IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE AASD SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
AASD NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT…and you will have FUN doing it!SIGN UP NOW TO SUPPORT STUDENTS! It’s time for "CASINO NIGHT"! AASD and the Scholarship Committee are preparing for the April 19, 2024,Casino Night Fundraiserand we hope you will join us! Casino Night Flyer
Casino Night is a fun-filled “Vegas style” event with casino table play, food, beverages, music and dancing, and chances to win amazing prizes! Tickets are $85, which includes: $100 in Casino Table Chips, All-You-Can-Eat Tacos, Churro Cart, 2 Drink Tickets for beer and wine, and other beverages. Additional drink tickets and casino chips will be available for purchase.
This is not gambling – you will not play with money or win money. Games are played with chips. At the end of the evening, chips are traded in for raffle tickets. You will then place the raffle tickets in a bag at the prize(s) you wish to win. You can put several tickets in the drawing for several prizes or put all your tickets in one prize bag to increase your chances of winning. It’s a lot fun! Not a fan of casino games? That’s okay – you can still support the Scholarship Program. Purchase a ticket and have a fun evening socializing, enjoying good food, listening to music, and watching/listening to the cheers (or groans) of the people playing the games. Or you can simply make a donation if you don't want to attend the event.
This is not an AASD member-only event. Please share this information with family, friends, other colleagues, etc. Anyone 21 years and older is welcome to purchase a ticket to attend.
If you cannot attend the event but would like to contribute to the AASD Scholarship Fund, please follow the PAYMENT instructions below to make a donation. Do not RSVP if you are only making a donation.
All proceeds will benefit your senior students through the AASD Scholarship Program. To RSVP and pay for your ticket, follow these steps: RSVP: Your RSVP is required by the deadline of April 8.Click on this link to RSVP. NOTE: If you are bringing a guest, you must pay for that guest by the deadline of April 8. Include your guest's name(s) when you RSVP. PAYMENT: Your payment is required in advance andno later than 5 PM on April 8. MAIL your check, made payable to UASC Foundation, to the AASD/UASC office – 3505 Camino del Rio So Ste #264, San Diego 92108, OR
CALL the AASD/UASC office at 619-295-2118 to provide your credit/debit card information verbally. (DO NOT email or text your card information.)
AASD is also looking for sponsors for the event. There are various levels of sponsorship, including monetarydonations and door prize donations. For further information, contact Donis Coronel, AASD Executive Director atdonis@unitedadmin.us.
Thank you for your support!
Sharon and Veronica On behalf of the Scholarship Committee
AASD Scholarship Committee:
Co-Chairs: Veronica Ortega and Sharon Rubalcava
Members: Vince Anthony, Joe Cavaiola, Michele Einspar, Troy Hickey, Mary Johnson, Jeff Sabins, Lisa Sheldon , Jonel “Shortie” Smith, Carmi Strom, and Angela Zarzosa
Staff: Donis Coronel, Linda Crout-Hamel and Patti Burch
IT'S NEXT WEEK! 2024 AASD/SDUSD SPRING CONFERENCE INFORMATION – MANDATORY FOR ALL AASD UNIT MEMBERS.The AASD Professional Development Committee and SDUSD announce the 2024 Spring Conference which will be held on March 20, 2024, at Marina Village. Our conference theme this year is “The Power of YOUR Words: How YOUR Words Impact Others.” Breakfast will be provided from 7:00-7:50 AM and the opening remarks by Dr. Jackson and AASD leaders begin promptly at 8:00 AM. Each attendee will select two workshops to attend during this dynamic morning, with the conference ending at 12 noon. Premier sponsors and vendor partners will be available for attendees to visit and collect tickets towards many raffle prizes. Upon arrival at the conference, each attendee will self-select two workshops to attend. Seats at workshops are limited, so arrive early to get your first choices! To view the information about the conference and workshop choices follow the URL tohttp://BIT.LY/AASD2024or click the link to the flyer and scan the QR code.
We are looking forward to a wonderful morning of professional learning, networking with colleagues and more! Per Superintendent Jackson, this event is MANDATORY for all AASD unit members. Non-represented management and confidential employees are also invited to attend.
Thank you to the members of the AASD Professional Development Committee, chaired by Mario Garcia and Silvia Martinez, for their work on this event. Committee members are Lucille Ciudad Real, Samantha Clabaugh, Julie Garcia, Jim Hallauer, Bernie Kacijancic, Kate McDevitt, Lauren Robinson, and Jeff Thomas.
AASD IS OFFERING VALUABLE ASSISTANCE. Important for Any AASD Member in Good Standing Who is Affected Either by Position Elimination, Reorganization or Reassignment from an AASD Position to a Teaching Position. AASD knows this is a difficult time for our affected members. To assist with your career decisions going forward, AASD has contracted with and is funding a release time day (do not need to charge to any leave – this release day has been approved by the District) to participate in a full day training at the AASD office of “Career Coaching” provided by a certified coach – Mike Gellman, High Five Career Coaching. Mike will work with attendees on resume writing, interview skills, LinkedIn profiles, and much more. AASD will provide breakfast and lunch for all attendees. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity provided by your Union.RSVP is required – click below to RSVP. There are two remaining dates that this one-day training will be offered - March 25 and April 12.
NOTE: THIS TRAINING IS AVAILABLE FOR AFFECTED AFFILIATE MEMBERS, ALSO. THE RELEASE TIME DAY DOES NOT APPLY. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2zZO49FmFe-EokHlzYpLumy9dbyeevX-gASRXEKoqLvr6aA/viewform?usp=sf_link
BUDGET CUTS/POSITION ELIMINATIONS/REASSIGNMENTS. Update: The Board of Education approved the position eliminations at the March 5 meeting. AASD Executive Director, Donis Coronel, has attended over 65 meetings with affected members and Human Resources over the past week.
AASD has been told that quite a few principal and AP positions will be posted prior to Spring Break on March 29 and will close on April 14 at 11:59 PM. Special Ed certificated management positions will be posted mid-April. Central office management positions will be posted sometime in the Spring (per HR).
LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS (LAPA) COMMITTEE REPORT Our LAPA Committee made six legislative recommendations to the AASD Executive Board and all were approved at their March 14th meeting. All the legislation being monitored can be viewed on our Legislative Report by clickinghere.
As an example of how our LAPA Committee reviews bills to see how it would affect our members is a bill the Executive Board voted to oppose, Assembly Bill 2441. The bill is entitled School Safety: Mandatory Notifications. The typed information on the bill would remove the requirement of staff notifying police prior to suspending and sending home a student who harms a school employee or severely harms another individual while on school grounds or going to/from school. What it does not state, but buried within the language, is the removal of the protection for the employee who calls the police on behalf of the victim who was harmed (or if they were harmed by the student) from being sued civilly by the parents of the student who harmed others. We thank our LAPA Committee members for diving deep into each legislation and finding the loopholes that could potentially harm our members.
If you have any questions regarding any legislation our LAPA Committee is reviewing or find a bill our committee should review, please contact them atLAPA@UnitedAdmin.us.
AASD SUPPORTS OUR MEMBERS.Read below for an example of how AASD serves our members.
AASD maintains good working relationships with District leadership. This is an important aspect of running our professional union.
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.
A Celebration of Life for John Foster, Transportation Information Systems Supervisor, who passed away on February 1, will be held as follows:
Location: Mission Church of the Nazarene
Address: 4750 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120
Date: March 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM
REMINDERS
AASD CERTIFICATED MEMBERS WHO ARE APPLYING FOR JOBS WITH SDUSD NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. From Human Resources: All applicants (including current SDUSD employees) must submit all required attachments to their application(s) when applying for a new position. For example, applications for Principal, Associate Principal, and other management positions requiring an administrative services credential require you attach a copy of your administrative services credential. A copy of your valid California Administrative Services Credential MUST be attached to your submitted online application. Detailed instructions to view and PDF your California credential(s) may be found at:https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/ctc-online---your-educator-account. Your application will be considered incomplete if you do not attach all required documents identified in the recruitment details. If you have questions regarding the application requirements, you may contact Stacy Allen in Human Resources atsallen1@sandi.net.
AASD DISTINGUISHED LEADER AWARDS. Each year, AASD honors 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!" Any member can nominate a colleague from any category (example: a Principal could nominate a BSS III/POS or a Food Services Area Supervisor could nominate an Associate Principal, etc.). The winners will be recognized at our annual Summerfest Celebration on June 14, 2024.
Click the link for a list of those honored as AASD Distinguished Leaders over the past five years. These wonderful folks are ineligible to be selected again, unless they have moved to a different job/category.
The following link will lead you to the nomination form. Nominations are due by April 30, 2024. Click the following link for the Google form and criteria. https://forms.gle/Eix27e8Vr6v2zoqg9
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS/ASSOCIATE PRINCIPALS – COULD YOUR TK/KINDERS BENEFIT FROM AASD'S HOMEWORK KITS? Since 2014, AASD has been funding “homework kits” for incoming Kindergarten and TK students at a deserving elementary school (or schools). The Homework Kits are filled with school supplies that students can use at home when completing their homework. The kits are funded by AASD through fundraising efforts throughout the year.
If you would like your elementary site to be considered for the Homework Kits for the opening of the 2024-25 school year, please complete and submit the application no later than April 30, 2024. 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 at the beginning of June.
The following schools were awarded homework kits over the past five years. To allow for others to receive this donation, these schools are not eligible to apply this year (5-year rule):
Balboa Elementary
Cabrillo Elementary
Encanto Elementary
Fletcher Elementary
Franklin Elementary
Freese Elementary
Horton Elementary
Juarez Elementary
Normal Heights Elementary
Penn Elementary
Perry Elementary
Vista Grande Elementary
Walker Elementary
The following link will lead you to the form for consideration. Forms are due by April 30, 2024. Click the following link for the Google form. https://forms.gle/WTwQFohuZ6mxCyaA6
AASD IS AWARDING $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS TO CHILDREN OF OUR AASD MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING. The AASD Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that children and stepchildren of AASD Members in Good Standing, AASD Retired Members, and AASD Affiliate Members, who are graduating seniors this year, are eligible for an AASD scholarship to be used towards higher education. The AASD Scholarship Program is funded by dues from AASD Retired Members, funds raised via fundraising (Casino Night), as well as interest earned on our AASD investment account. All students who apply and are qualified will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The application submission deadline is April 8, 2024. Please click this link for information on how to apply and for the application.
NOTE: Please mail the application and required essay to the AASD office via U.S. mail (3505 Camino del Rio South #264, SD 92108) or scan and e-mail it to patti@unitedadmin.usby the deadline.
ESTATE PLANNING – DISCOUNT FOR AASD MEMBERS!After some time away from this legal work to attend training for his full-time job as a police officer, Greg Runge, Estate Planning Attorney, has renewed his partnership with AASD. Greg has over 15 years of experience practicing in the areas of wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. He has been providing this service to our members for many years. In addition to his legal work, Greg is a Lieutenant with a local police department, where he is in his 25th 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 $950, which is 50% off the going rate for estate planning (more 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.comor call (858) 395-4011 and be sure to mention you are an AASD member, so you receive the discounted rate.
AFSA SCHOLARSHIP FOR AASD MEMBER’S CHILDREN -- GRADUATING SENIORS OR THOSE ATTENDING COLLEGE FOR THE FIRST TIME. The American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) Diann Woodard Scholarship is available exclusively to children of AFSA members in good standing. Theonline applicationis now open. The AFSA General Executive Board selects five awardees each year based on academic excellence, passion for volunteerism and display of exceptional work ethic. The program helps students continue their education journey by awarding a one-time $2,500 college tuition scholarship to outstanding high school seniors. An applicant must be a graduating high school senior who will be attending college for the first time in 2024. Students who apply must clearly express their goals for the future and appropriately tie these goals to their higher education aspirations. The application deadline is March 28, 2024. Over the past six years, three children of AASD members have been awarded the AFSA scholarship!
ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (SAN DIEGO AND IMPERIAL COUNTIES) SCHOLARSHIPS. NOTE: These scholarships are for ANY student who attends school within San Diego and Imperial Counties (children of AASD members or any student). Region 18 of the Association of California School Administrators (San Diego and Imperial Counties) and the San Diego County School Boards Association are very pleased to offer ten $1,000 scholarships as a result of donations made by both organizations and their generous business partners. The scholarships provide an award for ten (10) public high school seniors who meet the following criteria:
1) pursuing a career in education as a teacher or other certificated employee.
2) attend public high school in San Diego/Imperial Counties area.
3) show proven academic success with at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average.
4) are involved in community service.
5) who may not necessarily qualify for other financial aid.
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 Patti Burch atpatti@unitedadmin.us.
AASD CONFERENCE ROOM. Need a place to hold a meeting? AASD has a conference room that can seat up to 25-30 people. We also have access to a second conference room in the hallway near our office that can seat up to 12 people. If you are interested in using either room, contact the AASD office to check availability. The room is available 8am to 5pm (unless booked). Usage prior to 8am or after 5pm would need to be worked out with the staff. To book our conference room, contact the office at 619-295-2118 or e-mail Donis Coronel(donis@unitedadmin.us)or Linda Crout-Hamel (linda@unitedadmin.us).
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!
May 1, 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. The Chair is Jesus Montana (Executive Board).
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.
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/UASC 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 Patti Burch atpatti@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
