Report of the President February CTA Board Meeting

February 10, 2009

State Budget Gridlock

Protecting Prop. 98 and Small Class Sizes

The easiest way to summarize what’s been happening in Sacramento regarding the state’s $42 billion budget deficit: Another month, more talks and no action. However, the “Big Five” – the governor and legislative leaders – have been negotiating non stop, and there could be a new budget proposal later this week. While the speed of the negotiations is frustrating, I want you to know that CTA’s work and all of your phone calls are making a difference. Lawmakers are now very aware of the governor’s unlawful manipulation of Proposition 98, which would permanently cut more than $7 billion from schools and never restore that funding as required by law. CTA also launched a voter campaign with the California State PTA and other community organizations to protect the state’s successful Class Size Reduction program. The governor’s plan would take all of the CSR money and give it to local school districts to spend any way they like. There would be no accountability or guarantee that the money would be spent in the classroom. Increasing class sizes won’t save the state one dime or help solve the state’s budget deficit – but it will hurt student achievement. A new CTA television ad began Super Bowl weekend and is airing on stations across the state. Finally, keep the phone calls coming! We shut down phone systems in a few legislative offices last week. I know we are tired, but we can’t let up now. Lawmakers need to hear from you. Call the Cuts Hurt Hotline at 1-888-268-4334. We have also added a Spanish option to the hotline for Spanish-speaking parents.

Pushing for Federal Assistance

CTA is working with the National Education Association to support President Obama’s economic stimulus package which would provide billions to help states get through the economic downturn. I joined NEA President Dennis Van Roekel for a news conference in Washington, DC last week calling on the Senate to pass and include education funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The House plan includes about $80 billion more for education than the Senate proposal. A House-Senate conference committee will work out a final bill. Call your member of Congress at 1-800-294-9811 and urge them to maximize education funding in the final package.

Statewide Day of Action: Pink Friday, March 13

Get ready to wear pink and Stand Up for Schools on March 13. As part of the organizing plan developed by the State Budget Crisis Workgroup, CTA is calling for a statewide day of action for public education on March 13. Stand Up for Schools: Pink Friday is designed to bring public awareness to the budget cuts facing our schools and the thousands of layoff notices that are expected to be issued by local school districts. We are asking all members to wear pink on that day, and we are asking local chapters to coordinate a Pink Friday event at your local school or college. The type of event is up to you. CTA has launched a new website especially for the action day. Visit www.pinkfriday09.org to get additional information and resources, connect with other educators and public education supporters, share ideas for hosting an event, and upload information about an event at your school. It’s up to us to speak out and let our communities know what the state budget cuts are doing to their schools.

Getting Ready for RIFs

We know there will be thousands of layoff notices going out in March and CTA’s Legal Department will assist every member who gets one. Here are a few quick tips: Don’t sign any district statement verifying your seniority date and credentials unless the information is 100% correct. Make sure all your credentials and certifications are on file with the district. Check your personnel file and copy any documents that prove your first day of service with the district. Contact your local staff person immediately if you receive a layoff notice. And if you are an agency fee payer, join CTA to ensure you will be represented in RIF proceedings. California Teachers Association