CFT joins labor and environmental allies to urge Legislature to support the Climate Resilient Schools Act
This Wednesday CFT President Jeff Freitas joined fellow labor and community allies in the California Labor for Climate Jobs coalition (CLCJ), to urge the California Legislature to support SB 1182, the Climate Resilient Schools Act. As California’s climate changes and extreme weather events such as heat, smoke, and flooding intensify, our aging public school infrastructure is increasingly unable to provide a healthy and safe learning environment. This threatens our health and safety as teachers and school staff and has serious, life altering impacts on our students.
If signed into law, SB 1182 (Lena Gonzalez) would create a statewide Master Plan for Healthy, Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Schools. The law would direct the California Energy Commission to convene stakeholders to create the master plan and guide state spending on updating infrastructure in schools.
“Extreme heat, smoke, and other climate catastrophes threaten the health and safety of our students, teachers, and staff and have forced districts to cancel school days,” said Freitas. “The Climate Resilient Schools Act is a critical first step toward improving working and learning conditions at schools, and building toward the climate future our kids deserve.”
BUSD superintendent stands up to hostile, partisan questions in front of House committee
Berkeley Unified School District Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel testified before a hearing of the House Committee on Education on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., to discuss allegations of antisemitism in Berkeley schools. In a statement following her testimony, CFT President Jeff Freitas and BFT President Matt Meyer applauded Superintendent Ford Morthel for standing up to partisan, and politically motivated members of the committee.
“During her testimony Superintendent Ford Morthel clearly and calmly detailed how the Berkeley Unified School District takes all allegations of antisemitism and other forms of hate seriously,” they said in the statement. “She was able to do so in a sometimes combative environment, where some of the members of the committee were attempting to score political points and create division within our communities.
“We condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Arab hate and violence of all kinds. Discrimination and prejudice have no place in our schools. Any allegations of such should be carefully investigated by school districts. We believe Superintendent Ford Morthel and District staff are conducting a thorough investigation and are handling these allegations in an appropriate manner.”
Governor Newsom releases May budget proposal
Governor Gavin Newsom presented his updated state budget proposal earlier today, announcing that the state still faces a $27.6 billion budget deficit this year. While we appreciate the Governor’s updated proposal does not include additional cuts to core funding for K-14 schools, it further highlights the deficient spending on education our state faces, and the need for increased revenues.
According to the Governor’s office, the budget includes a modest projected increase in the COLA for next year. In January, they projected a COLA next year of .76%. That number has been revised upward to 1.07%.
Following today’s revised budget proposal, the Governor will now engage in budget negotiations with the Legislature. Lawmakers must pass a budget by June 15. CFT will continue to advocate for full funding of our schools, and the protection of Prop. 98 and other critical funding. Read CFT's statement on the budget here.
CalSTRS board opposes Taxpayer Deception Act
The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), voted last week to oppose the Taxpayer Deception Act, an initiative placed on the ballot by wealthy real estate developers and landlords through the California Business Roundtable (CBRT) and the California Business Properties Association.
Following the vote, CalSTRS board member, and CFT member, Sharon Hendricks said, “The Taxpayer Deception Act is a dangerous measure that threatens funding for California schools, and will make it more difficult for students and educators to thrive. The measure also jeopardizes pensions for hundreds of thousands of school employees who have poured their lives and careers into ensuring the next generation has the tools they need to succeed.”
CFT News in Brief
Paso Robles Public Educators win tentative agreement following large rallies
This Tuesday the Paso Robles Public Educators held morning and afternoon rallies, where hundreds of teachers were joined by parents and students to support their demands for a new contract. Locked in difficult, months-long negotiations, the rallies helped motivate the district to reach a settlement, which came at 10:30 p.m. that night. Members will now review the tentative agreement with a vote scheduled in the coming days. Congratulations on the great work!
Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers win at the bargaining table. Congratulations are also in order to the Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers, who just settled a contract that includes a 6.45% wage increase with a bonus of $2,500, plus an additional .5% on next year's salary schedule.
RSVP now for the May 21 Classified Day of Action in Sacramento. Join CFT members from throughout the state at our May 21 Classified Day of Action, where we will celebrate classified workers and their critical contributions to our students and schools. RSVP here.
Reminder: May 16 unemployment workshop for part-time faculty. All CFT part-time faculty are welcome at our May 16 online workshop for unemployment insurance. The workshop, which takes place from 3:30–5:00 p.m., will help part-time faculty through the online unemployment filing process for both new and reopened claims. The training will also include a review critical information needed to deal with phone interviews, denials, and appeals. Register here.
AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of the more than 24 million AANHPI people in the United States. Check out these great resources from AFT to recognize this important month.
