HAPPY HALLOWEEN! The AASD Board of Directors and AASD Staff wish you all a fun and Happy Halloween! Enjoy time with family and friends and be safe!
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REACHED ON IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF THE EMPLOYEE MANDATED COVID-19 VACCINATION
On Friday, October 22, AASD and the District reached a tentative agreement regarding the Impacts and Effects of the Employee Mandated COVID-19 Vaccination. As you know, at the September 28 Board of Education meeting, the Board unanimously approved mandatory COVID vaccinations for all employees. The decision is that of the Board. AASD had the right to bargain impacts and effects of the Board decision and has reached a tentative agreement with the district.
The date for all employees to be fully vaccinated and to upload the vaccination record is December 20, 2021.PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO UPLOAD THE PROOF OF VACCINATION. PLEASE UPLOAD IT NOW. Please note that if you uploaded your vaccination record and are receiving messages from the district indicating you are unvaccinated, please follow up with Human Resources to ensure your record was uploaded properly. Employees not fully vaccinated, who do not have an approved accommodation or who fail to provide the appropriate documentation by December 20 will be recommended for termination.
For those employees who are seeking an accommodation from the mandatory vaccination, there is a process for a medical or religious accommodation. Please start this process NOW and please notify AASD Executive Director, Donis Coronel,donis@aasdcs.orgthat you are requesting an accommodation. The links to the circulars that detail the process and the timelines are below:
Thank you to the AASD Bargaining Teams for your work:
Certificated Bargaining Team:
Donis Coronel, Chief Negotiator
Patti Burch, Official Notetaker
Scott Thomason, Bargaining Chair
Jason Babineau
Heather Harris
Jonathan McDade
Lauren Robinson
Niecy Watkins
Classified Bargaining Team:
Donis Coronel, Chief Negotiator
Patti Burch, Official Notetaker
Jesus Montana, Bargaining Chair
Bill Cheney
Bryan Ehm
Brian Kenworthy
Ivan Martinez
Lumumba Mushonga
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (AFSA) BENEFITS. Did you know that as an AASD member in good standing or an AASD affiliate member with AFSA benefits, you receive direct benefits from AFSA as follows at no cost. These benefits are provided free and are a perk of AASD being a local under AFSA.
AFSA Educators Professional Liability. AFSA provides protection for working members in good standing in case of an unfavorable judgment in a lawsuit naming members as parties or defendants. The plan provides up to $1,000,000 of protection against civil actions arising out of: bodily injury to a student; accidental death of a student; assault or battery accusations; corporal punishment; personal injury for libel, slander or defamation of character; violation of the right to privacy or detention; damage or destruction to the property of others; plus $1,000,000 of protection against employment liability acts or omissions; and up to $15,000 of defense costs for employment liability acts or omissions, sexual misconduct, and corporal punishment; subject to the terms of the policy. AFSA Legal Action Trust. AFSA provides up to $25,000 of coverage for defense costs associated with denial of constitutional rights, “failure to educate” and criminal charges arising from school activities, when regular members in good standing are named as parties or defendents, provided that there is complete exoneration of the criminal charges. The plan also provides up to $25,000 to cover defense costs for criminal proceedings when named as parties or defendents resulting from corporal punishment regardless of outcome, and up to $5,000 of punitive damages. AFSA Accidental Death. $10,000 of accidental death coverage is provided by AFSA for members regardless of other insurance coverage. In order for benefits to be paid, AFSA membership must be in good standing and the member must have previously filed a signed beneficiary form with AFSA. The death certificate must state accidental death in order to qualify. AFSA Total Disabilit. In the event of a total disability of a regular member in good standing, AFSA provides up to $1,500 per month in disability benefits, up to a maximum lifetime benefit of $15,000. Benefits begin the fifth month after the onset of the disability and continue as long as the member remains totally disabled, turns 65 or reaches the maximum lifetime benefit, whichever comes first. This benefit is offset by the monthly amounts available to the member from any other sources. AFSA Scholarship. The AFSA Scholarship Program is open to children of AFSA members in good standing. Refer to the AFSA web site to download the Scholarship Application package with full information on the current year’s scholarship program and eligibility. AFSA Travel Desk. Call Gary Goldstein at 732-786-0314 or e-mailblgtravel26@aol.comfor special group travel opportunities. Direct Benefits for AFSA Members. AFSA members are automatically eligible for these no-cost benefits. For more information members may call 1-800-354-AFSA, e-mailafsa@AFSAadmin.orgor visit the AFSA web site at:http://www.AFSAadmin.org/
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).
CERTIFICATED AASD ACTIVE MEMBERS AND RETIREES -- PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THIS IMPORTANT ARTICLE ABOUT YOUR RETIREMENT BENEFITS WITH SOCIAL SECURITY.Link to article
From ACSA Region 18:
While the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) can significantly reduce Social Security benefits, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) is actually the more substantial reduction. Under the GPO, an affected survivor or spouse could have their Social Security benefits cut by two-thirds of the amount of their government pension payout.
Here are three easy things you can do NOW, to lobby representatives in DC and help move proposed legislation through the process
MAILER FROM FREEDOM FOUNDATION. Several classified supervisors/managers (AASD members) have reported receiving a mailer from “The Freedom Foundation” encouraging them to drop their union membership in CSEA. Obviously, if you received this mailer, you are NOT a member of CSEA. You are a member of AASD. Organizations such as the Freedom Foundation are anti-union organizations who troll school district websites and obtain information on union members and then hire people to research via the internet to find home addresses of union members. Obviously they don’t understand the difference between CSEA and AASD and this is evidenced in flyer being sent to AASD members encouraging them to opt out of CSEA. This organization (Freedom Foundation) sent anti-union mailers to our members three years ago and are now at it again. AASD advises our members to simply throw the mailer away. There is no need to be concerned or contact this rogue group to let them know you are not CSEA. If any of your CSEA employees receive the flyer and ask you about it, it is best to refer them to their own union (CSEA) for support and advice.
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.
AASD has learned that longtime educator and retired principal, Joan Nelson, has passed away. Services will be held on October 30, at 2:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 625 Nardo Ave., Solana Beach, CA. All are invited to attend. Our deepest condolences to Joan’s family and friends.
REMINDERS
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE Open Enrollment is October 18 through November 12. There will be a number of options for employees and retired members to get information, make changes, obtain flu shots, etc. Please click the following link for more information. Open Enrollment Postcard
COVID LEAVE. DO AASD MEMBERS STILL HAVE IT OR NOT? Several members have reached out regarding the federally funded COVID leave that expired September 30. Here is the clarifying information from the district:
As part of the impacts and effects with SDEA and POA for the 21-22 school year the district agreed to the following language:
Upon exhaustion of any available COVID related state or federal emergency leave, unit members required to quarantine as the result of a positive COVID-19 test or as the result of close contact exposure as determined by District or County contact tracing, shall be provided paid leave without having to utilize any accrued personal leave. Unit members shall be required to submit documentation of a positive test result or County notification of close contact exposure in order to access this leave.
The leave is only after providing proof for positive tests or if ordered to quarantine because the person is a close contact. It does not cover “symptoms” that the state leave previously covered. If someone is sick (even if symptoms are consistent with COVID), they use their own sick leave unless they provide proof of a positive COVID test. The district is implementing this leave for all employees, including those represented by AASD and the CSEA units as well as non-represented management and confidential employees. The state/federal leave expired September 30 and this language began October 1.
AASD OFFICE IS OPEN The AASD Office is open with health and safety measures in place. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Thursday. Staff will be working remotely on Fridays. We ask that you call the office before visiting to ensure staff are not offsite at an appointment, running work-related errands or at lunch. Also, if visitors are not vaccinated, we ask that you wear a face mask when visiting the office. To check in before visiting, the office phone number is 619-295-2118.
The AASDWeekly Update will continue as usual on Thursdays with important news and information for AASD members.
The Google Form created during the pandemic is a great tool for members to share any questions or concerns and will remain active. Please share your questions and/or concerns regarding any issues you would like AASD to follow up on. Please be specific. AASD will then obtain answers to the questions or concerns which will be published in the Weekly Update. Members may also show their gratitude for other district staff in this Google Form and AASD will publish that message of gratitude.
MEMBERSHIP IN THE ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (ACSA).There are two promotional applications starting this year.
$2 a day for Regular ACSA memberships.
$1 a day for districts with management team dues. Click herefor the application.
You will notice that on this new application form (in section 5), there are two options that will be in play starting this year…standard regular OR consolidated charter dues. The attached application would be used for SDUSD members. The SDUSD members fall in the Select Union category and will be eligible for the $1/day ACSA Memberships without the legal support or they can choose to do a Regular Membership with full legal support.
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 $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 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.
Placing and fulfilling an order can be done via phone, email and U.S. mail. Please contact Linda Crout-Hamel linda@aasdcs.orgat the AASD Office if you are interested.
SEE'S CANDIES. See's is now offering gift cards instead of the paper gift certificates. The paper gift certificates are no longer available for purchase, but if you have any of the paper gift certificates, they are still valid and will be honored at stores.
The gift cards are available for purchase from AASD by members in good standing, affiliate members and retired members. The gift cards are valued at $25, but the discounted cost for our members is just $21.25. This is a savings of $3.75 per gift card!
If you are interested in purchasing gift cards, simply email Linda Crout-Hamel (linda@aasdcs.org). Please email your request and provide your phone number so she can call you to discuss your order and payment options (credit or debit card, check). The gift cards will then be mailed to the address you provideor you may make arrangements to pick them up at the AASD office.
In addition to these gift cards, Administrators Association of San Diego (AASD) members qualify for quantity discounts on See's candy at the Quantity Discount store on Rosecrans. To redeem your discount, show a valid photo ID, your AASD member card, and provide our account number 6472612 or the office phone number 619-295-2118.Note: the acronym "AASD" will not work for the business name. This discount is only valid at 3751 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92110.
IMPORTANT - PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS. AASD communicates with members via personal e-mail address. We do not communicate via "sandi.net." If you know of a colleague that is not receiving the Update, or if your personal email address changes, please remember to notify AASD by e-mailing our Office Clerk, Jim Costello, atJim@aasdcs.org.
UNION PLUS - MONEY-SAVING PROGRAMS FOR AFSA MEMBERS!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
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!
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.
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 herewww.aasdcs.orgto 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.orgwith 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.
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.
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.
AASD Contact Information ON REMOTE WORKING DAYS:
Executive Director, Donis Coronel -- donis@aasdcs.org 619-813-8792 Office Manager, Linda Crout-Hamel --linda@aasdcs.org 619-861-2701 Office Clerk, Jim Costello --jim@aasdcs.org
