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focus focus on educators is an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org
California Teachers Association
Statement of Mission
The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions
teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dign
and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.
MARCH 2016
Volume XXIV, Number 7
Dear PEA Members,
I’m pleased to know we are in themonth of March. As I am still
balancing this position along with my
classroom, I wonder about the futureof our union and district. There areseveral court cases that will affect our
union and work.
For example, the Vergara vs. the Stateof California. This case is related to
due process rights and the CaliforniaEducation Codes that have been
challenged. It affects the advocacyfactor of our work as educators forour students. When we have due
process rights we can be a truestakeholder in education. It allowsfor our professional opinion to beheard in order to stand up for ourstudents’ right for a quality education.
To read the latest information go tohttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Vergara-Trial1.aspx on CTA’s website. Alsotake a gander at the myths about
tenure on CTA’s website athttp://www.cta.org/en/Issues-and-
Action/Education-Improvement/Due-Process.aspx.
The Friedrichs vs. CTA case attacks
fair share and seeks to destroy ourcollective voice as a union. Did you
know it is an attempt to overturn analready set ruling in Abood v. DetroitBoard of Education of 1977? Read
more at http://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-
Issues/Friedrichs.aspx . You’ll alsosee an abundance of information onthe latest in this case and how this
attacks all public service employees’rights to negotiate and support eachother.
In closing I’d like to ask for your
assistance in extending Prop 30. This proposition that was approved in 2012
by voters generates funds for publschool funding and will expire at thend of this year. California is rank46th in funding per pupil in our natiowhich garners some of the large
class sizes. The proposition hincreased the income tax on thwealthiest income earners. Thextension will provide for the sta
budget to continue to fund publ
education that was hardest hit frothe recession. You’ll soon see
action item to work to extend th proposition in the form of petition
Please be open to working togethfor our common interest in educatioYou can read more about extendin
Prop 30 at http://www.cta.org/Issueand-Action/School-Funding/State-
Budget.aspx.
In closing I’d like to suggest readin
the article on how veteran educatokeep fresh. Check out the Februa
2016 California Educator article o page 20, “Forever Young”.
Sincerely,
Tammy Carr
PEA President
On educators
http://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Vergara-Trial1.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Vergara-Trial1.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Vergara-Trial1.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Vergara-Trial1.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/en/Issues-and-Action/Education-Improvement/Due-Process.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/en/Issues-and-Action/Education-Improvement/Due-Process.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/en/Issues-and-Action/Education-Improvement/Due-Process.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/en/Issues-and-Action/Education-Improvement/Due-Process.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Friedrichs.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Friedrichs.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Friedrichs.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Friedrichs.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budget.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budget.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budget.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budget.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budget.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budget.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budget.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Friedrichs.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Friedrichs.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Friedrichs.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/en/Issues-and-Action/Education-Improvement/Due-Process.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/en/Issues-and-Action/Education-Improvement/Due-Process.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/en/Issues-and-Action/Education-Improvement/Due-Process.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Vergara-Trial1.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Vergara-Trial1.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Ongoing-Issues/Vergara-Trial1.aspx
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PEA Leadership 2015-2016
President
Tammy Carr
Highlands Elementary/PEA Office
Elementary Vice President
Chris Coan
Willow Cove Elementary
Secondary Vice President
Bertha RamosRancho Medanos
Secretary
Michell Redfoot
Willow Cove Elementary
Treasurer
Vacant
Committee Chairs:
Grievance Committee
John Kleinjans – Pittsburg High
Chris Coan – Willow Cove Elementary
Negotiations TeamMark Maselli - Chair
Political Action Committee Chairs
Chris Coan
Jim Vaughan
Elections Chair
Ruth Foster
Human Rights & Women’s Issues Chairs
Yvonne Burton
Najah Perkins
O-Team Chair
Marissa Young-PadillaCTA State Council Representatives
Mark Maselli – PEA
Arthur Pruyn (Alt.) - PEA
Membership Chairs
Lisa Gunderson
Yvonne Burton
Technical Editor
Susan Harrison – PEA Office Administrator
Focus on Educators
is a publication of the
Pittsburg Education Association CTA/NEA
159 East 4th Street
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Phone: (925) 432-0199
email: [email protected]
website: www.peateachers.org
Rep. Council Meeting Calendar (Tuesdays)
March 15
April 19
May 17
***********************************
School Board Meeting Calendar
March– 16
April – 13 & 27
May – 11 & 25
June – 15 & 29
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Are You Getting Your PEA Information?
Having our Site Reps collect your input, attend the monthly Rep
meeting and then report back to you is vital in the
communication chain of our Association.
Roll call at last February 16th Rep Council Meeting:
Adult Ed. – present Stoneman – absent
Foothill – present Willow Cove – present
Heights – present MLK Jr. – present
Highlands – present Hillview - present
Los Medanos – present Rancho Medanos – present
Marina Vista – present PHS - present
Parkside – present Black Diamond –absent
*************************************
PEA Scholarships
PEA Scholarship Applications will be available forgraduating high school seniors who will be attending aninstitution of higher learning in the fall of 2016. Applicants must be the son or daughter of a parent who
is a current member of the PEA/CTA/NEA. You mayrequest a scholarship application form from the PEAoffice 432-0199 or email [email protected].
Scholarship forms must be returned to the PEA Office(159 East 4th Street)
no later than Monday, April 11, 2016 by 4 p.m.
mailto:[email protected]://www.peateachers.org/http://www.peateachers.org/http://www.peateachers.org/mailto:[email protected]
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Announcements
Meet your PEA Secretary…
Michell Redfoot
Hi! I’m Michell Redfoot; your friendly neighborhood PEA
Secretary. I am an Education Specialist Teacher at Willow
Cove Elementary School, and a comic book fan. I have two
sons; a 16-year old and a 7-year old. I have been teaching
for nine years. I love teaching and I am very passionatewhen it comes to my student’s and colleague’s needs. I
enjoy movies and watch too much T.V. Attending a Comic
Con is on my bucket list. Did I mention I love comic books?
Oh, and I hate paperwork. A secretary who hates
paperwork…oops!
Sincerely,
Michell Redfoot, PEA Secretary
This Month in Politics
By, Political Action ChairsChris Coan and Jim Vaughan
Jim Vaughan and Chris Coan attendedthe CTA Political Training workshop in San Jose forthree days’ worth of information and support. We put
together our plan, our budget and submitted severalrequests for data representing Pittsburg voters. We arestill in the process of finding a sizable number ofpossible candidates for the 2016 Pittsburg UnifiedSchool Board election in November.
If you know of any Pittsburg parents or Pittsburgcitizens you think might be great on the school board,please let us know at [email protected]. Jimis working on “Get out the Vote” tables for local eventsand Open Houses to get Pittsburg people registered tovote. He could use your help too…interested? We
could always use help!*****************************************
Know Your Contract
Under the Heading 11.2 Assault… Teachers Being Assaulted by a Student
Please protect yourself by having prior knowledge ofstudents with a history of committed violent acts. Ateach site the principal has a binder that reads
Education Codes 49079. This binder containsinformation regarding any students at your site thathave attempted or caused serious bodily injury toanother person, including district employees. Thisinformation is there to give you a “heads up”. Thisbinder shall be updated on a monthly basis and shall beassessable to all unit members. Please keep thisinformation in confidence, but use it to keep yourselfsafe. If you do get assaulted, report it within 24-hours toyour principal and speak to the district nurse. You arealso required by Ed Code to notify the Pittsburg Police
Department of this assault. Workers Compensationlaws will protect your wages and benefits in the eventthat you need to cover an absence, due to the saidassault. Make sure to tell your supervisor of this.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Coan, Elementary Grievance Chair
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
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PEA Executive Officers Job Descriptions
Vice President, SecondaryThe most important duty of the Vice President, Secondary,shall be to carry the message of the President to the JuniorHigh, High School and Continuation High School members inorder to activate the members to participate positively in the
association.
To do this, it shall be considered necessary for the VicePresident, Secondary, to perform the following tasks:
1.
Actively attend all Executive Board meetings2.
Actively attend all Representative Council meetings3. Perform the duties of chairman at any Executive Board
or Representative Council meetings that the President isunable to attend
4. Actively attend meetings of the School Board whenrequested by the President
5.
Interact with the Representatives of the secondaryschools to assist them in conducting Ten Minutemeetings at their sites with all their members
6. Recruit members to participate in the activities of theunion at the secondary sites such as Representatives,Executive Board members, Bargaining Team members,Organizing Team members and other committeesestablished by the association
7. Promote support for the Bargaining Team among themembers
8. Be aware of the status of grievances at the secondarysites and support the successful resolution of same
9.
Support the Representatives in carrying out their dutiesat the secondary sites as it relates to assisting memberswho have been accused of violations by theadministration and reporting violations of the contract bythe administration
10. Support the Representative's efforts to foster a positiveattitude about the union and participation in the functionsof the union at the secondary sites
11.
Represent the union in a professional manner at alltimes
12. Be a resource for all members of information,position/policy of the association and event schedules
13. Conduct Principal surveys and compile results14.
To perform all other appropriate duties as assigned bythe President
Vice President, ElementaryThe most important duty of the Vice President, Elementary,shall be to carry the message of the President to allElementary School members in order to activate themembers to participate positively in the association.
To do this, it shall be considered necessary for the VicePresident, Elementary, to perform the following tasks:
1. Actively attend all Executive Board meetings2. Actively attend all Representative Council meetings3.
Perform the duties of chairman at any Executive Boardor Representative Council meetings that the President isunable to attend
4.
Actively attend meetings of the School Board whenrequested by the President
5. Coordinate and assist the Representatives of theelementary schools to assist them in conducting TenMinute meetings at their sites with all their members
6. Recruit members to participate in the activities of theunion at the elementary sites such as Representatives,Executive Board members, Bargaining Team members,Organizing Team members and other committeesestablished by the association
7.
Promote support for the Bargaining Team among themembers
8.
Be aware of the status of grievances at the elementarysites and support the successful resolution of same
9. Support the Representatives in carrying out their dutiesat the elementary sites as it relates to assistingmembers who have been accused of violations by theadministration and reporting violations of the contract bythe administration
10. Support the Representative's efforts to foster a positiveattitude about the union and participation in the functionsof the union at the elementary sites
11. Represent the union in a professional manner at alltimes
12.
Be a resource for all members of information,position/policy of the association and event schedules
13. Plan and Organize Community Outreach Events:Farmers Market Table; Sock Drive; Read AcrossPittsburg; and Pittsburg Health & Safety Fair
14.
To perform all other appropriate duties as assigned bythe President
SecretaryDuties include the following:
1. Keep a careful and accurate record of the proceedings
of each meeting, regular or special, of the Association,Representative Council, and the Executive Board;
2. Be responsible for the distribution of minutes, notice ofmeetings, and agendas for all meetings to members ofthe Representative Council and Executive Board; and tothe membership when appropriate;
3. Keep an accurate roster of the membership of the PEA Association and of all committees and this information tothe office secretary;
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4. Carry on the correspondence pertaining to the affairs ofthe Association as directed by the President;
5. Keep the PEA Office calendar up-to-date with eventsand meetings related to PEA.
TreasurerThe Treasurer is in charge of all areas connected to PEA’sfinances. This position is responsible for developing and
maintaining short and long-term fiscal planning andaccountability.
The Treasurer has the following responsibilities:
Exercise general supervision over the receipt anddisbursement of all funds of PEA.
Exert official custody of all funds and property of PEA.
Prepare and distribute the annual budget, monthly financialreports, and annual financial report and tax returns.
Perform such other duties as may properly appertain to PEAand as may be provided elsewhere in the by-laws or standingrules.
The Treasurer performs the following tasks:
Ensure the timely payments of all monthly payments andbills.
Perform banking actions. Prepare financial statements and forecasting reports. Work in partnership with the Executive Board to sustain
overall goals and objectives.
Annually: Prepare annual financial report according to PERB guidelines Submit financial information to CPA for tax returns Provide CPA with 1099 information Pr epare and submit for approval upcoming year’s financial
budget. Prepare and distribute Representative Council stipends
Semi-Annually Prepare and distribute Executive Board Stipends Prepare and submit PAC filings
Monthly Pay bills Balance checking account Prepare and submit updated financial report to Executive
Board and Representative Council
Note: please refer to CTA Accounting & Reporting Handbook forTreasurers for training and detailed information on Treasurerduties and responsibilities.
ELECTION TIMELINE
The Declaration of Candidacy forms are available from yoursite reps as of March 22, 2016. These are due to the PEAoffice no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 19, 2016.
There will be a General Membership meeting for all PEAmembers on April 19 from 3:45 –4:00 p.m. at the PEA office.
At this time, any nominations can be taken from the floor andcandidates can give a speech if they so desire. After thismeeting, all candidates’ names and statements will beprinted on a ballot.
The PEA Elections of Officers Ballot will be distributed to allthe school sites on May 3 and members will have from May 3through May 17 until 3:00 p.m. to cast their vote.
Ballots must be turned into the PEA office no later than4:00 p.m. on May 17, 2016 .
The final results will be sent to site reps on May 31 via email.They will also be posted in the June Focus newsletter and onour website: peateachers.org.
PEA is a democratic association and relies on your participation to be governed. Thank you for your support !
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“ NEWS …”
CTA BACKS NEW BALLOT MEASURETO EXTEND PROPOSITION 30
TO PROTECT SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
CTA’s State Council of Education has voted to protectCalifornia’s lean public school and community collegefunding by supporting a vital new ballot measure that wouldtemporarily extend voter-approved Proposition 30’s incometax increases on the wealthiest income earners.
The Alliance for a Better California coalition, of which CTA isa part, began the campaign for the School Funding andBudget Stability Act measure in September by submitting theballot measure language to the state Attorney General’sOffice. The alliance of labor, school, community and publicsafety groups is strongly committed to collecting enough
signatures to getting the initiative on the November 2016ballot and passing it, said CTA President Eric Heins.
Proposition Has Been Vital
“Proposition 30 has been vital to healing the bleeding fromthe devastating cuts that schools and colleges sufferedduring the recent recession,” Heins said. “By temporarilyextending the critical revenues from the higher income taxrates in Proposition 30, we can help keep our state budgetbalanced, protect our schools and colleges from losingbillions in revenue, and prevent cuts that would hurt seniors
and working families. What’s more, this initiative frees upstate general fund money to allow the state to invest more inhigher education, healthcare and essential public services.”
Approved by voters in 2012 in part to halt catastrophiceducation cuts, Prop. 30 generates from $8 billion to $9billion a year and has so far provided more than $24 billionfor California’s classrooms. The initiative helped stave off$545 million in budget cuts in California’s communitycolleges in that first year and has continued to help inavoiding $3 billion cuts. As a result, the doors have openedto thousands more students and colleges have begun hiringfaculty again. Even with a booming economy and Prop. 30,however, community college funding only now is back to its2007-2008 levels – the last year before California’s schoolsand colleges were hit by drastic budget cuts.
The Prop. 30 income tax rate increases for the wealthyexpire in 2019, but would be extended for 12 years by thenew ballot measure. The quarter-cent sales tax increaseenacted by Prop. 30 would expire as planned at the end of2016.
The School Funding and Budget Stability Act would also:
- Continue the higher income tax rates on couples earningmore than $500,000 a year for 12 years, with all revenuecontinuing to go into a state Education Protection Account.Funds from the account are only used for education-relatedneeds, such as helping students by reducing class sizes,updating textbooks, and hiring new teachers.
- Prohibit the Legislature from redirecting any of the fundstoward bureaucracy, administrative costs, or budgetreserves.
- Maintain strict accountability provisions in Prop. 30,including annual audits by the state. The State Controllerprovides data about where the money is now spent atwww.trackprop30.ca.gov. School districts and colleges mustpost on their websites how funds are spent.
- Help balance the state budget with built-in flexibility that
allows for state general fund relief of between $4 billion and$5 billion.
During the recession, California cut more than $56 billionfrom education, healthcare and other vital state and localservices, triggering tens of thousands of teacher layoffs,increased school class sizes, higher college tuition fees, andreduced essential public services. State budget deficitswreaked havoc, CTA President Heins said.
Prevents Budget Deficits
“Projections from the California Department of Finance haveshown that we could see a return of budget deficits in thenear future without an extension of the Prop. 30 tax rates onthe wealthiest Californians,” Heins noted.
“We would once again run the severe risk of our publicschools and critical services being slashed. For the sake ofour students, seniors, communities and working families, wecan’t afford not to pass the School Funding and BudgetStability Act.”
For more information, see www.cta.org/Issues-and-
Action/School-Funding/State-Budget.
http://www.trackprop30.ca.gov/http://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budgethttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budgethttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budgethttp://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/School-Funding/State-Budgethttp://www.trackprop30.ca.gov/
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READ ACROSS PITTSBURG March 3 2016
PEA was excited to celebrate Read Across Pittsburg (our spin on NEA/CTA’s Read Across America) with an event we started in2014. We invited special guest readers to our classrooms at Parkside, Highlands, and Heights! It was a lot of fun for the guests andthe kids! PEA would like to give a special thank you to Superintendent Schulze for supporting this event.
Thank you to the community members who volunteered their time to read and to make this a successful literacy event!
Pictured left to right, PUSD School Board Member De’Shawn Woolridge and City Engineer Fritz McKinley
READ ACROSS PITTSBURG March 3 2016
After school, PEA members volunteered to read to preschool and Head Start classes around Pittsburg. PEA has sponsored thisevent for several years. The preschool students really enjoy the special guests…their future teachers! The book The Adventuresof Beekle The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat was a lot of fun to read and was donated to each of the preschool classes as giftsfrom PEA.
Thank you to all of the PEA members who volunteered their time for this event: Thomas Edwards, Danielle Jensen,
Iris Contreras, Ruthe Baez, Samantha Carter, Cookie Freeman, Micaela Gomez, Celia Medina-Owens, Bertha Ramos, MichellRedfoot, Barbara Shabaniani, and Principal Jeff Varner. Because of you our reading day was a success!
Pictured center, Danielle Jensen (Marina Vista)
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Calendar
MARCH 20161 PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM3 Read Across Pittsburg – 3:30-4:00 PM4 Equity & Human Rights Conference – Marriott Hotel, Torrance, CA15 PEA Rep Council – PEA Office – 159 East 4
th St. – 3:45 PM
16 PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 6:30 PM17 St. Patrick’s Day 20 Palm Sunday24 Caesar Chavez Day – No school 25 Good Friday/Board holiday – No school27 Easter28-1 Spring Recess
APRIL 20161 April Fool’s Day 5 PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM13 PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 6:30 PM15 Good Teaching Conference North – Fairmont Hotel – San Jose19 PEA Rep Council & General Membership Mtg. – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. –
3:45 PM22 Passover begins at sundown22 Earth Day23 WHO Awards Luncheon – Scotts Restaurant, Jack London Square – Oakland27 Administrative Professionals Day27 PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 6:30 PM
Next Deadline for Articles is Monday, April 11, 2016
STAY INFORMED @ peateachers.orgcta.org & nea.org
