What an incredible year it has been! As we reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you. The increased involvement from our members this past school year has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s through your dedication, passion, and unity that we’ve been able to make meaningful progress in so many areas.
One of the most significant milestones this year was securing a 2% raise—a victory that was over 1% higher than the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our bargaining team, whose expansion and training have equipped us to negotiate more effectively and advocate for what we deserve. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this effort!
A key factor in our success this year was the tremendously successful bargaining input sessions. These sessions were a true demonstration of what happens when we all come together and actively engage in the bargaining process. Your voices were heard loud and clear, ensuring that all of our members had an opportunity to actively participate and shape the direction of our negotiations. This level of member involvement is what makes us stronger as an association, and I am so proud of how each of you contributed to these efforts.
We’ve also worked hard to ensure our members have the information and resources they need to succeed. From the discipline information meeting, to multiple retirement and membership benefits meetings, we’ve made sure that valuable insights are at your fingertips. The improved newsletter and website are just a few examples of our ongoing commitment to keeping you informed and connected.
But we’re just getting started. I encourage all of you to wear your BPTA spirit wear proudly! It’s a simple yet powerful way to show our unity and solidarity as we continue to stand together in support of each other.
As we look forward to the End of the Year Celebration, I can’t help but feel excited about the fun and camaraderie we’ll share. With site-sponsored activities, awesome prizes, and a family picnic theme created through our collaboration with the district and CSEA, it’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss. Let’s celebrate all we’ve achieved and enjoy some well-deserved time together!
Looking ahead, there’s even more to be excited about. The new leadership direction in Human Resources is a positive development, and we are making real strides in our ongoing partnership with the district. This progress is a direct result of your engagement and dedication—thank you for being part of this important work!
However, our journey is far from over. We need all hands on deck as we continue to fight for what’s best for our members and our district. One of our key priorities right now is extending Prop 55. This initiative is critical to securing continued funding for our district, and we need your help. The PAC committee will be working hard to gain support for this extension, and we need members to step up and get involved. Your voices make all the difference in ensuring our future.
And as we look to the future, let’s not forget about the upcoming school board elections in 2026. It may seem like a long way off, but it’s right around the corner. Together, we need to engage with our parents and community members to identify potential candidates who will prioritize the interests of our members and ensure that we don’t face another school board election loss. This is our chance to shape the future of our district and ensure that we have trustees who will stand with us every step of the way.
Thank you again for your unwavering support, your passion, and your commitment to our shared mission. I’m so proud of all we’ve achieved together, and I know that with your continued engagement, we will accomplish even more in the year ahead. Let’s keep the momentum going!
In solidarity,
Carol Bright
President, BPTA
Honoring Our Educators, May 5–9, 2025
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we pause to recognize the incredible dedication, strength, and heart our educators bring to their classrooms and communities every single day.
We see the long hours, the unrealistic expectations, and the challenging conditions—and yet, you continue to show up with passion, purpose, and deep care for your students. Your work often goes unseen, but its impact is lasting and profound.
Thank you for being the steady force behind our schools, for believing in every student, and for giving so much of yourselves in service to others. You are appreciated more than words can say.
Meet Your New BPTA Bargaining Team Member
Erin Gonzales
Site Location- Whitaker Elementary
This is my first year as a BPTA representative and was just welcomed onto the Bargaining Team to represent elementary teachers. In my teaching career, I have been fortunate to have taught elementary general education and served as an RTI and EL TOSA. The last 4 years I have found my home at Whitaker with Buena Park's special education team as an SDC teacher. In my free time I love to camp, read, attend Angel games, and hang out with friends and family. I look forward to learning more about the bargaining process in order to serve all of our BPTA members.
Games for gift cards
Beatty - Musical Chairs
BPMS - Oreo Cookie Race
Corey - Jelly Bean Jar
Emery - Ping-pong Ball Toss
Gilbert - Frisbee Throw
Pendleton - Pie Walk
Whitaker - Tug-of-War
BPLC/DO - Bracelet Making
Employees of the year!
Roxann Bogart - Beatty
Hoa Lee - BPMS
Jill Hood - Corey
Rowan Shiohama - Emery
Cathy Villavicencio - Gilbert
Sara Tarne - Pendleton
MaryBeth Garza - Whitaker
Hoa Lee
BPSD Teacher of the Year!
💥 Get Involved with BPTA – Your Voice Matters! 💥
BPTA is looking for members—new and experienced—who are ready to get more involved and help build our collective strength at the bargaining table. There are opportunities beyond being a Site Rep or Executive Board member, and we especially welcome non-tenured members looking to step in and make a difference.
BPTA is looking for passionate members to join the Bargaining Team! We still need an Elementary Alternate as well as a Non-teacher Alternate (nurse, SLP, counselor, psychologist) to help with the bargaining process and negotiations. If you're curious about how this all works and want to play an important role, this is your chance!
But that's not all! If you're looking to expand your involvement beyond site representation or the bargaining team, there are many other exciting opportunities! From participating in committees like PAC (Political Action), Membership Engagement, Safety/Discipline, to getting involved with key initiatives such as the extension of Proposition 55 or supporting the upcoming 2026 school board elections, there’s a place for you to contribute!
We're working to ensure accuracy in outreach and give new voices a chance to join the work. Even if you’ve served on a committee or team before, you must complete the survey again to be considered (except for current Site Reps and Bargaining Team members).
💬 Interested in serving—now or later?
Click the link below to complete the 2025–2026 BPTA Involvement Survey.
Be sure to include your first and last name and school site so we can follow up!
Our public schools are facing unprecedented threats—and we need YOU on the front lines.
On May 17, educators across California will come together for mass actions in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and beyond to stand up against the federal attacks on public education.
These attacks include:
Deep cuts to school funding
Elimination of vital nutrition programs
Slashes to special education
And efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education
Now is the time to act. Our students, our profession, and the future of public education depend on it. Let’s show up, speak out, and fight back—together.
➡️ Sign up now at cta.org/ffs to find and join a rally near you.
Each year, the OCSS (Orange County Service Center Council, CTA) sponsors a Human Rights Poster Contest, giving students across Orange County the opportunity to submit original artwork. Posters are judged on creativity, originality, appropriateness, spelling, and how well they connect to one or more of the following themes: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); LGBTQ+ rights; Women’s Advocacy; and Advocacy for People with Disabilities.
Winning students received the following prizes:
1st Place: $100 gift card
2nd Place: $75 gift card
3rd Place: $50 gift card
Thank you to all students who submitted artwork and the teachers who encouraged them to enter. Let’s look forward to even more BPSD student winners next year!
Movie Tickets
Say hello to savings on movie magic! As a member of the CTA, you can enjoy up to 25% off movie tickets from Cinemark, Regal Cinemas, and AMC Theatres. Affordable and unforgettable movie nights await at CTA Access to Savings!
Calm App
You can now access Calm, an award-winning, top-ranked app for guided meditation, relaxation and sleep, for free. You can also add up to five dependents to your account so they can take advantage of all Calm offers.
