April 2008

STATE BUDGET INFORMATION-The best information is at: http://www.cta.org/issues/current/Budget_Crisis_2008-09.htm and www.protectourstudents.org
 
There will be a chance for you to participate in Solano County’s Plan for Action. We will be gathering signatures in the next month or so to give to our legislators in their home office the week of May 12th.
 
BARGAINING: I hope that the Bargaining Updates have been helpful. Leadership has been making an effort to increase communication about bargaining. We are working TOWARDS a settlement this year.  We have made reasonable proposals to the district that would have settled everything. The district has not accepted those reasonable proposals.
 
ACTION TEAM: Thank you to our wonderful action team. Keep your eyes and ears open for more planned actions this month and next.
 
INVOLUNTARY TRANSFERS: We are almost at that time of year when members will be forced to switch job placements again. I believe this will occur at the elementary and secondary level this year. There should be a job freeze right now; no one should be hired or moved before the involuntary transfer happen.
 
VOLUNTARY TRANSFERS: Want to try another grade level? Want to go to another school in the district? Go to the District Office and put in for a voluntary transfer NOW. Voluntary transfer will be considered AFTER the involuntary transfers.
 
GRIEVANCE: Our fabulous grievance team is working hard on your behalf. Please contact Sylvia Aquino if you believe there has been ANY violation of the contract.
 
HUMAN RIGHTS CONTACT: Many of you may not know this, but Alyson Brauning has been our contact for 3 years now. She has helped several campuses and members cope with special student needs. She is very knowledgeable about school safety for all kids. If you believe that you have anyone on your campus that needs help with safety, please contact Alyson at Jepson.
 
ON A PERSONAL NOTE: Thank you to all who send me nice emails wishing me a speedy recovery. I’m still a little delicate now and then, but overall feeling much better than I did in late February and early March.

Brenda