Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1491904
RICHMOND: Strike-ready after authorization vote As protracted negotiations worked through the fact-finding process, United Teachers of Richmond (UTR) members overwhelmingly authorized a strike if West Contra Costa Unified School District management continues to refuse to provide the resources their stu- dents and educators deserve. With more than 90 percent of members voting, 97.3 percent approved direct, concerted activities to urge district officials toward a fair settlement, up to and including a strike. In mid-November, the Legislative Analyst Office of California announced additional guaranteed, ongoing funding for the 2023- 2024 school year. Despite that projection, the district declared impasse. Educators responded with passionate solidarity to ensure competitive compensation that keeps outstanding educators in the community — and brings the next generation of educators to West Contra Costa. "We stand at this moment with love for our students and com- munity, with solidarity for our colleagues and coworkers, and the wherewithal to fight for the schools our students and community deserve," UTR President John Zabala said. Follow and support UTR on Facebook at @unitedteachersofrich- mond and Instagram at @ united_teachers_of_richmond. #WeAreUTR SANTA CRUZ: Impasse declared as United PCS organizes Members of United Pacific Collegiate School (UPCS) declared impasse as they fight for a contract that will change an environment where 34 percent of faculty left the grade 7-12 charter school last year. Since last March, educators have been calling on management and the PCS Board of Directors to preserve a student-centered mission, provide fair compensation, and collaborate and be transparent with the community, so they too can have a voice in important school decisions and processes. "Fourteen faculty left PCS during, or at the end of, the last school year. After the tumult of the last three years, our students need a stable, supportive learning environment," said UPCS President Mary Gardner. "What makes PCS such a special place to teach and learn is its small, close-knit community; we don't want to lose that." Mediation began in January. Stay current and show support for United PCS educators on Instagram at instagram.com/unitedpacificcollegiate. MILLER CREEK: More prep time and student supports Unity powered Miller Creek educators as they won a contract that expands supports for students and strengthens their schools. The 104-member Miller Creek Education Association (MCEA) reached an agreement in December that provides instructional aide support in K-5 and combination classrooms and secures art, music and P.E. for stu- dents, which guarantees prep time for educators. MCEA also won an 8 percent raise for 2022-23 and 5 percent for 2023-24. This will help the small Marin County school district to attract and retain the educators that Miller Creek students deserve. MCEA educators rallied at school board meetings along with commu- nity members, showing the school district they were united in support of the bargaining team. #MCEAForOurStudents 35 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 2 3