Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1449741
ACE Is the Answer Credentialed educators organize a union in Clovis for the first time ever By Julian Peeples " S M A L L E R C L A S S S I Z E S , academic supports, social-emo- tional learning — this is what we're fighting for. ings we can improve to continue serving mind, body and spirit," says Silvia Berst, a teacher at Boris Elementary School in Clovis and member of the Association of Clovis Educators (ACE). Last spring, teachers, school psychologists, itinerant specialists, school counselors and other education professionals formed ACE, seeking a real voice in decision-making, more transparency, better communication, and equitable opportuni- ties for all 43,000 Clovis Unified School District (CUSD) students. It's a mission that unites the educators working hard to organize and build ACE, centered around providing the education all Clovis students deserve. On Feb. 4, ACE was officially recognized by the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) as the exclusive representative of CUSD's 81 school psychologists and mental health support providers (MHSP) after they chose the union in an election. " We have a great district. We want to make it better," says Tamara Soemali, a CUSD school psychologist and ACE member. "We want to make sure all our students have access to all the wonderful things in our district." e organizing effort is a heavy lift in normal conditions, even heavier amid the second year of a pandemic that has challenged educators like never before. But many hands make light work, with a core group of educators creating seven democratic committees to delegate the tasks needed to grow the union and build a movement. "In our community in Clovis, education is so highly valued. It affects our whole city," says Nancy Welch, eight-year special educator with the adult transition program and former CUSD student. " There is a huge disconnect between people making the decisions at CUSD and the people on the ground. at was difficult to see, and it's a big reason why I'm here [building ACE]." e Clovis way Located just northeast of Fresno, Clovis is a city of about 120,000, and the school district is by far its biggest employer. After 63 years at Clovis Unified without a union, a brave group of educators are organizing the Association of Clovis Educators (ACE) for a real voice in decision-making and equitable opportunities for all students. 24 cta.org Feature Silvia Berst