AASD EXECUTIVE BOARD ATTENDS ANNUAL CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF URBAN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (CAUSA) MEETING.AASDExecutive Board and UASC Staff attended the annual state meeting of CAUSA held in San Diego and hosted by the Administrators Association Chula Vista (AACV). CAUSA is an association of unionized school leaders in California. In attendance were representatives from San Diego (AASD), Chula Vista (AACV), Sweetwater (AASU), Los Angeles (AALA), San Francisco (UASF), Oakland (UAOS), West Contra Costa (WCCAA) and Sacramento (UPE). Two representatives from our national union, AFSA, were in attendance also (Lauran Waters-Cherry, Executive Vice President, and Scott Treibitz, Communications Director). The days were filled with networking, information, and presentations for administrator union leaders. Each union has an opportunity to “share out” what is going on in their particular union. Scott Treibitz did an outstanding and passionate presentation on how to effectively run your union and UASC government affairs officer, Jesus Montana, did an informative presentation “Legislation 101.” Union leaders from CA left feeling better equipped to support their union colleagues. Thank you to UASC Staff, Donis Coronel, Linda Crout-Hamel, Patti Burch, and Ricky Mendez for their work on behalf of AACV to ensure the meeting went off without a hitch!
ATTENTION ALL AASD CERTIFICATED MEMBERS – PLEASE COMPLETE THE WORKLOAD SURVEY. The AASD certificated collective bargaining agreement has language about AASD and SDUSD’s commitment to working collaboratively on “workload” issues to come up with solutions. Our committee will meet in November. So that we are aware of your CURRENT workload concerns, please complete the survey by clicking the following link. Deadline is October 22 at 5pm. https://forms.gle/75ZwdyK5Ax6NcvJ86
AASD Certificated Workload Work Group:
Donis Coronel, UASC Executive Director
Lindsay Burningham (Principal, Elementary)
Fred Hilgers (Principal, High School)
Cameron Hord (Associate Principal, High School)
Kristi Hunter-Clark (Principal, Elementary)
Jenney Nash (Associate Principal, Middle School)
Heather Potter (Principal, Middle Level)
Jessie Salas (Associate Principal, Elementary)
Michelle Spence (Central Office Management)
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!
THE 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 still has nothing more to report at this time but should have something to share soon. 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. From preliminary conversations, it appears the District will NOT allow anyone to rescind or change the date on the retirement forms that have already been submitted to the District.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If you are considering retiring, you will want to attend an Open Enrollment Session for current AND PROSPECTIVE retirees.
There will be two Open Enrollment Information Sessions for current and PROSPECTIVE retirees – one will be in-person at the Education Center Auditorium, on Monday, October 21, from 1:00-4:30 PM, and one will be virtual via Zoom on Thursday, October 24, from 1:00-3:30 PM.
LAPA COMMITTEE REPORT. Have you ever thought, “There should be a law where …” or “They need to change this law!” Let us hear about it.
This time of the year, our state legislators are looking for bill ideas to create new laws or amend existing ones. Please click on thislinkto complete the form, and our LAPA Committee will review your suggestion and contact you if we have any additional questions.
Please contact UASC Government Relations Officer Jesus Montana atjesus@unitedadmin.usif you have any questions.
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.
YOUR AASD leadership (Staff, Board of Directors, and Executive Board) meet on a regular basis to do the work of YOUR union. Staff meet weekly, Board of Directors meets monthly, and Executive Board meets twice a month. These are productive and necessary meetings in order to represent our members and run YOUR union in an efficient and professional manner.
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
MEMBERSHIP IN THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF ASIAN AND PASIFIKA LEADERS IN EDUCATION (CAAPLE). CAAPLE is a statewide organization for school leaders, serving AANHPI educators and administrators in 8 regions throughout California. CAAPLE’s Mission: To ensure equity and address the needs of AANHPI students by recruiting, growing, and connecting AANHPI educators and leaders. Vision: To increase AANHPI representation in educational leadership. CAAPLE’s values are grounded in Alliance, Advocacy, and Advancement. Visit CAAPLE's website atcaaple.orgfor more information. Dr. Rebecca Penh is the Region 8 Director for San Diego and Imperial Counties. She is local and available to connect with you. If you have any questions about CAAPLE, membership, benefits, opportunities, etc., please reach out to Rebecca atrebecca.penh@sdcoe.netor at 858-295-8753.
Fall CAAPLE Connection Session (virtual):Tuesday, October 29th, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
This is the perfect opportunity to connect with the dynamic community of AANHPI educators and learn more about CAAPLE. Whether you’re a current member, new to CAAPLE or have been curious about how it can benefit your professional journey, this virtual event will give you a firsthand look into the vibrant network of educators across San Diego County. At this session, you will engage with current CAAPLE members who are passionate about educational equity and leadership; discover the benefits of being part of CAAPLE; and meet other AANHPI educators and expand your professional circle.
CAAPLE Conference 2025 Registration is LIVE: Registerhere.
CAAPLE Annual Conference (February 3-5, 2025) at the Signia Hotel in San Jose, CA. To learn more about the conference clickhere.
CAAPLE Awards nominations are now open! Submit your nominationhere. Nomination deadline: October 30, 2024
One of CAAPLE's priorities is to ensure that educational leaders and allies are recognized for their commitment to Alliance, Advocacy and Advancement. Through the annual awards program, CAAPLE honors students, administrators and community organizations for their achievements and their dedication to AANHPI educators and students in public education. Please take a moment to nominate an educator who exemplifies commitment to alliance, advocacy, and advancement. For more information about each award, clickhere.
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)
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.
All applications are new this year and will ask for your signature. It is an e-DocuSign document embedded in the small red arrow next to signature…and you click on that arrow. On the line that says, “Referred By,” please make sure to add Deborah Burke’s name if it is not already listed there. After the application is COMPLETED and SIGNED, you can PRINT the page and SCAN it. Please send the scanned copy directly to Deborah Burke at dburke@acsa.orgfor processing. If you have any problems with DocuSign, sign your name as you regularly would on the printed copy, before scanning and sending the application to Deborah.
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.
2024-2025 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 2024), via Master Card/VISA (full payment), or via a personal (full payment) check. Full Regular Retired- $125/year paid via a monthly deduction of $10.45 from member’s STRS pension via a payroll deduction, or Master Card/VISA (full payment), or a personal check (full payment).
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
