ABCFT YOUnionews for September 5, 2025
KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
PRISM is a mandatory state training for secondary teachers and nurses only. It is similar to Keenan in that it consists of online modules, but members only need to choose one of the six modules to satisfy the requirement. Each module takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, and progress does not save, so once you start a course, be prepared to finish it during that session. Our contract states that “unit members will be given the appropriate amount of time during their duty day to complete annual state mandatory training.” At many sites and programs, this is provided by having fewer staff meetings in the weeks leading up to the deadlines. There should be no less than five hours set aside for Keenan training. So, factoring in the additional hour of PRISM training, secondary teachers and nurses should be provided with 6 hours of time.
The original email sent from the district was unclear. Some teachers and nurses understandably flagged it as a potential phishing email. Please reach out to your administrators for more clarification regarding the PRISM training. We are encouraging a follow-up email to better inform all of our secondary members how to best complete this latest expectation.
We received some excellent questions at our rep council meeting about mandatory training. Members asked what the actual state requirements are, given that some neighboring districts have a much lower number of minutes than ABCUSD. In this master contract negotiation, we will revisit how to meet state requirements while minimizing the negative impact on teachers and nurses at their respective sites. It is a positive that members are provided time during their duty day to complete mandatory training. But losing valuable staff meeting time, particularly at the beginning of the school year, presents its own challenges.
We held our September rep council meeting yesterday at Fedde Middle School. Thank you to the reps who attended, heard the latest news to share with their staff, and shared their good ideas with their colleagues. It is a valuable opportunity for reps to voice their site concerns. It is valuable for other reps to hear about their issues because oftentimes, we can better solve problems once we recognize what the respective sites are dealing with. It is important that elected representatives participate in these meetings, which are held on the first Thursday afternoon of each month.
I have a book recommendation this month: a trilogy of novels by Robert Harris about Marcus Tullius Cicero and the fall of the Roman Republic. Historical fiction can suffer from a reliance on the great man theory of history and a stilted style that requires character X to enter the room and say the thing he is famous for and then another well known personage is name dropped to maintain the chronological accuracy, but with limited dramatic purpose. These three books (Imperium, Lustrum, and Dictator) struggle with some of these genre limitations, but they do tell a compelling story that couldn’t help but resonate with this modern reader. The eroding of norms, such as using the military for domestic issues, the threat of political violence, and the declaration of emergency circumstances to justify authoritarian practices, all ended with the collapse of a republic into a dictatorship.
One of the themes that was consistent during the rep council meeting is that our members are dealing with a great deal at this time. The stress and frustration are real. Behavior issues continue to be a challenge. The difficulty in receiving the necessary support was noted. And all of this with the possibility of school consolidation, which will impact everyone district wide but clearly has a number of specific sites questioning what their future will look like. ABCFT will continue to advocate for our members and communicate the latest information about any potential changes.
In Unity,
SCHOOL BOARD REPORT:
On Tuesday night, the ABCUSD school board held a special study session to respond to a previous request to review enrollment trends, transfer rates, schools of choice, and facility usage. This meeting featured a different format than a standard board meeting in that public comments and questions could be responded to directly by the board members. Thank you to the ABCFT members who attended this public meeting and made their presence felt and voices heard. At the conclusion of the meeting, a request was made by a board member to put the SchoolWorks consolidation and reconfiguration proposal, introduced last May, on the agenda for the next board meeting. As Dr. Zietlow noted in her update, no decision has been made. We will know more following the Board meeting of Tuesday, September 16.
Here are the three major documents that were part of the discussions in last Saturday’s board meeting. Please notice that the September 2, 2025, report includes additional enrollment data that was requested from the previous board meeting. You can look at a more detailed slide deck, which shows enrollment at individual school sites, grade level numbers, the number of combo classes in each schoo,l and some financial factors that are impacting the district budget going forward.
September 2, 2025 - Special Study Session Declining Enrollment and Facility Use
Final_School Consolidation Report_Accepted 5.20.25
ABC USD FINAL Demographic Study - Davis Demographics
The message sent out from the Superintendent this week:
Last night, the Board of Education held a Special Study Session to address declining enrollment and the use of our school facilities. The meeting's goal was to review data on enrollment, facility usage, and the budget, as well as to hear questions and comments from those in attendance.
Deputy Superintendent/CFO Mr. Nguyen and Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services Dr. Castro presented information on enrollment trends, transfer rates, schools of choice, and facility usage. They also discussed the instructional challenges of very small schools and the potential benefits of expanding middle schools to a 6th–8th grade model.
After reviewing the presentation and holding a discussion, there was a request by a board member to put the SchoolWorks consolidation and reconfiguration proposal, introduced last May, on the September 16, 2025, Board agenda for consideration.
I want to be clear that no decision has been made. We will know the Board's direction on this issue after the September 16, 2025, meeting.
TECHNOLOGY UPDATES FROM ITBy Mike Lawrence, Director of IT
[Editor’s note - This is an article that Mr. Lawrence wrote recently that we thought you should be aware of because it could be an issue in your classroom if a student were to show up with these special glasses. The Master Contract on page ten, Article V: Academic Freedom Rights of Citizenship, D states that “No electronic or mechanical surveillance shall take place without mutual consent.” If you encounter a student wearing these glasses, you have the right to ask them to remove the glasses. We encourage you to contact your administrators to get further information and guidance on this subject.]
Get Smart about Smart Glasses!
We anticipate seeing Ray-Ban Meta AI and other smart AR glasses on campuses this year (in some cases, they were here last year!). These glasses, some now starting at $299, come in Wayfarer, Headliner, and Skyler styles and have photo, video, and live streaming capabilities. They can appear like any regular pair of fashionable eyewear and more devices are coming soon from other vendors as well.
Key concerns:
The glasses can record up to 30 minutes of video or capture numerous photos without a paired phone or others' awareness, despite a recording indicator LED light. This light can be circumvented.
Open-ear speakers allow users to listen to audio, including calls or livestreams, discreetly.
Prescription lenses are available, allowing the glasses to be presented as essential eyewear. While they have an off switch, this could be used to misrepresent the device’s capabilities during tests or assessment activities.
The glasses, when paired with a phone, feature a live AI collaborator, accessible with the Meta app and Wi-Fi, enabling real-time audio interaction with AI.
Please remember that the ABC Responsible Use of Technology Agreement restricts inappropriate behavior on any device by students or staff. Unauthorized privacy invasion, recording, or unethical use is prohibited. As with phones, these mobile communication devices may only be used with teacher permission on any ABC campus. We will be communicating this clarification to families and students as well.
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - by 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 affecting their working and learning conditions, as well as their mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation, and united, we make the YOUnion.
Members of the ABCFT Executive Board were discussing in our eboard thread about the disconnect between the way students were a decade ago compared to how they are now…or even how students were compared to twenty years ago. I’ve been out of the classroom for fifteen years, but because of the issues that I work on with teachers, I have a good understanding of the challenges of the classroom. Our students have changed, and it has been a shocking evolution in our classrooms.
Early in my teaching career I taught at Arcadia High School where I did my student teaching and a consecutive year of social studies courses, it was a dream job until I was let go as a temporary teacher to make room for a soccer coach….I’m not bitter….anymore. Anyway, I looked for other opportunities to teach social studies and in the late 90’s every social studies teacher was firmly planted in their schools for the last twenty years, there were no openings. Long story short, I ended up as a special education teacher at Artesia High School which had a completely different student population. It was challenging and I had to make adjustments to my teaching style, my delivery of instruction and how I could create student engagement with the curriculum. Ninth graders coming into Artesia High School for the first time were challenging on their own but throw in the addition of students trying to overcoming learning difficulties and the task was monumental.
Those challenging students I had in my class twenty years ago are now represented across the district in every classroom. In our discussion with the ABCFT Site Representatives yesterday I flat out said that the type students we are seeing in classrooms across this district and across the country today can have similar challenges. Some have behavioral challenges, learning difficulties, socioeconomic challenges, on top of friends and family drama challenges. And let’s not forget the most disruptive change in our students….they are addicted to their phones, technology, and social media. Twenty years ago or even a decade ago we weren’t as a society as overwhelmed and run over by the addiction to games, social media, and gambling as a nation. Our society has changed and it has had a profound impact on our students.
In two weeks, all of the site reps and principals from across the district will have a day to learn how to engage each other with specific communication strategies so that they can have concrete tough conversations about what is happening at their school site or in their programs. As educators we need to find ways to reach our students where they are BUT also to provide them with the boundaries that will allow them to be successful. All this pressure is falling on educators in a world where our news cycles and our entertainment all glorify how boundaries are being broken…a world of individualism and addiction to outrage.
Teachers and nurses! We need to be a tribe. A tribe sticks together and makes tough decisions that are for the good of the village. The age of the individual is at its point of rotting and it’s time to find balance. At a PAL Retreat a couple years ago the site reps voiced that they are tired of the north south split in ABC and I feel like we have made great progress as a district in addressing this myth. I call it a myth because the reality is that we now have student challenges in every part this district. It’s time for all teachers to put their heads together with the administrators to figure out what works with these students and what strategies unlock their potential while meeting their unmet needs as evolving members in our society. I hope that you can start these conversations in the staff lounge, in your grade level meetings, in your department meetings, and in your school site principal meetings. Food for thought.
Next week I will be back with more data on salaries and health benefits but I thought that it was important to reflect out what I’ve been hearing from teachers and nurses across the district.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
A UNION OF EDUCATORS AND CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONALS
AFT joins boycott against Target
The American Federation of Teachers has agreed to endorse a boycott against Target, over the retailer’s decision to end some diversity programs amidst pressure from conservative activists and the U.S. government. The Monday endorsement from the 1.8m member union came as part of Labor Day activities in Chicago and was attended by Atlanta-area pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant, along with other leaders of the boycott, which started in March. “Target rolled back promises to help the people who have been loyal customers, because of a president who is trying to roll back history and ignore the struggle for freedom and justice,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statement. “Those customers, who have helped Target’s bottom line, now feel set aside, ignored and dismissed.”
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Florida moves to end vaccine mandates
Florida plans to eliminate all state vaccine mandates, including those for school children, as announced by state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. This unprecedented move would make Florida the first state in the U.S. to withdraw from requirements that have historically boosted vaccination rates and prevented disease outbreaks. The decision raises concerns about potential declines in immunization against serious diseases like polio and measles, especially as Florida already leads the Southeast in non-medical vaccine exemptions among kindergartners. Critics argue that this stance undermines public health efforts, despite vaccines saving over 1.1 million children's lives in the U.S. and significantly reducing healthcare costs. “When we have outbreaks in schools, those children go home to their families. That’s when we get infants with measles, or elderly people with pertussis that puts them in the hospital,” said Lynn Nelson, president of the National Association of School Nurses, adding that Florida's policy push "is a doorway to a public health crisis that is 100% preventable.”
CNBC Politico Education Week News
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Congress grapples with education funding
Federal spending for education is under intense scrutiny as the Trump administration has delayed billions already approved by Congress. With a September 30 deadline looming, lawmakers are tasked with funding the federal government and addressing education programs. The Senate's budget bill maintains funding levels for K-12 education, while the House proposes significant cuts, including a $3.5bn reduction in Title I investments. If Congress fails to finalize a budget, a government shutdown could occur, impacting schools nationwide. An analysis by the Peterson Foundation found that the federal government has been funded by continuing resolutions for increasingly large chunks of the fiscal year, including the entirety of 2025. The most recent time lawmakers got close to following the formal appropriations process was in 2019, when Congress enacted five of the 12 appropriations bills before September 30 , and resolved the remainder of the budget by the following February.
House education subcommittee endorses some Trump education cuts
Members of a House education subcommittee voted largely along party lines on Tuesday to move forward a fiscal 2026 federal budget bill that allocates $14.9bn for the Title I formula grants for schools to support low-income students. The proposal amounts to a $3.5bn cut from current levels. Should President Donald Trump sign the House version of the budget into law, the Education Department would cancel around $938m, or around 5%, of the $18.4bn in Title I funds Congress approved in March. Other education-related programs slated for elimination in the House budget include Title III funding for English-learner services ($890m); Full-Service Community Schools ($150m); Promise Neighborhoods ($91m); and preschool development grants ($315m ), although the bill does not propose withdrawing previously-approved funding for the programs.
The transportation challenges affecting U.S. school districts
School leaders are still facing transportation challenges in their schools and districts, according to surveys conducted by the Associated Press and the University of Chicago’s NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Eighty percent of respondents cited bus driver shortages, 73% said budget limitations are hampering operations, and 83% said educators have had to excuse themselves from their core responsibilities to address transportation needs. Additionally, of the administrators who said bus driver shortages are a problem, almost half (46%) said it’s a major problem. Among the solutions used to address these issues are centralized pick-up and drop-off points for students using school buses; improved local pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure; and employing school-arranged supplemental transportation services.
----- STATE NEWS -----
California schools take a stand against ICE
The California Legislature has passed two significant bills aimed at limiting immigration enforcement on school campuses. Assembly Bill 49, pending Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature, would prevent immigration officers from entering schools or questioning students without a judicial warrant. Additionally, Senate Bill 98 mandates that all TK-12 schools and colleges notify students and staff when federal immigration officers are present on campus. These measures are designed to alleviate fears stemming from the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have led to decreased school attendance among families concerned about enforcement actions.
California bill mandates school alerts for immigration enforcement
The California Legislature has passed a bill mandating that schools develop plans to notify parents and teachers when immigration enforcement is present on campus. This legislation also extends to California State universities and community colleges, requiring them to alert students, faculty, and staff. Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi emphasized that students "cannot learn unless they feel safe,” highlighting the importance of a secure educational environment. The bill is part of broader efforts to protect families from immigration enforcement, particularly in light of the Trump administration's policies. The legislation is set to remain in effect until 2031 and is currently awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature.
California lawmakers tackle charter school fraud
California lawmakers are in a race to finalize two competing bills aimed at addressing charter school fraud, which could enhance oversight of over 1,200 schools and billions in taxpayer funding. Assembly Bill 84, led by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and Senate Bill 414, from Senator Angelique Ashby, have cleared initial hurdles but face ongoing negotiations. Key issues include new auditing requirements and limits on nonclassroom-based charter schools. Kristin Armatis, director of the charter school office at the San Diego County Office of Education, noted, “If there is something going on, hopefully you would catch it very early if you have best practices and strong oversight in place.” The deadline for amendments is September 8, and failure to reach an agreement could lead to further legislative battles in January.
----- DISTRICTS -----
School districts continue to suffer funding crises
School districts across the U.S. are grappling with significant budget challenges as federal funding disruptions and state-level political turmoil converge. Lawmakers in Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have missed budget deadlines, jeopardizing millions for public schools. In Pennsylvania alone, schools face a collective shortfall of $1.75bn, prompting some districts to consider loans to meet payroll. Legal battles are also intensifying, with courts in Arizona, New Hampshire, and Wyoming ruling that state funding systems violate constitutional requirements. As Judge David W. Ruoff said, New Hampshire's funding "fails to satisfy state constitutional requirements for an adequate education." With property tax reforms and private school choice initiatives further complicating the landscape, the future of school funding remains uncertain.
Beverly Hills schools flag decision sparks debate
The Beverly Hills Schools District will not display the Israeli flag during Jewish American Heritage Month, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Superintendent Alex Cherniss exercised his executive authority to reverse a 3-2 Board of Education vote in favor of the flag, citing "heightened safety concerns" for students. Cherniss said: “In light of heightened safety concerns around the displaying of flags on our campuses, I have made the decision to take immediate action for the safety and security of our students.” While some board members and community members supported the flag as a symbol of solidarity with the Jewish community amid rising antisemitism, critics argued that it represents the Israeli state, which is inappropriate in a public school context, especially given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
School calendar shift sees more students return before Labor Day
Labor Day traditionally marked the end of summer break for many U.S. students, but this is changing, according to Pew Research Center data from 2023, which found that about 70% of public K-12 students now return to school before September, with some starting as early as July. Only 18% of students begin school in September, particularly in the mid-Atlantic states. Proponents of earlier start dates argue it can reduce summer learning loss and better prepare students for standardized testing. In Minnesota, local school boards are advocating for control over start dates, as highlighted by Kirk Schneidawind, executive director of the Minnesota School Boards Association, who said: “the local school board should be able to set their start and end times.” Meanwhile, tourism concerns continue to influence decisions, as seen in Maryland, where former Gov. Larry Hogan pushed for a post-Labor Day start to boost tourism
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
AI training: California's lifeline for students
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to replace entry-level jobs, California's universities and community colleges are stepping up by providing free AI training to students. Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted the urgency of this initiative, stating, “You're seeing in certain coding spaces significant declines in hiring for obvious reasons.” The partnerships with tech giants like Google and Microsoft aim to equip students with essential AI skills, while also allowing these companies to access a new user base. However, concerns arise regarding the effectiveness of AI tools in education, as experts like Justin Reich from MIT caution that the actual lessons are not yet proven. “We do not know what AI literacy is,” he noted, emphasizing the need for educators to adapt quickly to the changing landscape. Despite the challenges, leaders like Erin Mote from InnovateEDU stress the importance of acting promptly to prepare students for the evolving job market.
More classrooms go phone-free this fall
As the new school year begins, an increasing number of districts are implementing cell phone bans to enhance student focus in classrooms. Brigette Whaley, an associate professor at West Texas A&M University, believes these restrictions create "a more equitable environment" and lead to higher student engagement. In Texas, all public and charter school students will be without their phones during school hours. While many teachers support the ban, some students express frustration, with 83% of Delaware teachers in favor, but only 11% of students agreeing. Zoë George, a student in New York City, finds the ban "annoying," especially as it affects her ability to complete homework during free periods. Despite mixed feelings, educators hope that as students experience the benefits, their attitudes will shift.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Global teacher shortage crisis deepens
Last week's United Nations World Summit on Teachers in Santiago, Chile, revealed a pressing global teacher shortage, with over 44m educators needed by 2030. Amina Muhammad, U.N. deputy secretary general, emphasized that “too many young teachers are leaving in their first years” due to low pay and heavy workloads. UNESCO reported that the annual attrition rate for primary teachers has nearly doubled from 4.62% in 2015 to over 9% in 2022. The U.S. faces unique challenges, with teachers working over 100 hours more annually than their global counterparts, contributing to retention issues. Additionally, the pay gap between teachers and other professionals in the U.S. complicates recruitment efforts. UNESCO advocates for increased financial support and professional training to enhance teacher status and retention. Countries like Australia and China are implementing measures to improve teacher recruitment and support, highlighting the urgent need for action in addressing this crisis.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Dress codes divide educators' opinions
The debate over dress codes in K-12 education continues to evoke strong opinions among educators. A recent EdWeek LinkedIn Poll revealed that 49% of nearly 700 respondents believe dress codes enhance student focus, while 14% argue they create distractions. Supporters claim dress codes reduce class divides and prepare students for the workforce, emphasizing the importance of professionalism. Conversely, critics argue that such policies can unfairly target specific groups, particularly girls, and perpetuate gender biases. Elizabeth Heubeck, a staff writer for Education Week, highlights the complexity of the issue, noting that while some guidelines are necessary, overly strict or vague dress codes can detract from the learning environment. As one respondent commented: "Dress codes sanctify conformity, not discipline," reflecting the ongoing tension between maintaining order and allowing individuality in schools.
Teachers crave more classroom autonomy
As the new school year begins, teachers are expressing a strong desire for greater autonomy in their classrooms. According to the 2024-25 Teacher Morale Index by the EdWeek Research Center, teachers identified increased autonomy from school leaders as a top priority for improving morale. Survey results revealed that 46% of teachers wanted more autonomy, while 31% sought assistance with classroom management. Educators emphasized the importance of support and recognition, with one teacher stressing: "Honestly, just let us do our jobs." They also highlighted the need for principals to prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion to create a welcoming environment for all students.
----- LEGAL -----
Courts block Ten Commandments mandates in schools
In recent weeks, federal courts have rejected efforts to display the Ten Commandments in public schools, prompting states to explore alternative routes for faith-based education. Iowa, Montana, Ohio, and Texas have enacted laws allowing students to attend off-campus religious instruction, known as “released time.” This approach, which has been adopted by at least 12 states, is seen as more constitutionally viable since it occurs off school grounds and is parent-permitted. Jennifer Jury, a program advocate for LifeWise Academy, stated, “Not every family has access to private or parochial school, but for many generations families have been able to take their students out of school for a portion of the day for religious education if they choose.” The movement is supported by organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council, which promotes model legislation for released time policies.
Supreme Court sparks school opt-out frenzy
Two months after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed parents to withdraw their children from discussions on LGBTQ+ issues based on "sincerely held religious beliefs," California conservative leaders anticipate a surge in opt-out requests. Although this wave has not yet materialized, legal experts warn that the lack of guidance from the court on managing these requests could lead to significant confusion and prolonged litigation.
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
California State University sees slight rise in enrollment
California State University (CSU) reported a modest increase in its fall 2025 enrollment, with a total headcount of approximately 465,000 students, up by 4,000 from the previous year. This growth, although less than a percentage point, is attributed to a rise in in-state students, which offset a decline in out-of-state and international enrollments. A CSU spokesperson noted a decrease of about 1,300 out-of-state students, while data on international enrollment remains unavailable. Concerns persist regarding the impact of immigration policies on international student applications, with NAFSA predicting a potential 30% to 40% decline in new international enrollments nationwide. Despite these challenges, CSU's early data indicates a slow recovery from the pandemic, with a notable increase in California residents and undergraduate transfers. DiPierro, a reporter for EdSource, highlights that CSU will release final enrollment data in October.
----- INTERNATIONAL -----
El Salvador gives school children military haircuts in a slide to authoritarianism
El Salvador’s military-controlled education ministry is enforcing strict discipline for school children, from army haircuts to national prayer recitations, in what rights groups say is the latest sign of the country’s slide into authoritarianism. Air force Captain Karla Trigueros, appointed education minister earlier this month, has decreed austere haircut and etiquette codes for schools. In an “obligatory” August. 18 letter, she established rules for “strengthening discipline, order and personal appearance.” Students must have a “clean and tidy uniform,” an “appropriate haircut and proper personal appearance” and “orderly entry with respectful greetings,” she said. Elevating Ms. Trigueros two weeks ago, President Nayib Bukele promised “a profound transformation in our education system.” However teachers, along with rights groups, have raised concerns about the new rules, with a school workers' union commenting: “It is worrisome that the new minister is a military agent, as we can now speak of the lamentable militarization of Salvadoran public education, as occurred during the military dictatorships."
----- OTHER -----
NTA Life – Protecting What Matters Most
At NTA Life, we’re here to give you extra peace of mind with supplemental benefits that provide tax-free financial support directly to you or your loved ones. Our programs are designed to complement your major medical insurance, helping cover expenses like deductibles, co-pays, and those unexpected costs that arise during an illness or injury.
We proudly offer a wide range of benefits, including:
• Cancer coverage with Return of Premium (available late September)
• Heart coverage with Return of Premium
• Hospital coverage
• Accident coverage
• Disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Specified disease coverage with Return of Premium after 20 years
The best part? Most of our plans are guaranteed renewable for life, meaning you can keep them even if you switch districts or retire.
We are grateful for our strong partnership with ABCFT and remain committed to supporting and serving the incredible educators in your community.
For more information, please reach out anytime to:
• Shannon Donovan – 714-727-8261 | mailto:Shannon.donovan@horacemann.com
• Julene McBride – 562-665-3216 | mailto:Julene.mcbride@horacemann.com
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