ATA Weekly

Heading Into the Final Stretch

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, the pace has continued to accelerate, and many of you are feeling the demands. If you are counting down the days, know that you are in good company.

Final exams are approaching. Performances, promotions, and graduation preparations are underway. Students are achieving important milestones because of your dedication, and families are sharing in the joy of these accomplishments.

We are also looking forward to honoring our retirees and celebrating new colleagues who have completed their Induction program. These occasions are meaningful. They remind us of the continuity of our mission. As some move on and others join us, our commitment to students remains strong.

As Teacher Appreciation Week concludes, it is important to acknowledge all that this work requires.

Each day, you plan, adapt, and respond to a range of needs. You manage instruction, behavior, communication, and everything in between. Your efforts matter, even if they are not always seen.

This weekend is also Mother’s Day. To all the mothers and mother figures in our community, thank you. The care and commitment you show, both to your families and to your work, make a difference every day.

As we move through these final weeks, take a moment to reflect on what you have accomplished with your students and with one another. This year brought real challenges and real growth. Let’s finish strong and keep our focus on what matters most.

Ralph Hernandez

alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com

As assignments for next school year take shape, some of you have been notified that you will need to move classrooms. This raises a fair question about compensation and support.

In 2016–17, the Association negotiated a 0.5% increase to the salary schedule. This increase was intended, in part, to account for relocations within a site or between sites. It applies to all unit members, whether a move occurs or not. Before this change, compensation for moves was limited to up to three days at the substitute rate. By placing this increase on the salary schedule, the value is built into your base pay and contributes to your CalSTRS Defined Benefit, rather than the Defined Benefit Supplement.

In addition to this compensation structure, your contract provides support during a move. The ATA Contract, page 16, states that when a relocation or transfer occurs, you may request reasonable assistance to move district property. This includes support such as boxes, tape, and physical help with packing, transporting, and unpacking.

If you are asked to move, make the request for support early. Document what you need so the process stays clear and manageable.

If you plan to resign or accept a position in another district, timing and process matter.

California Education Code Section 44420 sets clear expectations. Your contract with the district remains in effect unless you receive a formal release. Leaving without that release exposes you to real consequences, including action on your credential.

Here is what you need to know:

• Notice deadline: AUSD Board Policy 4112.1 requires written notice by June 30 if you do not plan to return.
• Contract release: Accepting a new job does not cancel your current contract. You must secure a release from AUSD.
• Risk: Leaving without a release may trigger district action and a potential credential suspension of one year, or longer in some cases.

If you are weighing a move, reach out to ATA. We are available to support you.

Let’s lift our voices and votes together for our students and public education as we organize to elect leaders who value our schools and the people who make them special. Ballots for the June 2 Primary Election were mailed this week to all registered voters and ballot drop-off locations are open across the state (check your local Registrar of Voters for details). Click below for our union’s recommended candidates and other information – and remember, when we vote, we win!

Election 2026

May 11

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

May 12

- Joint BOD/Rep Council

May 19

- 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/