Several Board positions will be open in the upcoming general election. The available seats include:

- Secretary (one-year term)

- Treasurer (one-year term)

- Elementary Segment Director (one seat, two-year term)

- Secondary Segment Director (representing Alhambra High School, two-year term)

- CTA State Council Representative (one seat, three-year term)

If you are interested in running, please submit your candidacy form by April 7th at 4:30 PM. Voting will take place electronically from April 21st to April 25th.

Important Notes:

• Only dues-paying unit members are eligible to run and vote.

• The election will be decided by a majority vote.

• Declaration forms and election timelines are linked below for your convenience.

We encourage you to participate in this vital process and help shape the future of our Association. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

2025 ATA General Election Announcement & Declaration Form

2025 CTA Declaration of Candidacy for State Council Representative & Alternate

Dear ATA,

I recently learned that members of the Executive Cabinet in our district still receive lifetime health benefits—a policy I find deeply concerning. Meanwhile, the district is asking educators to pay more for their own health coverage, citing these same lifetime benefits as a significant financial strain. If they are truly a burden on the budget, why are they still being offered?

At a recent ATA meeting, it was stated that only those hired before March 31, 1986, qualify for these benefits. However, it appears that exceptions are being made for select high-level AUSD administrators. This raises serious equity concerns—why are educators and staff facing rising healthcare costs while top executives continue to receive benefits for life?

Respectfully,

A Concerned Unit Member

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Dear Concerned Unit Member,

Your concerns about fairness in health benefits are valid. According to district policy (Bylaw 9251.1), lifetime benefit eligibility includes the following requirements:

• Superintendents must have at least 12 years of service with the district.*

• Assistant Superintendents must have at least 15 years of service.*

• All retirees must meet the eligible retirement age set by their respective state retirement system.

• Dependents enrolled in the district’s medical plan at the time of the member’s departure can continue participation.

* ATA has requested clarification on whether individuals must serve in these specific roles to qualify or if service in other district positions counts toward the total years required.

We share your frustration with rising healthcare costs for educators while lifetime benefits remain intact for AUSD’s select administrators. ATA remains committed to advocating for greater transparency and fairness in how district resources are allocated. We will continue to push for answers and equitable policies that prioritize all employees, not just a privileged few.

ATA

If you’ve been to our SGV Pride Parade and Festival, you know that one of the most fun elements is collecting up bags of rainbow swag. Whether you’re an ally or a part of our rainbow community, adorning yourself with wrist bands, stickers, necklaces and the like can serve as a real safety beacon to our queer students and even closeted colleagues.

We want to make sure we have plenty of fun items to give away at our ATA booth on Saturday, June 7th, from 9 - Noon, so if you have any cool rainbow items sitting around, or feel like making a small order online for some spirited trinkets, your contribution will be very appreciated.

Some of the inexpensive and easy-to-pass-out items that you can find in rainbow/pride form are:

Stress Balls

Necklaces

Stickers

Lanyards

Sunglasses

Fans

Pens

Pins

Keychains

Wristbands

Bracelets

Temporary Tattoos

Change Purses

But of course, any donation will be graciously accepted. If you have something to contribute, contact me at jenlankford74@gmail.com and I can figure out a way to pick them up from you.

And please mark your calendars for June 7th, to join us and join us at SGV Pride!

March/parade line up at Mark Keppel at 8:15, festival at Barnes Park from 9 - Noon.

With gratitude,

Jennifer Lankford

ATA Equity Chairperson

The Working Conditions section of our contract is a vital resource, especially when submitting 5-Day Letters. If you encounter an issue that requires attention, such as a leaky roof, clogged drain, or electrical problem, please refer to Article VII on page 13 for guidance.

While unit members can submit work orders independently, checking with office staff first is advisable to prevent duplicate requests. Remember to obtain a work order number for your records. If the issue is not resolved promptly, notify your site administrator and inform your site representative. If further action is necessary, submitting a 5-Day Letter may be appropriate.

Please report any safety concerns immediately to your administrator and follow up with a 5-Day Letter if needed. As always, your site representative is available to provide support and guidance.

I'm happy to report that Alana Acosta-Martin and myself were elected to represent CTA at the NEA RA. Our CTA Service Center (Southeastern) had nine available seats, and Alana and I were amongst the top vote-getters. We appreciate your support!

Dear CTA member,

Newly hired CTA members have 270 days from starting work to apply for the only CTA – endorsed Disability & Life insurance plans with no health questions asked.

Learn more and apply at www.standard.com/cta/newhire.

Watch this New Hire Video (33 seconds long).

Have Questions? We have answers!

Here is link to schedule time: Schedule Your Virtual Appointment

Lizbeth M. Rodriguez | CTA Voluntary Benefits Consultant

CA License #0K03146
The Standard

Standard Insurance Company

Customer Service: (800) 522-0406
Standard.com | Virtual Appointment

April 7

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

April 8

- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

April 22

- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

April 29

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

May 12

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

May 13

- Joint BOD and Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

May 20

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

The Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA) exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just equitable and democratic society.

Email: ataoffice3030@gmail.com
Website: www.alhambrateachers.org
Location: 3030 West Main Street, Alhambra, CA, USA
Phone: (626)289-1933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlhambraTeachersAssociation/