PRINCIPALS AND AP’S NEEDED TO REPRESENT AASD – TIME SENSITIVE. AASD has been asked to designate eight principals or AP’s who are interested in serving on an advisory committee to provide input/feedback and guidance to support the restorative discipline, social justice, equity and resource needs of SDUSD students, staff and families. This request is coming from Fabiola Bagula, Ebonee Weathers, and John Ross. The advisory committee will meet five times this school year via Zoom and will include principals/AP’s, central office staff, community members, and students. The meetings are scheduled via Zoom for:
September 21, 4:00-5:30pm
November 30, 4:00-5:30pm
January 25, 4:00-5:30pm
March 28, 4:00-5:30pm
May 23, 4:00-5:30pm
If you are willing to represent AASD on this advisory committee, please e-mail Donis Coronel at donis@unitedadmin.usby 8pm on Sunday, September 17. Thank you to Silvia Martinez (Elementary Principal) and Jamey Jaramillo (Mid-Level Principal) for volunteering.
SURVEY – WE NEED YOUR INPUT REGARDING THE ANNUAL AASD/SDUSD SPRING CONFERENCE. Please click on the link below to provide input on topics of interest for the 2024 AASD/SDUSD Spring Conference (March 20, 2024). The AASD Professional Development Committee wants to plan an event that meets the needs of our members and other attendees. Please take the quick survey by clicking this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZwFBgXxuLmy2AGwq3l6KVIJGCWA4Lq6lQJ88zEi04xGr1DQ/viewform?usp=sf_link Deadline for this survey is September 27 at 5pm.
The AASD Professional Development Committee:
Mario Garcia and Silvia Martinez – Co-Chairs
Members: Lucille Ciudad Real, Samantha Clabaugh, Julie Garcia, Jim Hallauer, Bernie Kacijancic, Kate McDevitt, Lauren Robinson, Jeff Thomas
AASD REPRESENTATION – IMPORTANT FOR ALL AASD MEMBERS TO READ. Under Weingarten Rights, AASD members are entitled to union representation in any meeting/conversation that “may” lead to discipline. If you are called to a meeting where you are unsure of the topic, ASK! If the topic is a meeting/conversation that “may” lead to discipline, please contact AASD for representation. Do not attend alone. Also, if you are in a meeting where things are moving in the direction that could become disciplinary, kindly stop the meeting and state that you will reschedule the meeting when your union representative can be present. Know your Weingarten Rights!
What are Weingarten Rights? Named for a United States Supreme Court case, NLRB v. J Weingarten, Inc. 420 U.S. 251 (1975), Weingarten rights have been extended to public employees under California’s labor relations statutes. Simply put, an employee has the right to request a union representative in an investigatory interview when the employee has a reasonable basis to believe that discipline may result from any conference or meeting. The right to a union representative applies to investigatory questioning that is written as well as oral. Weingarten rights must be asserted by the employee – the employer has no obligation to notify employees of these rights, and employee may choose to represent themselves if they wish. The employee does not have the right to choose who the union elects to represent them. The union representative has the right to sufficient information about the nature of the employee’s alleged wrongdoing before an investigatory interview takes place in order for meaningful representation. The union representative can ask clarifying questions, take notes, assist the employee in providing additional information, and provide moral support. Know your rights!
VEBA HEALTH FAIR AT SDUSD. VEBA is partnering with UnitedHealthcare to offer full-service health fairs including a health fair at SDUSD. There will be access to health screenings, flu shots, fun activities, and more. The fair will be Monday, September 25, from 12 noon to 6:00 pm in the Education Center Auditorium.
SDUSD HEALTH AND WELLNESS HOTLINE. As the District continues prioritizing wellness and well-being in SDUSD school communities, the District is pleased to announce the launch of the San Diego Unified Health & Wellness Hotline. This resource will serve as a hub for students, staff, and families to call for information and connections to community, health, and district resources. The hotline, 760-334-7878, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed on district holidays. Staff and families are being introduced to the Health & Wellness Hotline via thislinked communication. More information can also be found on the district website sandiegounified.org/hotline.
LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS (LAPA) COMMITTEE REPORT With the final day for the state legislature ending today, our LAPA Committee has been hard at work keeping track of the bills important to our members and has updated our Legislative Chart, which can be viewedhere.
Our committee met on Monday, September 11, at the UASC/AASD Office and reviewed the status of our bills and reviewed two new bills brought to our attention: Assembly Bill 1699 will require the district to notify Non-Permanent classified employees ten days prior to disclosing vacant positions to the public. If the Non-Permanent classified employee meets the minimum qualifications or can meet them before the first day they are to report for duty, THEY ARE GIVEN the position without a single interview. If more than one qualified person applies, the senior employee will be given the assignment. The LAPA Committee recommended that AASD OPPOSE this bill. The Executive Board met on September 14, 2023 and agreed with our LAPA Committee.
The second bill will be a joy to all our certificated members, including retirees. Senate Bill 765 will allow the Superintendent to request a new retiree to request from STRS to allow a retiree to be exempt from the initial 180-day waiting period when there is a need for them to begin immediately. STRS would have the authority to waive the initial 180-day waiting period. Where the music starts playing is the second provision where STRS will increase the amount a retiree can work by increasing the annual calculation of the median level from 50% to 70%. The LAPA Committee supported this bill and recommended that AASD SUPPORT this bill. The Executive Board also agreed with LAPA at their September 14 meeting.
Lastly, the fight for the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision/Government Pension Offset (WEP/GPO) has come to fruition. We were notified on September 13 that the bill now has 291 members of congress sign on as Co-Authors, meaning the bill has met the threshold of 290 and has enough support to get a hearing. If it passes Congress and the President signs it, that means our members, and their survivors, will get more Social Security benefits and not be penalized due to our members also receiving a pension. This is the furthest this bill has gotten after more than 10 years of addressing this issue. The next battle will be getting it through Congress. We will keep you updated.
LAPA is always looking for interested members. If you would like to join LAPA or get more information, please contact Donis Coronel at the UASC Office (donis@unitedadmin.us).
AASD SUPPORTS OUR MEMBERS. Read below for an example of how AASD serves our members.
As you likely know, our new AASD contract was ratified in July. AASD staff will be working with Labor Relations to ensure that any changes to the contract are implemented. Some already have (such as the salary increases; others have not). Executive Director, Donis Coronel, is meeting with Labor Relations in the next week to follow up. Also, we should have final formatted versions of our new contract soon to share with members.
This is another example of what AASD does to support our members. If you need assistance from AASD, please contact the office at 619-295-2118 or e-mail the Executive Director, Donis Coronel, atdonis@unitedadmin.us.
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).
SPECIAL GRATITUDE When members wish to show their gratitude for other district staff, please contact Donis Coronel at donis@unitedadmin.us and AASD will publish that message of gratitude in the next Weekly Update.
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
LONGEVITY PAY. For those AASD members eligible for longevity pay, AASD was informed by Payroll this week that the longevity stipend will be combined with the monthly check and paid on the last working day of September.
SAVE THE DATES. Mark your calendar now for the upcoming AASD events. More information will be forthcoming, but get these dates on your calendar now! Don’t miss out!
December 8, 2023, 5:00-9:30pm -- AASD Holiday Party, Marina Village, Baja Room March 20, 2024, 7:00am-12noon – AASD/SDUSD Spring Conference, Location TBD (Note change of date and possible change of location)
April 19, 2024, 6:00-10:00pm – AASD Casino Night Fundraiser for the Scholarship Fund, Marina Village
May 2, 2024, 4:00-7:00pm – AASD Membership Meeting, Location TBD
June 14, 2024, 5:00-9:30pm – AASD Summerfest Celebration, Marina Village
WANT TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED AT AASD? JOIN A COMMITTEE!AASD has committees and we want YOU! Please consider joining a committee. Become involved! Support YOUR union! Committees are listed below. If you are interested in joining a committee, please email Donis Coronel atdonis@unitedadmin.us.
Finance Committee: Meets up to 4 times a year to develop a draft budget and monitor the finances of AASD. Chair is Gina Camacho-McGrath.
Legislative and Political Affairs Committee: Meets monthly to review and make recommendations regarding legislation that affects education and our schools/employees. The committee also interviews school board candidates and makes recommendations for endorsement to the AASD Board of Directors. The committee typically meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m. in person at the UASC/AASD office with an option to join the meeting via Zoom. Co-Chairs are Jesus Montana (interim) and Marci Lammey.
Member Relations Committee: Plans and supports the two large social events for members (Summerfest and the Winter Holiday Party) as well as provides support for any membership meetings. Responsible for the selection of AASD Distinguished Leaders annually. Coordinates the Homework Kits for UTK and Kinders at select schools. Responsible for other activities that support the membership. Typically meets monthly, the first Tuesday of the month from 3:30-5:00 PM in person with an option to join the meeting via Zoom. Co-Chairs are Susan Kent and Maria Moore-Flagg.
Professional Development Committee: Plans and coordinates the annual AASD/SDUSD Spring Conference each March. Also responsible for approving reimbursements to the Professional Growth Fund. Typically meets the first Wednesday of the month, as needed, 3:00-4:30 PM with an option to join the meeting via Zoom. Co-Chairs are Mario Garcia and Silvia Martinez.
Scholarship Committee: Plans an annual fundraising event (Casino Night). Coordinates the Scholarship Program including presentation of scholarships at school events. Meets monthly, as needed, typically the 4th Monday of the Month from 3:30-5:00 PM in person with an option to join the meeting via Zoom. Co-Chairs are Veronica Ortega and Sharon Rubalcava.
AASD OFFICE Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. We ask that you call the office before visiting to ensure that a staff member is in the office and not offsite at an appointment, running work-related errands, or at lunch. 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.
MEMBERSHIP IN THE ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (ACSA). ACSA is a statewide organization for school leaders, serving more than 17,000 California educators and administrators in 19 regions throughout California, each made up of local charters. ACSA’s Mission: The Association of California School Administrators is the driving force for an equitable, world-class education system, and the development and support of inspired educational leaders who meet the diverse needs of all California students. Visit ACSA's website at acsa.orgfor more information about this organization.
Deborah Burke is our Region 18 ACSA Membership Services Representative. She is local and your completed membership applications can be sent directly to her. By completing your application and signing it, then scanning and attaching it to an email to Deborah, you will expedite the processing of your application. If you have any questions about ACSA, cost, benefits, opportunities, etc., please reach out to Deborah at dburke@acsa.org or at (619) 504-3512.
The following types of ACSA membership are available, as applicable, to people in San Diego Unified/AASD. All memberships can be paid by payroll deduction, personal check, or Mastercard/VISA. The following are descriptions of each type of application. SELECT UNION DISTRICTMembership: Click here for application. $1/day($30.42/month) for remainder of the current school year. Dues are prorated after July 1. Member may choose to be a Regular Member with full benefits or be a Consolidated Member, without legal support, but can contact advocates for limited consultation. Standard dues begin July 1 of their second year of membership.
ASSOCIATEMembership: (associate on cover – with Business Reply Mail cover) $250/year and prorated for new members joining after July 1. Can be paid by check (full amount), Payroll deduction (3 equal installments of $83.33; not offered after September), or VISA/Mastercard (full payment). Click here for application. RETIREDMembership: (2 types) Click here for application. Emeritus Lifetime - $700 (a one-time fee). May be paid in (3 equal installments of $233.34 (not offered after September), via Master Card/VISA (full payment), or via a personal (full payment) check. Full Regular- $125/year paid via a monthly deduction from member’s STRS pension via a payroll deduction, or Master Card/VISA (full payment), or a personal check (full payment).
If you wish to use ACSA's online application process to join, click here for the “Steps for Joining ACSA.”
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 $10.50 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@unitedadmin.usat 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@unitedadmin.us.
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.
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 herefor more details.
AASD CONTACT INFORMATION: Executive Director, Donis Coronel --donis@unitedadmin.us619-813-8792 Office Manager, Linda Crout-Hamel --linda@unitedadmin.us619-861-2701 Office Clerk/Membership Coordinator, Patti Burch -- patti@unitedadmin.us
