In 1966, a sociologist used the term model minority to describe Japanese Americans and their apparently seamless assimilation into American culture. The term gradually spread to include all Asian Americans and was documented by the stereotype that they are
Congratulations are in order for the retirees of the AALA Class of 2019! The strength of our Association comes from your professionalism, sensitivity, and doing right by the students we serve, no matter the circumstances. We are so pleased you will have more time for yourself and hope that you will now make yourself the number one priority.
On a similar note, we
Because this issue received quite a bit of publicity, we are sure that you are aware that on Tuesday, June 18, the LAUSD Board of Education voted to end the safety policy requiring the random searches of students using handheld metal detectors (wanding). The policy was put in place in 1993 after students were killed at Fairfax and Reseda high schools. We must note that these were definitely not the first students to be killed on a LAUSD campus, several had lost their lives in the preceding years, but these shootings gained national attention because
The In Memoriam was penned in June of last year with the genuine hope the District would somehow mend its ways in 2019, and the In Memoriam section could forever be retired. Sadly though, it is needed even more as our members again grieve the loss of their professional careers and livelihoods. This year, AALA members once again found themselves in the crossfire of harsh disciplinary action with little to no progressive discipline. True to form, our administrators are being released
The research is clear. Stress can have a profound impact on our physical and emotional well-being, affecting our brains, bodies, executive function, judgment, and relationships. However, it’s not the stress itself but the body’s reaction to the stress that causes damage. In the context of our work as LAUSD administrators, such an impact can often make the difference between
The Office of Labor Relations has confirmed Friday, June 28, 2019, as the date for the retroactive Unit J pay and new salary rate. The retroactive pay covers from July 1, 2017, to the present. Congratulations and accolades go to the amazing Unit J bargaining team; and the even more amazing Unit J members in good standing. Members in good standing,
On Thursday, May 23, AALA honored the 2019 Administrators of the Year, the recipients of the President’s awards, a special scholarship awardee, community volunteers, and the Friends of AALA scholarship winners at the annual Scholarship and Community Awards Banquet held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Friends of AALA, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, was established nine years ago under the leadership of Dr. Judith Perez, AALA’s immediate past president. Its mission is to support the association in awarding scholarships to LAUSD graduates and giving recognition to individuals or organizations for their generous volunteer service. This year,
The Tuesday, May 22, 2019, Board of Education meeting encapsulated and shined the light on the angst and misery many AALA School Support Administrators have experienced and continue to experience year-after-year. However, this time the tables were turned on the District’s very own senior leadership as most, if not all, of their contracts were renewed for ONLY one year. This is almost unheard of at the senior leadership level as typically contracts are offered for two to three years.
A lively debate ensued on the unfairness
The following individuals have been selected by their peers to receive 2019 AALA Administrator of the Year recognition. There is one recipient for each of the five AALA departments. Congratulations to:
The District recently published a news release highlighting the new Anthem Medicare Advantage Plan. The initiative saves $50 million annually in healthcare costs, and reduces the other post-employment benefits obligation by $3.8 billion. (Click HERE to read the complete news release.)
Press releases by nature cannot be comprehensive. Thus, it becomes important to provide historical context to drive home the importance of the Health Benefits Committee (HBC) to the process; and the reason why as labor partners we must always continue as a united front when it comes to healthcare.
Our noble profession has amazing and memorable rituals and routines like celebrating the 100th day of kindergarten, the ubiquitous picture day, and the granddaddy of them all, high school graduations.
Regrettably, and by the same token, there is a
Most of you know I meet every month with Superintendent Beutner to discuss priorities and concerns of the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles. As previously reported here, I have repeatedly emphasized the urgency of informing our members about
AALA representatives went to Sacramento on April 8, 2019, with ACSA Region XVI for Legislative Action Day 2019. Each year, approximately 400 education leaders throughout the state bring their regional teams to Sacramento to advocate for California’s 6.2 million students. The teams are given detailed briefings and guidance about the main issues that are to be addressed with the legislators. This year, the ACSA/AALA teams focused on the following legislation:
Measure EE is LAUSD’s bond measure appearing on the June 4, 2019, ballot that calls for a 16 cents per square foot parcel tax. An analysis indicates most homeowners will pay between $100 and $450 more a year; the larger the property, the more you pay. The bond will raise $400 to $500 million annually to lower class sizes, add counselors and nurses, and cover the recently negotiated pay raises. Otherwise, the District will continue making draconian cuts to the tune of $749 million by 2021-22 to meet the reserve benchmarks required by law. Failure to do so could lead to the Los Angeles County Office of Education removing the authority of the Board, taking over the District, and making unilateral cuts.
There is no doubt
AALA’s AWESOME Unit J Bargaining Team reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) with the District on Thursday, March 21, 2019. Click HERE to view the actual agreement which follows the signature page; contract deletions are shown by strike outs; new sections and subsections are underlined.
Dr. Judith Perez, Lead Negotiator, Phyllis Lott, Vice President, Dave Montes, Director, Lisa Marine, Director, Laura Ramirez, Senior Steward, Gizella Czene, Job Steward, negotiated items of importance to our members, including competitive salaries and improved working conditions. Please take a moment to read the TA. In the meantime, listed below are some of the highlights.
Five exemplary administrators, one from each AALA department (Adult, Elementary, Secondary, School Support Administrators, Unit J), will be honored as AALA Administrators of the Year 2019 and presented a $500 stipend from the California Credit Union by Gloria Rogers, Vice President, School and Community Development. The stipend is to be used to help support an LAUSD student program or activity, which can also include a donation to Friends of AALA.
The selected administrators will
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Los Angeles Unified School District is ordering an election to authorize a $0.16 tax levy per square foot of building improvements (about $240 on a 1500 square foot home), exempting seniors and certain disability recipients, to provide approximately $500,000,000 annually (beginning in January 2020 if the levy passes on June 4, 2019) for 12 years, requiring annual audits, oversight, and funding local schools.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT (TO MORE ABLY SUPPORT THE PASSAGE OF THE LEVY) THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL IMMEDIATELY:
The AALA Unit J bargaining team continues in negotiations with the District, and bargaining sessions are scheduled for March 7, 2019, March 21, 2019, and April 4, 2019, with more dates added, if necessary. AALA is awaiting the District’s response to the AALA Unit J salary, third longevity increment, and increased tuition reimbursement proposals that were presented when negotiations commenced.
The District has made proposals related to salary overpayments and recuperation;
Congratulations to the eight District secondary schools that have been selected as 2019 California Distinguished Schools. Schools are selected based on achieving exceptional student performance for two consecutive school years or closing the achievement gap between two school years as exemplified by their performance and progress on the state indicators, which include test scores, suspension rates, and graduation rates.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the winners on Monday, February 25, and made the following statement,