HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE AASD BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND UASC STAFF. As we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to each of you and your families. May this year bring you and your family health, happiness, and continued success in all that you do. Your dedication and tireless efforts as school district leaders play a vital role in shaping the future of education and ensuring the success of students and staff alike. It is a privilege to be part of a community so deeply committed to making a difference. As we embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in this new year, let us continue to support one another, advocate for meaningful progress, and work together to create a brighter future for our schools. Thank you for your unwavering commitment, professionalism, and passion. Here's to a successful and inspiring year despite the challenges we are facing. Happy 2025!
AASD IS WORKING FOR YOUR BENEFIT ON SOME IMPORTANT MATTERS! Here are a few of the things AASD is working on with the District. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available. We don’t have a lot to share at this time, but we wanted members to know we are working on these important issues.
Impacts and Effects of position eliminations. Once AASD receives a list (February/March) of positions to be eliminated, then AASD will negotiate impacts and effects of the Reduction in Force.
Remote work policy. We hope to have information to share soon.
Bargaining Furlough Days for 2025-26. The District “sunshined” their proposal to implement furlough days for 2025-26. AASD will be bargaining impacts and effects.
AP’s/IC’s and Summer School/ESY. Discussions will be occurring this month about a possible agreement regarding AP’s/IC’s and summer assignments.
CSEA Juneteenth Lawsuit. AASD is working with Labor Relations on how this will be implemented for AASD classified managers and supervisors.
Non-Represented Positions. AASD is currently bargaining with the District on non-represented positions that AASD believes should be in the AASD bargaining unit.
Changes in the District’s process for the application process for certificated positions in the AASD unit (principal, AP, etc.). The process is being changed by HR, and HR will be communicating the changes in the near future.
Full Contract Bargaining. The AASD collective bargaining agreements expire on June 30, 2025. AASD will be submitting our initial proposal for bargaining in the next 60 days.
AFSA SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CHILDREN OF AASD MEMBERS ATTENDING COLLEGE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2025.The AFSA Diann Woodard Scholarship is available exclusively to children of AFSA members in good standing (of which all AASD members are). The AFSA General Executive Board will select five (5) recipients each year based on academic excellence, passion for volunteerism, and display of exceptional work ethic. An applicant must be a graduating high school senior who will be attending college for the first time in 2025. The application deadline is March 28, 2025. To apply: www.AFSAScholarshipApplication.org.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! MANDATORY ATTENDANCE FOR ALL AASD MEMBERS. The AASD/SDUSD Spring Conference will be held on March 26, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Marina Village. This is a mandatory attendance activity and your AASD Professional Development Committee is working on an event that will be informative and fun. Our conference theme this year is “It Takes Courage to Believe” and we have lined up some amazing presenters and sessions. MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Again, this is MANDATORY for all AASD represented members, both classified and certificated. Additionally, all non-represented managers and confidential employees are invited. More information will be forthcoming at the beginning of February.
LAPA COMMITTEE REPORT. Social Security Fairness Act signed into law, expanding retirement benefits for school district employees
On Sunday January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden signed a Social Security bill into law that repeals statutes that diminished payouts to teachers, administrators, other school employees, firefighters, and other public sector workers. One of the statutes the Social Security Fairness Act repeals, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), was enacted in 1983 and reduced Social Security benefits for workers receiving government pensions not covered by Social Security. The Social Security Fairness Act also repeals the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which was enacted in 1977 and shrunk benefits for spouses, widows and widowers with spouses receiving public sector pensions. "The bill I'm signing today is about a simple proposition: Americans who have worked hard all their lives to earn an honest living should be able to retire with economic security and dignity," Biden said. He added that the bill should lead to an estimated average monthly increase of $360 for certain public employees and their spouses and survivors. More than 2.5 million Americans are set to receive a lump sum payment worth "thousands of dollars" to make up for the shortfall and the benefits they should have received last year. The bill will cost $196 billion over the next 10 years, according to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office. This is great news for many AASD members/retired members. It’s been a long time coming and AASD thanks all at the local, state, and federal levels who advocated for this.
Please contact UASC Government Relations Officer, Jesus Montana, at jesus@unitedadmin.us if you have any questions.
AASD SUPPORTS OUR MEMBERS. Read below for an example of how AASD serves our members.
AASD provides a safe environment for members to share concerns whether in person, via email, telephone or virtually. If you need to talk to us, we are available for you!
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.
Former AASD Retired Member, Donald “Al” Lamar, passed away on January 4 following an illness. Al worked at Transportation Services for many years and retired as a Manager. Al was well-respected by all who knew him and was a man of integrity in his work and personal life. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Lamar; his daughter Kristin Lamar, his son Bill Lamar, his granddaughter Arianna Lamar and his four dogs Fin, Yogi, Agassi, and Rummy. Service information is pending. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-diego-ca/donald-lamar-12155947
Debbie Beaver, former CSEA OTBS President and friend of AASD, lost her mother, Patti Maxe, on January 4. Patti was a retired special education teacher from Clairemont Canyons Elementary (formerly Lindbergh Schweitzer). Patti is survived by her devoted daughter, Debbie Beaver, her grandson who she adored, Corey Beaver, her son, David Maxe (and his wife), and her grandson Paul David Maxe, as well as countless other relatives and lifelong and new friends. Debbie posted this on social media: “Prayers were answered and God peacefully brought our sweet Momma home yesterday. She was surrounded by family and love as she went to join Dad. We are grateful for all your prayers, support and messages! A celebration will be held on January 18th with more info to come.”
REMINDERS
SERP RETIREMENT INCENTIVE. The deadline to submit SERP paperwork is January 15.
UNION PLUS ANNOUNCES THEIR 2025 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AFSA MEMBERS. AFSA membership is provided to all AASD Members in Good Standing and Affiliate members at no additional cost. Click the following link to read more about the scholarship and to read about the 2024 scholarship winners. Application Deadline: January 31, 2025. Union Plus Scholarships for Union Members and Their Children | Union Plus
IMPORTANT: If you have not turned in the “Combined AFSA Benefits Information Form,” please submit the form immediately. This form must be submitted to be eligible for AFSA benefits and Union Plus, including the Scholarship Program. To access the form, you must be registered to use the site to access member content. To register, click this link. Registration | AFSA Benefits
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 Deduction QR 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!
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.
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 CERTIFICATED/RegularMembershipClick here for application 2024-2025 CLASSIFIED/CELMembershipClick here for application 2024-2025 ASSOCIATEMembershipClick here for application 2024-2025 STUDENT Special MembershipClick here for application 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, visit the AFSA website. In order to access member content, you must register for an account. Registration | AFSA Benefits
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
