DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 30 AT 5:00 PM -- IMPORTANT FOR PRINCIPALS, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPALS AND CERTIFICATED CENTRAL OFFICE MANAGERS. As most of you are aware, AASD negotiated language with the District regarding workload. AASD and the District have a Workload Work Group with representatives from the certificated AASD ranks and the District has representatives as part of the group. We typically meet 2-3 times a year following a survey of our AASD certificated members to hear their concerns about workload and to come up with solutions. AASD will be meeting with the District on November 8. Please click the link below to share your workload concerns. The deadline for the survey is October 30 at 5:00 p.m.Be a part of the solution! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7hspeE3vHAxWWHsT4T_MRgCeuhg6KZCETSbN6gHEpwJX_6A/viewform?usp=sf_link
FOR ALL AASD 12-MONTH EMPLOYEES. This does NOT pertain to Principals, Associate Principals, or any 10 or 11-month Employee.
Very important! Please click the link and read the newly negotiated MOU regarding VOLUNTARY furlough days and then read the information below. (AASD MOU Voluntary Furlough)Last week, the District presented AASD with a proposal to offer VOLUNTARY furlough days for this school year during specific break periods (Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring Breaks). AASD signed off on the MOU over the weekend. The MOU is for VOLUNTARY furlough days during holiday break periods for this school year only. The key word being VOLUNTARY. This is NOT MANDATORY and is an individual decision for each AASD member who is eligible to consider. Please – if you are considering taking VOLUNTARY furlough days, read through all of the materials carefully. It is very important to understand how taking VOLUNTARY furlough days will affect your pay and may affect your retirement credit. In reading through the materials, it is clear that there is an impact on STRS service credit if a certificated person takes the voluntary furlough days. It appears from the materials that there is not an impact on PERS service credit. The decision to take VOLUNTARY furlough days is truly that of the individual. No one should be pressured to take part or discouraged from participating. The decision to participate must be made by November 10.
Questions? Contact the AASD office at 619-295-2118 or Executive Director, Donis Coronel, atdonis@unitedadmin.us.
Our AASD Bargaining Teams are:
Certificated BargainingTeam:
Donis Coronel, Executive Director/Chief Negotiator
John Aguilar, Certificated Bargaining Chair (Elementary)
Eric Brown (Sr. High)
Michelle Cain (Mid-Level/K-8)
Heather Harris (Central Office)
Richard Ojeda (Associate Principals)
Lauren Robinson (Elementary)
Patti Burch, Notetaker
Classified Bargaining Team:
Donis Coronel, Executive Director/Chief Negotiator
Jesus Montana, Classified Bargaining Chair (School Police)
Bill Cheney (Food Services)
Samantha Clabaugh (Central Office)
Brian Kenworthy (Central Office)
Ivan Martinez (Custodial)
Lumumba Mushonga (Classified Supervisor)
Patti Burch, Notetaker
MORE UNION PLUS SAVINGS FOR ALL AASD MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING, AFFILIATE MEMBERS WITH AFSA, AND RETIRED MEMBERS WITH AFSA. Car rental savings through Union Plus just got better! Enterprise, National and Alamo are now contracting through Union Plus for significant savings! Need a rental car? Click this link to begin to save money! https://partners.rentalcar.com/unionplus/Your affiliation is AFSA, Local 134.
MAKING HALLOWEEN SAFE AND FUN FOR ALL. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind while trick-or-treating on Halloween, or while greeting trick-or-treaters as you give out candy at your home or establishment.
Some kids may have issues with costumes. The itchiness from the costume material and masks may be a challenge for any child. A child on the autism spectrum or a child with sensory issues may have bigger challenges with costumes. Itchiness and uncomfortableness may lead to tears, cries and even tantrums as the hours pass.
Not only can costumes and masks be overwhelming to wear, but they may also be an overstimulating experience to make sense of many people not looking very human-like on this day. This may lead to what appears to be a tantrum, but it may really be overstimulation or fear.
If there are stairs to your home, children with gross motor difficulties may have a hard time going up and down stairs, which may lead them to fall behind from their group. If it is a pleasant afternoon or evening, consider meeting kids at the bottom of your stairs, if you are able to do so.
Giving kids a bowl of candy to choose from may be an overwhelming decision for a young child or for a child with special needs. It may also be difficult for children with motor skill challenges to grab candy for themselves or to simply just grab one piece.
It is natural to expect kids to say “trick-or-treat” and “thank you.” While it may seem minimal, kids with speech delays, selective mutism, autism or anxiety may be challenged with this expectation.
Finally, kids who do not express joy when receiving free candy should not be considered to be rude. Perhaps they are on the spectrum and do not have much range with facial expressions. Perhaps they have severe allergies, diabetes, or celiac and they know they cannot eat any of the candy they collect. Or perhaps they are just tired by the end of the night!
Most adults subconsciously set a level of maturity for kids based upon their size or height. Some kids may just be big for their age. Others may have developmental delays or special needs which are not visible or noticeable within the few seconds before candy is offered. Patience, understanding and compassion for ALL kids goes a long way - especially on days like Halloween!
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, Marina Village April 19, 2024, 6:00-10:00pm – AASD Casino Night Fundraiser for the Scholarship Fund, Marina Village May 1, 2024,4:00-7:00pm – AASD Membership Meeting, Location TBD - NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE FROM MAY 2 TO MAY 1. June 14, 2024, 5:00-9:30pm – AASD Summerfest Celebration, Marina Village
AASD SUPPORTS OUR MEMBERS. Read below for an example of how AASD serves our members.
AASD has a political presence through our Legislative and Political Affairs Committee (LAPA). The committee reviews all legislation related to schools/school employees and/or education-related issues. Because of our political presence, we have been instrumental in the outcome of legislation at the State level.
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
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR MEDICAL/DENTAL PLANS AND FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS. Open Enrollment is October 16 to November 10. There are some significant changes regarding the medical plans that “may” affect active employees and/or retirees. Please take the time to review the materials and attend an informational meeting/event so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Click this link to see the Open Enrollment communication. https://cdnsm5-ss18.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_27732394/File/Departments/Benefits/District%20Bulletin%20No.%2064%20Open%20Enrollment.pdf
Note: If you are a retiree or a “soon-to-be” retiree, you are encouraged to attend one of the meetings for retirees.
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
