JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY. As we recognize Juneteenth, we honor the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States learned of their freedom – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth stands as both a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing work to achieve justice, equity, and opportunity for all.
As union members, we understand that progress is built through solidarity, collective action, and a commitment to dignity and respect in our workplaces and communities. Juneteenth reminds us that the pursuit of freedom and equality is strengthened when people come together to advocate for one another and create positive change. Today, we reflect on the sacrifices and resilience of those who fought for freedom, and we reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive workplaces and communities where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We encourage all members to take time to learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth and to participate in opportunities that promote understanding, unity, and equity. On behalf of our union leadership, we wish you and your families a meaningful Juneteenth. The UASC/AASD office will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the holiday.
IMPORTANT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES REGARDING TB CLEARANCE. All AASD members are reminded that by law you must have a current TB clearance on file. Those who are out of compliance will receive notification from the District very soon. Failure to receive the TB test and clearance by the September 30 deadline will result in the member being placed on UNPAID leave. Please click here and read the communication from the district.
HYBRID WORK POLICY GOES INTO EFFECT JULY 1. The Board of Education has approved the Hybrid Work Policy. There are going to be virtual meetings held for both supervisors (regarding implementation) and for those interested in participating in hybrid work. Dates for these sessions have been advertised via the district’s employee communications. All are encouraged to attend these sessions, so you are well-informed as a manager/supervisor.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE AASD BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP MEETING. We will be holding the AASD Back-to-School Membership Meeting on Tuesday,August 18, from 4-7pm at Marina Village. More information will be forthcoming but mark your calendar now to attend! In addition to membership updates, there will be the ability to visit our vendor partners, and we will have a taco cart! And there will also be many door prizes! More information and an RSVP form will be forthcoming in July. Mark your calendars now!
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 bargaining teams met with the District on June 4.
Tentative Agreement was reached on the following articles: Certificated Evaluation (link) Commits to a committee (AASD/District) to develop a new evaluation system. Classified Layoff and Reemployment (link) Updates the article to reflect the law. Classified and Certificated Duration (Classified)(Certificated). Two-year contract to bring all units into alignment.
Proposals were passed on the following (no TA at this time): AASD Proposal - Classified Salary Rules(link). Calls for an increase in the stipend for central office custodial supervisors who are on call 24/7 one week a month each. AASD Proposal - Certificated Salary Rules (link). Supervision Stipend – clarifies the option of grand-funded Instructional Coordinators to opt out of the supervision assignment/stipend. Increases the CIF/Playoff stipend from $100 to $200. Calls for an increase in the State Preschool program stipend from $600 to $1000. AASD Proposal – Certificated Hours.(link) Clean up language only. District Proposal and AASD Counter Proposal – Certificated Leaves (District Proposal)(AASD Counter) and Classified Leaves (District Proposal)(AASD Counter). THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ARTICLE. The district proposed language to bring the article into compliance with the law. Additionally, VERY IMPORTANT FOR THOSE WHO EARN VACATION, the district is proposing a new system whereupon employees will not receive August payouts for vacation over the 328 cap any longer and where any employee at 328 hours throughout the year will no longer accrue vacation until they are beneath the cap. AASD understands the importance of fiscal management and that the payouts affect department budgets. However, the timeline to bring balances below 328 by the proposed September 1 are unreasonable. AASD has countered with language that allows payouts this year only (in cases where employees are over 328 at the end of August) and implements a January 1, implementation to be below 328 monthly or no longer accrue. THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR OUR AASD MEMBERS WHO ACCRUE VACATION LEAVE – YOU NEED TO START USING VACATION NOW TO BE BELOW 328 AND HAVE AN ONGOING PLAN TO KEEP YOUR BALANCE BELOW 328 MONTHLY. This may seem daunting as it is a true change in policy but please start taking your vacation and DO NOT WORK DURING YOUR TIME OFF! The district has created this problem by allowing payouts year after year with no consequences. Now we need to do this implementation in a manner that allows folks time to get their balance down. This will not affect payouts when a person leaves the district – just while actively employed. Additionally, the district has proposed language in the “partial day absence” language for our exempt members. AASD does not support the change – it appears to micromanage language we have had in place since we bargained our first contract – our AASD counter does not support the district’s language. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS ARTICLE.
The next bargaining session is scheduled for June 22.
Bargaining Team – Certificated:
Donis Coronel – Chief Negotiator
John Aguilar – Chair
John Bosselman
Eric Brown
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.HELP PROTECT DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FUNDING!! You may have received an email from AFSA regarding Congress's intention to reduce Department of Education funding by 10% and eliminate $2.19 billion from Title II-A (Professional Development). Make your voice heard so that Congress does not approve these proposed cuts. AFSA has simplified your part by writing a letter for you and sending it directly to your representatives in Congress. All you need to do isclick hereto create your letter and have it sent. Congress could vote on the reduction at any time. Please do not hesitate to have your voice heard.
Back in California, our state legislature has begun its second half of this year’s session, where each house reviews the bills from the other side of the house. Many amendments occurred during this time. Bills are killed, bills that were dying are brought back, but amended so much that they barely resemble what was initially written. Our LAPA Committee will continue to monitor all amendments and determine whether to support or oppose those bills, or whether to work with the author to amend them to improve them.
LAPA will continue to update our 2026 Legislative Status Reportas we receive updates on which bills were passed or have died. The LAPA Committee always welcomes our members’ insights. If you become aware of legislation not listed on our2026 Legislative Status Report, have information to share with our committee, or would like information about the committee or bills we are monitoring, 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/
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 our friend Cindy Allen, Administrative support to ACSA, Region 18, on the recent passing of her husband, Mike Allen, following a long illness. Mike and Cindy have been regular guests at our AASD Summerfest and Winterfest each year.
REMINDERS
IRENE B. HIGHTOWER SCHOLARSHIP FUND 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.
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 S Ste 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.
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.
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.
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
