California Educator

October / November 2018

Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1035650

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What: "UTR is supporting a slate of three school board candidates and a city initiative that will fund community organizations that work with at-risk youth. We're also working to make sure our community knows the impor- tance of the State Superintendent of Instruction race, and are deeply involved in county board races since local control around charter schools has not been respected by our county in the past. "In the last few election cycles we have had to organize more of our members to be involved because of the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on our opponents by organi- zations such as the Charter School Association. WCCUSD was one of the first places where the charter school industry put hundreds of thousands of dollars on candidates." Why: " Teachers, parents, labor, and stu- dents are supporting our school board candidates because they have dedicated their personal lives and careers to supporting students and educators. All three candidates understand what it takes to run a large urban district. Part of their platform is advocating for increased funding, especially through per-pupil funding and the LCFF and LCAP." How: "A few months ago, UTR proposed to our labor partners to form a West County Labor Coalition in WCCUSD, to coordinate the endorsement pro- cess, sponsor candidate forums, form a common language and platform, and provide support during campaigns. It consists of nine labor groups including teachers, classified staff, police, super- visors, firefighters, building trades and labor councils. By working together we'll be more successful in getting our candidates elected. "UTR requested the maximum contribution from ABC. Even though we have chosen to raise our PAC contributions locally after 14 years, we still need support from ABC as well as staff to fight the large amount of funding being poured in by the char- ter industry. "Success is not measured just by winning seats but by the creation of larger relationships with community organizations, families and leaders. With the West County Labor Coalition we are already seeing a partnership that didn't exist before. No matter what the result of the election, these relationships create a pathway for us to continue advocating together for what our students, educators and families need in our community." UTR President Demetrio Gonzalez, second from right with UTR's endorsed candidates in the school board race. From left, Consuelo Lara, retired educator; Madeline Kronenberg; Valerie Cuevas. "Make your vote count and your voice heard." That long-held belief by the LBCCFA translates into power at the ballot box and support after elections. LBCCFA is involved in elections at all levels, but the local ones are most important, says President Janét Hund. "We work collaboratively and assertively with our trustees for the betterment of our students, our faculty and our community. The last election was a positive experience for members as they helped to elect another faculty-friendly trustee. We now have a board majority." UNITED TEACHERS OF RICHMOND CTA/NEA Demetrio Gonzalez, President; 1750 members West Contra Costa Unified School District (54 schools) LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE FACULTY ASSOCIATION Janét Hund, president; 334 members 29 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 018

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