ATA Weekly

Concerns About Changes to the Sensitive Locations Policy

Unit members have expressed significant worries regarding the incoming administration's recent decision to rescind the sensitive locations policy. This policy once restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from accessing sensitive areas like schools, churches, and hospitals. Its repeal brings up critical concerns about the safety and security of our school communities, especially for immigrant students and families who already encounter substantial difficulties.

To help navigate these changes, the CTA has compiled a comprehensive resource hub at www.cta.org/homeishere. This page provides crucial information about legal rights, DACA, and how to maintain schools as safe zones. It also offers guidance from Attorney General Rob Bonta specifically for K-12 schools and colleges and includes links to resources from trusted organizations and the National Education Association (NEA).

We must ensure that our schools are safe environments where trust and learning can thrive. No child should feel afraid in the places where they grow, dream, and achieve. Let’s continue to work together to uphold these values and support every member of our community.

Ralph Hernandez

alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com

Jennifer Lankford

ATA Equity Chair

It’s incredible how different people might process the same experiences and information. One person’s moment of glory can be another person’s horrifying nightmare. In my fifty years on this planet, I’ve never felt a more profound chasm dividing the communities around me. It becomes so frustrating at times that it does feel easier to carve out a sort of “agree to disagree” or at least agree not to talk about it mentality.

But we have to talk about it. Because people are scared and they are in danger and those are facts, not feelings.

There is no subtlety or room for interpretation. Our current administration is taking a firm stand that directly violates the human rights of immigrants, black, indigenous and people of color, and LGBTQ+ folks, with a particular target on trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. Alhambra Unified School District doesn’t stand for that, and neither does ATA.

So what can we do at this point to create a feeling of safety, inclusion and support for our community?

Free countries don’t tell people that they aren’t welcome here. Free countries don’t tell people they don’t exist. We live in a free country, so let’s exercise our opportunities to organize in a way that honors true patriotism. Join me on Monday, Jan 27th from 3:15pm to 4:15pm for an ATA Think Tank and Support Virtual Meeting and let’s see how we, as educators, can band together against life threatening ignorance.

https://calendar.app.google/Tnhrdi1u4smL6wAR7

We encourage all unit members to review the revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AUSD and ATA. This updated agreement offers up to 10 additional days of leave for those severely impacted by the recent wildfires.

What qualifies as “severely impacted”?

A unit member is considered severely impacted if they are currently displaced from their home due to any of the following reasons:

a) A mandatory evacuation order where the member’s primary residence is located within the mandatory evacuation red zone;

b) The home is uninhabitable due to total loss or damage to the primary residence, land, or structure;

c) The continuous loss of utility services.

ATA appreciates the support from the Board of Education and AUSD leadership in recognizing the significant challenges faced by many community members.

If you have any questions about the updated MOU or how to access these additional leave days, please don’t hesitate to contact Human Resources or ATA.

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.

ATA strongly encourages all unit members to review their pay stubs regularly to ensure the accuracy of their compensation. Regular monitoring helps promptly identify discrepancies and ensures that members receive the full compensation to which they are entitled.

STRS Contributions on Extra Duty Pay

Concerns have been raised regarding the district’s contributions to the State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) for extra duty pay. To verify that your compensation is accurately reflected, carefully examine your pay stub's “Employer Paid Benefits” section. Verify there's a corresponding "STRS Class District" contribution for any extra duty pay you have earned.

If you discover a missing contribution, please don’t hesitate to contact the ATA for assistance. We are committed to helping you resolve any issues.

Elective Coverages and Tax Benefits

We have recently learned of concerns regarding elective coverages related to your dependents under dental and vision plans. To maximize your tax benefits, ensure your contributions are categorized as pre-tax. This requires prior arrangements with an American Fidelity representative during the Open Enrollment period.

If you enrolled in elective coverages but didn't discuss this with an American Fidelity representative, your contributions might be listed as post-tax on your paycheck. This oversight could lead to an unexpectedly higher tax bill, which most of us would prefer to avoid.

If you have questions or need help, we recommend you contact Risk Management for clarification and to discuss potential adjustments.

On Wednesday, January 22, the ATA and the District met with a Foster & Foster Actuaries and Consultants representative to discuss the findings of the July 2023 actuarial study. This meeting benefited both parties by providing a clearer understanding of the rising costs associated with retiree health benefits, such as increased life expectancy and medical inflation, and the factors considered when making these projections, including demographic changes and healthcare utilization patterns.

ATA remains committed to maintaining an open and ongoing dialogue. We will schedule additional meetings to discuss this issue and any outstanding proposals.

To access the study and stay informed, click on the attachment below.

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.

Want to learn about your CTA Member Benefits? Tune into MB4U, every first Tuesday of the month. In February, we'll be talking about the CTA Disaster Relief fund. You can also watch previous webinars.

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/