burbank bta teachers association...

President’s Message by Diana Abasta

BURBANK

TEACHERS

ASSOCIATION

October, 2016 Volume 30, Number 1

BTA

BENCHMARK Inside this issue:

President’s Message

continued

3, 4

Executive Director’s

Message

2

News From The Table 5

Proposition 55 6

Teacher Grants and

Scholarships

7,

10

NEA Representative

Assembly

8, 9

BTA Who’s Who

11,

12

September used to be associated with the beginning of school. Now it

seems August comes and we hit the ground in record time. Welcome to

another school year. It has been ten years since I served as Co-

president with Kim Allender and shared an office with GTA in Glendale.

BTA now has its own office and continues to be a strong voice for all its

members both in the District and in the community. I’m honored to be

able to step in and lead with a strong and dedicated Executive Board,

Executive Director, and Office Manager. I’m looking forward to seeing

many of you at your school sites as I visit throughout the year and at

future Board of Ed. Meeting and BTA events.

The 2016-2017 school year is off to an inspirational start. BTA hosted

its New Teacher Orientation at The Castaway and along with District

leadership, we welcomed our new colleagues. It was an opportunity for

all of us to remember, “Why I Teach” which has become BTA’s first so-

cial media campaign of the year. Next, we concluded the bargaining of

the 2015-16 contract. My sincere thanks goes to the team of Kim An-

derson, Sue Conway, Dana Ragle, and Sonya Tsujimura, our CTA Execu-

tive Director.

I would also like to recognize the hard work of Rebecca Mieliwocki and

Jennifer Almer-Johnson for organizing the professional development

program on August 15th that gave teachers a choice and voice in the ar-

eas they best thought would benefit them. These twenty-four work-

shops led by our fellow colleagues were designed to motivate and in-

spire us in the year ahead.

This school year we have a crucial ballot initiative coming up for Cali-

fornia voters. Proposition 55 is seeking to maintain the current income

tax rates on the wealthiest Californians. Its passage will prevent nearly

(Continued on Page 3)

BTA Benchmark, October 2016

Executive Director’s Message by Sonya Tsujimura

Fall is nearly here, which brings with it elections season. Hopefully you have heard from your site rep the importance of passing Proposition 55, which protects our students and public schools from returning to the days of massive budget cuts, educator layoffs, larger classes and tuition hikes. We have begun phone banking every Tuesday and Wednesday at the BTA office to make sure we get out the vote for Proposition 55. Please talk to your site rep or call the BTA office for more infor-mation. Another Proposition to keep an eye out for in November is Proposition 58—the LEARN Initiative. Proposition 58 will advance the goals of providing the highest quality education for all children—in English along with providing the opportunity to learn another language. It will support preparing stu-dents for college and careers in the 21st Century economy by accessing innovative, research-based educational programs, and empowering parents, teachers, and schools to meet the needs of all stu-dents. Under our current system, too many California students are being left behind and not given the opportunity to learn English with the most effective teaching methods possible. This is because of the outdated nearly 20-year old law, Prop 227, which restricts the instructional methods school districts can use to teach English. This old law also limits the ability of English speaking students to participate in language immersion programs. Proposition 58 will expand opportunities for students to learn a second language. This is relevant and important. Here in Burbank we have our growing dual-language immersion program, which we want to see continue to grow and flourish. According to the California Department of Education, 425 out of 10,393 schools offer multilingual programs. Proposition 58 will remove barriers to school dis-tricts offering language immersion programs. Proposition 58 will encourage school districts to pro-vide effective instruction so native English speakers can become proficient in a second language and English Learners become proficient in English as well as other languages—K-12th grades. Prop 58 will help students learn to compete in a global economy. Students with a strong proficiency in English who also speak another language are better prepared to compete in the global workforce. The advantages of being multilingual include higher paying jobs, increased creative thinking and be-ing more connected to work and community. Extensive research has shown that students who choose to participate in multilingual programs attain high levels of academic achievement, including English and other language proficiency. They repeatedly demonstrate greater achievement and higher scores than English-only students. Proposition 58 will eliminate decades-old legal restrictions imposed on local school districts, allowing them to choose the most effective language instruction methods to help our students learn. Parents must be consulted when the school district decides on the language courses it will offer. Parents can also join with other parents to request a specific lan-guage instruction program at their school. We need your help to get the word out about Proposition 58. The ballot is crowded this November, so we need to educate our fellow BTA members, family and community members about this im-portant educational oppportunity.

BTA Benchmark October, 2016

President’s Message, continued

$4 billion in funding cuts to public education and protects other vital services, like children’s

health care. More information on Proposition 55 can be found in this Benchmark.

To get to the crux of our union I would like you to imagine for a moment that you have five

years teaching experience, are strongly opposed to excessive standardized testing and you pub-

licly speak out against it. Would you be in fear of losing your teaching job? What if you criticized

a proposed new student dress code for the district? How about if you advocated strongly for a

grade level team approach to Project Based Learning, even though your principal felt this would

be too difficult to implement and might distract from the continuing effort to raise test scores

in science, math and reading.

In all of these hypothetical scenarios you would most likely feel that you were exercising your

right to express your professional views with no fear of losing your job or of suffering any other

recriminations, AND YOU WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT! In fact, these are the kinds of

professional transactions that we feel comfortable engaging in as full partners with administra-

tors and school board members in the public education environment in California. We take it

for granted that we have the right to speak up and express our opinions.

This fact of teaching life has not always been true in California and is not true even today in

many other states. What is the defining difference? It is a strong teachers’ union that has fought

for and secured professional standards and rights for teachers in California.

Sometimes we hear that in a strong school district like BUSD there is little need for a union ---

that in California’s more evolved education environment of strong credentialing requirements

and professional development a teacher has no need for a union as long as he or she “does a

good job.” The problem with this idealistic view of our profession today is that is doesn’t square

with reality. Why? Because the inherent power structure of the public education establishment

has not changed at all since teachers’ unions were first established. In fact, the political and fund-

ing stresses on public education are greater today than at any time in the past.

The power structure of public education is a top-down structure beginning with the legislature

and flowing out to the Department of Education, County Offices of Education, and then to indi-

vidual districts. Each district then has its own power structure beginning with school boards, su-

perintendents, district office administrators, principals, and teaching staff. So in reality, teachers,

the people who are best trained to deliver instruction and actually do it every day, are the last

people who are consulted in efforts to improve education. This is not to say that some districts

don’t try hard to turn this power structure around to place teacher knowledge at the top of

the decision making process, but it is the exception.

(Continued on Page 4)


President’s Message, continued What is the remedy for teachers in this upside-down world of public education power? Of

course, a teachers’ union --- a formal, collective organization that balances the inherent pow-

er structure by giving teachers a unified voice in crucial decisions on funding, curricula, in-

struction, pay schedules, and workplace rules – to name just a few.

The heart and soul of the balance of power is our contract with the district and our ability

to use collective bargaining whenever the contract is up for renewal. But the collective pow-

er of a teachers’ union is at work every day at the district and state level. It is a power that advocates for good education practices while protecting teachers against

arbitrary or capricious actions by administrators. It is a power that insists on due process of

law in the disciplining or firing of any teacher.

This is what your union, the Burbank Teachers Association, affiliated with the California

Teachers Association and the National Education Association gives you every single day that

you teach. But the professional rights you enjoy today were often fought for and hard won by

generations of your predecessors.

A brief overview of CTA accomplishments:

1863 - Established as California Education Society

1866 - Spoke out for and won the establishment of free public education in California

1867 - Denounced segregated schools and won public funding for integrated schools

1913 - Union advocacy created the California State Teachers Retirement System

1927 – Defended a teacher’s right to marry

1975 – Won the right to collectively bargain contracts

1996 – Filed lawsuit against the state of California to protect Prop. 98 funding

and won a settlement of $540 million to schools in 1996-97 and more than $1

Billion in succeeding years

2012 – Led fight to pass the governor’s Prop. 30. It stopped billions in education cuts and

generated $42 billion for public schools over seven years

This is your union – our union – and we hope you will actively support your fellow members

and become actively involved in improving our effectiveness. Whether you become a site

representative, a member of the negotiating team, a state council representative, or a mem-

ber of the BTA management team we need your involvement. We are stronger together. We

provide balance to the education power structure with our unity and commitment to each

other.

I would like to thank Kim Allender for giving me the words to express my sentiments and

beliefs in this article.

In unity,

Diana


NEWS FROM THE TABLE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

SESSION # 1

The BTA team of Lori Adams, Kim Anderson, Les Cohen, Sue Conway, Colleen Flores, and

Sonya Lowe-Tsujimura met with the District's team of Anita Schackmann, David Jaynes, Laura

Flosi, Tom Kissinger, and their lawyer Steve Andelson for the first negotiations session on Sep-

tember 28, 2016 at the District Office. We discussed ground rules, Lina Sola joined us for a

budget update and articles to be negotiated this year.

The Unaudited Actuals once again show a healthy Ending Balance and student enrollment is

up, however, the district explained the need to account for the end of one time money from

the state, the possibility of Prop. 55 not passing, allocated funds that have yet to be spent and

two years of our pay increase. BTA requested the actual amount of the pay increase after all

checks have been distributed. Both sides agreed that it would be best to address salary and

benefits in January when we will know the fate of Prop 55 and Governor Brown's budget

proposal.

This year the entire Collective Bargaining Agreement is open but we specifically mentioned

the need to address two topics that have been discussed extensively in the past but not set-

tled. These topics include class size and issues in special education. We will be seeking input

from members before our next session so please be prepared to share your thoughts when

the time comes.

We will meet again on October 28th, November 29th and January 19th.

Yes on Prop. 55 Prevents

Deep Cuts to Education

Educators have a crucial ballot initiative coming

up for California voters in November. Proposi-

tion 55 is seeking to maintain the current income

tax rates on the wealthiest Californians. Its pas-

sage will prevent nearly $4 billion in funding cuts

to public education and protects other vital ser-

vices like children’s health care. Proposition 55,

the California Children’s Education and Health

Care Protection Act of 2016 maintains the cur-

rent income tax rates on the wealthiest Califor-

nians for 12 more years – couples earning more

than $500,000 a year and singles earning more

than $250,000.

Why Proposition 55 Now? California public school funding was cut to the

bone during the great recession. When voters

passed Proposition 30 in 2012, California was

suffering massive education cuts, tens of thou-

sands of teacher layoffs, larger classes, and the

elimination of art, music, and other classes. Prop

30 has generated more than $31 billion and has

helped public education restore some of the funds it lost during the recession but our schools

are just starting to get back on track. Unfortu-

nately, funding under Prop. 30 is will be phased

out beginning in 2018 unless we pass Proposition

55.

California students, schools and colleges can’t

afford to go back to the days of massive teacher

and staff layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to

programs like art and music. Money from Prop.

55 goes to local schools and state lawmakers

can’t touch it. Proposition 55 contains strict ac-

countability requirements to ensure funds desig-

nated for education go to classrooms, not to bu-

reaucracy or administrative costs.

.

Vote YES on Proposition 55 on

November 8th

Page 6 BTA Benchmark October 2016

6th Annual Thank-A-Soldier Care

Box Assembly & BBQ at UMe

Credit Union

The Ume Federal Credit Union is currently collecting

snack items, personal supplies and entertainment

items for the 6th Annual Thank-A-Soldier project. If

you’d like to help deployed troops you can join the

Burbank community in donating items at the credit

union through October 21st. For a list of donation

items needed go to umecreditunion.com and click on

Help Us Thank A Soldier under News and Announce-

ments.

Then on Saturday, October 22 wear your BTA shirt

and join in on the Thank-A-Soldier Care Box Assem-

bly and Community BBQ in the UMe parking lot,

3000 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank. There will be live

music between 11 am and 2 pm; our own Barry Sarna

will be playing in a band. Get a free lunch with a dona-

tion. If you cannot make it, feel free to drop off your

donations at the BTA office and we’ll deliver them for

you.

The Thank-A-Soldier Project is jointly sponsored by

UMe Federal Credit Union, Keller Williams Realty,

and Hands Across the Battlefield. For more infor-

mation contact Steven Mozo, Marketing Coordinator,

UMe Credit Union at 818 238-2900 x241.

Teacher Grants Available From

Delta Kappa Gamma

The Burbank Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society

International which promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education

is offering two different teacher grants to Burbank teach-

ers:

1) Two $500 Teacher Grants: These grants are for a

class/school project that targets educational enrichment

through the improvement of learning opportunities or

learning environments for students. It can be in any sub-

ject area e.g. language arts, STEM, gardening, communica-

tion, library, visual & performing arts etc. Last year’s

grants were awarded to Jennifer Niwa at Bret Harte for

“Tap and the Science of Sound” and to Joseph Reed Lu-ther/Jefferson for “Creativity and the Power of Electron-

ics with LittleBits”.

2) The $200 Penne Ferrell Fund Award to a teacher in

her/his first 3 years of teaching. This money may be

used for a classroom library, or books to support a class-

room curriculum project.

Contact your principal for copies of these easy to fill out

grant applications which are due in November. You can

also email Pam Allender, the Grant Chairperson, at

[email protected] to request an application.


Good News On Retro Checks:

2% Off Schedule Payment

Delivered to school sites by end of September.

These are actual checks and will not be direct deposited.

3% Increase

Will be reflected in the September checks.

3% Retro to July 1, 2015

Will be ready in late October.

Medical Insurance For those who pay over the District cap, $50 applied in October, November, December. A lump sum pay-

ment of up to $350 will be paid to BTA members whose out of pocket contributions towards premiums ex-

ceeds the District cap. Starting in January of 2017, the District contribution will be up to $12,000. Contact Anita Schackmann Director, Human Resources Services Burbank Unified School District 818.729.4410 [email protected]

Issues of equality, justice, and empower-

ment were front and center at the National

Education Association’s 95th Representative

Assembly. Taking place during a week that

produced an unusually high number of daily

distressing headlines about by over-seas

bombings, police shootings, the shooting of

police, and a list of controversies in the presi-

dential election, more than 7,000 educators

representing their communities met in Wash-

ington DC to work on setting the priorities

and the action of the country’s largest union.

I was fortunate to be elected to repre-

sent Burbank at the RA alongside Diana Abas-

ta, Jerry Mullady, Robyn Russon, Maggie Hess-

Witucki, Brad Frank, and Bonnie Shatun.

The spate of recent tragic events and

the unusual election season made this RA par-

ticularly emotional. On July second, NEA Pres-

ident Lily Eskelsen Garcia began the week-

long convention on a solemn note by ac-

knowledging the tragic events that occurred

at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. A photo of each

victim was displayed on stage as Eskelsen Gar-

cia addressed our ongoing need to create saf-

er communities where people’s identities do

not make them a target for violence or dis-

crimination.

The fact that public schools play an

enormous role in creating a more peaceful

and just society is a fact that can’t be denied

and the teachers in attendance worked to-

wards that goal by approving many new poli-

cies and business items including, most nota-

bly, the approval of the NEA’s comprehensive

School-To-Prison Pipeline Policy. This docu-

ment will be a driving force making the NEA

actively engaged in studying and resolving ine-

qualities in our public schools. It was written

by a large committee of teachers who worked

together over the last year.

Other adopted items include addressing

concerns about charter school oversight, the

administrative use of standardized testing,

partnering with other organizations to work

on the issue of affirmative consent, and work-

ing to develop curriculum that better reflects

the history and contributions of ethnic minor-

ities in the United States. Altogether, the busi-

ness conducted during that week will have a

positive effect on our schools and, by exten-

sion, our communities.

The importance of these decisions as

well as the effectiveness of our Union’s ability

to make change was highlighted by the

presentation of this year’s Friend of Education

Award being given to senators from both

sides of the aisle. Patty Murray of Washington

and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee were

acknowledged for their bipartisan work on

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA),

which replaced No Child Left Behind. As the

bill worked its way through Congress, our un-

ion members were in constant contact with

their representatives and our union leaders

lobbied to ensure that ESSA would be at its

best for our students when it reached the

President’s desk. When it did get signed, Es-

kelsen Garcia was standing over the Presi-

dent’s shoulder.

The RA’s biggest day was when Hillary

Clinton took the stage on Tuesday, July 5th.

Her address to the assembly included her

commitment that teachers “will always have a

seat at the table” if she is elected. She spoke


NEA Representative Assembly in Washington, D.C. By Justin Riner

Continued on next page

of the need to elevate respect for the teach-

ing profession and ensure that students have

access to quality education regardless of

where they live or have come from. The RA

later voted overwhelmingly for the NEA to

endorse Clinton for President.

While it was a meeting permeated by

heavy topics and news stories, the 2016 RA

was also a celebration of the work that its

members do and the important role that

public schools play in our country. This year’s

National Teacher of the Year, Jahana Hayes,

spoke of her experience as a young woman

facing many challenges who was inspired to

be successful by her teachers. When things

were at their most difficult, her teachers in-

spired her to be persistent and provided her

the support that she needed to be the first

college graduate in her family and, eventually,

to receive a national honor for the work that

she does.

Our own Maggie Hess-Witucki became

involved in the business of the national as-

sembly by writing New Business Item 114.

Maggie is well aware of the teacher shortage

that we are currently experiencing and want-

ed to make sure that students had easy ac-

cess to the NEA’s wealth of information re-

garding the pursuit of a teaching career. In

order to accomplish this, Maggie’s NBI would

make the NEA website more user friendly

and feature a specific source for students

who are prospective teachers to find infor-

mation. Maggie was approached by many stu-

dent representatives who thanked her for her

work on this NBI. Although we didn’t get to

vote on her NBI because it was folded into

another item, it was great to see her getting

involved and receiving gratitude from those

that she hoped to impact.

Overall, this week was extremely grati-

fying for me. It confirmed that we are part of

an important and effective organization. An

organization led by dedicated, diverse, and

passionate individuals. We are part of an or-

ganization whose biggest interest is the well-

being of our students and the belief that the

opportunities and support that we give them

is empowerment. We are part of an organi-

zation who strives for equity, believes in

peace, and brandishes the power of educa-

tion. As a member of the Burbank delegation,

I was able to see how the work I do in room

106 is part of a nationwide movement to

make things better. The 2016 RA continued

in the tradition of acknowledging the im-

portance of public education and moving our

country towards further excellence.

BTA Benchmark, October 2016

NEA RA continued

INDEPENDENT LEARNING

ACADEMY Congratulations for the hard work of Bur-

bank Independent Learning Academy teach-

ers Heather Good and Stacy Bowren for

successfully achieving WASC accreditation

for the grades 9-12 program through June,

2019.


PTA CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR

Teachers, School Counselors, School Nurses and Volunteers

Scholarships are available from the California PTA: Amount: $500

Applications Due: Saturday, October 15, 2016

CA State PTA Office

2327 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816-5014

Get applications at http://capta.org/programs-events/scholarships/continuing-education/

DON’T WAIT!

Heather Good

Stacy Bowren

2016 - 2017 Who’s Who in BTA

Faculty Representatives

Each school site has at least one BTA Faculty Repre-

sentative, or, in the case of larger sites, one representa-

tive for each 15 members or major fraction thereof.

Listed in the column at the right is a list of representa-

tives for the 2016-2017 school year who were elected

in June by the members of their respective sites.

The members listed at the right are your representa-

tives, so please take a minute to introduce yourself and

to let them know if you have any questions or concerns.

These dedicated colleagues are y our voice at the

monthly BTA Representative Council meetings. They

may also be a witness for you at any potentially negative

meeting with a parent or administrator.

Your Faculty Representatives will also put communica-

tions from BTA into your mailbox, conduct elections for

leadership positions and contract ratifications, recruit

new members, and assist you in finding answers to your

contract questions.

ADULT SCHOOL — Linda Matsumoto, Julie Grair BURBANK H.S. — Gina DiFrancesco, Bob Shaw,

Bob Camacho, Natalie Setaghian

BURROUGHS H.S. — Robyn Russon,

David Hedin-Abrey, Maria Carman, Jeil Salem

DISNEY ELEM. — Bridget Highfill

EDISON ELEM. — David Engel

EMERSON ELEM. — Samantha Robman,

Robin Jankiewicz INDEPENDENT LEARNING ACADEMY —

Heather Good

JEFFERSON ELEM. — Anna Basinski

JORDAN M.S. — Dana Ragle, Amy Fuhr,

Brian Kaloustian, Lori Pacino

LUTHER M.S. — Sue Conway, Nick Lundy,

David Evans, Michael Concidine

MANN ELEM. — Rosalie Delgado, Jocelyn Garfiaz

McKINLEY ELEM. — Amanda Pohlman,

Monique Kalachi

MILLER ELEM. — Joan Becker, Brian Collins,

Jason Ragle

MONTEREY H.S. — Todd Doty, Lisa Jo LaMere

MUIR M.S. — Barry Sarna, Brad Frank,

Heidi Sasaki, Jessica Wertleib

PROVIDENCIA ELEM. — Kate Bailey,

Lola Stewart

ROOSEVELT ELEM. — Kathy Wills-Sarna

STEVENSON ELEM. — Lindsay Hill,

Jasson Przebieda

TEACHERS ON SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT —

Jenn Goldenberg

WASHINGTON ELEM. — Dorothy Hernandez,

Chandra Collins

BTA Benchmark October 2016

IMPORTANT FUTURE MEETING DATES

Oct. 20 — BOE Meeting

Oct. 26 — Rep. Council at Jefferson Elementary

Oct. 28 — BTA Negotiations

Nov. 3 — BOE Meeting

NOVEMBER 8 — ELECTION DAY

Nov. 9 — Rep. Council at Luther M.S.

Nov. 17 — BOE Meeting

ELECTION PHONE BANKING — VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Burbank Teachers Association will be hosting phone banking every Tuesday and Wednesday until elec-

tion day. Come by the BTA office (3021 W. Burbank Blvd, near the Coral Café) from 4 - 7 PM to call CTA

members in the area to remind them to vote and encourage them to vote ’yes’ on Propositions 55, 52 and

58. We provide the script, cell phones and the food — and there’s a raffle every night for participants! Come for one hour or come for all three — this election is vital for education. Any time you can give is

valued.

Board of Directors Members of the 2016 - 2017 BTA

Board of Directors representing you:

President

Diana Abasta - Burbank H.S.

Vice-President

Jessica Wertlieb - Muir M.S.

Treasurer

Jerry Mullady - Burroughs H.S.

High School Directors

Maggie Hess-Witucki - Burbank H.S.

David Knatcal-Burroughs H.S.

Middle School Director

Barry Sarna- Muir M.S.

Elementary Directors

Dahlia Dobbertin- Bret Harte

Elementary

Theresa Landin White - Washington

Elementary

At– Large Director

Michelle Dixon- - Burroughs H.S

State Council Representatives

Lori Adams - Burbank H.S.

Alexis Weiner- Burroughs H.S.

Justin Riner– Muir M.S. (Alternate)

It is extremely important that in the event

of any adverse action affecting your employ-

ment status that you immediately contact

the BTA office at (818) 240-9180. Examples

of adverse actions are: notification of dis-

missal, suspension, child abuse, non-

renewal, transfer, demotion, civil or crimi-

nal charges, or any contract violation.

Assert your rights: If an administrator

wants to meet with you concerning any ad-

verse action, the appropriate response for

you to use is: "I am a BTA member and I am

claiming my right to union representation

for this meeting."

Until you are able to contact the BTA office:

DO NOT:

Admit Anything; Sign Anything; Make Any

Verbal or Written Statement; Resign or Be

Insubordinate. The above includes not

speaking to your colleagues, principal, ad-

ministrators, parents, or the police about

the incident.

DO:

Remain calm and courteous.

Immediately upon receiving notice of any

adverse action, contact the Burbank Teach-

ers Association at: (818) 240-9180.

Keep copies of all papers relating to the

situation.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Halt any conference already in progress if it

becomes disciplinary. Reschedule when rep-

resentation is available. Have the meeting

at a time and date that is convenient for

you and your BTA Faculty Representative.

What To Do In

An

Employment

Related

Emergency

BTA Benchmark, October, 2016

burbank bta teachers association...

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