Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1512793
"Our struggle is not a series of challenges and accomplishments — it's an ongoing building of the profession and development of educators standing up for their rights. We don't stop." —FTA President Manuel Bonilla FTA also won pay increases that takes veteran and new teach- ers in Fresno from the bottom in wages to near the top Central Valley-wide. And in a win that was seen by many as unattainable, FTA won lifetime medical benefits for teachers with 20 or more years of service to Fresno Unified. ese gains will help to stem churn in Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) that saw one in five teachers leave after last school year, meaning Fresno kids will have more seasoned educators who know them and understand the community. "Our teachers can return to the classroom tomorrow, rather than standing on a picket line, knowing that we are charting a different path forward together," Bonilla said. "Because they've made it clear that students thrive when educators thrive — and educators thrive when leaders value their hard work, tireless ded- ication and are committed to providing adequate support." FTA members ratified the agreement the following day, with 92% voting to approve in the highest turnout for a ratification vote in FTA's history. e Fresno Unified School Board approved the contract the same day. While Fresno Unified administrators spent the summer devis- ing ways to break a potential strike, including offering $500 a day FTA members ratified the agreement on Nov. 1, with 92% voting to approve — the highest turnout for a ratification vote in the chapter's history. FTA President Manuel Bonilla, pictured, celebrates the victory at Chukchansi Park. Fresno teachers held informational pickets at every FUSD school during a Day of Action leading up to their strike date. What FTA Won T H E 4 , 0 0 0 M E M B E R S of Fresno Teachers Association won a landmark contract with advancements in every area on the wings of powerful unity by Fresno teachers, school nurses and trades. Smaller class sizes: Three-pronged approach to lowering class sizes for the near-, mid- and long-term. This includes a commitment to devote a portion of future bond monies to building addi- tional classroom space, elementary music space and confidential space. Pay increase: 16% on-schedule over three years plus off-schedule payments and longevity that will bring new and veteran teacher pay to near the top Central Valley-wide. Teachers with more than 25 years of service to FUSD will see a more than 27% increase. Reinstatement of lifetime medical: For all employees after 20 years of service to FUSD — a huge win that sets the standard for educators statewide. Special Ed caseload reductions: New language stipulating special education caseload guidelines. Health fund protection: Removed language that put future cost increases on teacher backs. A nurse at every school: Won a plan to have a school nurse at every Fresno school in three years. Supporting the whole child: $30 million for student social-emotional supports, deter- mined by Fresno educators. Adult Ed/Trades Parity: Longevity for Adult Ed teachers and trades workers. More teaching, less meetings: Up to one meeting per week and it must be during the normal workday. Continued on Page 18 17 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 24