IRENE B. HIGHTOWER SCHOLARSHIP FOR ASPIRING TEACHERS (ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION SAN DIEGO). At the request of the AASD Executive Board, the AASD Scholarship Committee has created a new scholarship in memory of AASD President, Irene B. Hightower, who passed away December 30. This will be an annual scholarship and will be open to any graduating senior student in San Diego Unified School District to apply who meets certain criteria including being the child or stepchild of a parent who is active duty or retired military. As many of you know, Irene grew up as the daughter of a military father and then married Lawrence Hightower who is a retired Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps. She has a special place in her heart for children of military families and was the perfect principal for Hancock Elementary, a school with 100% military population.
At this time, the amount of the scholarship has not been determined as it will be based on the initial donations collected. Irene’s husband, Lawrence Hightower, is extremely supportive of this scholarship and would like this to be the charity to which donations can be made in Irene’s memory.
In remembrance of our beloved colleague and friend, Irene, and to donate to the Irene B. Hightower Scholarship Fund for aspiring teachers, please consider doing one of the following:
Mail a check payable to UASC to 3505 Camino del Rio South #264, San Diego, CA 92108. In the memo area on the check, please indicate Irene B. Hightower Scholarship
Call the UASC/AASD office at 619-295-2118 to make a scholarship donation via debit or credit card
Scan this Venmo QR code (Donis Coronel) and any donations made via Venmo will be transferred weekly to the Irene B. Hightower Scholarship Fund
Thank you in advance for supporting the Irene B. Hightower Scholarship. Irene was an amazing educator and was very helpful to many aspiring educators. Your contribution to this scholarship is appreciated.
SAVE THE DATE – MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! MORE INFORMATION WILL BE FORTHCOMING!
AASD/SDUSD Spring Conference – March 25, 2026, 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Marina Village). Attendance at this event is mandatory for all AASD unit members. Calendar invitations were sent to all attendees by the District this week.
AASD Summerfest – June 5, 2026, 5:00 to 10:00 PM (Marina Village, Baja Room)
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.
Full Contract Bargaining. The AASD Bargaining Team met with the District on January 9. The teams are working on a side letter/MOU regarding Summer School. AASD presented the following proposal. This is a PROPOSAL, not an agreement. The District team will be responding soon. Click here for the proposal.
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
HYBRID WORK POLICY. On December 15, the District shared a draft of a hybrid work policy for AASD’s input. The intent is to roll out the policy on July 1, 2026. More information will be forthcoming. Thank you to the following AASD members who attended a meeting with the District representatives to provide input. Donis Coronel, Andrea Davis, Michelle Jimenez, Mary Johnson, Connie Moore, Samer Naji, Veronica Ortega, Michelle Spence, Jeff Thomas, and Norma Velazquez.
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. California passed a law to protect our personal information that took effect on January 1, 2026. The Program is referred to as the “Delete Request and Opt-out Platform” or DROP for short. The system will first confirm that you are a California resident. After confirmation, your request is sent to the data brokers who collect your information, and they are then directed to delete it from their systems beginning August 1, 2026. Additional information regarding the state-run program is available at privacy.ca.gov/drop/. To register for the program,click hereto start the process.
Our committee always welcomes new members. As the legislature begins its 2026 session, this will be a perfect time to join and to provide your expertise and insight. If you are interested in joining our committee or have questions, 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). This link can be used for both Certificated and Classified Job Postings. https://sandiegounified.schoolspring.com/
AASD-Represented CERTIFICATED Job Postings
None at this time.
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.
Sincere condolences to AASD Executive Board Member Troy Hickey and his wife, April, on the passing of Troy’s mother, Janet Hickey, on January 15. Troy is the BSS III at Pacific Beach Middle and has also served on the AASD Executive Board for over a decade.
Troy’s mother, Janet Hickey, worked for the District from August 1993 until her retirement in October 2005 as a Food Services Worker I and a Food Services Site Leader. She worked in the neighborhood where she lived and where her children attended school. Her assignments were at Hawthorne Elementary, Whitman Elementary, and the former Kroc Middle School. After retirement, Janet was an usher for the San Diego Padres for 10 years – a fun job for her as she was an avid Padres fan. Janet was also the Chief Scorekeeper for Little League when her sons were playing, enjoyed bowling, and crocheting. She is survived by her three sons and four granddaughters: Son Troy Hickey and his wife April and granddaughter Gabi; Son Brian Hickey and his wife Marilen and two granddaughters Breanna and Melia; and Son Donald Wolf and his wife Stephany and a granddaughter Maycee. Troy and Brian live in San Diego and Donald resides in Texas. Condolences may be sent to Troy Hickey, 5194 Conrad Ave., San Diego 92117. In lieu of flowers, Troy and April have asked that donations be made to the AASD Irene B. Hightower Scholarship Fund by calling the AASD Office at 619-295-2118.
REMINDERS
CALSTRS AND CALPERS POWER OF ATTORNEY – IMPORTANT! All AASD Members in Good Standing and Affiliate Members are highly encouraged to complete the applicable retirement system Power of Attorney form. In the event the member becomes incapacitated and unable to manage their own affairs, the power of attorney can make decisions regarding the members’ retirement account. This is particularly important if the member is terminally ill and can no longer communicate or make decisions. To make decisions regarding the retirement plan, the form listed below must be on file with the retirement system. A medical or other type of power of attorney is not accepted by the retirement system. Please ensure you have this form on file. Hopefully, you never need it but if you do, it will give you peace of mind. Please share this information with co-workers and staff at your site.
AASD IS AWARDING $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS TO CHILDREN OF OUR AASD MEMBERS. The AASD Scholarship is an award of $1,000 which is given to any AASD Member in Good Standing, Retired Member, or Affiliate Member’s child (including stepchild) who is a graduating senior this year and applies for the scholarship. The Member in Good Standing, Retired Member, or Affiliate Member’s child must meet the minimum requirements on the application and plan to go on to post-secondary education within one year of graduation. AASD also supports our members’ children who are non-diploma bound due to a disability. If the child is “promoting” and is going into an adult program, they are eligible to apply for an AASD scholarship. Applicants who meet these conditions and who submit this application, along with the essay described on the form, will receive a scholarship. Applications will be reviewed by the AASD Scholarship Committee and approved by the AASD Executive Board. Scholarships may be presented at the student’s school awards/scholarship presentation event, if desired. If the AASD member/student does not wish to have the scholarship presented at their school event, the scholarship will be mailed to the AASD member’s home address in June 2026. The deadline to apply is March 13, 2026. Click here for the form or visit the AASD website atwww.aasdcs.organd click on Membership and then Member Resources. Please direct any questions to UASC/AASD Membership Coordinator, Patti Burch, at patti@unitedadmin.usor 619-295-2118.
The Scholarship Committee is co-chaired by Veronica Ortega and Mary Johnson. Members are Laurie Guido, Troy Hickey, Patience (Niemoth) Martin, Jeff Sabins, Kimberly Shapazian and Shortie Smith. If you are interested in joining this AASD committee, please contact Donis Coronel atdonis@unitedadmin.us. The commitment is primarily during April/May to approve scholarship applications and present a scholarship or two at a school event.
ACSA REGION 18 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRADUATING SENIORS. Region 18 of the Association of California School Administrators (San Diego and Imperial Counties) and the San Diego County School Boards Association are pleased to offer ten (10) $1,000 scholarships as a result of donations made by both organizations and our generous business partners. The scholarships provide an award for ten (10) high school seniors who meet the following criteria: 1) pursue a career in education as a teacher or other certificated employee; 2) attend public high school in the San Diego/Imperial Counties area; 3) show proven academic success with at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average; 4) involvement in community service; and (5) who may not necessarily qualify for financial aid. Please encourage students to apply at the following Google Form link no later than: February 27, 2026, by 4:00pm. https://forms.gle/QycHCCC2wBxu5wuTA
Applications will also be accepted on this fillable PDF form and must be submitted by the February 27 due date.
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.
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 ever need 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
