Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1035650
What: "We have four regions for school board seats. We've endorsed candi- dates in two regions. In one, instead of endorsing one candidate, we said, 'these three each have a unique vision we can support. They would be open and honest and willing to dialogue with us.' This allows teachers to support the candidate they are most comfortable with. "During the candidate interview and evaluation, we asked that they commit to meeting with us twice a month. We have found that to get something done in this district, we must have board members willing to communicate and actually meet with teachers." Why: "Board members need to under- stand the voice and exper tise of teachers. If they don't want to work with us or are unwilling to listen, they will not get our endorsement. We want reasonable people in those seats, not to rubber stamp, but to make informed decisions. " Teachers' voices should be heard not after budget allocation, but during the budgeting process. We are trying to engage in the process this year, which means we're bargaining now, during the process, so allocations are made alongside contract decisions and tentative agreements." How: " The endorsement process is run through our PAC, which interviewed candidates and made recommenda- tions to the rep council. We framed the evaluation form with three broad questions: Does this candidate share similar educational values? Will they be able to communicate and work with us? Will they be able to work with colleagues at the board level? Budget was also a major issue. "For our endorsed candidates, teachers are canvassing neighbor- hoods and attending forums. We applied for and received an ABC grant. "Success happens when all FTA-endorsed candidates are elected; long-term success comes through the process — we're looking for constant communication, someone who under- stands teachers' needs. Our work benefits Fresno's 74,000 students and their families." FTA President Manuel Bonilla addresses members FRESNO TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Manuel Bonilla, president; 4,000 members Fresno Unified School District, 106 schools " Teachers' voices should be heard during the budgeting process. We're bargaining now, during the budgetary process, so allocations are made alongside contract decisions and tentative agreements." — FTA President Manuel Bonilla 30 cta.org