AASD Weekly Update 1/13/2022
 

• THESE ARE DIFFICULT TIMES AND ALL HANDS ARE NEEDED ON DECK TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL SITES.  Thank you to all AASD members who took the time last week to respond to our brief survey regarding student and staff absences and to provide comments/concerns/feedback.  Over 100 AASD members responded to the survey.  On Monday, January 10, the data and comments/concerns/feedback were shared with Interim Superintendent Jackson and other SDUSD leaders.  District leadership immediately responded to AASD that they appreciated the information and were in the process of taking action to help our school sites who are experiencing a high percentage of staff absences.  On Monday, Dr. Jackson announced that the district was in a “State of Emergency” and activated Administrative Procedure 7293.  AP 7293 had not be activated by the district since the 1995 teacher’s union strike.  Essentially, AP 7293 allows the district to direct central office certificated employees (SDEA-represented and AASD-represented, as well as non-represented) to report to school sites during this state of emergency.  A plan has been put into place for school sites to notify their Area Superintendents daily of the needs for staff and those requests will be prioritized and certificated central office staff will be deployed.  Additionally, plans are in the works to deploy classified central office staff to school sites to assist where needed.  We are hopeful that February will be a much better month in terms of the number of staff absences due to COVID illness, isolation and quarantine.  Dr. Jackson also told principals and others in a Zoom meeting on Monday that these are NOT normal times.  All professional development, meetings and other non-essential tasks are to be canceled.  AASD has asked that no member be disciplined or reprimanded for any assignment not completed due to duties relating to the COVID crisis.  AASD continues to advocate for our members during this time of crisis.  Please feel free to reach out at any time to Donis Coronel, AASD Executive Director with concerns or if you need assistance. 
   
• DISTRICT OPENS “STAFF ONLY” COVID TESTING SITE.  On Wednesday, January 12, the District opened a new COVID testing facility for SDUSD STAFF ONLY.  The Balboa Testing Center is located at 9330 Balboa Ave, SD 92123.  This is the location of the former Jack in the Box headquarters and the property that will eventually become the new SDUSD Education Center.  Testing hours are:  Monday-Friday 7am to 7pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8am to 5pm.  The site is closed on holidays.  This testing site is for SDUSD employees only.  No appointment necessary. If staff have not already signed up for testing at the school site, please go to the Primary Health portal to register before arriving at the site to test: https://my.primary.health/l/sdusd testing.   Both Rapid Antigen and PCR tests are available. 
   
• INSURANCE PLANS MUST COVER AT-HOME RAPID COVID TESTS BEGINNING JANUARY 15.  Click link for article. 
  https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/nation-world/story/2022-01-10/home-covid-tests-to-be-covered-by-insurers-starting-saturday
   
• GOVERNOR NEWSOM RELEASES EXECUTIVE ORDER N-3-22 TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE, SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS EDUCATOR SHORTAGES DUE TO COVID-19.  On January 11, Gov. Newsom released an Executive Order   https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1.11.21-N-3-22-School-Staffing-EO-signed.pdf.  Provisions take effect immediately and expire on March 31, 2022.  To utilize these flexibilities, the school district superintendent is required to make a written finding stating that the temporary staffing flexibility will provide support and allow continued in-person services for students despite staffing shortages caused by a rise in Omicron cases.  Key provisions include:
   
• Emergency Substitute Permits:  
  • Many of the eligibility requirements for an emergency substitute teaching permit have been suspended.  Temporary certificates may now be issued to applicants with a bachelor's degree and a background check.
• Substitute Teaching Extension:
  • Previously, the length of time a substitute teacher may serve in a single general education classroom was extended from 30 days to 60 days.  This order has now extended it once more for 120 days. 
• Student Teachers: 
  • Student teachers may be assigned to a classroom without the supervision of a credentialed teacher; penalties will be waived. 
• For Retired Educators:
  • Suspends post-retirement compensation limitations for compensation earned during the 2021-22 school year (comparable duty compensation limits are still applicable).
  • Suspends certain procedural requirements for approving a retired educator’s return to work. 
  • Seeks to expand the currently suspended 180-day sit-out requirement for additional types of retired educators. 
  • CalSTRS will be providing further guidance on implementing these provisions. 
     
• CALLING ALL WOMEN LEADERS.  While all leaders are challenged by the current crises in our country, data tells us that women leaders are being stretched like never before.  During the pandemic, women (especially those with school age children) are carrying a huge “emotional load” as they oversee raising their children while managing their own workload and increased demands of stressed staff and communities.  This climate calls for “daring” leadership.  ACSA is offering a new online professional development series based on the work of bestselling author Brené Brown.  In “Dare to Lead: An ACSA Academy for Women Leaders,” participants will explore Brown’s research during a series of eight, 3-hour virtual sessions. Sessions will include special videos of Brown sharing concepts of the curriculum as well as a Dare to Lead™ workbook containing reflections and activities for participants. Sessions will be led by Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator Mickey Porter, an ACSA member with nearly 30 years of experience leading California schools. Participants who complete the 24-hour series will receive an official Dare to Lead™ LinkedIn badge to add to their profile and a Certificate of Completion.  This opportunity is open to ACSA Members as well as Non-Members.  The cost is $249 per person for the series.  AASD Members in Good Standing may apply for the AASD Professional Growth reimbursement of $100 via https://aasdcs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/aasd-professional-growth-fund.pdf which will bring the cost down to $149 per person.  The classes start February 25.
   
  For more information and to register click this link 
  https://onlinelearning.acsa.org/courses/dare-to-lead
   
• RANCH EVENTS FAMILY MEALS ARE BACK!  Tired of cooking?  Not comfortable eating out in restaurants?  At the request of their customers, Ranch Events is returning to providing family meals starting Monday, January 17.  Family meals will be available for purchase Sunday-Thursday until further notice.  Meals must be pre-ordered online and picked up at the Scottish Rite Center (Mission Valley) between 3pm and 6pm.  Many of our AASD members enjoyed the meals during the 2020-2021 year.  The meals are very good and are very reasonably priced.  To view the menu and/or order, click the link:    https://mdp-catering-events-inc.square.site/   
  AASD has had a great relationship with Ranch Events for years.  They cater many of our social events.  This family meal service allows Ranch Events to keep their staff employed as many catering events are being canceled.
   
• BARGAINING UPDATE 
  Full Contract Bargaining.  AASD and the District are scheduled to meet on January 26.  
   
• 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). 
  
  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
   
• SPECIAL GRATITUDE
  When members wish to show their gratitude for other district staff, please use this Google Form and AASD will publish that message of gratitude in the next Weekly Update.
  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVSsqBQSHboCdgqbnpaucUY--DHKjosG8MAmRuCxawzB4blg/viewform?usp=sf_link
   
• 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 a heavy heart that we report the passing of Renee Potter, former AASD Office Clerk and Membership Coordinator, on January 8.  Renee worked for AASD in 2008-2012.  Renee is the sister of former AASD Executive Director, Dr. Jeannie Steeg.  AASD sends sincere condolences to Jeannie and her family and to the Potter family.
   

• 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.
   
• 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  f or 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 (Retired), Jim Costello -- jim@aasdcs.org  (Membership inquiries only)
   

Contacts

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