Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1522302
What if I receive a layoff notice? CTA has resources to support educators who receive layoff notices, including important instructions for members who are laid off and a layoff survival guide. Go to bit.ly/CTAlayoffs_resources to learn more. ANAHEIM SECONDARY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION ASTA members scored a huge victory in early May when the school board rescinded its decision to lay off 119 dedicated educators. ASTA members had held a series of rallies over the past months in collaboration with their community to issue a collective message to the school district that layoffs were not acceptable. "We share in the joy and relief that many of our mem- bers feel knowing that our colleagues will be returning for the 2024–25 school year," said ASTA President Geoff Morganstern. "It's also incredibly important to recognize all the students, parents and community members who joined the conversation. Many stood with us on the rally line while others helped to keep both sides talking during these difficult times." ASTA's series of morning rallies at schools throughout Anaheim Union High School District built a movement to reverse the school board-approved layoffs of a whop- ping 10% of their teachers. School district administrators issued Reduction in Force (RIF) notices to more than 250 educators, threatening their livelihoods just as they reached the homestretch of the school year. ASTA members mobilized to defend Anaheim public schools, showing the impact of the layoffs, including larger class sizes, losing dedicated teachers that stu- dents know and trust, and a loud message to educators who might come to Anaheim that they should look else- where. In a special board meeting, the district rescinded the layoffs and said it will look at other budget items to make cuts (in addition to savings from attrition). Morganstern said there will be challenges and difficult decisions ahead, adding that ASTA is ready to work collaboratively and transparently with the district and community to determine the best path forward. "We will reflect on lessons learned and continue to advocate for the well-being of our students and mem- bers," he said. Community members are clearly supportive, in no small part due to their ongoing involvement with Ana- heim community schools. " The groundswell of support and activism from our students, families and community organizations on behalf of our teachers and ASTA's organizing efforts against the layoffs is testament to our years of work with our education partners to build com- munity schools," said ASTA Executive Director Lisa Eck. ASTA members set up empty chairs to show the impact of losing educators. 31 S U M M E R 2 0 24