ATA Weekly

Friends and Colleagues,

These are challenging times.

Many in our community are in fear for their families. They are confused and anxious. They are watching in horror as friends become silenced and entire communities become erased.

Yet we rise to the challenge.

To this end, we have a plan. The plan will take many forms and rely on many people (see Jennifer Lankford’s passionate post in last week’s ATA newsletter as a good example). It will not bring peace to everyone but hopefully, it will bring peace of mind. It will not bring safety to everyone but it will hopefully bring a sense of belonging. In the coming days, weeks, and months we plan to host forums intended for educators and others intended for students. We will provide timely and accurate resources, documents, and online links to combat confusion, misrepresentations, and distractions. We will create a community that is welcoming and stronger than any one of us could imagine.

We have been here before. We know what to do.

If you are interested in building this “belonging” for our communities please don’t hesitate to contact me, your Site Rep/Segment Director, or ATA President Ralph Hernandez. There is lots to do but we will be unafraid and undeterred in our mission.

In advocacy,

Javier Gutierrez

ATA PAC Chair

javigut52@gmail.com

The District's current proposals underscore how much is on the line. While there have been minor concessions, the most critical issues remain unresolved and unacceptable:

• 0% salary increase.

• Mandated additional on-campus hours under administrative control, undermining our professional autonomy.

• Proposed changes to health benefits that could significantly raise out-of-pocket expenses, reducing take-home pay.

What does this mean for us?

• Extra, uncompensated hours are a hidden pay cut.

• Increased healthcare costs could reduce some members' net salaries by as much as 2%, compounding financial stress—especially for those with ongoing health needs or dependents.

These proposals devalue the expertise, dedication, and sacrifices we make every day for our students and community.

What are ATA's proposals? Here's an update on just a few:

• Department Chair Elections: Our goal is to involve department voices more directly in Department Chair elections, ensuring that input into decisions is based on insights and experiences that reflect the majority viewpoint of each department. District's response: Status quo.
• Seniority in 6th-Period Assignments: We must recognize that experience is invaluable. District response: Seniority was listed as the least important criterion.
• Teaching Loads: We are dedicated to finding solutions that respect our teachers' time and enhance their ability to do what they do best: inspire and educate. District response: Status quo

The ATA Bargaining Team will meet on February 13th to prepare for the next bargaining session on February 21st. Your voice and support matter more than ever.

Stay informed, engaged, and ready to act. Details about upcoming actions to demonstrate our collective strength will be available soon. Together, we are a powerful force that reminds the District that respect for educators is non-negotiable.

In accordance with Ed Code Section 44014, any employee who is attacked, assaulted, or physically threatened by a pupil must immediately report it to the authorities. Failing to report such incidents can lead to a fine of up to $1,000. It is important to note that no sanctions can be imposed on the person reporting, and any act to inhibit or impede a report is punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000. Your safety and well-being are paramount, so please do not hesitate to report such incidents.

Familiarizing yourself with your contract, especially regarding salary changes resulting from completed coursework, is essential. When the application for reclassification has been properly submitted, official transcripts have been received and verified by the District, reclassification shall take place in the following manner:

1) If your transcripts are received and verified within six months of the course completion date, the District will reclassify you effective the first full pay period following the course completion date.

2) If your transcripts are received and verified within one year of course completion, you may receive up to six months' retroactive pay. (Article XXVI, Section 5 B. p. 77)

Moreover, to advance to the next step on the salary schedule, you must serve at least 50% of a full-time assignment for at least 75% of the required workdays. This provision can be challenging for parents who take time off to bond with their babies and may miss the requirement by a few days. For classroom teachers, 75% of the school year is 141 days (75% of 187), while Counselors and other specialized positions must fulfill 75% of the required workdays. (Definitions -p. 1; and Article XXVI Section 4-p.76)

CTA Access to Savings is an exclusive benefit for CTA members, featuring the nation’s largest private discount network. You’ll find savings up to 50% on everyday things such as food, clothing, car care, travel, entertainment, home and garden and more.

February 3

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

February 4

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

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

February 10

- Lincoln's Birthday - Holiday

February 17

- President's Day - Holiday

February 18

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

February 25

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

March 10

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

March 11

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

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

March 18

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

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/