center for Education Statistics projects statewide enrollment losses of 15.7% by the 2031-32 school year. This decline, coupled with the expiration of federal pandemic relief funding, has created severe budget deficits. LAUSD faces a $94.5m shortfall, Long Beach anticipates a $54m deficit, and Santa Ana's deficit is expected to reach $180m. Despite these challenges, school closures have slowed in California, with only seven public schools closed statewide in 2023-24, compared to 31 closures in 2019-20. But the state now has thousands of underutilized schools, including 1,400 that lost at least 20% of their enrollment during the pandemic. Operating these schools strains resources, reducing efficiency and negatively impacting students.
California teachers' pay falling further behind
Analysis by economist Sylvia Allegretto reveals that California teachers' pay has significantly lagged behind that of similarly educated professionals over the past 45 years. In 2023, teachers earned 26.6% less than their non-teacher college-educated peers, a substantial increase from the 6.1% gap in 1996. This persistent wage disparity has contributed to teacher shortages and challenges in attracting and retaining qualified educators in the state.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Pasadena students return to school after wildfires
Pasadena USD students returned to school on January 23 2025, after a two-week closure due to the Eaton fire. Excitement filled the air as students reunited with friends and teachers. Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco emphasized the importance of addressing students' social and emotional health, commenting: “We didn’t want to put any pressure on our parents, students, or teachers because we did not really know where everybody was.” The district prepared for the return by ordering 5,000 Chromebooks and ensuring staff were equipped to support students affected by trauma. Concerns about classroom readiness and air quality remain among parents, with some opting to send their children back with masks. Blanco reassured parents that licensed professionals are handling cleaning efforts. The district is also considering options to address potential learning loss, including extensive summer programs. Dr. Blanco highlighted the priority of students' well-being, explaining: “What I’m worried about is the health and wellbeing of our families, wherever they’re at.”
Daily Breeze Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
San Diego schools aim to protect students from immigration enforcement
San Diego USD has reinforced its policy to protect students from federal immigration enforcement, stating that it will not assist ICE without a warrant. The district's updated policy includes instructions for staff on how to respond to ICE agents, including safeguarding student data and ensuring agents identify themselves. The district also offers resources on immigration rights. Interim superintendent Fabi Bagula emphasized that the district is prepared to act if necessary. Other local districts like Chula Vista and La Mesa-Spring Valley have also announced similar policies.
Santa Ana Unified to vote on a layoff resolution
The Santa Ana USD board is set to vote on a layoff resolution that could affect 286 employees, including teachers and counselors, in response to a $180m budget deficit. The board's initial vote was postponed after extensive public comments from concerned teachers, parents, and students. Superintendent Jerry Almendarez noted that the layoffs are part of a strategy to align resources with enrollment trends and financial realities. The board will reconvene on January 31 to finalize their decision, which has significant implications for the district's 437,275 students.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
AI tools in the classroom may dull critical thinking, study suggests
Does outsourcing your cognition come at a cost? As the emergence of artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize aspects of modern life, including education, a new study from the Center for Strategic Corporate Foresight and Sustainability at the SBS Swiss Business School investigating the link between AI tools and critical thinking skills, focusing on cognitive offloading suggests a significant negative correlation.
Younger participants in the 666-person study showed higher dependence on AI tools and lower critical thinking scores compared with older participants. Furthermore, higher educational attainment was associated with better critical thinking skills.
Researchers conclude that these results highlight the potential cognitive costs of AI tool reliance, emphasizing the need for educational strategies that promote critical engagement. This study contributes to the growing discourse on AI’s cognitive implications, offering practical recommendations for mitigating its adverse effects on critical thinking.
According to a recent EdWeek Research Center survey, a significant 60% of educators feel their districts have not clearly communicated artificial intelligence (AI) policies to them or their students. Pat Yongpradit, chief academic officer at Code.org, emphasized that the technology is “still very new,” and while there is no lack of will, districts need time and resources to develop effective policies. Many educators express confusion over how to manage student misuse of AI tools, with one Virginia tech coach noting that “fear of doing it ‘wrong’” hampers policy development. A New Jersey principal highlighted the importance of providing thorough guidance on AI usage, stating, “Students need to be well-educated on ethical use of AI.” As AI continues to evolve, districts are urged to enhance their understanding and create clearer policies to support educators and students alike.
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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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