HALLOWEEN IS HERE! LET’S CELEBRATE TOGETHER! As Halloween approaches, let’s share the joy, creativity, and community spirit that make this season so special for kids. Whether they’re dressing up as superheroes, storybook characters, or spooky creatures, every child deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and included. Let’s make an extra effort to ensure that all children, including those with disabilities, can fully enjoy the festivities. Inclusion means recognizing and honoring the diverse ways kids experience the world—and making space for everyone to shine. Here’s some tips on how to embrace inclusive Halloween fun:
A child who seems “too old” may have developmental delays or just want to join the fun. Don’t turn away teens – they chose a safe, fun activity
Some kids grabbing more than one piece of candy might have trouble with fine motor skills
A child without a costume may have sensory sensitivity
A child who doesn’t say “trick or treat” or “thank you” might be non-verbal. A smile goes a long way!
Accessible trick-or-treat paths and event spaces are helpful
Costume encouragement that celebrates creativity in all forms—store-bought, homemade, adaptive, or imaginative
Recognition and appreciation for every child’s unique contribution to our community
Offer a peanut-free choice, if possible. A child who looks disappointed at your candy bowl may have allergies
Be kind and patient. Let’s come together to create a Halloween that’s not just spooky— but also welcoming and unforgettable for every child. AASD wishes you and your family a safe and joyful Halloween.
FROM HUMAN RESOURCES -- Associate Principal Pre-Qualified Pool OPEN 10/30/25-11/10/25. SDUSD educators interested in pursuing site leadership opportunities are invited to apply for the Associate Principal pre-qualified pool. Applications are accepted through SchoolSpring (link available on the SDUSD website). The 2025-2026 recruitment cycle runs September 1-June 30, with new opportunities posted every two months. Only pre-qualified applicants will be considered for site specific vacancy postings. Join SDUSD in advancing our district goals of Wellness, Literacy, Mathematics, and Graduation — apply at San Diego Unified School District Job Opportunities.
AASD WINTER HOLIDAY PARTY – DECEMBER 12. The AASD Winter Holiday Party will be held on December 12 from 5:00-10:00 PM at Marina Village, Baja Room. The official invitation and RSVP form will be announced in next week’s Update. RSVP is required! Keep your eyes out for the RSVP form – seats go quick! This is a free event for all Members in Good Standing, Affiliate Members, and Retired Members! Appetizers, dinner (catered by Bekkers – Prime rib, ham, turkey and all the fixings), beverages, 50/50 drawing, many door prizes, 360 Photo Glam Booth, professional DJ, BTK, and more!
SALARY INCREASE IS BEING IMPLEMENTED FOR ALL AASD UNIT MEMBERS. The Payroll and HR teams have successfully completed the extensive work required to update salary schedules and District systems to implement the 1.5% wage increase. The District appreciates your patience as they worked through this process and are happy to have this important update in place.
The 1.5% increase will be included starting with the October monthly payroll.
Retroactive payments for all active unit members and eligible retired unit members will be issued on November 20.
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Open Enrollment is October 13 to November 7 for medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as Flexible Spending Accounts. The district has scheduled multiple in-person and virtual informational meetings. Please click the following link for additional information. https://www.sandiegounified.org/departments/benefits/2026_open_enrollment
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.
Survey. The District leadership approached AASD with a draft of a survey they want to send to certain groups of district employees, including all in AASD. The survey questions were about which departments/functions our members thought should be eliminated in the next round of budget reduction. After a thorough review of the survey and discussion, AASD notified the District leaders that AASD cannot support this survey. Your AASD Executive Board felt the survey was divisive and would pit people and departments against one another; that the outcome of the survey could result in certain individuals being targeted; that many in our AASD unit do not know what certain departments do, resulting in the data not being accurate; and that some of the statements/questions in the survey were confusing. The District leaders replied that they will not be sending the survey to AASD members. AASD does not know if the survey will be sent to others. It is rare that AASD cannot support something like this – however, our AASD Executive Board felt strongly that this survey was not in the best interest of our members.
K-8 Transition. AASD was as surprised as many of our members were to learn of the closure of the middle school at several K-8 schools. AASD is reviewing the information and will make decisions about bargaining impacts and effects of the district decision to close the middle school at three schools.
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 was scheduled for August 19. The District team became unavailable to meet that day and said they would provide written information for our AASD team to review. Unfortunately, only partial information was provided. The AASD team reviewed the information provided and is hopeful the additional information will be provided in the next two weeks. Bargaining is scheduled for November 3. 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.
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 11 classifications 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
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 30:
Manager, Risk and Insurance Services
Director, Strategic Procurement and Instructional Materials Services
There are approximately 12+ positions that the Parties are still discussing/negotiating moving from non-represented to AASD, specifically certain Directors and Sr. Directors. There are additional conversations occurring about other non-represented positions over the next month or two. Donis Coronel and Jeff Thomas will represent AASD in this bargaining, which is scheduled for December 9.
Full Contract Bargaining. The AASD collective bargaining agreements expired on June 30, 2025. AASD will be submitting our initial proposal for bargaining this week. Survey data from early July will be used to help guide our bargaining proposals. Our first bargaining session will be November 14. The AASD Bargaining Teams are:
Bargaining Team – Certificated:
Donis Coronel – Chief Negotiator
John Aguilar – Chair
John Bosselman
Eric Brown
Michele Cain
Richard Nash
Richard Ojeda
Lauren Robinson
Patti Burch, Notetaker
Bargaining Team – Classified:
Donis Coronel – Chief Negotiator
Jeff Thomas -- Chair
Robert Bonilla
Michelle Jimenez
Ivan Martinez
Lumumba Mushonga
Veronica Ortega
Colleen Robinson
Patti Burch, Notetaker
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 McGrath, 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. With the legislature adjourned for the year and the Governor signing the bills he agrees with into law, we must now prepare for those changes. A few of those laws have already taken effect, such as immigration related laws, and the rest will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
To assist our members, our LAPA Committee has compiled a list ofNew Education-Related Laws for 2026. Each bill includes a brief explanation of its impact on our members and students, along with a hyperlink to access the full text of the new law.
We are also introducing a new form that allows members to suggest changes to an existing law or create a new law for our state legislature to consider. To submit your suggestion, please complete theWhat Law Should be Amended or Created?
Government Relations Officer Jesus Montana is available by email atjesus@untiedadmin.usto answer your questions or refer you to the best resource to explain these or other new laws that will go into effect in 2026 or sooner.
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
AFSA DIANN WOODARD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION.The 2026 AFSA Diann Woodard Scholarship online application and guidelines are now open. If you have a graduating high school senior planning to attend college in 2026, now is the time to encourage them to apply. The program helps students continue their education by awarding five one-time $2,500 college tuition scholarships to outstanding high school seniors. This year, there will be a supplemental $2,000 award added to each scholarship courtesy of M3 Technology for a one-time award totaling $4,500. Every year, AFSA takes pride in celebrating the achievements of our members’ families through the Scholarship Program. The AFSA General Executive Board will select five awardees this year based on academic excellence, passion for volunteerism and display of exceptional work ethic. Students who apply must clearly express their goals for the future and appropriately tie these goals to their higher education aspirations. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2026. AFSA Scholarship Application | AFSA Diann Woodard Scholarship Application NOTE: If you are ever asked for an AFSA Local number, AASD is Local #134.
IMPORTANT - REGARDING YOUR AFSA AND UNION PLUS BENEFITS. All AASD dues-paying Members in Good Standing and Affiliate members are automatically members of AFSA. AFSA membership includes many benefits, including those offered through Union Plus. HOWEVER, in order for you to use or take advantage of these benefits, you MUST REGISTER with AFSA by completing this form. The same holds true for AASD Retired Members who have chosen AFSA membership and are paying the associated annual dues. If you have any questions about your AFSA benefits or completing the required registration form, please contact Patti Burch at patti@unitedadmin.us, or by calling the UASC/AASD office at 619-295-2118.
UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YOUR CHILD WHO WILL BE A GRADUATE OR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT IN 2026-27. As a Member in Good Standing of AASD, or an Affiliate Member of AASD, or a Retired Member of AASD with AFSA, you are all members of Union Plus. If you have a child that is going to be attending college as an undergraduate or graduate student, they may be eligible for between $500 and $4,000 in Union Plus scholarships. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026. Click the link for additional information. https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/education/union-plus-scholarships?utm_source=solo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=scholarships_092325 NOTE: If you need the Local number for AFSA paperwork, AASD is Local #134.
SAVE THE DATE – MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! MORE INFORMATION WILL BE FORTHCOMING! AASD/SDUSD Spring Conference – March 25, 2026, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Marina Village) AASD Summerfest – June 5, 2026, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. (Marina Village, Baja Room)
ATTENTION CERTIFICATED MEMBERS – IMPORTANT REGARDING MAINTENANCE AND REGISTRATION OF YOUR CREDENTIAL. All certificated AASD members are reminded that you must follow the procedures to maintain and register your credential prior to the credential expiring. Human Resources has come very close to placing AASD members whose credential is close to expiring on UNPAID administrative leave if the credential is not renewed by the expiration date. Please do not wait until the last minute to take care of this requirement. No. 20 Maintenance and Registration of Certificated Employee Credentials 2026-2027
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.
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!
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
If you are ever asked for an AFSA Local number, AASD is Local #134.
NOTE: 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 updated information on the many benefits AFSA offers to our members. These are great benefits that you will want to review so you don't miss out.
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 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 via Zoom. Co-Chairs are Mary Johnson and Veronica Ortega.
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
