HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM YOUR AASD BOARD OF DIRECTORS. As the holiday season approaches, the AASD Board of Directors and UASC Staff want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication, commitment, and hard work throughout the year. It is because of your collective efforts that our schools continue to thrive, providing students with the quality education they deserve. This year has been filled with challenges, growth, and accomplishments, and we are proud of the resilience and leadership each of you has shown. Your support for one another and our shared goals strengthens the foundation of our educational community. During this festive season, we hope you find time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the company of family and friends. May you experience peace, joy, and fulfillment in the days ahead. Thank you for your continued dedication to excellence in education. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
The UASC/AASD office will be closed from December 23 through January 6 and the AASD Weekly Update will not be produced during those two weeks. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and the AASD Weekly Update will resume on January 9. During the time period of the office closure, if you have an urgent matter, please contact the UASC Executive Director, Donis Coronel, at 619-813-8792 or e-maildonis@unitedadmin.us. Happy Holidays!
CLASSIFIED AASD MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING – TEMPORARY OUT-OF-CLASS PAY. The District was audited by CalPERS and discrepancies were found in the way TOC pay was reported to CalPERS. To rectify this, the District and AASD agreed on an MOU to bring the reporting into compliance (retroactive to July 15, 2015). The District is working with CalPERS to rectify the compliance issue and address the inaccurate prior reporting. Click here for the MOU.
FURLOUGH DAYS FOR 2025-26. On this week’s Board of Education meeting agenda, an item was presented to the Board and to the Public regarding furlough days for 2025-26. This was not surprising to AASD, as it is a budget solution that all employees share in rather than additional layoffs. AASD will bargain with the District; however, all members should be preparing for furlough days for the 2025-26 school year. As soon as there is information to share, AASD will communicate with members. Click here for the language that was on the Board of Education agenda.
AASD HOLIDAY PARTY. Thank you to all who supported your union by attending the 2024 AASD Annual Holiday Party last Friday, December 13. A festive and jolly time was had by all! Many of you have asked for information on our vendors for the event. Below is their contact information – they are all awesome:
"LOST AND FOUND"-- Two personal items were left at Marina Village last Friday (December 13) after the Holiday Party.
1. A pair of readers - may be prescription. Dark wire frames with fairly narrow lenses.
2. Ladies short jacket, size medium, by "Others Follow." Lightweight beige suede outside and beige fleece inside.
Thank you for helping us find the owners. (Unfortunately, we don't know at which tables these items were left.) If these items sound familiar, please call Linda at (619) 861-2701. She can send you a picture of the item/s.
AFSA AND UNION PLUS ANNOUNCE 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. 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
LAPA COMMITTEE REPORT. We are one vote away from passing the Social Security Fairness Act! The US Senate is scheduled to take its final vote on Friday, December 20, and past votes indicate that it will pass. Someone may ask about the Social Security Fairness Act, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), or the Government Pension Offset (GPO). CalPERS released a 20-minute video that thoroughly explains all three and can be viewed by clicking thislink. CalPERS also released aPDF Learning Guidefor your review. What does all this mean for your pocketbook? If the Social Security Fairness Act passes, Social Security recipients who receive a public pension could increase their Social Security benefits by as much as $2,000 per month. Hopefully, the US Senate will give all public employees and their retirees a nice present by voting for its passage this holiday season.
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.
Our members are important to us! The UASC/AASD staff take the time to genuinely listen and respond to the concerns and issues of our members.
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.
AASD has learned that the former Principal of Perry Elementary, Kerry Shea, passed away on Thursday, December 12th. She had also been the Vice Principal at Ericson prior to becoming Principal. She had also been a central office resource teacher in the Program Monitoring department. Kerry had a lengthy battle with cancer and passed away at home in Cambria, CA.
REMINDERS
SERP RETIREMENT INCENTIVE.If you did not receive a SERP packet via US Mail, but think you are eligible, or have questions related to the SERP, please take the following action: Contact the SERP Plan Administrator, PARS, Plan Support Department at (800) 731-7884 or via email atplansupport@pars.org. Please do not physically go to the Ed Center, call, or email District staff in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Finance, Payroll, etc., as they do not have the information you need and you will be directed to the above contact information for PARS. This way your questions can be answered in a more efficient manner.
Additional Information: FYI – If an employee takes the SERP and has a vacation balance, they will be paid out for the vacation upon separation from SDUSD, and the cost of the payout will be borne by the District and not the individual site/department.
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 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
