INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE. As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day, we reflect not only on the birth of our nation but also on the enduring values that define us: liberty, unity, and the pursuit of a better life for all. For generations, working people have been the backbone of American progress—building its cities, powering its industries, educating its students, and strengthening its democracy. This Fourth of July, let’s remember that our collective voice is what gives meaning to freedom. When we stand together in solidarity, we protect the rights that generations before us fought to secure. And just like those early patriots who stood up for justice and dignity, we too rise each day to ensure fairness, safety, and respect in our workplaces. Whether you're spending the holiday grilling with family and friends, marching in a parade, enjoying the beautiful San Diego beaches, watching the many fireworks shows or having some well-deserved rest, know that YOUR union stands with you—proud, strong, and unbreakable. Here’s to the spirit of independence and the power of solidarity. Happy Fourth of July!
Note: The UASC/AASD office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of the holiday.
AASD MEMBER’S SON WINS NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FROM THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (AFSA).Congratulations to Leonardo Garcia, son of Kearny Associate Principal, Shannon Garcia, on being selected as one of six recipients of the Diann Woodard AFSA Scholarship ($2500). This is a national scholarship, so Leonardo competed against many others from throughout the nation. Leonardo will be attending San Diego State University in the Fall. Congratulations!
AFSA SPEAKS OUT AGAINST THE US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S DECISION TO WITHHOLD CRITICAL K-12 FEDERAL FUNDING.See the statement sent out by AFSA President, Dr. Len Pugliese:
Dear AFSA Members,
I write to you today with deep concern about a development that threatens the stability of our nation’s public schools and the ability of education leaders to prepare for the upcoming academic year. As stewards of student learning, safety, and success, we know firsthand how critical it is to have reliable funding to plan, hire, and implement the programs our students rely on.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Education’s recent and unprecedented decision to withhold nearly $6.9 billion in K-12 federal funding has thrown school systems across the country into a state of uncertainty and disruption. This action comes at the worst possible moment—just as districts are finalizing budgets and staffing plans for the new school year.
Together, AFSA and NAESP have issued the following statement to call attention to the scale of the impact and to demand immediate action. We encourage you to read and share this message, and to join us in advocating for the swift release of these critical funds.
Here is the statement:
The U.S. Department of Education’s unprecedented decision to withhold nearly $6.9 billion in critical K-12 federal funding is causing immediate and widespread disruptions in school systems across the country—putting essential programs, staffing, and ultimately, student success at serious risk.
With just weeks before students return to classrooms, school districts and state education agencies are finalizing their plans for the new school year. This abrupt and unexplained funding delay has thrown those preparations and their budgets into disarray. Districts are being forced to slash programs, freeze contracts, and halt hiring. School leaders now face the impossible task of opening schools without knowing whether the federal funds they relied on will arrive—or when.
This freeze impacts every area of education: academic interventions, mental health services, reading programs, STEM instruction, civics education, and educational technology. The damage is especially severe in high-need districts where federal resources are not supplemental, but foundational to ensuring students get the education and support they deserve.
Of particular concern is the $2.19 billion in Title II-A funds—the only federal program specifically dedicated to professional learning for educators. These funds are critical for strengthening instruction, educator effectiveness, and supporting the leadership development of principals and assistant principals who create the school environment for students to succeed. Without this investment, efforts to close achievement gaps, improve instructional quality, and stabilize the educator workforce are deeply compromised.
Education leaders—including principals, assistant principals, supervisors, directors of student services and superintendents—need clear, predictable funding to make decisions about staffing, contracts, curriculum, and student services. Running a school district or a school without knowing how much money will be available is like flying blind. It leads to unnecessary disruptions, broken trust with communities, and worst of all, missed opportunities for students.
This delay is not simply an administrative oversight—it is a direct and immediate threat to the functioning of our public education system. We urge the U.S. Department of Education to reverse course and release these essential funds as directed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump, without further delay. Every day of uncertainty deepens the disruption. Our students, educators, and communities deserve better.
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 (LAPA) 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 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 Steve Ditto and Silvia Martinez.
Scholarship Committee: Coordinates the Scholarship Program including presentation of scholarships at school events. Meets 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.
CLASSIFIED MEMBERS – REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED FOR THE RECLASSIFICATION COMMITTEE. Thank you to Samantha Clabaugh for serving as an AASD representative on this important labor/district committee. Samantha has retired and AASD is looking for a new representative. The Reclassification Committee is comprised of five district representatives (from HR) and two representatives from each classified union (AASD, POA, OTBS, OSS and PARA). Our AASD Executive Director, Donis Coronel, is one AASD representative and AASD is looking for an additional representative. When job study requests are received by HR, the committee meets and job studies are assigned to one labor representative who is paired with an HR representative to do the study. The labor representative is never paired with a study from a member (or members) in their own union. The studies are done and then reported back to the entire group and decisions are made. Training on performing job studies is provided to all on the committee and the labor representative is paired with an experienced HR person to do the study. The reclassification cycle is November through May. There are approximately three full- day meetings a year. It is difficult to estimate how many job studies each representative is assigned as it depends on how many requests are received. One year we each did one study; another year we each had 4-5 studies. The job studies are divided amongst the 10 labor representatives. If this is something that interests you, please contact Donis Coronel via e-mail atdonis@unitedadmin.us.
SURVEY TO PREPARE FOR FULL CONTRACT BARGAINING. AASD will be entering into bargaining a successor contract for both classified and certificated AASD members. Our bargaining teams would like your input! Please take the time to complete a survey to help guide our work. Deadline to complete the survey is July 8 at 5pm. Our union is only as strong as the participation of our members. Your opinion is valued and requested. The surveys are for AASD Members in Good Standing only.
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. AASD wants members to know we are working on these important issues.
Elimination of Vacant Classified AASD Positions. AASD has received a list of Vacant classified positions the district will be eliminating. Many are positions that the current incumbent is taking the SERP. AASD has demanded to bargain the impacts and effects of the elimination of positions particularly related to the issue of transfer of bargaining unit work. If a position is eliminated, AASD wants to know specifically where the work is being assigned or if the work is being eliminated. AASD will not allow AASD work to be assigned to another bargaining unit. Bargaining is scheduled for August 19. The members of the Classified Bargaining Team are: Donis Coronel (Chief Negotiator); Jeff Thomas (Bargaining Chair); Patti Burch (Official Notetaker); Michelle Jimenez; Ivan Martinez; Lumumba Mushonga; Veronica Ortega; and Colleen Robinson.
Remote work policy. On January 22, the District shared that they are working on a Remote Work Policy and plan to share it with AASD in late Spring. AASD followed up on April 4 and has been told that the policy is in final review by district leadership and should be shared with AASD very soon. As of June 26, nothing has been received.
Non-Represented Positions. AASD is currently bargaining with the District on non-represented positions that AASD believes should be in the AASD bargaining unit. The parties have agreed on 10 positions that will be moved from non-represented to the AASD bargaining unit, and those employees in the positions have been notified. The following positions will move to the AASD bargaining unit effective July 1:
Director, Charter Schools Office
Director, Due Process Hearings and Mediations
Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems (FPC)
Director, Integrated Technology
Director, Real Estate
Director, Risk Management
Director, Special Education (2 positions)
Director, Special Projects
Director, Transportation and Distribution Services
There are approximately 15+ positions that the Parties are still discussing/negotiating moving from non-represented to AASD, specifically certain Directors and Sr. Directors. Bargaining has been scheduled for July 10. Donis Coronel and Jeff Thomas will represent AASD in this bargaining.
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 month.
WEEKLY MARKET REPORT FROM OCTAVIA WEALTH ADVISORS. Octavia Wealth Advisors, one of AASD’s premier vendor partners and sponsors, is dedicated to supporting our members in achieving their financial goals. We value our strong relationship with Jordan Colman and Dana Peacock, who provide expert guidance to our members. For assistance with financial planning and wealth management, please contact April Esparza at 619-812-5280 oraesparza@octaviawa.comto schedule an appointment with their team. Weekly Market Report
LAPA COMMITTEE REPORT. The Assembly and Senate Education Committees met this week and heard over 30 bills. One bill in the Senate Education Committee heard was Assembly Bill 477. Our LAPA Committee supported this bill, as it included a built-in salary increase for all school employees based on the inflation rate. When the language was removed, so was LAPA’s support. This past week, not only was the language reintroduced, but the name of the bill changed to the Fair Pay for Educators Act. In the new language, it is slated to increase salaries by 50% over the next ten years. Our LAPA committee will thoroughly review the new language and determine if it will support the bill with the amended language.
Our Legislative Status Reportprovides an update on the status of this bill and all bills currently being monitored by the LAPA Committee. Bills in which the committee acted or have updates since the meeting have been italicized to assist our members in seeing the progression of each bill. We welcome our members’ insights. If you become aware of legislation or have information to share with our committee, please contact Government Relations Officer Jesus Montana atjesus@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 sends sincere condolences to SDUSD Board of Education Trustee, Sabrina Bazzo, on the passing of her husband, Dr. Dave Bazzo, on Saturday, June 28. This is Sabrina’s social media post:
"He is gone. My incredible husband and best friend passed away early Saturday morning after a courageous 28-month battle with stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer. Dave faced this devastating diagnosis like everything else he did in life: with strength, grace, and unwavering love for those around him. He fought bravely until the very end to be with us as long as he was physically able. He was my rock and my heart, and I can’t begin to grasp the idea of him no longer being in this world. His kindness, humor, and spirit touched everyone who knew him. As a family, we are heartbroken—but also deeply grateful for the many special moments we shared, memories we will cherish forever. Thank you to all who have supported us on this journey. These past almost 2.5 years have been some of the most difficult of my life. But the love and compassion we’ve experienced as a family is what has kept me going, it means more than words could ever express. We will provide information about a Celebration of Life at a later date."
REMINDERS RSVP REQUIRED ...
SAVE THE DATE! MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! AASD will be hosting our annual “Back to School” Membership Meeting and Social on September 4, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Marina Village in the Captain’s Room. More information to come, but plan on attending to get important updates and to socialize with your colleagues. There will be beverages, appetizers, and lots of door prizes also! This event is for all AASD Members in Good Standing, Retired Members and Affiliate Members.
YOU CAN 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!
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!
AASD COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS. Click the links below for a copy of the AASD Collective Bargaining Agreements for our Classified and Certificated Units. The CBAs are also posted on the AASD website www.aasdcs.org. Feel free to print a copy yourself and/or save the electronic copies.
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 for 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 at patti@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.org for 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.org for 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.
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.us at the AASD/UASC Office if you are interested.
PLEASE NOTE: Credit and debit card transactions will appear on your bank statement as "UASC Foundation."
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).
UNION PLUS - MONEY-SAVING PROGRAMS FOR AFSA MEMBERS.AFSAmembership 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
