AASDTHE DISTRICT WILL BE OFFERING A SUPPLEMENTAL EARLY RETIREMENT PLAN (SERP). AASD received the following e-mail on September 16:
“This serves as notification to the bargaining units that District leadership has received authorization from the Board of Education to offer employees a supplemental early retirement plan (SERP). Due to the costs associated with offering this SERP, it is not being considered a cost savings effort in relation to the severe budget deficit forecast for 2025-26. Therefore, the details of the SERP offered will be different than the SERP the District offered in 2017. However, the SERP will be offered in an effort to reduce the number of filled positions to be eliminated and subsequently reduce the number of employees who may receive a layoff notice for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
“It is the District’s desire to provide the bargaining unit with as much information as soon as possible in order to expedite reaching an agreement. Detailed information and proposals will be provided in the coming weeks. We look forward to coming to an agreement with the bargaining unit that favorably supports our eligible employee’s financial transition into retirement.”
AASD has no additional information at this time. If you are even remotely considering retiring and participating in the SERP (whatever it ends up looking like), AASD suggests you make a CalSTRS or CalPERS appointment NOW. Available appointments will fill up fast. For those who may have already turned in their retirement notice, AASD is seeking clarification on how you may (or may not) be affected.
LAPA COMMITTEE REPORT. Did the Governor’s pen run out of ink? With hundreds of bills sitting on the Governor’s desk and just less than two weeks left for the Governor to approve or veto them, Governor Newsom has only acted on a few bills, most of which are Assembly bills. Why is that significant? Political insiders are speculating Governor Newsom is attempting to coerce Senators to return to session to discuss and approve his bills regarding fuel prices. While the Assembly has returned into session, the Senate has not. The Governor’s office claims the rumors have no truth, but time will tell.
As of September 18, 2024, the governor has acted on only one of the 22 bills on which AASD has taken a position. Governor Newsom has approved Assembly Bill 1906, which includes all terminology about “dependent person” or “dependent adult.” This new law authorizes a study to change the terminology to the more accurate term “disabled person” or “disabled adult” because many disabled individuals are not dependent on others for care or day-to-day tasks.
Our LAPA committee will continue to monitor our bills and update you each week and any other new laws that may affect you. You can also view our Legislative Status Reportanytime. A new term, “Chaptered,” will be used when a bill is signed into law by the Governor, and “Chaptered” will be used in state lawbooks.
Our LAPA Committee will begin a new year in October and always welcomes new members to join our team. If you are interested in or have questions about the LAPA Committee, contact Jesus Montana atjesus@unitedadmin.us. Your input and involvement are crucial to our advocacy efforts.
Jesus Montana, Government Relations Officer United Administrators Southern California (UASC)
Representing:
AASD, Administrators Association San Diego City Schools
AACV, Administrators Association Chula Vista
AASU, Administrators Association Sweetwater Union
AASD SUPPORTS OUR MEMBERS.Read below for an example of how AASD serves our members.
When invited, our Executive Director attends any “job alike” groups such as The Elementary Principals (TEP), Middle Level Principals Group, and Associate Principal Council (APC) and is available to attend any other meeting such as these.
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
PRINCIPALS OR OTHER AASD MEMBERS ATTENDING THE DELOITTE LEADERSHIP TRAINING IN 2024-25. AASD and the District reached agreement to provide additional PPI days for attending this training. Click the following link for the agreement. MOU - Certificated, Deloitte Leadership Training
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 at donis@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 second Monday of the month at 4:00 PM in person at the UASC/AASD office with an option to join the meeting via Zoom. The Chair is Cristine Holmer and our UASC Government Relations Officer is Jesus Montana.
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 Troy Hickey and Susan Kent.
Professional Development Committee: Plans and coordinates the annual AASD/SDUSD Spring Conference each March. Also responsible for approving reimbursements from 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 Jim Hallauer and Silvia Martinez.
Scholarship Committee: Coordinates the Scholarship Program including presentation of scholarships at school events. Meets monthly, as needed, typically the fourth Monday of the Month from 3:30-5:00 PM in person with an option to join the meeting via Zoom. Co-Chairs are Mary Johnson and Veronica Ortega.
SAVE THE DATES! Mark your calendar NOW for these AASD-sponsored events! More information will be forthcoming! These events are for all AASD Members in Good Standing, Affiliate Members and Retired Members.
December 13, 2024, 5:00-9:30pm, AASD Winter Holiday Party (Marina Village, Baja Room).
March 26, 2025, 7:30am to 12:30pm, AASD/SDUSD Spring Conference – Mandatory for all AASD
members (Marina Village)
June 6, 2025, 5:00-9:30pm, AASD Summerfest Celebration (Marina Village, Baja Room)
HR IS PROVIDING CORRECTIVE ACTION TRAINING FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS. Human Resources is offering one final session of corrective action training for Certificated and Classified administrators/managers/supervisors. This in-person training will cover San Diego Unified’s approach to addressing and documenting personnel matters and correcting performance and behavior issues with staff. During this presentation, District leaders will learn about distinctions in the corrective action process for probationary and permanent employees, just cause and due process obligations, specific rules and expectations for each bargaining unit, as well as how various other personnel matters may intersect with the corrective action process. There will also be plenty of time for Q&A. Questions should be directed to Kristine Morsheadkmorshead@sandi.net.
Date: October 1, 2024 from 1pm to 3:30pm in the Ed Center Auditorium
SUPPORT THE AASD SCHOLARSHIP FUND! A NEW WAY TO DONATE AND SUPPORT GRADUATING SENIORS. FOR THE COST OF A STARBUCKS COFFEE OR A VISIT TO FAST FOOD, YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND! For years, AASD has supported our members by providing $1000 scholarships to the children of our members who are graduating from high school and going on to higher education. Each year, AASD awards between $15,000 and $18,000 in scholarships. In lieu of holding an annual event to fund the scholarships, the AASD Scholarship Committee, co-chaired by Veronica Ortega and Mary Johnson, has created an opportunity for our Members in Good Standing and Affiliate Members to make a nominal donation via payroll deduction to the AASD Scholarship Fund. With the support of our members, this option will allow our scholarship program to remain solvent and remain funded.
The AASD Board of Directors is encouraging all Members in Good Standing and Affiliate Members to consider donating via payroll deduction in support of our program. By clicking the provided link or scanning the QR code below, members can make a donation 10 times a year (August through May) of either $3, $5, $10 or $20 per month via payroll deduction. Those that sign up by September 1 will receive a Starbucks card as a token of our appreciation! Link - AASD Scholarship Payroll DeductionQR Code - Scholarship Payroll Deduction
Of course, any member (active or retired) can make a direct donation by sending a check to the AASD office, or calling the office with a debit or credit card information. Checks should be payable to "UASC Foundation," and in the memo, write “AASD Scholarship Fund.” Additionally, those wanting to make a MONTHLY donation outside of the payroll system can set up “Bill Pay” through their bank.
AASD would also like to acknowledge that all dues paid by AASD Retired Members (annually or one-time lifetime) go directly to the AASD Scholarship Fund.
Thank you in advance for your support! In order to continue the program without holding fundraising events we need your generosity!
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-mailgregrunge@gmail.comor call (858) 395-4011 and be sure to mention you are an AASD member, so you receive the discounted rate.
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 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.
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.
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).
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 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/UASC 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.
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
