ATA Weekly

Given the urgent challenges our community is facing, it is clear that essential support is needed now more than ever. The many inquiries we've received at ATA about how to provide financial assistance to those affected reflect the solidarity and compassion that bring us together. While we genuinely want to help our fellow members during this difficult time, please note that local chapters cannot use member dues for disaster relief efforts.

If you would like to contribute to those in the AUSD community who have been impacted by the fires, please refer to the attachment below. As indicated on the flyer, you can show your support by selecting "Alhambra USD" under "Donation Designation." Your generosity and willingness to assist are invaluable as we come together to help community members in need.

Additionally, please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ATA and the District regarding "Access to Personal Necessity Leave and Wildfire Severe Impact Leave." This MOU outlines provisions for temporarily expanding the use of personal necessity leave for eligible unit members and establishes a one-time Wildfire Severe Impact Leave Bank. For those who wish to donate a sick leave time to this bank, further information will be provided soon.

Our shared resolve and compassion have always been pillars of strength, reminding us that no one should have to face these challenges alone. Together, let us continue to support those affected during this difficult time.

Ralph Hernandez

alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com

We sincerely appreciate everyone who has reached out with safety concerns following the recent windstorms and fires. We understand these events have raised concerns about air quality and potential hazards. Your vigilance and dedication to our community’s well-being are truly valued.

A special thank you goes out to our custodial staff, who selflessly gave up their weekend to assist with the cleanup efforts. Their hard work and the contributions of everyone who has pitched in have been essential in managing such an enormous task. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and teamwork during this challenging time.

The amount of work associated with these events is significant, and the Facilities department is addressing these issues as swiftly as possible. I have been in constant communication with our Superintendent and Director of Facilities to make sure that all concerns are being handled effectively.

If you are still experiencing issues, please contact your site administrator or me directly. By working together, we can ensure that the safety of our schools and work sites remains our top priority.

The ATA Board of Directors has voted to proceed with arbitration regarding a grievance about the criteria used to determine unsatisfactory evaluations. During this process, Executive Director Liz Pinkava will represent the ATA, while legal counsel will represent AUSD. Both parties will present their cases, including opening statements, evidence, witnesses, and legal briefs.

An arbitrator selected from the Federal or State Conciliation and Mediation Service will serve as a neutral third party and issue a final and binding decision. It is important to note that the arbitrator cannot change, amend, or modify any terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The NEA Representative Assembly is set to take place in Portland, Oregon, from July 2 to July 5, 2025. This is your chance to nominate yourself as a state or local delegate, contributing to the development of goals and policies that will shape the NEA's direction for the following school year.

State Delegate Information:

The nomination window is now open if you're interested in participating as a state delegate. You can submit your Declaration of Candidacy until January 31, 2025, at 4 pm. For more details, please visit NEA's official website and access CTA's Declaration of Candidacy page.

Local Delegate Information:

For those wishing to become local delegates, any ATA/CTA/NEA member can apply by filing a Declaration of Candidacy form with the ATA. The filing window for local delegates is from January 17, 2025, through February 11, 2025, and the ATA office must receive forms by 4:00 pm on February 11, 2025. Please make sure you submit your candidacy form on time, as late submissions will not be considered. If you would like more details, please click the link above.

Remember, the deadlines for state and local declarations of candidacy differ. Take this opportunity to shape the future of the NEA and ensure your form is submitted on time.

We’re gearing up to fill our pantry, pack bags, and prepare for distribution, and we need your help to make this event a success. If you are a current or retired AUSD employee interested in volunteering, please register using the link below.

We will be accepting donations and preparing on January 21st, 22nd, and 24th, with distribution taking place on January 25th.

Volunteer today by clicking here.

As a new year is upon us, CTA Member Benefits wants to help you turn your New Year’s Resolutions into reality. They are doing this by hosting various webinars throughout January and February called, “Happy (Financially Fit) New You!” The sessions are:

“More Month Than Money: Setting and Living Within a Budget”

If you set a goal to get your finances in order, this session is one you won’t want to miss. We’ll focus on setting financial goals, learning about various investment vehicles, tracking daily expenditures, creating a cash flow statement, and establishing a budget. Throughout our discussion, we’ll highlight many CTA and NEA Member Benefits designed specifically with CTA Members in mind to help stretch your dollar. CTA Members will leave feeling confident with steps to get their finances on track.

Wednesday January 22, 2025 or Wednesday February 19, 2025 4:30-5:30

RSVP to attend this session

“Generation Debt: Student Loan Forgiveness”

Suffice it to say with the SAVE Plan tied up in litigation, the election of a new Administration, and potential changes to the US Department of Education, student loans, are top of mind for many educators. CTA Member Benefits is here to share the most current information, help answer questions, explain the loan forgiveness programs, and introduce the NEA Student Debt Navigator powered by Savi, which will analyze members student loans and help facilitate the process of making qualifying payments. By attending this session, members will have a better understanding of the process of forgiveness, paperwork to be filed, and how to advocate for themselves to the loan servicers.

Thursday February 6, 2025 4:30-5:30

RSVP to attend this session

“Retirement 101: Where Do I Even Begin?”

You know planning for retirement is important…however, you don’t know where to begin, money is tight, you might be too busy, you have lesson plans to prepare, or maybe you hope to win the lottery. CTA Member Benefits can’t help you with lesson plans (and the lottery’s a gamble), but by attending this session, you’ll leave with a better understanding of retirement concepts, how to design your retirement plan, and be introduced to the CTA 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan. Plan Fiduciaries will explain how to open and fund a 403(b) to make sure you’re fully prepared for a financially secure retirement.

Wednesday January 29, 2025 or Wednesday February 26, 2025 4:30-5:30

RSVP to attend this session

January 20

Martin Luther King Day - Holiday

January 27

- Pupil Free Day

February 3

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

February 4

- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

February 10

- Lincoln's Birthday - Holiday

February 10

- President's Day - Holiday

February 18

- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

February 25

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

The Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA) exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just equitable and democratic society.

Email: ataoffice3030@gmail.com
Website: www.alhambrateachers.org
Location: 3030 West Main Street, Alhambra, CA, USA
Phone: (626)289-1933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlhambraTeachersAssociation/