AASD OFFICE CLOSED FOR SPRING BREAK. The AASD office will be closed for Spring Break and staff will be off-work. In the event of an urgent matter, please contact Executive Director, Donis Coronel, by cell phone (619-813-8792) or e-mail (donis@aasdcs.org). We hope that those who are off work enjoy your Spring Break and those who are working enjoy a quiet week! The AASD office will re-open on April 4.
SAVE THE DATE! THE AASD SUMMERFEST IS BACK! AASD’s Member Relations Committee is happy to announce that AASD’s Annual Summerfest celebration is back! Traditionally (minus the COVID years) AASD holds our annual Summerfest celebration at the end of the school year to not only recognize our AASD Distinguished Leaders and new Retirees but to celebrate all of our members! The event is free for all AASD Members in Good Standing, Retired Members and Affiliate Members. Summerfest 2022 will be June 17 at 5pm at Marina Village and will be an “Aloha Friday” theme. Complimentary beverages, appetizers, dinner, dessert, music, dancing, door prizes and just a whole lot of fun. More information to come but hold the date on your calendar. Aloha!
WILL THE “GREAT RESIGNATION” COME TO EDUCATION? An excellent read by Mark Cannizzaro, President, CSA, Local 1, American Federation of School Administrators. Take a moment to read.
AASD IS FORMING FOCUS GROUPS TO BRAINSTORM SCHOOL SITE CLERICAL FORMULA AND SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFFING/PROGRAMS. At the request of AASD Members in Good Standing, AASD is pulling together focus groups to formulate ideas and solutions to address the clerical staffing at school sites and separate focus groups to formulate ideas and solutions regarding special education staffing and programs. The goal is to send the work of the focus groups to the Superintendent by the end of this school year so the district leadership can review our recommendations in plenty of time for the SBB in early 2023 and for implementation for 2023-24. As many of you know, there was a time prior to 2008 when there was a true (but not perfect) clerical formula. At that time, district leadership allowed site administrators to staff their own offices with no formula in place. Decisions were made at that time that no longer result in an appropriately staffed office. It is time to correct this! Additionally, principals have brought forward concerns about special education staffing, the impact of the various programs on certain sites, etc. Do you want to be part of the solution? AASD would love to have you join a focus group to help us develop ideas and solutions to address these two important topics. All meetings will be via Zoom and will occur 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Meetings will start in April and likely be every other week through June. To sign up for a focus group(s), please click the following link. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-5fXBi3Hg3fgXT1MglHACrLzxCQgqsYGR3UAFBrioctBQIA/viewform?usp=sf_link
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).
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.
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 colleague from any category. The winners will be recognized in June at our annual Summerfest Celebration on June 17, 2022. We anticipate this will be an “in-person” event.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS/VICE PRINCIPALS – COULD YOUR TK/KINDERS BENEFIT FROM AASD'S HOMEWORK KITS? If you have attended some of AASD’s social events over the years, you may have participated in the 50/50 raffle. The proceeds from the 50/50 raffle – which began in 2014 – have been used to supply incoming Kindergarten and TK students at a deserving elementary school (or schools) with a wonderful homework kit full of school supplies. AASD has been unable to hold our fundraising events due to COVID; however, monies have been set aside to fund this wonderful opportunity.
If you would like your elementary site to be considered for the Homework Kits for the opening of the 2022-23 school year, please complete and submit the application no later than April 29, 2022. The AASD Member Relations Committee will review the applications and select the school(s) to receive the Homework Kits. The lucky school(s) will be announced in the beginning of June. The following link will lead you to the form for consideration. Forms are due by April 29, 2022. Click below for the link to the form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeasfDh_d4z04NrypQ08vgLD5Li85WiKV3UgCG5WMbpH7oIdQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
AASD IS AWARDING $1000 SCHOLARSHIPS TO CHILDREN OF OUR AASD MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING.The AASD Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that children (including stepchildren) of AASD Members in Good Standing, AASD Retired Members and AASD Affiliate Members who are graduating seniors this year are eligible for AASD scholarships to be used towards higher education. The AASD Scholarship Program is funded by dues from AASD Retired Members and from funds raised via fundraising and interest earned on our AASD investment account. AASD is happy to announce an increase this year from $750 per student to $1000 per student. All students who apply and are qualified will receive a $1000 scholarship. The application submission deadline is April 29, 2022. Please click the link below for information on how to apply and for the application.
NORTH ISLAND CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIPS.North Island Credit Union will award 10 students with a scholarship of $1000 each. 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 Friday, April 8, 2022. Link to the Scholarship Program flyer Link to information and application
RANCH EVENTS FAMILY MEALS ARE BACK! Tired of cooking? Not comfortable eating out in restaurants? At the request of their customers, Ranch Events brought back their family meals program. Family meals are 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.
AASD LOGO WEAR. Did you know AASD has professional AASD logo wear perfect for wearing to work? We do! We have Polo Shirts in styles for both men and women. We also have denim shirts for men and women, and a V-neck T-Shirt for women. And we even have ball caps! If you are interested, contact AASD Office Manager, Linda Crout-Hamel, via e-mail linda@aasdcs.org or at the office 619-295-2118. The logo wear is very reasonably-priced. Payment can be taken over the phone (for debit/credit card) or a check can be mailed to the office. The logo wear can then be mailed or delivered to you. Look sharp wearing your AASD logo wear! Represent!
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.
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 Linda Crout-Hamel atlinda@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 ARE 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.
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 (Retired), Jim Costello --jim@aasdcs.org(Membership inquiries only)
