AASD Weekly Update 2-20-2020
 

• HOLD THE DATE FOR SUMMERFEST - JUNE 12, 2020!
  Summerfest is the annual end-of-the-year party for all AASD members and their guests.  Don't miss out on this fun event.  Summerfest is free for all Members in Good Standing, Retired Members and Affiliate Members.  Hold Friday, June 12, 2020 5:00-10:00 PM on your calendar.  More information to come.
   
• JOB POSTINGS FOR CERTIFICATED POSITIONS AND CLASSIFIED POSITIONS IN THE AASD UNIT.  AASD has been asked to publish the job postings in our Weekly Update. AASD also suggests that all applicants (classified and certificated) mark their calendars to check weekly for new job postings each Monday.  This way, you will not miss out on a posting you might be interested in (as all jobs in the AASD unit must be posted for 10 days).  Additionally, jobs in other units will be posted.
  
  AASD-Represented CERTIFICATED Job Postings
  None at this time.
  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandi?page=1
  
  AASD-Represented CLASSIFIED Job Postings
  None at this time.
  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandi?page=1 
   
• CONDOLENCES. 
  AASD acknowledges deaths of our members, retirees, or their immediate family members via the Weekly Update.  If you have information on a death to be reported in the AASD Weekly Update, please contact any of the staff at the AASD office with the information.  We appreciate your help with this – we don’t always know right away when a death has occurred or the information on services. 
   

• HOLD THE DATE – MANDATORY ATTENDANCE FOR ALL AASD-REPRESENTED MEMBERS.  The annual AASD/SDUSD Spring Conference is coming up on March 24, 2020.  Doors open at 7:00 AM. – please arrive by 7:30 to enjoy breakfast.  This year’s theme is Wellness:  A Better You, A Better Workplace.  We have a great lineup of presenters!  All members should have received the conference flyer via U.S. mail.  Mark your calendars now for this mandatory event.  Location is the Scottish Rite Event Center in Mission Valley.  In addition to the event being mandatory for all AASD Members in Good Standing, we want to remind you that Retired Members, Non-Represented Management and Confidential employees are invited to attend. Flyer attached.
  
  To sign up, the district has switched from the ERO system to “Professional Learning.”  The old sandi.net/ero url will give you a link to the new Professional Learning site: https://sandiegounified.truenorthlogic.com/.  When logging in, search for either AASD or 14401 (course number).
  
  Wear your AASD logowear and get a special ticket for a separate drawing for a $250 Visa gift card! If you don't have an AASD shirt yet, see the article below." 
  
   
• 2020 DEPENDENT ELIGIBILITY AUDIT.  Have you submitted your paperwork?  In early January 2020, a letter was sent to your home address, which included a Dependent Eligibility Form with instructions on how to submit the required documentation, a list of Acceptable Documents to Verify Dependent Eligibility and a schedule of on-site events being made available for employees and retirees to personally submit their documentation. 
  
  The on-site visits conducted by VEBA were scheduled for employees’ convenience.  The on-site visits ended February 12, 2020; however, employees have until March 31, 2020 to submit the necessary documentation.
  
  Participation by each employee/retiree covering dependents is mandatory.  Please fulfill your obligation for verifying your dependent's eligibility by the deadline described in the letter.  If you do not meet this deadline or do not provide all the documentation necessary to confirm eligibility, coverage for your dependent(s) will cease effective April 30, 2020.
  
  For more information, visit the District’s website.  From the home page, click on Departments and then on Benefits.  On the Benefits page, you will find information about the audit, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).  The FAQs can be found by clicking on the following link. 
  https://www.sandiegounified.org/sites/default/files_link/district/files/dept/benefits/Dependent%20Eligibility%20Audit%20Final%20FAQ.pdf
  
  For all inquiries regarding the audit, please call CA Schools VEBA at (888) 806-1994, prompt 2, Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST or send a message to:  questions@mcgregorinc.com.
   
• AASD LOGO WEAR FOR SALE!   AASD has logo wear for sale!  We are selling AASD polo shirts (men’s and women's) $25, AASD denim shirts (men’s and women’s) $25, AASD women’s V-neck T-shirts $17 and ball caps ($18).  One dollar from each purchase goes to the AASD Scholarship Fund.  Cash, check, debit or credit cards accepted.  If you would like to support AASD and proudly wear AASD logo wear, please contact the office about making a purchase!  We can mail the item directly to you or you can stop by the office to see the selection. For some samples, see the images below.
  Image one
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• CALSTRS WORKSHOPS FOR NEW AND CURRENT CERTIFICATED MEMBERS.  CalSTRS offers workshops for members on a variety of topics and are held in San Diego at the Mission Valley office.  If you want to learn more about retirement benefits, the retirement system, the CalSTRS Pension2 program, or if you are planning for retirement, click on the link below for upcoming workshops.  Start planning for retirement now – be ahead of the curve!
  https://resources.calstrs.com/workshop_registration/index.aspx
   
• ACSA 2020 SCHOLARSHIPS.
  Attached please find the 2020 Student Scholarship letter and application form. Region 18 and the San Diego County School Boards Association are pleased to offer ten (10) $1,000 scholarships as a result of donations made by both organizations and a major donation from David Wignall with Harper Rand.
   
• NORTH ISLAND CREDIT UNION IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THEIR ANNUAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
  The credit union will award 10 students with a scholarship of $1,000. High school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year university who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 are eligible to participate. Selection criteria include academic performance, school or community involvement, a letter of recommendation, and an essay submission.  Applications are available through Monday, March 16, 2020.   Interested students can find more information and apply online at  https://northisland.ccu.com/scholarship2020
  
  Please see attached flyer.
   
• AFSA SCHOLARSHIPS!
  Have your child apply for the Diann Woodard AFSA Scholarship Program, which is open to children of AFSA members in good standing and Affiliate members in good standing.  The application for the 2020 scholarship is now available. The deadline for submission is March 27, 2020.
  Each year AFSA provides 5 outstanding students a one-time $2,500 award toward college tuition.
  All applicants must be a graduating high school senior who will be attending college for the first time in the award year.
  The program is designed to support students who express a strong commitment to pursuing education beyond secondary school.
  Students who apply must clearly express their goals for the future and appropriately tie these goals to their higher education aspirations.
  
  Eligibility:
  = Applicant must be a graduating high school senior who is attending college for the first time in the award year.
  = Applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be an AFSA member in good standing.
  = Scholarship Award check will be issued upon college enrollment verification.
  = Scholarship Award funds may only be used for tuition, books, fees, supplies and equipment.
  = Application must be completely filled out and postmarked no later than March 27, 2020.
  
  Download the application here.
   
• UNION PLUS - MONEY-SAVING PROGRAMS FOR AFSA MEMBERS!
  For all our Members in Good Standing, and Affiliates and Retirees who have selected to be members of AFSA, there are many money-saving programs offered to you.  Click here to review your many options! 
  
  AFSA membership is provided to all AASD Members in Good Standing at no additional cost. For more information regarding AFSA and Union Plus benefits, please visit their website:  https://www.theschoolleader.org/
  
  IMPORTANT:  For Members in Good Standing and Affiliate Members who have added AFSA  --  If you have not turned in the “Combined AFSA Benefits Information Form,” please submit the form immediately.  This form must be submitted in order to be eligible for the professional liability, legal services, etc.  You do not need to list your full social security number on the form; however, AFSA has requested that you provide at least the last four digits.  For a copy of the form, click here
   
• IMPORTANT – ELECTRONIC LINK AVAILABLE!  FILL OUT YOUR AASD MEMBERSHIP RECOMMITMENT FORM NOW!  This information pertains to current AASD members who were AASD members prior to June 28, 2018.  It does NOT apply to Affiliate members or Retired members.  Many have asked how to “re-join” AASD in light of the Supreme Court Decision, Janus v. AFSCME.  If you were an AASD member on June 27, 2018, per the Decision, you automatically stayed as an AASD "Member in Good Standing" and will remain so.  However, we are asking all AASD members to re-commit to AASD by completing the google form (link below). This re-confirms your AASD membership and ensures that you have access to the benefits of being an AASD member – legal representation, AASD representation, discounted services, scholarships for your children, professional development reimbursements, etc. 
  
  Some of you have already filled out the new membership form over the past year – if so, it is not necessary to complete it again.  If you have any questions regarding the re-commitment form, please contact the AASD office at 619-295-2118 or e-mail one of the AASD staff members for assistance.  Thank you in advance for your commitment to our Union – AASD.    
  
  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQN05VdAieFTxevIu1yg5L_03zLGgIWt3Xl4Igv-Horazxcg/viewform 
  
  To review the benefits of being an AASD member, please Click here .   
   
• AASD COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS POSTED ON THE AASD WEBSITE.  The collective bargaining agreements (contracts) for the AASD classified unit and the AASD certificated unit are posted on the AASD website.  The District no longer provides a hard copy to AASD members.  You are welcome to view the contracts on our website and feel free to print a copy, if you wish. To view the contracts, visit the AASD website at www.aasdcs.org and click on Governance/Contracts or Collective Bargaining/Contracts.
   
• AASD WEBSITE!  Click here www.aasdcs.org  to view our website.  The website is kept up-to-date and current for all of our members (members in good standing, retirees and affiliate members).  Visit the website to view the AASD calendar and for forms and information on our Union, as well as discounts for members.
  
  If you have any feedback on the  website, please e-mail jim@aasdcs.org with your comments.  We hope our website is a great resource for you!
   
• ESTATE PLANNING – DISCOUNT FOR AASD MEMBERS!   AASD has a partnership with Greg Runge, Estate Planning Attorney.  Greg is an estate planning attorney with approximately 10 years of experience practicing in the areas of wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney and advance health care directives. In addition to his legal work, Greg is also currently a Lieutenant with a local police department, where he is in his 19th year of service as a sworn officer. As a public employee, Greg is very aware of the unique estate planning issues that can come into play with our members. Greg has focused his legal practice on providing essential estate planning services to public employees and their families at an affordable rate.  This benefit is available to all AASD Members in Good Standing, AASD Affiliate Members and AASD Retired Members.  Greg is offering this service to our members for a flat fee of $750, which is 50% off the going rate for estate planning (very complex or very large estates may require a higher fee that would be individually negotiated with the member).  To contact Greg Runge, please e-mail gregrunge@gmail.com or call (858) 395-4011 and be sure to mention you are an AASD member so you receive the discounted rate.
   

• MEMBERSHIP IN THE ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (ACSA).  There are many benefits of being an ACSA Member – as detailed in this handout (click on link).  Dues are deducted 10 times a year (September-June).
  
  If AASD members are interested in membership with ACSA, please complete the application (click on link) and return it via e-mail to Deborah Burke, ACSA, at dburke@acsa.org.
   

• PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS.  AASD communicates with members via  personal e-mail address.  We do not communicate via "sandi.net."  If your personal email address changes, please remember to notify AASD by e-mailing our Office Clerk, Jim Costello, at  Jim@aasdcs.org .  
   
• AASD PROFESSIONAL GROWTH GRANT.  The Administrators Association San Diego City Schools (AASD), in conjunction with the San Diego Unified School District, provides financial grants to members to assist them in their professional growth. Unit members who participate in professional development activities related to job-connected skills or potential careers with the District may qualify to have the cost of registration fees defrayed by available funds up to $100. This includes ACSA-sponsored Academies, Conferences and Institutes. Click here  for more details. 
   
• "BENEFIT HUB"  Benefit Hub is an online discount program.  All AASD members have access to thousands of discounts which allows you to save on everything from movies and theme parks to restaurants and sporting events. 
  
  This free service provides discounts to car rental companies, theme parks, hotels, and entertainment destinations (i.e., San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.). Register online to take advantage of these terrific discounts.  Special offers and discounts are always changing, so check back frequently.  You can purchase and print tickets from the convenience of your home. 
  
  The Benefits Portal - In addition to discounts and specials, BenefitHub also offers CASH BACK on some products and services!  Get to know the benefit portal by visiting the BenefitHub website.  The site is very user friendly.  It is easy to do a search under various headings and categories, including Newest, Most Popular, Local Deals, Health and Wellness and Pay Over Time,  just to name a few.  
  
  NEW Benefit Hub Service - Gift Card Outlet - Save up to 15% on gift cards from over 70 popular merchants.  The NEW Gift Card Outlet is in the Discount Marketplace.
  
  Enter the following address in the browser bar, with no leading  w's - aasd.benefithub.com Do not do a "search" for Benefit Hub as it will take you to the wrong website.  Click on "Guest" at the upper right-hand side of the screen. Fill in the information and create a password.  If you have any questions about registering, or encounter any problems, call the AASD office for assistance.  If you have any questions about or need assistance with the Benefit Hub website, you can contact Support at (866) 664-4621.
   
• DISCOUNT MOVIE TICKETS.  AASD has both AMC and Regal Entertainment Group (Regal/Edwards/UA) movie passes available to members in good standing, affiliate and retired members.  Regal tickets are now $9.00 each. These passes have no expiration date and are unrestricted, so they can be used any time and for newly-released movies.  
  
  The AMC "Black" tickets are $10.25 each, have no expiration date, and do not have any restrictions.  Contact AASD to purchase tickets or if you have any questions.  
   
•  SEE'S CANDIES.  See's Candies gift certificates are available for purchase at AASD by members in good standing, affiliate and retired members.  A gift certificate for one pound of chocolates is now $17.65 each (which reflects a recent $0.40 increase), and they have no expiration date.  The current retail amount for a pound of chocolates is $27.50, which saves you $9.85 per pound.   
  
  Administrators Association of San Diego (AASD) members qualify for quantity discounts on See's candy at the Quantity Discount Rosecrans store. To redeem your discount, show a valid ID; your AASD member card, and provide our account number 6472612. You can also give them the AASD office phone number (619-295-2118) for the discount.  This discount is only valid at 3751 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92110.
   

Contacts

• AASD Board of Directors - http://aasdcs.org/board-of-directors/
   
•  AASD Office Staff - http://aasdcs.org/staff/