KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
UPDATE REGARDING THE RETIREMENT INCENTIVE:
NEW DATE TO FILE BY IS MAY 30, 2025
All ABCFT unit members are eligible for a retirement incentive in the form of a one-time off-schedule payment of 10% of the employee’s salary for the 2024-2025 school year. This payment shall be subject to all appropriate withholdings for all ABCFT unit members who file an irrevocable letter of resignation by May 30, 2025. Irrevocable retirement forms submitted after May 30, 2025 will not be eligible for the Retirement Incentive. Those who submit an irrevocable retirement form by May 30, 2025 must indicate a retirement date on or before June 30, 2025. This form is available in the Human Resources section on our district website.
This incentive, as with all MOU’s or Memorandums of Understanding, is pending subject ABCUSD school board approval.
ABCFT Officer Elections concluded this past Monday afternoon. Congratulations to the members of the 2025-2027 ABCFT Executive Board. Thank you to the Tetzlaff Accelerated Learning Academy staff for a productive visit this week. Ray and I were able to meet with teachers and listen to their suggestions and concerns. On Wednesday afternoon, we attended an impressive Teachers Leader Showcase at Cab Lane. Thank you to ABCFT VP of Child Development Patty Alcantar for coordinating our TL program throughout the year and for the thoughtful and informative presentations by Laura Robillos, Wendy Toro, and Matt Johnson. Ray and I met with our Program Specialists at the district office on Thursday morning. Tonight, we will celebrate at the Employee Recognition Dinner to honor the loyalty and years of service to ABCUSD and express our special gratitude to our retirees who have dedicated their careers to serving our students and community.
On Saturday, April 26, the ABCUSD school board will be interviewing potential candidates to be appointed to the position formerly held by Sophia Tse. Mrs. Tse now serves on the Cerritos City Council and her successor will be appointed to represent Trustee Area 5.
Our PAL Advance meeting is scheduled for all current and newly elected site reps and alternates on Tuesday, April 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Portuguese Hall in Artesia. All participants will be provided with a time card.
I will highlight an article from later in the news regarding legislation introduced at the state level. This is an example of the power of our unified voice and the activism of CFT as we work to support laws that will help our members: California's Assembly Bill 477, which aims to increase teacher and classified school employee salaries by 50% over the next decade, has passed the Assembly Education Committee unanimously. The bill proposes incremental funding increases through 2036-37, allowing school districts to enhance staff pay. According to a legislative analysis, teachers currently earn 23.5% less than other college graduates with similar degrees, deterring many from entering the profession. Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, the bill's author, said: "California is the world’s fifth largest economy. It’s time for California to start paying its educators a fair wage." The bill is now under consideration by the Committee on Appropriations.
Spring break is…late this year. Everyone is impacted. So my feeling may be more of relief than exultation at the moment.. But it did get me thinking about pop culture representations of spring break. The genre I am most familiar with is of college-age characters traveling to have fun in the sun with the inevitable hijinks that ensue. But what about the preK-12 experience? There are many good movies set in school. There is even a summer school-specific title (looking at you, Mark Harmon and Kirstie Alley). One of my all-time favorites, Dazed and Confused, takes place on the last day of school. So, please share if you have a movie that tries to capture the special energy of a much-anticipated spring break.
In Unity,
TEACHER LEADER SHOWCASE (PART 1)
On Wednesday after school, the ABCFT Teacher leader cohort for the 2024-2025 school year presented at the Cabrillo Lane auditorium in front of an audience that included teachers, students, administrators, the ABC Superintendent Dr. Zietlow, and ABCUSD School Board President Ernie Nishii. The ABCFT Teacher Leader Cohort consisted of Bragg’s Laura Robillos, Wendy Toro from Artesia High, and Matt Johnson from Whitney High. Each presented a passion research project that explored an area of their expertise. Each designed a written study that included data collection, data analysis, and concluding recommendations.
When we return from Spring Break, ABCFT will have a complete report on the Teacher Leader Showcase that will include the slide show presentations of each presenter. The ABCFT leadership would like to congratulate this year's presenters for their dedication to education and for becoming the latest in a long line of ABCFT Teacher Leader graduates. ABCFT is proud to provide this leadership opportunity for its members so that they may explore areas that impact all teachers/nurses in ABC. The ABC Federation of Teachers would also like to extend our deepest thanks for the support of board members, teachers, administrators, and students. Your continued support helps to make this program possible. Lastly, a special thank you and congratulations to the Teacher Leader Coordinator Patty Alcantar (ABCFT VP Child Development) for her tireless efforts to lift this vital program.
More to come after the break.
TEMPORARY TEACHER Non-Reelection/RESIGNATION FAQS
Being a temporary teacher is a stressful and sometimes discouraging experience when it comes to your employment status. Over the past couple of months, ABCFT has encouraged any temporary teachers unsure about employment in ABC for the 2025-2026 school year to meet with their site/program supervisor to discuss the possibility of returning for next year. Your supervisors have the most up to date information on the number of FTE (Full Time Equivalent) positions available at your site/program. Furthermore, in many cases, they can also be your best advocates for a future position. However, there are many unknowns for temporary teachers who are considering finding work in other districts. Here are a couple of frequently asked questions:
Q: If an application for future employment asks if I was “non-reelected” how should I answer?
A: If you resign, you should answer “no” as you were not non-reelected. If you are a temporary teacher who has been told you will not be rehired by ABCUSD next year, you should answer “no” because you were released as a temporary teacher, not non-reelected.
Q: Do potential future employers have access to my ABCUSD personnel file?
A: No, they do not.
Q: What happens to my benefits if I resign?
A: Under the current ABCFT/ABCUSD Collective Bargaining Agreement, if you complete the school year, fulfill your contract, or resign effective as of the last day of school, you will maintain your benefits through September 30th unless your contract explicitly says that this will not occur.
Q: What happens to my sick leave if I resign or retire?
A: If you go to employment in another California K-12 school district, your accrued sick leave is transferred to your new district. You have 90 days to contact the district office to transfer your days.
Q: What happens to my STRS Service Credit if I resign from ABCUSD and do not take a new teaching assignment in a California K-12 district?
A: There are generally three options regarding your CalSTRS benefits. You can keep your CalSTRS account (until you are retirement eligible), transfer your money to another retirement account (403b) or request a refund. There are tradeoffs with each. Any member considering a change should consult the CalSTRS website for more information.
Q: Can I resign and leave ABCUSD employment during the school year?
A: You are under contract to ABCUSD so you cannot resign during the school year without the permission of ABCUSD. You can request permission to resign and ABCUSD can grant this. They may respond to your request by saying that they will release you once they have found a replacement for your position. If this is something you would like to request, please email or call the ABCFT office at extension 21500 so that we can assist you. If you leave ABCUSD mid-year before you are officially released, ABCUSD may file a complaint against your credential with the CTC.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS - AFT SURVEY ON CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOMS
Cellphones in the classroom are part of the daily reality in schools across the country. Now, you have a chance to be heard on this hot-button issue.
The landmark Phones in Focus initiative from psychologist Angela Duckworth and the University of Pennsylvania is gathering stories from teachers nationwide to understand how phones are affecting learning, engagement and school culture.
Take 10 minutes to complete the Phones in Focus survey to help build a real-time snapshot of what’s happening inside America’s classrooms.
Why it matters—and why you should act now:
See how your experience compares: You’ll get instant results on the final page.
You’ll be entered into a weekly raffle for $100 for you as well as $100 for your school.
Grand prize: $500 for you and $500 for your school, signed copies of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth and Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, and a chance to have Duckworth visit your school for a live TED-style talk or workshop!
You can help make sure AFT members are leading the conversation—not just reacting to it. The survey closes June 15, but we encourage you to take it today. Your experience matters, and your input is crucial.
Take the Phones in Focus Survey
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.
First, I’d like to say thank you for reelecting me to the office of ABCFT President and for your support for the current ABCFT Executive Board. I work closely with the executive board members in coordinating our union work across the school district, in state committees, national committees, and in state leadership positions. This dedicated team of ABCFT leaders is exceptional. I may be biased, but I’ve not worked with a better team of teacher/nurse advocates who work daily to ensure that the teacher/nurse voice is heard and understood as an integral part of any decision-making process that happens in ABC. We are honored and proud to have the opportunity to serve members of the ABC Federation of Teachers. Thank you!
I’ll keep this short because you are trying to get out the door to enjoy some Spring Break reset time. It was a long haul to get to today, so I hope you can recharge your batteries in preparation for the last leg of the year. I’m unsure how many people have Instagram, but I find this administrator's vlog funny and often insightful. His take on testing and the makeup of our classrooms was perhaps one of his best descriptions of what laypeople think we as educators face daily. What teachers actually experience in their classrooms throughout the school year, especially during testing time, is not something that non-educators understand. Anyway, Gerry’s take is on point. Share with your teacher and non-teacher friends and family so they can see the reality of public education and that you truly are amazing for surviving and often thriving in the highly complicated job of being an educator.
Have an extraordinary Spring Break,
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
Click here for Gerry Brooks on Instagram: Educators chime in and tell me what…
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----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Department of Education initiates process of pulling Maine's federal K-12 funding
The U.S. Department of Education on Friday initiated moves to terminate federal K-12 funding, including formula and discretionary grants, for the Maine Department of Education, citing the state’s refusal sign a Title IX resolution agreement to bar transgender students from girls’ sports. The move marks the first time the Trump administration has officially instigated a cut in federal funding to a state K-12 school system over civil rights violations. In March, the Education Department’s probe found the Maine Department of Education’s sports participation policy violated Title IX. But the proposed agreement given to the state to sign to avoid losing its funding went beyond just addressing sports. The requirements of the agreement would have forced the state to say the Trump administration’s interpretation of Title IX outweighs Maine’s Human Rights Act, which provides protection for transgender people. Maine Gov. Janet Mills has maintained that the state’s human rights law, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity as well as religion, race and other protected characteristics, can be changed only by the Legislature, not by executive order. The Maine Principals’ Association has said that among the 151 public and private high schools it oversees statewide, there are two transgender girls currently competing on girls’ teams. The Department of Justice is expected to sue the state to try to compel its compliance.
ABC News K-12 Dive New York Times Politico
----- LEGAL -----
Education Department's cuts impact civil rights
The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is facing a significant staffing crisis, having lost over 40% of its workforce due to recent cuts. This downsizing has raised concerns among parents like Amy Cupp, whose daughter G has disabilities and has faced seclusion in a padded room at school. Cupp filed a complaint with OCR, but the layoffs have hindered the investigation of such complaints. "As soon as they go to lock the doors, she freaks out," Cupp expressed, highlighting the distress caused by these practices. The lawsuit Cupp joined aims to compel the federal government to address these civil rights violations. Rachel Perera from the Brookings Institution noted that the loss of OCR's functionality is a significant setback for the disability rights community. With the OCR overwhelmed and now further diminished, parents fear for the educational rights of their children with disabilities.
ACLU takes on Department of Defense over education
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense's school system, claiming that the removal of race- and gender-related educational materials infringes on students' First Amendment rights. The suit, initiated in U.S. District Court in Virginia, argues that the Department of Defense Education Activity's actions stem from an executive order by President Donald Trump, which prohibits the promotion of what he termed "un-American" theories. The ACLU highlights that significant works, including Harper Lee's “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Khaled Hosseini's “The Kite Runner,” have been removed from libraries. Natalie Tolley, a plaintiff and mother of three, said: “They deserve access to books that both mirror their own life experiences and that act as windows that expose them to greater diversity.” The lawsuit represents 12 students from various locations, including Virginia and Japan.
Trump’s education reforms reach military schools
Military academies are increasingly reflecting President Donald Trump's educational policies, which include bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Bobby Jones, president of Veterans for Responsible Leadership, noted, “Historically speaking, the military has always been one step ahead politically of where society is.” The U.S. Naval Academy has removed around 400 books promoting DEI to comply with Trump's executive orders. Additionally, the Air Force Academy has ceased race-conscious admissions, despite a previous ruling deeming such policies legal. Protests against these changes have erupted among students at military K-12 schools, with many facing disciplinary threats for participating. Jonathan Butcher from the Heritage Foundation stated that Trump's orders are “actually doubling down on how we understand civil rights law should be applied.” The influence of Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reshaping military education, raising concerns about long-term impacts on these institutions.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
DEI certification deadline looms
The Trump administration has mandated that schools certify compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by April 24 to continue receiving federal education funds. The U.S. Department of Education views diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices as potentially violating this law, particularly following the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling against affirmative action. While some states, particularly those led by Republicans, are moving to comply, others, mainly with Democratic governors, are resisting, questioning the authority of the Education Department. Chris Reykdal, Washington state's education chief, stated, “It would be irresponsible to do so,” referring to the certification. The National Education Association has also filed lawsuits against the department, seeking to halt enforcement of the certification requirement. As of now, the department has paused enforcement until after the deadline, providing temporary relief to schools amid ongoing legal challenges.
Washington state Senate passes divisive student rights bill
The Washington State Senate has approved a contentious bill aimed at guaranteeing specific rights for public school students, passing it with a 30-19 party-line vote. Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, emphasized the importance of ensuring “every student has access to a supportive environment.” The bill, which has sparked significant debate, is designed to clarify existing laws and provide safeguards for students, but Republicans argue it undermines parental rights and local control. The legislation outlines nine specific rights for students, including the right to a safe learning environment and access to educational materials. It also mandates that schools notify parents immediately if a student is a victim of abuse. The bill will return to the House for further consideration due to amendments made in the Senate.
----- STATE NEWS -----
California bill aims to raise teacher salaries
California's Assembly Bill 477, which aims to increase teacher and classified school employee salaries by 50% over the next decade, has passed the Assembly Education Committee unanimously. The bill proposes incremental funding increases through 2036-37, allowing school districts to enhance staff pay. According to a legislative analysis, teachers currently earn 23.5% less than other college graduates with similar degrees, deterring many from entering the profession. Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, the bill's author, said: "California is the world’s fifth largest economy. It’s time for California to start paying its educators a fair wage." The bill is now under consideration by the Committee on Appropriations.
California defies Trump on education equity
California has rejected a Trump administration order demanding that all school districts certify the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. State education officials assert that "there is nothing in state or federal law that outlaws" DEI initiatives. Despite threats of losing $16.3bn in federal education funding, California Chief Deputy Superintendent David Schapira emphasized the legality of DEI efforts in a letter to school district superintendents. The U.S. Department of Education has set a deadline for states to comply, but California, along with several other states, has chosen to challenge the federal request, citing vagueness and a lack of clarity regarding which specific programs are targeted. State Supt. Tony Thurmond commented: "There is nothing unlawful about broad core values such as diversity, equity, and inclusion."
Pension crisis looms for California
California's retirement systems for public employees are under threat due to stock market volatility linked to President Donald Trump's tariff policies. The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) lost around $20bn recently, and if market downturns persist, cities may face increased pension contributions. The California State Teachers' Retirement System also could fail to meet its 7% goal. Johnnie Piña from the League of California Cities noted that rising pension costs are already straining city budgets. While the current market issues are seen as self-inflicted, experts warn that prolonged downturns could severely impact pension sustainability, with CalPERS currently holding only 75% of its future obligations. Alan Auerbach from UC Berkeley cautioned, “If we were to have a series of bad years, that would really change the picture.”
----- DISTRICTS -----
Petition sparks debate on transgender rights
A petition in San Luis Obispo County is urging local school districts to reverse policies that permit transgender students to participate in sports and use facilities aligned with their gender identities. The initiative follows President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting transgender rights in schools. The petition states: "Sign this petition to show local school districts that they need to follow federal laws," and it was shared by the San Luis Obispo County chapter of Moms For Liberty. Supporters plan to keep their children home from school each month until districts comply with their demands by April 27. San Luis Coastal superintendent Eric Prater emphasized that the district adheres to both state and federal laws, ensuring that all students, including transgender individuals, can participate in school activities consistent with their gender identity.
Chicago teachers ratify new contract
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) announced that 97% of its members approved a tentative four-year contract after extensive negotiations with Chicago Public Schools (CPS). CTU President Stacy Davis Gates emphasized the importance of member engagement, commenting “That should be an expectation: That people are engaged.” The contract includes annual raises of 4-5%, hiring more staff, and additional preparation time for elementary teachers. Eight hundred new teachers will be hired, along with nearly 100 additional librarians. Class sizes will be limited by grade level, including a 25-student cap at kindergartens. However, the financial future remains uncertain, with a projected $1.4bn cost and a potential $500m deficit next fiscal year. Davis Gates expressed confidence in the union's ability to navigate challenges, citing the experience of key leaders in government.
ABC News Chalkbeat Chicago Tribune
William S. Hart district tackles phone usage
In response to California's Assembly Bill 3216, the William S. Hart Union High School District is set to discuss a new cell phone policy at its upcoming meeting. Board member Joe Messina emphasized the urgency of the policy, saying: "I don't think we wait 'til 2026. I'd like to see us kind of hyperspeed it." The proposed policy would require high school students to keep their mobile devices turned off during instructional time while allowing usage during breaks. A districtwide survey indicated students prefer classrooms as phone-free zones rather than a complete ban. The policy aims to address concerns about mental health issues linked to cell phone use. The governing board will review the policy, which includes exemptions for emergencies and health needs, at least every five years.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
Ransomware attacks surge 69% across global education sector
Ransomware attacks surged 69% in the global education sector for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to Comparitech, a cybersecurity and online privacy product review website. Some 81 ransomware incidents, both confirmed and unconfirmed, hit education internationally in the first three months of the year, compared to 48 attacks in the first quarter of 2024. Within the education sector, ransoms averaged $608,000 among confirmed attacks, with the largest ransom demanded being $1.5m from Asia University in Taiwan.
AI in math: teachers skeptical yet hopeful
In a recent survey by the EdWeek Research Center, math teachers expressed skepticism about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on math instruction over the next five years. While many believe that AI will be integrated into curricula, over half predict that it will either hinder or not improve math achievement. Concerns about cheating and the reliability of AI in solving math problems contribute to this skepticism. Sierra Noakes, director of ed-tech evaluation for Digital Promise, noted, “AI has been really low-quality in math, so when it generates outputs in math, there are very frequently inaccuracies.” Despite these reservations, 75% of teachers agree that proficiency in using AI for problem-solving will be essential for students' future careers. “The best examples I have seen with math teachers using [AI] is actually supporting students through the critical thinking of, ‘This answer is wrong. Where do you think the AI went wrong in getting to this point?' and actually using it as a model of how to dig into the math problem they were working on," Noakes added.
----- WORKFORCE ----
U.K. teacher union threatens new strike action
The National Education Union (NEU) has rejected the U.K. Government's latest pay offer of a 2.8% increase for next year. The union, which represents over 500,000 teachers, also expressed willingness to launch further industrial action to secure an increased pay award. The indicative ballot, which took place over six weeks and closed on Friday, saw 93.7% of NEU members in England reject the unfunded pay increase offer and 84.4% say they would be willing to launch fresh industrial action to boost their salary uplift. NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede emphasized the need for a major pay correction and a change in the Government's response to the pay increase. Any formal ballot for action would likely take place over the summer. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson warned that any move towards industrial action by teaching unions would be indefensible
Sky News BBC News The Daily Telegraph
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
Visa crackdown hits international students
The Trump administration's recent crackdown on international students has led to the abrupt termination of visas for around 800 individuals, with many affected in the Bay Area. Khaled Alrabe, a staff attorney at the National Immigration Project, stated, "We are witnessing a disturbing trend where international students across the nation are losing their status abruptly and without legal justification." The administration has utilized a 73-year-old legal statute to justify these actions, particularly targeting students involved in pro-Palestinian activities. Universities are struggling to monitor the situation, as students report losing their visas without notice. Legal experts argue that the revocations lack proper justification, with some students already filing lawsuits against the administration.
Record number of students earn undergraduate certificates
In the 2023-24 school year, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported a significant increase in undergraduate certificates, reaching a 10-year high. Over 3.2m students in the U.S. completed some form of undergraduate credential, with 59% earning a bachelor’s degree, 25% an associate degree, and 16% an undergraduate certificate. Despite a slight overall increase of 20,500 degrees compared to the previous year, the number of associate degree earners fell to a decade low, and bachelor’s degree completions also declined. However, the surge in certificate earners, with nearly 53,000 more than the previous year, compensated for these declines, highlighting a shift in educational trends.
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:
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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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