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AASD Weekly Update 06-11-2020
NEW ITEMS
- DEAR AASD MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING, AASD AFFILIATE MEMBERS AND AASD RETIRED MEMBERS:
As we all reflect on the incidents of the past few weeks, AASD would like to share statements from our AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and from our AFSA President Ernest Logan. AASD is proudly affiliated with the AFL-CIO and is Local 134 under the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA).
Statement from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on the events of the past two weeks:
My heart is heavy at the events of the past few weeks. I watched the video of George Floyd pleading for his life under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer. No person of conscience can hear Floyd’s cries for help and not understand that something is deeply wrong in America.
What happened to George Floyd, what happened to Ahmaud Arbery, what happened to far too many unarmed people of color has happened for centuries. The difference is now we have cell phones. It’s there for all of us to see. And we can’t turn our heads and look away because we feel uncomfortable.
Racism plays an insidious role in the daily lives of all working people of color. This is a labor issue because it is a workplace issue. It is a community issue, and unions are the community. We must and will continue to fight for reforms in policing and to address issues of racial and economic inequality.
We categorically reject those on the fringes who are engaging in violence and destroying property. Attacks like the one on the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington DC are senseless, disgraceful and only play into the hands of those who have oppressed workers of color for generations and detract from the peaceful, passionate protesters who are rightly bringing issues of racism to the forefront.
But in the end, the labor movement is not a building. We are a living collection of working people who will never stop fighting for economic, social and racial justice. We are united unequivocally against the forces of hate who seek to divide this nation for their own personal and political gain at our expense.
We will clean up the glass, sweep away the ashes and keep doing our part to bring a better day out of this hour of darkness and despair.
Today and always, the important work of the AFL-CIO continues unabated.
Are we ready to have a serious conversation about race? Written by Ernest Logan, President, American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA)
“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people,” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote from a Birmingham jail nearly 60 years ago.
That did not happen. The brutal public killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, not long after the shootings of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, ignited righteous protests against racism across fifty states. The anguish sweeping the nation reflects generations of failure of the “good people” to reform police practices and to address both overt and implicit racism in every sector of society, including our schools. And our schools are among the places where these events must be most urgently addressed.
This is so partly because it is our students who will be most bewildered and terrified by this horror and will turn to us, their school leaders, as well as their teachers and counselors, to help make sense of what has happened to them and their families, and to channel their fear and anger into meaningful actions. If they are children of color, particularly African American children, their hurt and outrage will be particularly intense, for they will have personal experience with racism, no matter how young they are. This I know, because I was one of those children.
It is a blessing and a burden that they will depend so much on us. As leaders of schools, we have been struggling to deal with the massive impact of the global pandemic on our education system, our economy and our own personal lives. In the midst of this, we now are called upon to deal with a crisis of racial inequality that has not been addressed properly in this country for centuries.
Are we now ready to have a serious conversation about race?
It will not only be the children, but the entire school community of parents, teachers and staff who will lean on us for strength and hope. Some among us will march and raise our voices with the protesters to insist on reform, and combat the haters, or the misguided ones, who attempt to divide us with violence. But each and every one of us will be called upon to educate our adult communities about the importance of the vote, participation in the census, and the need to communicate a sense of our nation’s history, in all its beauty and ugliness.
We will have to do much better than the good people who have gone before us and help use this tragedy as an opportunity to finally make a difference.
We can begin by reading again Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail.
- ACSA REGION 18 ASKS THAT YOU CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS REGARDING THE STATE BUDGET. ACSA Region 18 (San Diego and Imperial Counties) is asking for all AASD Members in Good Standing and Retired Members to take the time before June 15 to e-mail their legislator about the State Budget and school funding. Click here for budget talking points. There are template letters below for your convenience. All that has to be changed is the letterhead and the signature. Dr. Debra McLaren provided these letters – she is the Chair of the ACSA Region 18 Legislative Action Committee. AASD’s Legislative and Political Action (LAPA) committee has approved sending these to our members. LAPA is chaired by Marci Lammey and Erica Renfree. Please contact the Co-Chairs if you have any questions.
Atkins - district 39 - grace.davis@sen.ca.gov 916-651-4039
Bates - district 36 - brianne.herring@sen.ca.gov 916-651-4036
Hueso - district 40 - erika.dacumos@sen.ca.gov 916-651-4040
Jones - district 48 - heather.koszka@sen.ca.gov 916-651-4038
Boerner-Horvath - district 76 - max.kappes@asm.ca.gov 916-319-2076
Garcia - district 56 - yarelyn.trujillo@asm.ca.gov 916-319-2056
Gloria - district 78 - michaela.valk@asm.ca.gov 916-319-2078
Gonzalez-Fletcher - district 80 - cary.rogers@asm.ca.gov 916-319-2080
Maienschein - district 77 - harleen.panu@asm.ca.gov 916- 319-2077
Voepel - district 71 - emily.watson@asm.ca.gov 916-319-2071
Waldron - district 75 - cheryl.mclachlan@asm.ca.gov 916-319-2075
Weber - district 79 - tiffany.johnson@asm.ca.gov 916-319-2079
Atkins letter
Bates letter
Hueso letter
Jones letter
Boerner-Horvath letter
Garcia letter
Gloria letter
Gonzalez-Fletcher letter
Maienschein letter
Voepel letter
Waldron letter
Weber letter
- DID YOU MISS ACSA’S TOWN HALL ON MONDAY NIGHT? POWERFUL! THE VIDEO IS BELOW.
Monday night, ACSA was honored to bring you the first part of their Systemic Racial Intolerance and Injustice Town Hall. It was a powerful conversation about how to create meaningful change around racism and police brutality. ACSA Executive Director Wes Smith moderated the event, which featured the following panelists: Elisha Smith Arrillaga (The Education Trust-West), Karla Pleitéz Howell (Advancement Project California), Ken Magdaleno (Center for Leadership Equity and Research) and Adonai Mack (ACSA).
- AASD OFFICE CLOSURE - The AASD office remains closed, in conjunction with the San Diego Unified school closures, until further notice. The Daily Update will continue through the closure to answer any questions and address any of your concerns with regard to school closures and COVID-19 updates. The Weekly Update will continue as usual on Thursdays with the typical news and information for AASD members.
- 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
Principal, Logan/Memorial Educational Complex (Pre-Natal to Career), Closes 6/12
Instructional Coordinator, Closes 6/14
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.
It is with great sadness and sorrow that we acknowledge the death of John Denison, age 14, who is the son of AASD Member in Good Standing, Brad Denison, Vice Principal at Wilson Middle School. Our sincere and loving condolences go to Brad and the entire Denison family. John was a student at University City High School. Wilson Middle School Principal, David Downey, is accepting cards and condolences for Brad.
The Denison family has asked that in lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/
Or in loving memory of John’s favorite animal rescue at: https://secondchancedogrescue.org/donate/
REMINDERS
- AASD DISTINGUISHED LEADER AWARDS. Each year, AASD honors a number of members as AASD Distinguished Leaders. Please consider nominating a colleague for this award. We have wonderful co-workers throughout our AASD bargaining unit and in our retiree ranks who are worthy of recognition. The AASD Member Relations Committee is hopeful that you will take the time to nominate someone who goes "Above and Beyond!" You can nominate a co-worker from any category.
The following link will lead you to the nomination form. Click below for the link to the form and criteria. Please note the due date for nominations was extended to June 30.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Jimt1745JbcutUcpPA5WaOoeZFaZob3f-gnvtxtQO2Q/viewform?ts=5c5b29cc&edit_requested=true
- FROM RANCH EVENTS – DINNERS THAT FEED UP TO 6 PEOPLE FOR $25
Tired of cooking? As many of you know, all of the AASD events at Marina Village and Scottish Rite Center are catered by Ranch Events. They make and serve delicious meals! Ranch Events has opened their kitchen at the Scottish Rite Event Center (in Mission Valley) for “take out” meals that feed up to 4-5 adults and 1-2 children for $25! Such a deal. And delicious, home style cooked meals. The website is below; meals can be ordered in advance or the order can be placed on the same day, as long as it is placed by 12 noon that day. Pick up times are 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM each day at the Scottish Rite Event Center in Mission Valley. In addition, Ranch Events has just added a family meal pick up during the lunch hour. This is a great way to take a night off from cooking and still be able to feed your family at a reasonable price. They also have individual vegetarian meals, soups and desserts as “add-ons.” AASD has partnered with Ranch Events for many years and we are pleased they are able to bring some staff back to work. Feel free to share this information with anyone you wish to. Many of our AASD members have tried the meals and the feedback has been positive.
https://mdp-catering-events-inc.square.site/
- RESOURCES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE VEBA RESOURCE CENTER (VRC)
The VEBA Resource Center (VRC) has been working diligently to provide a digital platform for VEBA members to access during this time of school closures/quarantine. If you are on Facebook, you may access the VRC by typing in VEBA Resource Center. There are weekly chats with Dr. Tarane Sondoozi which are on various topics that address current issues. There are also a variety of other resources available including simple circuit training videos, healthy recipes, information on mindfulness and other topics. This is available to all VEBA members and their dependents. Take a look!
- 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, at Jim@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.
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.
- 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 During the District Closure:
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
Please keep informed via the District’s website www.sandi.net, Daily and Weekly Updates from AASD and via the AASD Website www.aasdcs.org.
Contacts
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