Above: Jesse Aguilar, CTA Board Member, and Gina Whipple, TAL President
Thank you members for voting on our Tentative Agreement; it is now ratified. The contract now goes to board approval.
DO NOT CALL PAYROLL TO ASK WHEN BONUS AND RETRO CHECKS WILL BE PROCESSED. AS SOON AS CHECKS ARE AVAILABLE, WE WILL LET YOU KNOW.
Please download the TA below - it is 52 pages long, so it can't be displayed.
DO NOT CALL PAYROLL TO ASK WHEN BONUS AND RETRO CHECKS WILL BE PROCESSED. AS SOON AS CHECKS ARE AVAILABLE, WE WILL LET YOU KNOW.
Please download the TA below - it is 52 pages long, so it can't be displayed.
| ta_for_2022_-_2023.pdf |
Dear Members,
Some lucky new billionaire in Maine wasn’t the only person to receive good news yesterday on Friday the 13th…your TAL bargaining team finally has good news to report!
While we still have some contract language to discuss and finalize on January 25, we have reached a compensation package agreement with the district.
It was a marathon session at the table yesterday, and we were there until almost 6:00 PM. The compensation package is as follows:
Negotiating the compensation package has been a difficult, long, drawn-out process this year. The team has met 17 times since August 28! However, in the end, we were able to come to a very fair agreement.
Once again, this bargaining cycle is not complete until all contract language has been agreed upon. We still have some very important language that we will be discussing on January 25.
As a bargaining team, we want to thank so many members who have reached out to us with their messages of support. Our members have been our constant focus and you are why we continue to work so hard. Thank you for your patience, kindness, pictures, and for wearing those TAL shirts!
It is our honor to be your negotiations team.
Kym Hickman
Bill Clark
Wendy Perry
Tyler Heckathorn
Gina Whipple
Some lucky new billionaire in Maine wasn’t the only person to receive good news yesterday on Friday the 13th…your TAL bargaining team finally has good news to report!
While we still have some contract language to discuss and finalize on January 25, we have reached a compensation package agreement with the district.
It was a marathon session at the table yesterday, and we were there until almost 6:00 PM. The compensation package is as follows:
- 8% on salary schedule increase retroactive to July 1, 2022 for all TAL members active on January 13, 2023.
- 4.5% one-time, off-salary schedule bonus for the 2022-2023 school year will be paid no later than 60 days after ratification by TAL and the Board of Trustees for all bargaining unit members active on January 13, 2023.
- An increase to the annual district contribution for health, dental and vision of $800 to a cap of $15,258. This increase will be effective October 1, 2022 for the 22-23 school year.
- Increase in the extra duty hourly rate and summer school rate to $50.00 per hour effective July 1, 2023.
- Increase in the summer daily rate of pay to $250.00 effective July 1, 2023.
- Eliminate longevity steps at 35 years and 40 years and place that current amount ($2,000 and $1,234) on longevity step at 30 years along with the current $2,000 for a new 30 year longevity step amount of $5,234 retroactive to July 1, 2022, for all TAL members active on January 13, 2023.
Negotiating the compensation package has been a difficult, long, drawn-out process this year. The team has met 17 times since August 28! However, in the end, we were able to come to a very fair agreement.
Once again, this bargaining cycle is not complete until all contract language has been agreed upon. We still have some very important language that we will be discussing on January 25.
As a bargaining team, we want to thank so many members who have reached out to us with their messages of support. Our members have been our constant focus and you are why we continue to work so hard. Thank you for your patience, kindness, pictures, and for wearing those TAL shirts!
It is our honor to be your negotiations team.
Kym Hickman
Bill Clark
Wendy Perry
Tyler Heckathorn
Gina Whipple
Jan 2023 TAL Survey results:
CTA 2023 Good Teaching Conference South, March 3-5, click here for details.
Negotiations Update, November 4, 2022
Dear Members,
Your TAL bargaining team met with the district today.
In our last message, we told you that we had concerns with the district that made us take a pause; let us explain. It is our position that the district’s numbers do not represent the amount of money that the district has for compensation for our bargaining members.
At this time, the district has offered:
6% on-salary,
4% one-time off-salary,
an increase to health, dental and vision of $436 to a cap of $14,894,
an increase in extra duty hourly rate and summer school rate to $50 per hour effective July 1, 2023,
an increase in the summer daily rate of pay to $222.50,
Add 2 additional student-free days for PD for 2 years
The percentage on-salary schedule raise the district is offering is far below other neighboring school districts. We feel the members of the bargaining unit of Lancaster School District deserve a far better compensation package.
6% might seem like a lot, but the new ongoing money that the district is receiving is more than 13% and their offer isn’t even half of that. The district also receives LCFF money for the recruitment and retention of teachers. Our proposal takes that into account and includes the ability for members to have at least one free option on medical benefits. We are asking for an on-scale increase that represents the district getting over 13% of ongoing new money.
Today the district told us that they “value” their members. By comparison, the Westside Union School District had already settled with their members prior to the beginning of this school year for 3% on-salary. But with the new 13.26% ongoing monies coming in, their district took it upon themselves to approach their bargaining unit to add an additional 6% on-salary increase. THAT shows respect and the value of keeping employees.
Lancaster School District’s belief is that if they offer us more money, they could become insolvent. They have taken this position for the last decade, and yet here we are. Even though the district has the money to show respect for what we do, we are STILL having to fight for every single penny.
We strongly disagree with the district’s representation of their budget and the way they are calculating their numbers. The district presented numbers last week that were proven to be inaccurate. The district asked us to give them one week’s grace, which we granted, while they reviewed their budget. When we asked Dr. Freise today to explain the budget presentation that was given in the state of the district and at a board meeting in September, he said “it’s not fair to ask us to explain a presentation that was weeks ago.”
As a result of our meeting with the district today, and our continued concerns with how the district is representing their numbers, we have asked CTA to delve more deeply into the district’s budget and how their calculations were made.
We will be meeting with CTA on Tuesday to go over these numbers. Our next bargaining session with the district is scheduled for November 17.
We want to reiterate that we have no intention of settling for a contract that is not fair to all our members.
In unity and strength,
Kym Hickman
Bill Clark
Wendy Perry
Tyler Heckathorn
Gina Whipple
Dear Members,
Your TAL bargaining team met with the district today.
In our last message, we told you that we had concerns with the district that made us take a pause; let us explain. It is our position that the district’s numbers do not represent the amount of money that the district has for compensation for our bargaining members.
At this time, the district has offered:
6% on-salary,
4% one-time off-salary,
an increase to health, dental and vision of $436 to a cap of $14,894,
an increase in extra duty hourly rate and summer school rate to $50 per hour effective July 1, 2023,
an increase in the summer daily rate of pay to $222.50,
Add 2 additional student-free days for PD for 2 years
The percentage on-salary schedule raise the district is offering is far below other neighboring school districts. We feel the members of the bargaining unit of Lancaster School District deserve a far better compensation package.
6% might seem like a lot, but the new ongoing money that the district is receiving is more than 13% and their offer isn’t even half of that. The district also receives LCFF money for the recruitment and retention of teachers. Our proposal takes that into account and includes the ability for members to have at least one free option on medical benefits. We are asking for an on-scale increase that represents the district getting over 13% of ongoing new money.
Today the district told us that they “value” their members. By comparison, the Westside Union School District had already settled with their members prior to the beginning of this school year for 3% on-salary. But with the new 13.26% ongoing monies coming in, their district took it upon themselves to approach their bargaining unit to add an additional 6% on-salary increase. THAT shows respect and the value of keeping employees.
Lancaster School District’s belief is that if they offer us more money, they could become insolvent. They have taken this position for the last decade, and yet here we are. Even though the district has the money to show respect for what we do, we are STILL having to fight for every single penny.
We strongly disagree with the district’s representation of their budget and the way they are calculating their numbers. The district presented numbers last week that were proven to be inaccurate. The district asked us to give them one week’s grace, which we granted, while they reviewed their budget. When we asked Dr. Freise today to explain the budget presentation that was given in the state of the district and at a board meeting in September, he said “it’s not fair to ask us to explain a presentation that was weeks ago.”
As a result of our meeting with the district today, and our continued concerns with how the district is representing their numbers, we have asked CTA to delve more deeply into the district’s budget and how their calculations were made.
We will be meeting with CTA on Tuesday to go over these numbers. Our next bargaining session with the district is scheduled for November 17.
We want to reiterate that we have no intention of settling for a contract that is not fair to all our members.
In unity and strength,
Kym Hickman
Bill Clark
Wendy Perry
Tyler Heckathorn
Gina Whipple
Thank you negotiations team for fighting for what we're worth! TAL supports you!
|
|
|
Click the flyer below to register:
(as of 11/8, December 6 and January 5 are full) 
|
|
Dear Members,
The TAL Negotiations Team met with the district yesterday, September 8, 2022, for day one of the full contract negotiations.
We exchanged contract language for Articles I-X and at this time there were no changes made to the language in Articles I, IV, V, and VII. With that said, all articles remain open until we are done with the bargaining cycle.
We also gave the district our compensation proposal, which includes an increase on the salary schedule, an increase to the medical cap, an increase for extra hourly work, and an increase in the daily rate. Our proposal included adding to the steps on all salary schedules.
In addition, we had a lengthy discussion on class size reduction and will continue to make that a priority during this negotiations cycle.
We would appreciate your support to show the district that we stand united during this time. Please wear your TAL shirts on Thursday, September 29, which is our next meeting with the district.
Your Negotiations Team will continue to work hard to get you the very best contract.
Sincerely,
Kym Hickman
Bill Clark
Wendy Perry
Tyler Heckathorn
The TAL Negotiations Team met with the district yesterday, September 8, 2022, for day one of the full contract negotiations.
We exchanged contract language for Articles I-X and at this time there were no changes made to the language in Articles I, IV, V, and VII. With that said, all articles remain open until we are done with the bargaining cycle.
We also gave the district our compensation proposal, which includes an increase on the salary schedule, an increase to the medical cap, an increase for extra hourly work, and an increase in the daily rate. Our proposal included adding to the steps on all salary schedules.
In addition, we had a lengthy discussion on class size reduction and will continue to make that a priority during this negotiations cycle.
We would appreciate your support to show the district that we stand united during this time. Please wear your TAL shirts on Thursday, September 29, which is our next meeting with the district.
Your Negotiations Team will continue to work hard to get you the very best contract.
Sincerely,
Kym Hickman
Bill Clark
Wendy Perry
Tyler Heckathorn
COVID Supplemental paid leave was set to expire on 9/30/22, but thanks to the efforts of organized labor, it has been extended through 12/31/2022. #unionstrong
TAL stands in unity with PETA as their negotiations are underway!
|
Thank you to those who filled out or Independent Study Survey. Option 2 was the most popular (a 1/7 position assignment at the District Level). We will take this result to the bargaining table. Thank you to our Bargaining Team who will be negotiating the entire contract for us!
|
|
Our bargaining team met last week (the week of 8/22) to prepare for upcoming negotiations (the week of 9/6). Thank you team for working so hard for our members!
|
TAL members:
Another first day of school! My 25th in LSD. Every year brings a new opportunity to positively influence the lives of others - students and adults. My hope is that we will continue to support one another and provide an unforgettable educational experience for our students and their families. And let’s not forget our own families - and ourselves. Take time every day to practice something you enjoy. We must afford ourselves the same grace and patience as students, families, and community. Lastly, remember that we are employees, not family. Let’s make this the year of US!✊🏻 In UNITY as always, Whip |
|
|
TAL extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of former Lancaster School District teacher Julie Ann Broderick who passed away this past summer.
|
|
|
CTA Enrollment: Enroll online, download form here, scan the QR code, or download PDF ------>
|
| ||
|
|
|
| 22-23_student_calendar_board_2-15-22.pdf |
|
|
| pink_days_calendar_22-23_.pdf |
In response to the Department of Education’s proposed changes to Title IX, we have created an online platform so that members can easily and directly submit comments in support of the Department’s restoration of Title IX protections. We have followed up with the ~2,000 RA delegates who texted in "NINE" during the RA to be notified when the comment period opened and sent them the action. To date, the total number of comments submitted from our platform to date is 4,482 and we need to bring the full weight of NEA to bear, so please share widely with members between now and 9/12/22.
These proposed changes would make a huge difference in meeting the promises of Title IX. Specifically, the proposed changes clarify that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, and gender identity and that schools have a responsibility to prevent and address all forms of sex-based harassment. Additionally, the proposed changes to Title IX clarify and strengthen protections for pregnant students and educators to ensure necessary accommodations are made on their behalf.
As we have learned, numbers do matter and opposition groups are working hard to make sure their comments are submitted in mass. These groups want these proposed changes to fail under the guise that the Departments’ interpretation of Title IX is an overreach in redefining sex and will be harmful for girls. We know that all students deserve protection under the law, and that is the promise of Title IX.
We will be increasing outreach to ensure that the Department receives the support it needs to move forward with these proposed changes, and we would appreciate your outreach to members across the country.
In addition to our member engagement activities, we are working diligently to draft comments on behalf of NEA which will be submitted on September 12. Our comments will be focused on supporting the proposed changes to Title IX, specifically as they work to restore the promises of Title IX and provide additional clarification for the education community. More information about Title IX can be found here, and here.
Should you have questions, please contact Bianca Singh at bsingh@nea.org.
These proposed changes would make a huge difference in meeting the promises of Title IX. Specifically, the proposed changes clarify that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, and gender identity and that schools have a responsibility to prevent and address all forms of sex-based harassment. Additionally, the proposed changes to Title IX clarify and strengthen protections for pregnant students and educators to ensure necessary accommodations are made on their behalf.
As we have learned, numbers do matter and opposition groups are working hard to make sure their comments are submitted in mass. These groups want these proposed changes to fail under the guise that the Departments’ interpretation of Title IX is an overreach in redefining sex and will be harmful for girls. We know that all students deserve protection under the law, and that is the promise of Title IX.
We will be increasing outreach to ensure that the Department receives the support it needs to move forward with these proposed changes, and we would appreciate your outreach to members across the country.
In addition to our member engagement activities, we are working diligently to draft comments on behalf of NEA which will be submitted on September 12. Our comments will be focused on supporting the proposed changes to Title IX, specifically as they work to restore the promises of Title IX and provide additional clarification for the education community. More information about Title IX can be found here, and here.
Should you have questions, please contact Bianca Singh at bsingh@nea.org.
|
News regarding COVID sick leave:
|
|
|
|
Lancaster School District Board Meeting Info. here
Upcoming Meetings, typically open session @ 6 pm: 07/19/22 08/02/22 08/16/22 09/06/22 09/20/22 Promise Academy 10/04/22 Fulton and Alsbury 10/18/22 11/01/22 Mariposa 11/15/22 12/13/22 01/10/23 Special Board Meeting – Governance 01/17/23 Lincoln 02/07/23 02/21/23 Endeavour 03/07/23 Nancy Cory 03/21/23 04/04/23 Piute 04/18/23 05/02/23 West Wind 05/09/23 Employee Recognition 05/16/23 06/06/23 06/13/23 Special Meeting - Facilities Visit 06/20/23 |
Members - your site's TAL representative is responsible for informing you each month of what we discussed at TAL Rep meetings. TAL Reps - please check your email for the monthly meeting form.
2022-23 TAL Rep Meetings (via WebEx) @ 3 pm: 8/30/22 9/27/22 10/25/22 11/29/22 12/13/22 1/31/23 2/28/23 3/28/23 4/25/23 5/30/23 |
|
California Casualty - For a limited time... get a FREE $25 AMAZON.COM GIFT CARD when you get a new auto insurance quote! *Restrictions apply.
Start your quote by filling out this form or calling: 1-833-989-3585 |
|
www.calcasathletics.com - $1,000 athletics grant for middle schools and high schools
www.calcasmusicartsgrant.com - $250 grant for all grades
www.calcasmusicartsgrant.com - $250 grant for all grades
Your 2021-22 CTA card is attached to the back of your Educator magazine; you can also download your card from the email that was sent to you September 16th. If you have trouble, please email membership@cta.org
|
ConsumerMedical Program is available to all PPO members and their eligible dependents. ConsumerMedical provides support to help members understand any medical condition and all available treatment options.
ConsumerMedical Virtual Information Event starts August 31st through September 15th, visit the link below from any phone, tablet or computer to access a virtual information session, where you can learn more about all the ways ConsumerMedical can help you and your family. You can also enter the raffle for a chance to win a $50 gift card by simply clicking on the link below! Ready to begin? Start here: https://app.airbo.com/ard/cvt |
|
Sign the Petition for the Elimination of the Unfair GPO and WEP Provisions of the Social Security Act here
Congratulations to all the 2020-21 Teachers of the Year! |
Congratulations
|
|
|
|
|
Steps for Interactive Dialogue:
|
|
COVID / Workers' Comp
|
URGENT: IF YOU HAVE NOT DESIGNATED YOUR OWN DOCTOR FOR WORKER'S COMP, YOU NEED TO DO IT IMMEDIATELY.
RISK MANAGEMENT EMAILED US THE FORM ON 02/25/2021. IT IS TAL'S UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU ONLY NEED TO FILL OUT THIS PAPERWORK ONCE, NOT YEARLY. CHECK WITH THE D.O. TO SEE IF YOUR FORM IS UP TO DATE |
From Danielle Gates at Risk Management on 2/26/21:
|
|
Black Lives Matter Legal Advisory:
|
|
Know your Weingarten Rights
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Site Rep - SPED Cheat Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Click here for California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) Distance Learning Resources for SpecialEd
Ed. Code - Suspensions & Assault on Employees
48910 & 44014
|
| ||||
What Makes a Work Environment Hostile?
|
Social Networking and how it can affect your life: |
|
|
Black Tuesdays
El Dorado is united for school safety and discipline!
|
Mariposa STANDING strong, for school safety!
|
Lincoln united for safety in OUR schools, for ALL!
|
Sunnydale: we stand united today for teacher and student safety in all schools!
|
Sunnydale showing our support for staff and student safety.
|
Joshua kinder representing!
|