HEA Newsletter
November, 2025
Hello Members and Potential Members,
As we head into the final weeks before Winter Break, I want to take a moment to thank you for the care, professionalism, and resilience you bring to our schools every single day. From conducting Safety Watches to navigating new systems and initiatives, your dedication continues to anchor our work as a union and strengthen our school communities.
Union leadership remains steadfast in advocating for your rights, and one thing is clear: our members deserve clear systems, sufficient staffing, and working conditions that allow you to meet student needs without sacrificing your own well-being. Now more than ever, supporting one another matters and that support is making a real difference in many of your buildings. Educators lifting up educators. Licensed and classified staff standing together. That solidarity is powerful.
To better support our Special Education educators, HEA launched a districtwide SpEd Survey. Within the first 48 hours, several strong themes emerged:
Widespread Loss of Prep and Case Management Time, with a member stating, “I’m using my own time every night just to stay compliant.”
Inconsistent Delivery of SDI and IEP Accommodations, with a member stating, “We can’t meet IEP minutes when we’re covering behaviors all day.”
Staffing Shortages and Limited Coverage, with a member stating, “There’s no behavior support staff, so we get pulled from teaching.”
Synergy SE Transition Challenges, with a member stating, “It’s like writing a brand-new IEP every time.”
Rising Stress, Burnout, and Safety Concerns, with a member stating, “Everyone’s working at 100% and still falling behind.”
Shared Desire for Collaboration and Solutions with a member stating, “We all want to make this work — we just need clear systems and consistent support.”
HEA has met with Student Services and shared these concerns directly to begin problem-solving together. From those conversations, we have created the following solutions:
- Solution 1 - HEA is working to follow up with SpEd educators who requested our support.
- Solution 2 - We have agreed that a reminder will go to the building admin that prep, lunch, and case management time is protected time.
- Solution 3 - HEA also has a plan in place to get reports if this continues to happen to ensure Student Services are made aware, and if we need to escalate to grievance levels.
We are actively addressing these concerns with Student Services and will continue advocating for protected time, consistent systems, and sustainable solutions. Please attend this month's 10-minute meeting to learn more details.
I also want to extend deep appreciation to the educators and community members leading and participating in Safety Watches across the district. Your presence offers a warm, visible show of support that helps students and families feel safe coming to school. A reminder that Safety Watches are not Migra watches, members should never engage or interfere with ICE. Your solidarity and visibility are making a meaningful impact. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up, been trained, and shown up for our community.
Amidst all of this challenging work, I continue to be inspired by the heart of our educators—from supporting mutual aid efforts for families affected by SNAP reductions. These moments reflect the compassion, creativity, and commitment that define our association and our district.
Thank you for everything you do. Please take care of yourselves and one another as we move through this final stretch of the calendar year.
In Solidarity,
Mary Kay Babcock,
HEA President | she/her/ella
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