Download Budget Briefs from Process Or Status of a Community College

the voice of the union

September b October 2014 California Volume 68, Number 1 california Teacherfederation of teachers, Aft, afl-cio

TOM TORLAKSON A teacher for State Superintendent of Public instruction PAGE 8

CFT appeals General Election Accreditation Vergara ruling November 4 agency on trial In defense of teacher rights Public education needs your vote Fairness and transparency at issue Page 3 Page 8 Page 14 California In this issue All-Union News 03 Community College 14 Teacher Pre-K/K-12 12 University 15 Classified 13 Local Wire 16

UpFront Joshua Pechthalt, CFT President

November 4 is our opportunity to elect an ally and defeat a self-appointed reformer

he CFT’s priorities in the Novem- beachhead in California as part of local, state and national levels, we can Tber 4 General Election are straight- their national efforts to promote never rely on them, or the courts, to forward: Reelect Tom Torlakson merit pay, expand charter schools and protect our interests or advance our Superintendent of Public Instruction, weaken teacher unions. In the final issues. The only force we can rely on “We have to approach elect Betty Yee for State Controller and weeks of the campaign, Tuck will is the power of our organized mem- this election as if pass Propositions 45 and 47. pump large amounts of money into bers and the alliances we build with In the remaining weeks before the television, radio and direct mailings our labor and community partners. the future of public election, we need all of our mem- attacking Torlakson and his connec- In the coming months, the CFT education depends on bers to get involved with their local tion to California’s education unions. will be working with our locals to unions and their central labor coun- On the national stage, the far-right reach out to our members across the it, because it does.” cils. We have to approach this election Republican Party seeks control of state. Fair share payers are especially as if the future of public education the Senate, which would stymie our invited to step up to full union mem- depends on it, because it does. efforts to move immigration reform, bership. Certainly joining a union It is critical we reelect Tom Tor- secure healthcare reform, protect a is essential for protecting members’ lakson as Superintendent of Public woman’s right to choose or expand rights and advocating for salary and Instruction, who has oversight of Cal- worker and union rights. In the event benefits. But education unions must ifornia’s K-12 public education and of an opening on the Supreme Court, be the catalyst for creating a demo- deeply influences the national debate the Senate would then block the pres- cratic, bottom up vision of quality on education reform. Torlakson was a ident’s appointment of a moderate or public education. teacher and coach for many years. liberal to the court. There is no magic bullet to make Superintendent Torlakson has been Adding to the grim outlook is a this happen. It will require commit- a consistent opponent of the market continued assault on public sector ment, training, patience and one-on- reforms being promoted by the fed- workers, including our members, one interaction with our colleagues. A eral government. He has stood up by the courts. The Harris v. Quinn number of our locals are already lead- against the well-funded, anti-teacher, Supreme Court ruling is the first ing the way. Now we need to broaden anti-public education narrative. shot across the bow attacking union and deepen that work and build the Torlakson’s opponent, Marshall fair share, while the Vergara lawsuit kind of real power that can win vic- Tuck, a product of corporate Amer- is aimed directly at teacher seniority tories no matter which politician gets ica, has no classroom experience. Self- and due process rights in California. elected to office. appointed education reformers like This scenario underscores the fact Tuck, Michelle Rhee, Eli Broad, David that while we work to elect the best Welsh and others hope to secure a and most progressive leaders at the

ON THE COVER The California Federation of Teachers is an affiliate CaliforniaTeacher (ISSN 0410-3556) is published Direct letters or other editorial submissions to the < of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. The four times a year in September/October, November/ editor. Letters must not exceed 200 words and must Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom CFT represents faculty and classified workers in public December, February/March and April/May by the include your name, address, and phone number. Letters Torlakson, a teacher himself, has stood and private schools and colleges, from early childhood California Federation of Teachers, 2550 N. Hollywood will be edited for clarity and length. up against the well-funded, anti-teacher, Way, Suite 400, Burbank, CA 91505, and mailed to all through higher education. The CFT is committed to Editorial office anti-public education rhetoric. He filed an raising the standards of the profession and to securing CFT members and agency fee payers. Annual subscription California Federation of Teachers, 1330 Broadway, appeal against Vergara v. California and the conditions essential to provide the best service to price: $3 (included in membership dues). For others: said, “Teachers are not the problem in our Suite 1601, Oakland, California 94612 California’s students. $10 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Burbank and Telephone 510-523-5238 Fax 510-523-5262 schools, they are the solution.” President Joshua Pechthalt additional mailing offices. Email [email protected] Secretary Treasurer Jeffery M. Freitas Postmaster: Send address corrections to California photo by Bob riha, jr Publications Director and Editor Jane Hundertmark Teacher, 2550 N. Hollywood Way, Suite 400, Burbank, senior Vice-President L. Lacy Barnes Contributors this issue: Kenneth Burt, Fred Glass, executive council Velma J.Butler, Cathy Campbell, CA 91505. Emily Gordon, Kendra Harris, Sharon Hendricks, Elaine Alex Caputo-Pearl, Robert Chacanaca, Kimberly Claytor, California Teacher is a member of the International Johnson, Jim Mahler, Joshua Pechthalt, Paula A. Phillips, Melinda Dart, Betty Forrester, Ray Gaer, Miki Goral, Labor Communications Association and the AFT Com- Mindy Pines, Ron Rapp, Gary Ravani, Al Hernandez- Carolyn Ishida, Kathy Jasper, Dennis Kelly,Tim Killikelly, municators Network. It is printed by union workers at Santana, Bob Samuels, Jessica Ulstad, Ed Wang, Jim Mahler, Elaine Merriweather, David Mielke, Pacific Standard Press in Sacramento using soy-based Laura Watson, Sandra Weese, Steve Weingarten, Dean Murakami, Paula A. Phillips, Gary Ravani, inks on Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper that Rosanna Wiebe, Emily Wilson Francisco Rodriguez, Bob Samuels, Linda Sneed, contains 10 percent post-consumer recycled content. Graphic Design Kajun Design, Graphic Artists Guild Joanne Waddell, Carl Williams, Kent Wong, David Yancey

® 977-M Cert no. SW-COC-001530 cft.org CFT @CFTunion IBT 853

2 California teacher september/october 2014 CFT President Josh Pechthalt around the union… spoke at a press event before closing arguments began in the Vergara v. California lawsuit. All-Union News

November 4 is our opportunity to elect an ally French language school staffs choose AFT as their union and defeat a self-appointed reformer Workers at three Bay Area private schools gain a stronger voice in the workplace

When math teacher Cheryl tive, upbeat tone. We foresee more LaBrecque joined the staff of the collaboration and cooperation,” says

French American International sharon beals LaBrecque. School in San Francisco in 1999, the Two other French immersion preK-12 school was small and “things schools, K-12 Lycée Français in San worked better.” Staff members “had Francisco and preK-8 Ecole Bilingüe a closer relationship with adminis- in Berkeley, learned about CFT from tration,” she says. Since then, it has their counterparts at the French become “more corporate, more top- American International School and down, more about money.” agreed the Federation was a great fit. Administrators unilaterally The Lycée bargaining unit of 150 changed work hours, scheduled more certificated, classified and non-man- mandatory meetings, increased class agement administrative staff voted size, retaliated against people for overwhelmingly to affiliate with speaking up and terminated employ- AFT on March 6. Math and cinema ees with many years of experience. teacher Miguel Concy said, “We knew Salaries failed to keep up with the we needed a more powerful alliance.” cost of living. On May 19, Ecole Bilingüe’s 58 pre- “We belonged to an independent Math teacher Cheryl LaBrecque and her fellow educators at the French American International viously unrepresented teachers and association,” says LaBrecque, “but School in San Francisco found the Federation to be the best fit when they needed more clout. assistants voted for AFT. This school weren’t taken seriously. We had no clout. We needed to level the play- school’s approximately 130 bargain- “We needed to level the playing field with a strong union ing field with a strong union …better ing unit members voted in favor of representation, stronger advocacy… affiliating with the Federation. After …better representation, stronger advocacy…the expertise the expertise and resources a larger considerable research, LaBrecque says and resources a larger organization like CFT could offer.” organization like CFT could offer.” she and her colleagues saw CFT as — Cheryl LaBrecque, French American International School On May 19, the educators chose AFT the “best fit” because they knew their as their bargaining agent because, says autonomy would be respected. “We the Bay Area. They believed the dues year, the educators look forward to LaBrecque, “We wanted more direct want to make our own decisions in structure was very reasonable. having a say in their workplace, said support without having to do all the consultation with CFT, but not have Since joining CFT, the teachers feel third grade teacher Marion Tobie. bargaining research ourselves.” it take over.” They were impressed more confident. There is a new head — By Mindy Pines, CFT Reporter An overwhelming majority of the by CFT’s accessibility, with offices in administrator and a “new more posi-

.com Education unions fight to reverseVergara ruling

The CFT and the California Teach- ing behind a group of students, alleges very statutes are routinely and effi- growing inequality, and lack of decent ers Association filed a notice of that K-12 teacher workplace rights — ciently applied by school districts jobs in the communities surround- appeal asking that Judge Rolf Treu’s tenure, due process rights, and senior- throughout the state. ing our schools — in other words, the ruling in Vergara v. California be ity rights during layoffs — infringe on CFT President Josh Pechthalt said most important factors affecting stu- reversed in its entirety. Stating that the constitutional right of students to the judge took the easy route of blam- dent achievement.” Treu’s decision striking down five an equal education. ing teachers for the conditions they CFT and CTA follow Gov. Brown California Education Code provi- The evidence at trial overwhelm- work in. “Judge Treu failed to engage in submitting an appeal. State Super- sions “is without support in law or ingly showed that these statutes pro- the evidence presented in court by intendent Tom Torlakson has also fact,” the appeal says Treu’s reversible mote important public interests such education experts and school super- filed an appeal. Legal experts across errors are “too numerous to list.” as attracting and retaining qualified intendents who testified that teacher the country have expressed strong The case was initiated by a group teachers for public schools. They also rights are not impediments to well-run skepticism at Judge Treu’s ruling, with calling itself “Students Matter,” funded are not the cause of any constitu- schools and districts,” said Pechthalt. many predicting it will be overturned. by David Welch, a conservative Silicon tional harm to California students. In “He also failed to take into account The Vergara decision does not

Valley millionaire. The lawsuit, hid- fact, it was demonstrated that these the impact of underfunding, poverty, affect community college teachers. communications top:senders

september/october 2014 California teacher 3

FROM THE state CAPITOL About Proposition 2 Legislature acts on EpiPens, teacher dismissal, and capping K-12 district reserves drought, pesticide use on campus

Many members have During the driest calendar year each school, was held in the Assembly inquired about the budget trailer bill on record, Gov. Brown declared a Appropriations Committee. that places a much-needed cap on statewide drought emergency, which K-12 district reserves and adds more spurred a concerted push for a new Classified employees Earlier transparency and public accountability water bond. this year, CFT fought to extend staff measures for these districts. Lawmakers moved to replace an greater access to unemployment bene- Specifically, BA 858 does two things. $11.1 billion ballot proposition previ- fits under AB1638 (Bocanegra, D-Los First, it requires that as of the 2015- ously slated for the ballot, convinced Angeles). The bill was held in Assem- 16 budget year, each district with that voters would reject it. A smaller bly Appropriations Committee. reserves in excess of the minimum level $7.5 billion water bond will appear The governor did sign SB1405, recommended by the State Board of on the November ballot as Proposi- requiring schools that use pesticides Education shall review and discuss in a tion 1. CFT endorsed the measure, to designate someone to maintain public hearing both the level of excess which allots $2.7 billion for water a complete record of all pesticide reserve and a statement of reasons storage projects, $900 million for use at the site and submit it to the substantiating the excess reserves. groundwater cleanup and monitor- child abuse, sexual abuse and certain Department of Pesticide Regulation Second, pending the passage of ing, $725 million for water recy- controlled substance crimes. at the end of each calendar year. The Proposition 2 (the Rainy Day Fund) and cling and $1.5 billion for watershed After careful consideration, CFT designee must also develop a long- a transfer of funds into the Proposition restoration programs. took a support position on AB215 term plan to prevent pest problems 98 Reserves The governor also signed into law (Buchanan, D-Alamo). The new law with minimal hazard to people and (a specific AB1522, (Gonzalez, D-San Diego) the environment, and post it on the part of the clearly defines egregious acts and Rainy Day granting sick days to many Califor- bifurcates the teacher dismissal pro- school website. Fund desig- nia workers who did not have them cess so that in egregious misconduct CFT opposed a bill now signed into nated for school previously, a major win for most of cases, the hearing must commence law that affects both classified and funding), no district labor. Though most CFT members within 60 days of the request, and certificated employees. SB1266 (Huff, budget can have reserves in will not be affected, the new law may continuances may only extend the R-Diamond Bar) requires school dis- excess of two or three times benefit long-term substitute teach- date for an additional 30 days total. tricts, county offices of education the minimum reserve. ers who are not represented under a For non-egregious cases, the hear- and charter schools to provide emer- The county superintendent collective bargaining agreement with ing must begin within six months gency epinephrine auto-injectors to can grant an exemption to the cap sick leave provisions. from the date of the request and may school nurses or other personnel who for two consecutive years out of three, only be extended upon showing of have volunteered, and these persons but a district must substantiate the EC/K-12 schools Gov. Brown extraordinary circumstances. may provide emergency medical aid circumstances under which it needs to signed a bill into law on June 25 that CFT’s priority bill, AB1955, also to persons suffering, or reasonably maintain a higher level of reserves. makes changes to the teacher dismissal called Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds, believed to be suffering, from an ana- In summary, the cap on district appeals process related to “egregious and aimed to put a school nurse, men- phylactic reaction. (See story page 13) reserves has to meet four criteria to be acts,” including offenses related to tal health professional, and librarian in —By CFT Legislative Staff triggered: 1) Passage of Proposition 2 in November, 2) Paying off the current Proposition 98 maintenance factor, Union’s full court press succeeds 3) Transfer of money into the Prop. 98 Reserves, and 4) No county exemption. The CFT has taken a neutral position Three bills on fair accreditation signed into law on Proposition 2. The union is opposed to new state revenues being transferred Community colleges Chancellor of the California Community district must include specific benchmarks to a Rainy Day Fund instead of being Legislative action has demonstrated that Colleges to direct those reports to the regarding local capacity to resume man- put to work immediately in our schools Gov. Brown and the California Legislature appropriate budget and legislative sub- agement of the district. and colleges, but the union supports a believe that the Accrediting Commission committees of the Legislature. In addition, And earlier in the summer, the higher cap on district reserves. for Community and Junior Colleges was the ACCJC would have to submit a report education budget trailer bill that will — By Emily Gordon, CFT Research Specialist out of line. whenever it makes a decision that affects provide City College of San Francisco with In a significant victory for the union, the accreditation status of a community much-needed stabilization funding was the governor signed the CFT-sponsored college. signed into law. SB860 will provide critical bill that requires the ACCJC to report to The governor also signed CFT-supported funding to City College over the next three On the Web the Legislature biannually on any policy AB2087 (Ammiano, D-San Francisco) fiscal years to rebuild student enrollment > Follow the union’s analysis of the state changes that affect the accreditation mandating that the Board of Governors after significant declines due to the unfair budget and download Budget Briefs from process or status of a community college. regulations under which the board may sanctions imposed by the ACCJC. the union website at goo.gl/KwNzsS. AB1942 (Bonta, D-Oakland) requires the appoint a special trustee to manage a

>See related articles: Adult education page 6. New EpiPen law page 13. College accreditation update page 14.

4 California teacher september/october 2014 CalSTRS contribution rates rise to rebuild pension fund CFT position sought incremental increases over a longer time period

As of July 1, working teachers New CalSTRS contribution rates cent over three years (and be made in CalSTRS, their employers and the outside of Proposition 98 monies). state are contributing more toward Hired before Hired after Employer contributions will increase Fiscal Year State Jan. 1, 2013 Jan. 1, 2013 District teacher pensions. (Non-PEPRA) (PEPRA) 10.85 percent over seven years. (See These rate increases, the first in New CalSTRS contribution rates) 25 years, are the result of this sum- 2013–14 3.04% 8 % 8 % 8.25% The district rate increase is much mer’s fast-paced legislative effort to higher than the CFT proposed and 2014–15 3.45% 8.15% 8.15% 8.88% address the growing unfunded liabil- may shift local dollars away from vital ity in the teachers’ retirement fund. 2015–16 4.89% 9.20% 8.56% 10.73% educational needs. “Our concern,” said The changes are contained in AB1469 2016–17 6.33% 10.25% 9.205% 12.58% Barnes, “was that steeper increases for (Bonta, D-Oakland) and signed into 2017–18 14.43% both employees and employers over law by Gov. Brown. Retirees are not a shorter period of time would nega- 2018–19 16.28% affected by the new law. tively impact local bargaining and the In recent years, CalSTRS has main- 2019–20 18.13% needs of our students.” tained that its defined benefit pension 2020 to 2046 19.10% Legal precedent requires that any fund cannot cover the cost of teacher increase in contribution rates be pensions in coming years. This offset by a comparable new advan- unfunded liability, which grew larger accounting practice. The union also “A secure and stable retirement is tage. In exchange for the increased during the financial crisis, is now esti- proposed small incremental contri- critical to our members,” said Barnes. employee contribution, AB1469 mated to be $74 million. bution increases for employees and “And while the Legislature and gov- removes the Legislature’s right to The amount of funding required employers over a longer time period ernor have taken steps to ensure that change the annual 2 percent improve- for a giant pension fund like CalSTRS and lobbied these points. CalSTRS can fund future pensions, ment factor for future retirees. How- is a topic of debate. The Legislature CFT Senior Vice President Lacy asking our members to shoulder ever, the Legislature retains the right and the governor set out to achieve Barnes, a psychology professor from more of the financial burden penal- to change the 2 percent factor for 100 percent funding, but a CFT task the State Center Federation in Fresno, izes educators for a situation not of teachers who retired prior to 2014, force argued that 80 percent fund- led the CFT task force that analyzed our making, specifically, the unethical but no change has been suggested. ing was in keeping with standard the issue and made recommendations. lending practices of America’s largest The legislative package assumes financial institutions.” that CalSTRS will earn a 7.5 percent annual rate of return throughout the Are you PEPRA or Non-PEPRA? By June 15, the governor and the Legislature reached a compromise life of the new plan. And it requires The two contribution rates for working CalSTRS members are a result of the that aims to fund CalSTRS at 100 per- the CalSTRS Board to submit a report Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013, or PEPRA. This statewide legislation created a cent over the next 32 years. Employee to the Legislature every five years two-tier system in the defined benefit pension plans of most public employees. Under PEPRA, contributions will increase 1.205 per- detailing the plan’s unfunded obliga- teachers in CalSTRS have to work two more years (to age 62 instead of 60) to get the 2 percent retirement factor. cent or 2.25 percent over three years, tion so the effects of increased contri- bIf you were hired after January 1, 2013 – PEPRA depending on date of hire. (See Are butions can be monitored, a measure bIf you were hired prior to January 1, 2013 – Non-PEPRA you PEPRA or Non-PEPRA?) State of accountability the CFT sought. contributions will increase 3.29 per- — By CFT Staff

with CalSTRS Board Member Sharon Hendricks Q& A How did the pension Perez and Assemblyman Rob Bonta advised What did the CalSTRS Board take into one as a community college instructor and fund become a top the governor that we could get a funding consideration during this decision? contributor to the system and last, as a priority this year? plan through the 2014 legislative session The issues were how much to increase union leader with my local, the Los Angeles The CalSTRS Board and and they made it happen. contributions, who should pay more, how College Faculty Guild, AFT Local 1521. staff had been discussing much and for how long. The CalSTRS Board I knew raising contributions for teachers the growing unfunded Why is this change so important now? doesn’t have authority to increase contri- was a hardship and I knew the increase in liability over the past We risked running out of money by bution rates, so the language was crafted district contributions meant challenges at 10 years, but the economic downturn in 2046 if we didn’t get more funds into the by stakeholder groups and legislators. the bargaining table. As a trustee of the 2008 was the tipping point. We lost over system. Now, with a funding solution in CalSTRS system, I have to make decisions 25 percent of our assets and our actuar- place, active and future teachers can rest What was it like to be on the board that focus on the financial sustainability of ies advised the board that we could no easy knowing their pension fund is getting knowing this might create hardship? the plan. In the end, I believe our solution longer expect to invest our way back to back to fully funded status and will provide It was a challenge. I wear three hats, one to ensure the longevity of CalSTRS included fully funded status. Assembly Speaker John them with retirement security. as a CalSTRS board member and fiduciary, shared pain from all stakeholders.

september/october 2014 California teacher 5 Adult educators gain stronger voice for teachers in consortia Expert panel ramps up educator involvement as two-year planning process nears end

Adult educators have CFT Secretary Treasurer Jeff Freitas incremental invest- United Teachers Los demanded to be included in planning exhorted the committee chairs to ments starting in Angeles, also serves the future of adult education. Led by protect this essential but endangered 2015-16. on the workgroup. the CFT Adult Education Commis- education system. However, the The workgroup sion, members are taking action to There are 72 regional consortia in voice of educators formed an expert make the process as the state charged was nearly silenced. panel on inclu- outlined under with developing CFT President sion and submit- Assembly Bill 86 regional plans for Joshua Pechthalt Kathy Jasper Zev Kvitky ted a proposal more inclusive. the delivery of laid out the lack of stakeholder input — endorsed by education unions and Earlier this adult education. in the AB86 consultation process in a advocacy groups — laying out critical year, adult educa- The consortia letter to Community College Chan- steps to ensure local consultation. tors stood in line were established cellor Brice Harris and State Super- As the close of this two-year plan- to testify before when the 2013- intendent Tom Torlakson. The CFT ning period nears, each regional con- a Joint Informa- 14 state budget recommended community stake- sortium is finalizing its plans. The tional Hearing appropriated holder input. consortia met at a statewide summit

of the Assembly $25 million for As a result of the letter, two CFT in early October to review data analy-

Jung

Higher Education m two-year plan- members joined the AB86 Statewide o ses, share effective practices, and pro- and Senate Educa- T ning grants. Workgroup: Adult educator and CFT vide input on system design. Through tion Committees. AB86 outlined the expectations for Vice President Kathy Jasper, president it all, the CFT is working on multiple Educators told state legislators they consortium development and imple- of the San Jose Federation, and CFT fronts to influence the state’s invest- have been excluded from the cur- mentation. The purported intent of Field Representative Zev Kvitky, who ment in adult education. rent process, damaging the commu- AB86 is to expand and improve the works closely with adult education — By Al Hernandez-Santana, nities that rely upon adult learning. provision of adult education with local unions. Ernest Kettenring, from CFT Legislative Director

University of California fails to solve campus funding inequities Influx of non-resident tuition income outstrips new rebenching funds

Two years ago, the University by $26,000 shows how much extra Non-resident tuition income compared to rebenching funds of California system changed the way tuition each campus will generate TOTAL Amount it distributes state funds and tuition next year (each non-resident stu- Number Non- Non- over or revenue to the campuses. In the past, dent pays an additional $23,000, and of non- Rebenching Campus resident resident under- resident funds* all tuition dollars and state dollars they do not receive tuition discounts, tuition* tuition & funded in students were sent to the Office of the Presi- which average 30 percent for in-state rebenching* 2009-10 dent and redistributed according to students). Add to that the amount of unknown formulas. funds each campus will get this year Berkeley 1,762 $45.8 $4.7 $50.5 $11.5 After a state audit showed that through rebenching. Davis 1,090 28.3 1.9 30.2 30.2 some campuses were being hurt by Comparing this total to the this process, the UC decided to let amount the state auditor said each Irvine 1,232 32.0 8.6 40.6 (70.1) the campuses keep their own tuition campus was overfunded or under- Los Angeles 1,805 46.9 0 46.9 99.2 dollars, and state dollars were redis- funded in 2009-10 (before the system Riverside 328 8.5 3.5 12.1 (42.4) tributed through a method called rebenching) brings the campus fund- “rebenching” to help out historically ing inequity into focus. This data San Diego 1,508 39.2 5.6 44.8 (26.9) underfunded campuses. New statis- also gives a general sense of the fund- Santa Barbara 670 17.4 8.9 26.3 (94.6) tics, however, show that the problems ing distribution before and after the Santa Cruz 854 22.2 3.8 26.0 (62.8) have only gotten worse. influx of non-resident tuition. Non-resident student tuition is In most cases, the new system is * Based on enrollment data from fall 2012, 2013 and 2014. Shown in millions of dollars, rounded to one decimal. UC Merced and UCSF are excluded for historical reasons. actually generating more income making things much worse for the than the rebenching. This is easily historically underfunded campuses. dents. Even though these students and move to a transparent revenue calculated by knowing the number As the state auditor argued, the have paid increasing tuition, their sharing model for non-resident of non-resident students in the most historically underfunded campuses campuses remain underfunded. tuition — changes for which UC-AFT recent available enrollment statistics. are the ones with the highest level The UC system needs to rethink will be advocating. Multiplying that number of students of under-represented minority stu- its enrollment and funding model — By Bob Samuels, UC-AFT President

6 California teacher september/october 2014 Election 2014

Adult educators gain stronger voice for teachers in consortia Members make top education candidates in local races Expert panel ramps up educator involvement as two-year planning process nears end What’s the best way to get good elected representation? Run for office yourself!

hile local unions of the CFT Jeremy Shonick | Santa Cruz School Board Jeremy Shonick, are members of UC- have a long tradition of sup- AFT Santa Cruz. Wporting strong candidates Thompson is a lecturer and teacher for local office, many locals have educator who is researching recruit- found that the best way to ensure that ment and retention of math and sci- elected officials share their values is to ence teachers in high-need schools. enlist CFT members to throw their As a former middle school teacher hats into the ring. This year, an herself, then a member of the Sali- unprecedented number of members nas Valley Federation of Teachers, she have set their sights on getting elected has the distinction of having been a in local races. member of two local unions. CFT Vice President Elaine Mer- Shonick taught high school his- riweather is running for reelection tory and English in Santa Cruz and is to the Richmond Public Schools former vice president of the Greater Board. Merriweather is an early child- Santa Cruz Federation of Teachers. hood educator in San Francisco and He was recently hired in the Educa- the elected treasurer of her union, tion Department of UC Santa Cruz, United Educators of San Francisco. where he supervises student teachers She hopes to secure a second term in high school social studies. and continue her work as an advocate Finally, two members of the Jeffer- for students and for open and trans- son High School Federation of Teach- parent communication between the ers in Daly City are seeking office. board, district parents, and the dis- Off and running! Jeremy Shonick files his candidacy papers with the elections office. Nick Occhipinti is a substitute teacher trict’s employee groups. running for school board, who would Joel Flores, an English teacher at employees are represented by the a high school government teacher, resign his position if elected. Occhi- Back Bay High School in Costa Mesa CFT. Flores is proud to be endorsed is running for trustee of the Ventura pinti is also project director of Lead- University of California fails to solve campus funding inequities and a long-time activist in the New- by State Superintendent of Public Community College District, where ership Initiative in Volunteering and Influx of non-resident tuition income outstrips new rebenching funds the faculty are represented by the CFT. Entertainment, or LIVE, a network This year, an unprecedented number of members have And the Ventura n linking youth eo County Fed- l and young adults de

set their sights on getting elected in local races. ff

eration of Col- je in promoting port-Mesa Federation of Teachers, Instruction Tom Torlakson. lege Teachers is local academics, is running for trustee of the Coast In Ventura County, Wes Davis, reciprocating by artists, and ser- Community College District, where president of the Oxnard Federation of supporting its vice opportuni- both the faculty and the classified Teachers and School Employees and own vice presi- ties through high dent, Bea Her- Bea Herrera Alisun Thompson school, college rera, a college and community- Joel Flores | Coast Community College District Board of Trustees counselor, in her based projects. run for a seat on Mike O’Neill the board of the is seeking reelec- Oxnard Union tion to the Paci- High School fica City Council. District. O’Neill wears The Greater two professional Santa Cruz Fed- Wes Davis Elaine Merriweather hats: He is a local eration of Teach- real estate agent ers has endorsed two candidates for and a district bus driver who trans- the district school board this year, and ports special education students to both of them, Alisun Thompson and school every morning. — By Jessica Ulstad, CFT Political Field Director

On the Web Elaine Merriweathergoo.gl/cNj7Dn Jeremy Shonick shonickforschoolboard.com Joel Flores votejoelflores.com Alisun Thompson alisun4schoolboard.com Joel Flores, an English teacher at Back Bay High School in Costa Mesa, is running for trustee of Wes Davis wesdavisforcollegeboard.com Mike O’Neill mikeforpacifica.com the Coast Community College District, where faculty and classified are represented by the CFT.

september/october 2014 California teacher 7 hotos p jr a h i bob r

>>State Superintendent has proven leadership and classroom experience Torlakson has the courage to face false reform efforts

er voice swelling with home- he has continued to work collabora- seek to blame teachers who step for- town pride, elementary school tively with stakeholders to improve ward every day to make a difference.” Hteacher Melinda Dart says, educational outcomes. Torlakson also Torlakson’s opponent in this race “Tom Torlakson was a student in our stayed in touch with the classroom, — charter school CEO Marshall Daly City schools — and he went on faculty, staff and students, by teaching Tuck — could not be more differ- to become a teacher and state super- part-time at Los Medanos College. ent in background and outlook. intendent of all schools.” Early on, Torlakson recognized that Tuck started on Wall Street. He has During his early years, Torlakson’s mother worked as a school secretary “Torlakson has used his classroom experience to make and his father as a welder. After high school, Torlakson attended San Mateo schools safer and help more students graduate with real Community College before entering world skills.” — Melinda Dart, Daly City elementary teacher the Merchant Marine and serving in Vietnam. Upon his return, he earned a Tom Torlakson spoke out against the judge’s years of budget cuts leading to lay- no teaching credential and no class- bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s misguided ruling in the Vergara lawsuit. offs and reduced programs had hurt room experience. When offered the degree in education and a teaching cre- students. To address the funding cri- opportunity to support putting more dential at UC Berkeley. Torlakson’s inclusive and collabora- sis, he joined with the CFT and Gov. resources into the classroom, he did After a successful career as a teacher, tive leadership style that embraces all Brown in support of Proposition 30 not take a position on Proposition 30. Torlakson took his classroom experi- members to increase ence to Sacramento where, as a state of the edu- funds for legislator, he provided a much-needed cation Tom Torlakson schools teacher voice in the Capitol. He played community. A Teacher for Superintendent and an important role in negotiating a state- Based colleges. wide education facilities bond, passed on his solid credentials, California Torlakson has shown the courage by voters in 1998 as Proposition 1A. voters elected Torlakson the Super- to oppose trendy ideas lacking educa- These professional and personal intendent of Public Instruction four tional merit. He supported a federal experiences built the foundation for years ago. As the state’s top educator, waiver for the state under Arne Dun- can’s Race to the Top, and sided with the faculty and the students against Compare the candidates for Superintendent the arbitrary accreditation agency in Tom Torlakson Marshall Tuck the struggle to keep City College of Instead, Tuck has scapegoated edu- San Francisco open. cators. He supports the Vergara rul- bEarned a master’s degree in education, bHas a master’s in business administration More recently, Torlakson spoke out ing and criticized Torlakson and Gov. taught high school science, coached and worked as a Wall Street investment against the court’s misguided ruling in Brown for appealing the verdict. track, and taught community college. banker before being hired as CEO for the Vergara v. California case that seeks For educators like Melinda Dart, a charter school company. to end teacher due process and senior- the choice is clear. bSupports increased school funding, bSupports the Vergara decision that ity rights. He has publicly criticized the “Torlakson has used his classroom seniority rights, and limits on the strips teachers of seniority and due simplistic attacks on educators. experience to make schools safer and use of student test scores to evaluate process. Supports the use of test “We do not fault doctors when help more students graduate with real teachers. scores to evaluate teachers. emergency rooms are full. We do not world skills,” Dart concludes. “And he criticize the firefighters whose supply has put more decision-making about b bBacked by the millionaires who Works with educators and their of water runs dry,” Torlakson says. “Yet education dollars in the hands of par- organizations to advance lifelong want to privatize public education, while we crowd our classrooms and ents, teachers and our communities.” learning, from early childhood through and who attack education unions and fail to properly equip them, those who — By Kenneth Burt, CFT Political Director higher education. public pensions. filed and support Vergara shamelessly >>Learn more at tomtorlakson.com.

8 California teacher september/october 2014 jr

Newport-Mesa Federation President a

h Kimberly Claytor, left, with Torlakson i

and legislators Lou Correa and Sharon bob r Quick-Silva during a labor-organized

school tour in Orange County.

ica jess

Torlakson met with teachers in the Poway Federation of Teachers. Vice President Claytor gets one-on-one time. Vote The Educators’ Choice For…

a More Statewide Offices state Ballot measures st

ica Governor 1 Conserve water resources Members of the Berkeley Council of jess Water bond addresses drought by Classified Employees support Torlakson. Jerry Brown* YES increasing funding for water storage projects and watershed restoration Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom* Torlakson has the courage to face false reform efforts 2 Rainy Day Fund Neutral Reduces state funds available Attorney General for programs in “good years.” If Kamala Harris* enacted, the state will cap K-12 Betty Yee: The qualified district reserves, freeing up addi- Treasurer tional resources in some districts. John Chiang candidate for State Controller 45 Pre-approval of health YES insurance increases Secretary of State Requires insurance companies to young Betty Yee worked in her commission. Alex Padilla immigrant parents’ laundry and dry Yee has supported justify premium increases and obtain pre-approval for rate hikes A cleaning business, where she dealt public education, backing Insurance Commissioner with customers, and with money. Proposition 30 to bring Dave Jones* 46 Medical malpractice After graduating from the University of new revenue into the Neutral Increases awards for malpractice California, Yee held jobs in which she was system. As state controller, Board of Equalization, and requires doctors to be drug responsible for analyzing and collecting Yee would sit on the gov- District 1 tested billions of dollars, including senior fiscal erning boards of CalSTRS and CalPERS. Chris Parker positions for the state Legislature. Yee’s opponent has a very differ- 47 Sensible sentencing reform Reduces sentences for certain non- Gov. Davis tapped Yee to serve as the ent history. As mayor of Fresno, Ashley Board of Equalization, YES District 2 violent crimes and invests savings chief deputy director for budget in the Swearengin has presided over a city with in treatment programs Department of Finance, where she helped a troubled fiscal record.S he sought to bal- Fiona Ma prepare the budget. ance the budget by privatizing municipal 48 Confirms Indian gaming Voters elected Yee to the Board of garbage collection, a misguided idea that Board of Equalization, compacts District 4 YES Equalization in 2006. For the last eight was rejected by voters. Ratifies contracts negotiated Jerome Horton* between the state and tribes years she has represented 9 million Betty Yee is clearly the better choice. people on the nation’s only elected tax >>Learn more at bettyyee.com. other progressive candidAtes in Tight races

U.S. Representative, District 7 If you live in these regions your Ami Bera* vote for these education-friendly Propositions 45 and 47 protect candidates is particularly important. U.S. Representative, District 26 consumers and communities Julia Brownley*

Proposition 45 With increasing Proposition 47 The Safe State Assembly, District 65 health insurance costs continuing to burden Neighborhoods and Schools Act will clas- Sharon Quirk-Silva* consumers, Prop. 45 is designed to reduce sify low-level nonviolent crimes, such as *Incumbent the pace of premium increases. The mea- simple drug possession and petty theft, sure requires insurance companies to justify as misdemeanors instead of felonies. The rate increases prior to passing additional subsequent cost savings from incarcerat- Get endorsements on your device! costs on to consumers and gives the insur- ing many fewer people will be directed to Education-friendly choices cft.yourvoterguide.com ance commissioner the power to approve K-12 schools, mental health treatment, and tailored to your local ballot rate increases. A similar system of checks victim services. and balances in the auto insurance market CFT joins law enforcement, crime vic- >>Go to cft.yourvoterguide.com and type in your home address. A page will pop has saved consumers billions of dollars. tims, community groups, the California up tailored to your individual ballot, with endorsed candidates ranging from California CFT joins the California Nurses Labor Federation, and the Democratic Party governor to your local school and college board trustees, as well as local and state Association, Courage Campaign, in supporting Prop. 47. ballot measures. You will also see a map showing your polling location. The positions on The Educators’ Choice represent the endorsements of your local Consumer Federation of California, and the union and the CFT. Democratic Party in supporting Prop. 45. >>Learn more at safetyandschools.com. >>Learn more at yeson45.org. Vote November 4 General Election

september/october 2014 California teacher 9 The Benefits of Belonging | part one

Revamped AFT+ Mortgage program offers union advantage Wells Fargo mortgages offer competitive rates, hardship assistance

Taking advantage of Who is eligible to eater y

the union mortgage program e participate? v helped CFT Secretary Trea- ste bAll dues-paying union members surer Jeff Freitas settle into a bUnion member retirees new home and end the cycle of bSpouse and domestic partners of union renting. members After Freitas married his partner bParents and children of union members Doug MacLeod on February 21, their bid was accepted on a house in the bAlliance for Retired Americans members who are union members Woodlake neighborhood of Sacra- mento. They immediately contacted “It was great to use the >Learn more at unionplus.org/AFT- mortgage or phone (800) 848-6466. a Wells Fargo mortgage consultant union benefit. I was ready to obtain a loan through the AFT+ Mortgage program. to invest in a house rather “It was great to use the union bene- home ownership to as many union fit,” said Freitas. “I was ready to invest than continue to pay rent.” members as possible. So far, the pro- in a house rather than continue to — Jeff Freitas, CFT Secretary Treasurer gram has provided $43.6 billion in pay rent.” mortgages to help union members and MacLeod, a fifth-grade teacher in their families buy or refinance a home. Ipswich, Massachusetts, was still liv- CFT Secretary Treasurer Jeff Freitas, left, and husband Doug MacLeod, got an AFT+ mortgage. Any dues-paying CFT member or ing on the East Coast, preparing for retiree, their spouse, parent or child is his retirement after 21 years of teach- not living in California, so he had to in June and moved to California, and eligible for participation in the AFT+ ing, and his move to Sacramento. sign papers on his spring break. Wells the new house, in the same month. Mortgage program with financing Freitas said the mortgage process Fargo was very, very helpful.” Freitas said he learned about the provided by Wells Fargo Home Mort- with Wells Fargo went flawlessly. “We Escrow closed on April 23. MacLeod upgraded AFT+ Mortgage program gage. Freitas says his mom wants to had a short timeframe. Doug was finished his last year of teaching, retired at a CFT conference. He lauded the move soon, and he’s looking forward hardship protections AFT+ offers in to her using this program to buy a Benefits of having anA FT+ Mortgage case of unemployment, layoff, dis- new house. ability, strike or lockout. The $500 gift And the $500 gift card? “We’re Hardship assistance: AFT+ Mortgage Gift award card after closing on a home card and the chance to earn another remodeling now to personalize our Assistance helps members and their families purchase or refinance. $500 as a first-time homeowner are house,” said Freitas, “and we had to who are unemployed, recently disabled, on First-time home incentive: Active added perks. buy a lot of stuff. We plan to be here strike, or locked out make their mortgage and retired union members who are first- “Not only do we get the hardship for a long time.” — By CFT Staff payments with interest-free loans and grants. time buyers can apply for a $500 First-Time benefits that wouldn’t be part of a Mortgage Assistance has provided more than Home Award from AFT+ Members Benefits. $10.6 million to help members keep their regular mortgage,” said the union’s Tell us your story! Simply fill out an application and provide a loans current and stay in their homes. top financial officer, “but the interest Have you benefitted from a program written summary of your experience with the rates and points are very competitive.” offered through AFT+ Member Benefits? Gift Card: For qualifying members, exclu- AFT+ Mortgage program and what it means The goal of the AFT+ Mortgage The CFT wants to know. >Please share sive benefits include a $500 My Mortgage to own your first home. program is to bring the stability of your story at cft.org/mybenefitstory

Test prep discounts Three union scholarships help offset cost of college

Union plus OFFERS mem- Scholarships are but of CFT members. Application dead- >Go to aft.org/aftplus/scholarships bers and their children 15 to 60 one example of the U.S. labor lines: January 10 and July 1. or call (800) 238-1133 ext. 4457. percent discounts on The Princeton movement’s commitment to >Go to cft.org/member-services/ Union Plus Scholarship Program Review’s test preparation courses. higher education. Thousands of scholarships, or phone (714) The AFL-CIO offers scholarships ranging These deep discounts are not avail- union members, and their chil- 754-6638. from $500 to $4000 to union members, able anywhere else. Choose classroom, dren and dependents, have been assisted Robert G. Porter Scholarship their spouses, and their dependents who online courses and private tutoring pro- in their post-secondary studies with schol- Program The AFT awards four-year are enrolled at an accredited institution grams for the ACT, SAT, GMAT, LSAT, GRE, arships from CFT, AFT and the AFL-CIO. $8000 scholarships to four high school of higher education. Scholarships are also or MCAT. The program offers free online Raoul Teilhet Scholarship Program seniors who are dependents of AFT mem- available to graduate students. Application practice tests. Guaranteed higher scores The CFT offers $3000 and $1000 scholar- bers, as well as 10 continuing education deadline: January 31. or you will receive a refund. >Learn more at unionplus.org/ ships to high school seniors and continu- grants of $1000 to members. Application >Go to unionplus.org/scholarships. college-education-financing. ing college students who are dependents deadline: March 31.

10 California teacher september/october 2014 Susan Solomon from United Educators of San Francisco joined the People’s Climate March. Around CFT

Mark your Calendar California Teacher Greg Eddy retires, Ron Rapp joins the CFT staff recognized with Last day to register to vote in the top honors at Greg Eddy has Ron Rapp joins General Election is October 20. retired from staff CFT staff as a Leg- AFT Convention Last day to request a mail ballot after serving as a islative Represen- for the election is October 28. The CFT was honored for its pub- CFT Field repre- tative and lead lications when the AFT Communi- sentative for 18 lobbyist on early VOTE in the General Election on November 4. Get the union’s cators Network recognized our state years in the Sacra- childhood educa- endorsements on your device at federation in eight areas at the bien- mento region. He tion, K-12 educa- Greg Eddy Ron Rapp cft.yourvoterguide.com. nial AFT Convention in July. has negotiated doz- tion and retirement. ens of collective bargaining agreements, As Director of Government Relations the voice of the union November b December 2013 California Executive Council will be held Volume 67, Number 2 Teacher ft, afl-cio Californiacalifornia federation of teachers, a Teacher, the all- handled countless grievances, and for the Ohio Education Association, November 15 at the CFT Bay Area

ccess denied Rapp led the lobbying and member- a trained innumerable new negotiators at Office in Oakland. Losing the human union news maga- face of reference librarians the AFT Western Regional Leadership to-member political campaigns that Page 15 zine, won first Classified Employees Conference, place for general Institute, the CFT Leadership Institute passed a landmark education reform examines issues of importance excellence in the and CFT Summer School. package, secured wins for Obama in Eddy was staff liaison to the CFT Ohio in 2008 and 2012 and repealed to school and college staff from Best Print Peri- December 5-7 at the Irvine Marriott. odical category. Educational Issues Committee, CFT anti-collective bargaining legislation. Affordable Care Act Union provides benefits part-timers Changing state of parent workshops Studying insurance options pays off adult education Building community after school Pages 6–7 representative to California Education He also recruited and trained union Understanding regional consortia Page 8–9 Division Councils of classified em- Page 4 The magazine also took home Coalition for Health Care Reform, a members to run for public office. ployees, community college faculty, and first place awards for a column detail- CFT signatory to a Joint Statement Rapp has held several policy- EC/K-12 teachers meet December 6 ing lessons from Latin America by of Commitment to Successful Imple- related positions. He founded the at the Irvine Marriott. mentation of Peer Assistance and Center for Comprehensive School Community College the CFT President ACCREDITATIOn UpDATE Adult Education New regional consortia meld state programs Application deadline for high school Grassroots action required to meet community needs Congresswomen lead forum in support of City College Review, and a member of the Reform to assist in implementing (Best Editorial or Fair accreditation, transparency demanded of out-of-control agency seniors to apply for a CFT Raoul c añada college alumnus and accreditating agency following several Congresswoman Anna Eshoo called blows to the agency’s legitimacy. Since community colleges lifeboats and the CFT filed a 280-page complaint springboards for Californians. Con- against it in April, the Department of PERB Advisory Board. research-based school initiatives. He gresswoman Jackie Speier said they Education has found the agency vio- keep our workforce vibrant. And state lated federal regulations, San Francisco Sen. Jim Beall said seven of his nine Column) and for a City Attorney Dennis Herrera, the siblings went to community colleges, Teilhet Scholarship is January 10. CFT, and Save CCSF all filed lawsuits the only way they could afford higher against the ACCJC, and the state Joint education. Legislative Audit Committee approved These three hosted a forum, “Is a request by Beall and Republican state As a high school English teacher was state and district policy coordi- “One thing is absolutely clear to me, and I think every- news report about one on this panel — I firmly believe in City College of San Francisco.” —jackie Speier, US representative, 14th district the Accrediation Process for Cali- Sen. Jim Nielsen to audit the ACCJC. y jANe hUNdertMArK

fornia’s Community Colleges Fair S B Nielson called ACCJC President Bar

- hoto and Accountable?” to scrutinize the P bara Beno the most “arrogant, conde- Accrediting Commission for Com- In a show of state and national support for fair accreditation, two congresswomen, Jackie Speier in Gilroy, Eddy became involved nator for New American Schools, a scending and dismissive individual” he Executive Council meets on munity and Junior Colleges, which and Anna Eshoo, were joined by state assemblymembers Jim Beall and Tom Ammiano. had ever dealt with. last July decided to revoke City Col- how elected offi- Assemblymember Tom Ammiano example Galatolo cited is “City College He went on to say that the state’s should be closed forever because it did entire community college system is Forthright San Mateo District Chancellor Ron not develop a comprehensive plan for Galatolo said,“Simply put, the punishment under threat from the ACCJC. While equipment maintenance and replace- does not fit the crime.” the average sanction rate for the six ment.” He wants the mandate saying other accrediting agencies in the California has to use the ACCJC for in union issues and was elected national effort to transform urban January 10 in Burbank. country hovers around two percent, accreditation changed. the ACCJC sanctioned 66 percent of Since students are wary of attend- cials at a commu- the community colleges in California ing a college they perceive as being in from 2003 to 2013. chaos, enrollment at City College has Galatolo said people have warned experienced two years of precipitous him the ACCJC could retalitate decline, meaning millions of dollars against the three colleges in his dis- less from the state. trict. “They said, ‘Don’t raise this, “The only plausible explanation for we’re all trying to survive here, don’t president of the Gilroy Federation education, and an analyst for the Edu- City’s massive enrollment decline is the make this an issue,’” he said. “It’s time lege of San Francisco’s accredita- severe, overzealous action taken by the said he was thrilled the issue of accred- to make this an issue.” nity forum stand tion in July 2014. Speakers included ACCJC,” Galatolo said. “Simply put, itation had the attention of two Con- That was something faculty mem- CFT President Josh Pechthalt, faculty the punishment does not fit the crime.” gressional representatives. He extorted bers, staff, and students at CCSF have union President Alisa Messer, and Deadline to submit constitutional people to be warriors, not victims, and been waiting to hear. David Yancey, president of the San denounced the “hubris, arrogance, and “The tides are turning, right?” said Jose/Evergreen Faculty Association. corruption” of the ACCJC. CCSF Student Trustee Shanell Wil- “We’re here to get some answers, Ron Galatolo, chancellor of San liams. “It’s so rewarding after this long, of Teachers and Paraprofession- cation Commission of the States, pro- and we’re here to ask some ques- Mateo Community College, said he’s crazy year of fighting for our college.” tions,” Speier told the packed room been trying to get people to pay atten- The lawmakers, who listened to with the fight for at CCSF’s Diego Rivera Theater on tion to that hubris and corruption for about an hour of public comments November 7. “One thing is absolutely six years. He asked the audience to put after the panelists spoke, pledged that amendments for CFT Convention is clear to me, and I think everyone on “City College should be closed forever they would work to make changes. this panel — I firmly believe in City because. . . .” before the 14 recomme- “We need a fair and transparent College of San Francisco.” dations made by the ACCJC’s evalu- system to accredit our schools,” Beall Speier and her colleagues are seek- ation team to show how they have concluded. “Believe me, we’re going als, where he helped create a unity viding assistance to elected officals. ing Congressional scrutiny of the nothing to do with education. One AFT local presidents Alisa Messer, San Fran- to do something about this.” cisco, and David Yancey, San Jose, speak out. fair accreditation — By emily Wilson, CFt reporter January 23.

november/december 2013 California tea (Best News Story). C her 5 agreement with the Gilroy Teachers’ Rapp started his career as a middle Two union non-periodicals also Association. He was also a CFT Vice and high school English teacher in Committees meet January 31 at won first place awards. The State of President during that time. South Carolina, Colorado and Ohio. Los Angeles Valley College. the Union annual report (Best Non- Legislative Reception to meet mem- Periodical) and the white paper titled bers of the California Legislature will “What makes be held January 26 at the Capitol.

2012 quality public Continuing college students awarded s State of s education? Ask the Union the experts. That’s Raoul Teilhet ederatio Jessica Fenley, daughter of Patrick Fenley, ia F n of orn Te lif ac what the educa- a he C rs Scholarships Oxnard Federation of Teachers and School tion union did.” Employees Get your won Best Layout. THE CFT AWARDED seven scholarships Courtney Hernandez, daughter of Lynne CFT Pocket CFT won sec- to continuing college students through its Glickstein-Hernandez, AFT Part-Time Faculty

ond place for a Raoul Teilhet Scholarship Program. The Federation Calendar! s al

young adults who received $3000 scholar- be profile of UC Chrissa Karagiannis, daughter of Mary n The California Federation If you did not ro of Teachers represents faculty ships are listed with the names of their par- Karagiannis, Jefferson Elementary Federation a and classified workers in public Davis librarian Roberto Delgadillo and private schools and colleges,

from early childhood through receive a CFT Pocket higher education. ents or guardians who are CFT members. of Teachers sh e,

(Best Profile), and third place awards in 5 cft.org CFT @CFTunion 1 20 t Calendar from your 2014 ~ n for an in-depth report (Best Fea- >Download applications and more informa- John Kazanjian son of Wendy Coffelt and Phillip e al

local union, it’s not v tion about the 2015 program at cft.org/ Kazanjian, Glendale College Guild ture Story) about how the Afford- too late to order the union’s award-winning

member-services/scholarships or phone anna able Care Act is helping part-time Allison Molstad, daughter of Amy Molstad, the CFT Costa Mesa office at (714) 754- 16-month academic year calendar. faculty and staff, and a photo of the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers

>To obtain a calendar, please mail $1 for jo odbe,

6638 to have materials mailed to you. g

Kathryn Oertel, daughter of Thomas Oertel, a

Berkeley Cooking and Gardening shipping and handling to the CFT Bay Area r program (Best Original Illustration Kelly Daulton, son of Anna Maria Daulton, AFT Guild, San Diego and Grossmont-Cuyamaca Office, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1601, Oakland ki Gilroy Federation of Teachers and Paraprofessionals Community Colleges to r: r: to or Photo). CA 94612. l hotos, hotos, p

september/october 2014 California teacher 11 Pre-K and K-12

California districts roll out LCAPs to mixed reviews Degree of teacher and classified input to local plans varies widely

Ray Gaer sees the Local Control includes certificated and classified Moore, president of the North Accountability Plan, or LCAP, as “a “The LCAP process is going and has met with the parents group. Monterey County Federation of different forum for unions to talk very well at ABC because This fall, the district will meet with Teachers, views bargaining as a better about things that matter and an parents and educators together. way to address educators’ needs and opportunity to build more coopera- the process is not foreign. Union priorities included mental believes the gains members get may tive relationships. The president of We already had a strong health counseling for students, staff have more to do with increased fund- the ABC Federation of Teachers says, and long-time partnership training and coordination to assist ing as a result of the “tremendous “We can talk about how programs students with learning difficulties, cul- energy we spent to pass Proposition are selected and developed and how with the district.” tural competency training, resources 30, elect people on the school board

money is spent before getting to the — Ray Gaer, President, ABC to recruit more teachers of color, and and organize community allies.” Federation of Teachers bargaining table.” a K-5 social-emotional curriculum The Santa Cruz local recom- Local educational agencies program. mended measures designed to attract must have an LCAP explain- Campbell believes the ultimate and retain the very best teachers in ing how they intend to meet requires input from parents, plan “reflects all of our priorities with yearly goals for all students, teachers, students, local bar- exception of some amounts not being “Overall LCAP is a good thing. according to the Local Con- gaining units, staff and other as high as we’d have liked.” She attri- trol Funding Formula, which community members. butes a successful LCAP process to the I encourage all locals to has changed how California The LCAP process is going very union’s member mobilization, com- monitor LCAP to ensure the funds its K-12 schools. An LCAP well at ABC because “the process is munity organizing and electoral work money goes where it’s not foreign. We already had a strong as supported through CFT’s Strategic supposed to.” and long-time partnership with the Campaign Initiative. gary ravani district.” The ABC Federation meets Not all locals report such positive — Carl Williams, President, Lawndale > council president regularly with district administration experiences. In the Central Coast, Federation of Classified Employees and also played a crucial part in roll- North Monterey County and Santa Teachers as master jugglers ing out Common Core. Cruz Federation presidents say The old-time variety shows on In the ABC district, LCAP will their members gained little if Sunday night television often featured direct new funds to student behavior anything from LCAP. order to improve services jugglers who kept china plates balanced programs the union had pushed for, Kelly Moore says though for limited English speakers on top of tall poles by racing from pole but had not yet found funding. Gaer the North Monterey County and free- and reduced-lunch to pole to keep the plates spinning. is “glad LCAP is directing money district set up a seemingly students. The challenge to districts, schools, where it should go, and” he adds, inclusive process and asked stake- Though the district invited us and classroom teachers in today’s “the LCAP is another opportunity holders for input, the results of which to weigh in,” says Barry Kirschen, pres- educational context is much the same. for unions to build capacity by giving “reflected what administration wanted ident of the Greater Santa Cruz Fed- A whole new accountability system (API), with multiple measures, is one members new ways to become active from the get-go. They got more prin- eration of Teachers, “it didn’t seem to spinning plate. A new assessment participants in meaningful education cipals and administrators. We had to take any of our recommendations seri- system (SBAC) is another. There is the reform.” fight tooth and nail for what we did ously. In the end, the final plan pretty new state funding system (LCFF) plate. The Berkeley Federation of Teachers get,” he says, referring to “some needed much maintained the status quo.” Yet another plate is the plan to show “stretched the meaning of student discipline support.” Carl Williams, president of the positive effects for disadvantaged ‘consult with bargain- Lawndale Federation of Classified students (LCAP). Anther plate includes ing units,’” says Employees, wishes the district had met implementing the Common Core President Cathy “Because we have gained with classified and certificated employ- (CCSS) with scarce materials, limited Campbell. It pro- ees together “so as a group we could high-quality professional develop- posed an Educators political power and cultural understand each other’s priorities.” ment, and developing new instruc- Advisory Council, capital while building our Though classified didn’t get as much tional strategies. much like the legally as they wanted, they did gain increased In this state, with funding levels union over the years, the dis- required Parents Advisory Council. noon duty and custodial staffing. that rank among the lowest in the trict agreed to an Education “Because we have gained political “Overall LCAP is a good thing,” says nation, the classroom “jugglers” Advisory Council.” essentially have one hand tied behind power and cultural capital while Williams. “I encourage all locals to their backs, yet perform outstanding building our union over the years, the — Cathy Campbell, President, Berkeley monitor LCAP to ensure the money work every day in these most difficult district agreed.” Federation of Teachers goes where it’s supposed to.” of situations. The Educators Advisory Council — By Mindy Pines, CFT Reporter

12 California teacher september/october 2014 Suleman Ishaque, right, Los Angeles College Staff Guild, took top prize for making the most phone calls at AFT Political Boot Camp. Classified

New law asks staff to perform more medical procedures School employees “volunteer” to medicate students in danger s i

Senate Bill 1266, introduced by rt “If they do something wrong and cu

Republican Senator Bob Huff (Dia- ss a child loses his or her life, the emo- u

“Administrating medication r mond Bar), and signed by Gov. tional burden will last a lifetime,” she Brown on September 16, requires should be left up to a school said. “We need further protection for public schools to stock emergency nurse — it shouldn’t be left classified school employees.” epinephrine auto injectors, known as Harris says there are some training EpiPens, on campus. This is an up to someone who doesn’t provisions and civil liability protec- expansion of the law that said schools have the proper training.” tions built into the new law. But the could stock the devices for students Legislature had a hard time hearing with a severe allergy to make it a the concerns of school employees mandate that all schools have the when Huff had kids testify who had device on hand. suffered an anaphylactic shock. With full-time school nurses “He not only brought in doctors almost nonexistent, this means and nurses who had treated patients, thrusting further medical duties on he brought in parents and children school staff if a child has a severe — young children under the age of allergic reaction, says Kendra Har- 10,” Harris said. “It’s heart-wrenching ris, a lobbyist with the CFT. Over when you have a six-year-old describ- the years, school employees have Paula Phillips asks delegates to AFT Convention to support regulation of medical procedures. ing how she couldn’t breathe.” been asked to take on more medi- — By Emily Wilson, CFT Reporter cal procedures that they aren’t neces- The bill stalled in the Appropriations Angeles convention overwhelmingly sarily trained for, Harris says — for Committee. approved the resolution. example, Huff also passed a bill about Harris says while the Legislature “With the passing of legisla- paula A. phillips administering Diastat if a child has an keeps passing bills requiring school tion that allows classified staff to do council president < epileptic seizure. staff to do more, they are not address- these procedures, I’m afraid the time “As school nurses are becoming ing the lack of professional medical for districts to restore nurses will Torlakson deserves our obsolete, school personnel are being care at school sites. never come,” she said. “Administrat- vote on Nov. 4 asked more and more to volunteer for That’s one reason why Paula Phil- ing medication should be left up to It’s easy to think that the State things they’re not necessarily trained lips, president of Berkeley Council of a school nurse — it shouldn’t be left Superintendent of Public Instruction in,” Harris said. To address the school Classified Employees and a CFT vice up to someone who doesn’t have the is focused primarily on the work nurse shortage, CFT sponsored the president, introduced Resolution 83 proper training.” of teachers. But incumbent Tom Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds legisla- at the AFT Convention in July asking Phillips says school employees don’t Torlakson is a teacher with a full tion that would have brought a nurse for a better system and federal regu- really “volunteer” to use EpiPens. understanding of how our schools and colleges operate. and a mental health professional to lation of medical procedures to pro- “Classified employees are being told He recognizes and values the work tect members. Delegates at the Los every public school in California. to administer medication by default — we do as classified employees and it’s not me signing a form and saying, paraprofessionals. Torlakson has said, December 5-7 • Irvine Marriott ‘I’m going to do this,’ — they’re giving “I know that school employees are Classified Conference 2014: Be there! me a form and saying, ‘Here, you’re the heart and soul of a school. They’re going to do this,’” Phillips said. “If we critical members of the team that has to Do you want a new perspective ics such as Gripes vs. Grievances, say we don’t want to, they say, ‘I guess work together to keep students safe and on your job and workplace? Hear the Community Building, OSHA 101, you don’t want your job.’” provide the kind of supportive school latest legal rulings that affect classified Know Your Rights, Managing Student What’s more, Phillips says tracking environment students need to succeed.” staff? Want to be inspired by your col- Behavior, Building a Retiree Chapter, and the pens, maintaining them properly He has referred to classified employ- leagues around the state? Technology in the Workplace. in a cool place and replacing them ees and paraprofessionals as “highly Attend the union’s annual Classified But the conference is not all work. regularly is essential; following up skilled and talented workers who Conference at the Irvine Marriott! There’s plenty of time for networking on the trainings, and communicat- make the extra effort” to support their students, schools, and communities. The conference kicks off with a Legal and fun at social events such as the Mad ing about what’s involved is spotty. I couldn’t agree more. Panel at 1 pm on Friday, December 5, Hatter’s Ball on Saturday evening. Requiring people to make life or d

Torlakson’s opponent is a former a

and ends at noon on Sunday, December > Learn more and register to attend death decisions outside their realm st ul

Wall Street investment banker and 7. This year attendees will be rewarded the conference online at cft.org/ of expertise is a lot to ask of classified CEO of a charter school company. ica with a wealth of information on top- your-work/classified/conference. staff, she says. jess :

Torlakson clearly deserves our vote. p to

september/october 2014 California teacher 13 T im Killikelly, president of AFT Local 2121, leads the August protest. Community College

Faculty protest class cancellations caused by ACCJC sanctions Two lawsuits and a trial move forward; governor signs CFT transparency bill

at the details of what restoration involved, it was unbelievably outra- geous,” he said. “They created a way to apply for restoration before they created a manual for the process. It doesn’t apply to other colleges, and even if CCSF were to meet ‘substan- tial compliance’ it would be disac- credited with no option to appeal.” 2121

cal CCSF library department chair o l t f Karen Saginor calls restoration a setup. “To say to a college, ‘You have to rtesy A rtesy u o

c be perfect,’ reminds me of the story In August, AFT Local 2121 delivered about 2,000 petitions in the shape of bricks to the college vice chancellor, asking her to rebuild rather than make more cuts. of Rumplestiltskin,” she said. “You’ll hotos hotos p be allowed to live if you take a pile of The trial to determine if the accreditors “violated controlling fed- On September 19, the judge agreed, straw and weave it into gold — you’re Accrediting Commission for Commu- eral regulations” by having an unbal- ruling that the commission is subject given a task, so it seems like a good nity and Junior Colleges acted unfairly anced evaluation team, with only one to the laws that govern businesses. thing, but there’s not a chance that it when it pulled City College of San academic representative to evaluate On the same day, Gov. Brown can be done.” Francisco’s accreditation will go ahead the college in 2013. signed the CFT-sponsored Fair The ACCJC’s actions have meant on October 27. In the meantime, San Herrera’s office has filed a law- Accreditation for California Commu- a severe drop in enrollment at CCSF, Francisco City Attorney Dennis Her- suit — one of three, including one nity Colleges Act, designed to make leading to class cancellations. In rera won a victory when the trial August, AFT Local 2121 led a dem- judge ruled on September 19 that “The ACCJC has damaged the college’s reputation. It onstration to protest these cancellations, delivering about 2,000 petitions jim mahler keeps away some students who worry that it will close in the shape of bricks to CCSF’s vice > council president or think it has closed already.“ chancellor, asking her to rebuild — Karen Saginor, Chair, CCSF library department rather than make cuts, especially in Dignity + equity for adjuncts light of a successful CFT legislative CFT succeeded in defeating an by the CFT — against the accredita- the accreditation process more trans- effort, SB860, which extends CCSF’s ill-considered legislative bill which tion commission, charging that the parent. (See story page 4) stabilization funding for three years. purported to bring “respect” to attempt to revoke accreditation was In June, a month before accredi- Class cancellations have caused lots adjunct faculty members by changing politically motivated, didn’t respect tation was scheduled to be revoked, of frustration and disappointment, their Education Code classification due process, and was riddled with ACCJC officials announced they says Susana Mayorga, a counselor with from “temporary” to “contingent.” conflicts of interest. would change their Latino Services The bill’s supporters overlooked The judge granted an injunction rules and allow Network. In her the potential loss of unemployment last January, meaning CCSF can’t lose CCSF to apply for 12 years at the col- benefit eligibility this change to the accreditation until the conclusion of “restoration status,” lege, she says this code would create. Fortunately, after the trial. In September, the ACCJC’s giving the college has been the worst a great deal of lobbying by the CFT, lawyers argued they cannot have com- two more years to in terms of hav- community college districts, and oth- mitted unfair business practices as meet the accredita- ing students unable ers, we were able to kill AB 2705. tion standards. To In an attempt to bring real dignity to charged because they are not a business. to transfer because part-time faculty, the CFT has launched The CFT’s attorney, Robert Beze- some, it seemed they can’t get the a statewide campaign to bring pay eq- mek, calls that absurd. “Their argu- like a victory. classes they need. uity, paid office hours, and job security ment that they’re not involved in But Tim Killikelly, president of Saginor attended to all part-time faculty in the state. We commerce is just nonsense,” Beze- AFT Local 2121, says it was just more the protest. “The ACCJC has dam- are in the process of planning a series mek said. “By discrediting CCSF, they of the same unfair treatment from aged the college’s reputation,” she of statewide actions that we hope will would be eliminating an inexpensive the agency. said. “It keeps away some students culminate in the governor recognizing high-quality learning option, and “Everybody was saying congratu- who worry that it will close or think these important needs in his January they have a huge effect on the educa- lations and focusing on the idea we it has closed already. state budget proposal. tion marketplace.” had two more years, but as we looked — By Emily Wilson, CFT Reporter

14 California teacher september/october 2014 UC-AFT members team up with 350.org at the People’s Climate March in Oakland. University

Faculty protest class cancellations caused by ACCJC sanctions New organizing chief embraces democracy campaign Two lawsuits and a trial move forward; governor signs CFT transparency bill “You See (UC) Democracy?”aims for systemwide change and a fully enfranchised faculty

Chris Hables Gray is widely and many departments. members want the union to address catastrophic climate change. known in academic circles for his In any given year, more than 4,000 at the bargaining table as part of its UC-AFT endorsed the Septem- research on the U.S. military post- lecturers teach throughout the UC preparations for upcoming contract ber 21 People’s Climate Marches in World War II. The UC Santa Cruz system. Nearly 25 percent of lecturers negotiations. Gray said his local and New York, Oakland, and San Diego lecturer has also written extensively are full-time, and half teach 50 per- others may also distribute the bar- and members attended the Califor- about how technology is transform- cent time or more. Many lecturers are gaining survey to fair share payers for nia events. President Bob Samuels ing humans. has raised the issue of divestment s

His 1991 dissertation “Computers as al from fossil fuels, a proposal the UC be Weapons and Metaphors” earned him n Regents’ Investment Advisory Group ro a

a doctorate in philosophy. In the 1970s, sh is now studying. his interdepartmental major at Stan- Gray called the Green Caucus ford was “Human Values and Social “another example of the new energy Change.” Recently, he has studied running through the union. Some broad-based online social movements union leaders discourage taking polit- from Occupy to the Egyptian uprising. ical stances out of concern they will Now Gray has locked onto a new unnecessarily divide members, but I target with laser-like intensity. As Vice was very proud that our union had no President of Organizing for the Uni- problem taking these overtly political versity Council-AFT, he is focused on actions on the environment.” the union’s “You See (UC) Democ- — By Steve Weingarten, CFT Reporter racy?” program, a strategic campaign that aims to improve democracy bob Samuels within the union, within UC depart- council president < ments, divisions and libraries, and even within the UC Board of Regents. UC President hears AFT UC lecturers deliver over 35 per- issues first-hand cent of all undergraduate instruction Organizer Chris Hables Gray is focused on improving democracy in the union and on campus. On September 23, I met with UC at the university. They teach many of President Janet Napolitano and UC the lower division courses, includ- also active in their fields with research their input and to raise their com- Vice President Dwaine Duckett. We ing almost all writing and language and publications. Yet lecturers must fort level with union issues, with the talked about how the campuses are courses, and some upper division fight for respect on campus. ultimate goal of a fully enfranchised funded inequitably, and I suggested courses. They also teach graduate To get feedback from the lectur- teaching faculty at UC. that revenue generated from non- courses in the professional schools ers, UC-AFT is assessing which issues “We need to be more democratic resident students be shared with the campuses that have been historically if we want a more democratic univer- underfunded. sity,” Gray said, adding a quote from I stressed that UC-AFT is focused 10 ways ladder faculty can combat Egyptian activist Alaa Al Aswany: contingency & support uc lecturers now! on undergraduate education and “Democracy is the answer to many of described how underfunding has our problems.” Don’t churn. Grant continuing appointments when earned % undermined the quality of instruction There is national discussion about in the UC system. We discussed the Refer to us as faculty, without qualification 50 broad issues, such as adding a democ- need for the university to calculate the Add us to directories and department websites along with all other faculty racy rating to the process of evalu- cost of instruction for different levels Invite us to faculty meetings ating academic institutions. And of students, and the problems with Accept our contributions and votes on curriculum decisions campus demands are drawing peo- online education. During the meeting, Napolitano Provide access to independent studies and honors sections ple in for local actions, even if those issues won’t be solved systemwide. agreed to consider making the ben- Support equal representation on Academic Senate committees One issue that does resonate across efits ofS ocial Security available to our Pay us for all the non-teaching work we do through equivalencies and course relief part-time members. I stressed the vital all campuses is the environment. role librarians and lecturers play in the Don’t hinder our research. Give us principle investigator status when we need it UC-AFT members and staff recently system, and the need to make sure Provide access to independent studies and honors sections formed a Green Caucus to further the s they are reviewed in an effective and al be Say hello.% Get to know us and learn about all the ways we contribute to the union’s already strong effort to pro- timely manner and fully supported in n ro

department and the campus a 34 tect our environment and prevent their work at the university. : sh : p 100% Committed 75% to

september/october 2014 California teacher 15

You are the union…

Reporting Local Action Local Wire Around the State

Rank & Files

Adam Siegel, UC Davis librarian and grievance steward for Local 2023 was awarded a $12,500 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to translate a contemporary Russian work of fiction intoE nglish. Siegel, a translator of numerous languages, will use the grant to translate Vasilii Golovanov’s The Island: or, A Justification for Meaningless Travels.

Eric Wilcox, English teacher at AFT Convention 2014 in California: Members from around the nation trekked to Los Angeles for the biennial AFT Convention held Balboa High School and member of July 11-14. Among numerous items of business, delegates passed a resolution urging President Obama to put U.S. Education Secretary Arne United Educators of San Francisco, Local Duncan on an “improvement plan,” and another in support of fair accreditation. Delegates from California AFT local unions are pictured above. 61, was awarded one of the five 2014 Carlston Family Foundation Outstanding LOCAL 1603 LOCAL 6192 They leafleted parents, asking them Teachers of America Awards. Wilcox was Protecting the rehire pool… Motivated classified …Three to contact the school board in sup- nominated by a grateful former student. When administrators at Oakland’s years ago the Berkeley Unified district port of a decent contract. Scores Laney College chose not to rehire presented the classified union a con- of teachers attended board meet- Beth Landry and Nancy Boehm, Greater Santa Cruz Federa- part-time sociology professor and tract proposal containing dozens of ings and demonstrations in the nor- tion of Teachers, Local 2030, published a Peralta Federation of Teachers Part- takeaways. Plus the bus drivers and mally placid streets of this North Bay book called ABC Move With Me! Teach- time Faculty Representative Cynthia maintenance workers unit joined the rural community, protesting district ing Letter Sounds Through Movement Mahabir, and two other members of Berkeley Council of Classified Employ- um to the Very Young. This unique book er

the Part-time Faculty Rehire Prefer- ees so the union wanted to merge two lv has parents say the sounds the letters ence Pool, the faculty rallied quickly. contracts and create uniform compen-

terry e terry make instead of the letter names, and Instructors delivered a petition sation and working conditions. combines vibrant images and motion. with over 250 signatures to the col- Using a CFT Strategic Campaign lege president demanding that the Initiative grant, the local hired an Steve Hall and Debra Stakes college honor the contract and rein- organizer and expanded worksite were named Labor Leaders of the state the part-time faculty members. mobilization. Hundreds of members Year by the Tri-Counties Central Labor The rehire pool offers veteran part- leafleted parents and rallied at the Council. Hall is president of the Ventura timers who have been favorably evalu- district office with teachers. County Federation of College Teachers, ated — like Mahabir, a 17-year Laney Last month members voted over- Local 1828. Stakes is president of the veteran — a measure of job security. whelmingly to reject the district’s last, Cuesta College Federation of Teachers, The administration’s move to strip best and final offer. When the parties Local 4909, in San Luis Obispo. pool members of their positions with- reached agreement on October 1, the out reasonable justification or due pro- union made no major concessions, Teachers take to the streets in the rural town Barbara Owens, Tamalpais cess violates the intent of the contract. raised everyone’s benefits and work- of Petaluma in Sonoma County. Federation of Teachers, Local 1985, was recognized by State Superintendent Tom ing conditions to the same level, won administration foot-dragging in col- Torlakson for outstanding dedication. eese a raise and an increase to the district’s w

lective bargaining.

a Owens has represented the CFT for 13 dr benefit contribution. “We’re not asking for more than

an years at the School Attendance Review s the district can cover,” said Sandra LOCAL 1881 Board, which provides a safety net for Larsen, chief negotiator for the union, students with persistent attendance or T urning up the heat… Petaluma which proposed a 4 percent increase. behavior problems. teachers have not had a cost-of-liv- The administration is offering 2.5 ing adjustment in seven years. So the percent. The union contends that the Dean Murakami, president of the

s Petaluma Federation of Teachers, administration is sitting on increased i Los Rios College Federation of Teachers, rt cu In Oakland, faculty members of the Peralta representing more than 425 teachers, funding from Proposition 30, and the Local 2279, was honored with the Labor ss u Federation turned out in strong support of counselors, psychologists, and nurses money should be used for long over- Ambassador Award from the Sacramento : r : p long-time part-timers who were not rehired. to in the city schools, turned up the heat. due raises and to decrease class sizes. Central Labor Council.

16 California teacher september/october 2014