Labor Day is much more than the unofficial end of summer or a well earned day off. It is a day to recognize the millions of working people whose dedication, sacrifice, and commitment keep our nation moving forward. As school leaders, we are proud to be part of that tradition.
Sometimes those of us in school leadership see ourselves as different from other union members. We are highly educated professionals. We supervise employees, manage budgets, solve complex problems, and make decisions that impact entire school communities. It is easy to think that our work sets us apart.
The truth is that it connects us.
Like the factory worker, the nurse, the firefighter, the flight attendant, the construction worker, and every other union member, we work hard to provide for our families, serve our communities, and protect the profession we have dedicated our lives to. We know the value of a fair contract. We understand the importance of having a voice in the workplace. We believe that respect, dignity, and fairness should never be taken for granted.
That is what Labor Day celebrates.
As school leaders, we understand that strong schools depend on strong relationships. We advocate for the resources our students deserve. We support our educators. We lead through challenges, adapt to constant change, and remain focused on what is best for children. That work is labor. It is meaningful labor, and it deserves to be respected.
This year, many of our members continue to face shrinking budgets, staffing shortages, and increasing expectations. Every day you are asked to do more with less while continuing to create safe, welcoming, and successful schools. Your leadership makes a difference, even when the work feels difficult and the challenges seem overwhelming.
Labor Day is also a reminder that progress has never happened by accident. Throughout our nation's history, working people have come together to improve workplaces, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations. Every right we enjoy today was made possible because workers stood together with courage and determination.
Our union is built on that same foundation. We are stronger because we stand together. Whether we are negotiating contracts, protecting professional rights, advocating for public education, or supporting one another through difficult moments, our collective voice has power.
As we enter an important election season, I encourage every member to stay informed, register to vote if needed, and participate in the democratic process. The decisions made by elected leaders have a direct impact on our schools, our profession, and the students and families we serve. Your voice matters, both as a school leader and as a citizen.
This Labor Day, I hope you take time to celebrate your accomplishments, spend time with family and friends, and reflect on the important role you play in strengthening our schools and our communities.
Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your professionalism. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to students. Most of all, thank you for standing together in union.
Together we are stronger. Together we protect our profession. Together we build better schools and a brighter future for every student.
Happy Labor Day. Mark Cannizzaro
President, AFSA
SENIORITY DATE VERIFICATION. All Members in Good Standing are encouraged to read the following and verify their seniority date. Questions should be directed to the email address on the document, not to the AASD office. No. 36 Annual Seniority Date Verification Process - Google Docs
SAVE THE DATE – AASD WINTERFEST 2026. AASD’s annual Winter Holiday Party (Winterfest) will be on Friday, December 11, 2026. More information will be forthcoming but Save the Date 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.
Non-Represented Sr. Director Positions. While this project was on pause for some time, the parties will be returning to the table to discuss the current Sr. Director positions and AASD’s position that some of the positions belong in the AASD bargaining unit.
Screen Time (which is now called Learner Centered Technology).AASD has appointed Courtney Browne (Principal, Mt. Everest Academy) and Erika Simmons (Principal, Pacific View Leadership Elementary) to the district’s committee on this subject. Thank you, Courtney and Erika. School Class Plan Committee. This new committee was bargained recently and held its first meeting on September 2 and developed a monthly meeting schedule and made assignments within the group to gather necessary data. This committee will review how Principals and Associate Principals are compensated. AASD Representativs are Donis Coronel, Eric Brown, Gina Camacho-McGrath, Toni Curtis, Kristi Hunter-Clark, Jenney Nash, Robin Peters, Andrea Pino-Antl, and Barb Waller. The district team in attendance were Kristine Morshead, Jessica Falk-Michelli, Ami Shackelford, Michel Cazary, Stacy Allen, and Emily Valella.
Principal Evaluation Committee. This new committee was also recently bargained and will begin to meet in October and is tasked with creating a new evaluation process for principals. AASD Representatives will be John Bosselman, Lindsay Burningham, Jeremiah Ellard, Jennifer Grondek, Fred Hilgers, Jamey Jaramillo, Guillermo Medina, and Craig Thurman. Certificated Workload Work Group. A survey will go out from AASD to all certificated members in early October regarding current workload concerns. The committee will then review the concerns and meet with the District team in November or December. AASD representatives on this work group are Vince Anthony, Lindsay Burningham, Fred Hilgers, Jamey Jaramillo, Jenney Nash, Kerri Rose, Michelle Spence, and Kim Zarkoski.
Classified Workload Work Group. A survey will go out from AASD to all classified members in early October regarding current workload concerns. The committee will then review the concerns and meet with the District team in November or December. The meeting will be split into two portions, one for general concerns and one related to custodial concerns. AASD representatives on this work group are Robert Bonilla, Andrew Gilbert, Sara Guinn, Lisa Peoples, Yuka Sakamoto, Jeff Thomas for general matters; and Matt Fleming, Troy Hickey, Ruben Meave, Kenyon Patterson, and Israel Pena for workload matters related to custodial services. Additional Pay for Summer School Prep Time for Summer Program Site Administrators.Thank you for your patience as we work with Labor Relations on a process for the payment. Many summer program site administrators already submitted timecards for up to 20 hours of prep time pay. We bargained an increase to 24 hours. Please wait for further instruction on how the additional information regarding prep time will be collected and paid. Information will be forthcoming.
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.And we’ve hit the home stretch in Sacramento! The state legislature ended its session this past Monday, sending over 850 bills to Governor Newsom. The Governor has until September 30 to review and sign or veto each bill. He also has the option to do nothing and allow it to become law.
Our LAPA Committee will review last-minute amendments and discuss sending positional letters to Governor Newsom as he reviews our bills. LAPA will continue to update our2026 Legislative Status Reportas we receive updates. We always welcome our members’ insights. If you become aware of legislation not listed, 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.
What next? November 3rd General Election. Our LAPA Committee will review all propositions and provide our members with an unbiased summary. Have you registered to vote, or have you recently moved and need to re-register?Click hereto re-register or check your status with the Secretary of State.
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.
LONGEVITY PAY. Those AASD unit members who are eligible for longevity pay (22 or more years of monthly salaried district service as of July 1) will receive a longevity stipend on their monthly paycheck at the end of September. The longevity stipend is $2500 or 2.5% of annual base salary (whichever is greater) and will be paid on the September monthly warrant.
UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIPS. Since 1991, the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $6.2 million to students of union families. Over 4,400 union families have benefited from Union Plus’s commitment to higher education. Deadline for applying is January 31, 2027. AASD was lucky to have one of the awardees for 2026-27 be the son of one of our members!
Award amounts: $1,000 to $4,000. One-time cash awards for study beginning in the Fall of 2027. Students may re-apply each year.
Award date: May 31, 2027. During the first week of June 2027 award recipients will be notified by postal mail, and all applicants will be sent email notification.
Current and retired members of unions participating in any Union Plus program, their spouses, and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations) are eligible. Grandchildren are not eligible unless they are legally dependent (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant's spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one-year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31, 2027.
The applicant must be accepted into a U.S. accredited college, university, community college, technical or trade school at the time awards are issued. Awards must be used for the 2027-2028 school year.
Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply.
For more information, click the link: Kaleidoscope
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 and Affiliate Members 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 -- 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 our 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.
After completing an application, you will be asked for your signature. It is an e-DocuSign document embedded in the small red arrow next to signature…and you click on that arrow. On the line that says, “Referred By,” please make sure to add Deborah Burke’s name if it is not already listed there. After the application is COMPLETED and SIGNED, you can PRINT the page and SCAN it. Please send the scanned copy directly to Deborah Burke at dburke@acsa.orgfor processing. If you have any problems with DocuSign, sign your name as you regularly would on the printed copy, before scanning and sending the application to Deborah.
Various types of ACSA memberships are available, including two types of Retired membership: Emeritus Lifetime - $700 (a one-time fee). May be paid via Master Card/VISA (full payment), or via a personal (full payment) check. Full Regular Retired- $125/year paid via a monthly deduction or via Master Card/VISA (full payment), or a personal check (full payment).
Clickthis linkto go to ACSA's Membership page online. All memberships can be paid by payroll deduction, personal check, or Mastercard/VISA. Please call Deborah Burke to confirm payment information.
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
