Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1530930
fair agreement. Las Lomitas parent Debbie Fisher echoed LLEA members, sharing that she was worried more educators would leave the district without the resources and support they needed and deserved. "Our community thrives because of our teachers," said Fisher. "It should have never gotten to this point." Attempts to reach an agreement fizzled due to district admin- istrators' antics and dysfunction. At several points, district administrators opted to go home early and left LLEA's team at the table rather than putting in work to end the strike. LLEA members and supporters held a candlelight vigil outside the district office as bargaining resumed on the Saturday after three days on strike, to put pressure on district administrators to meet their demands. In the early evening, the LLEA bargaining team emerged from the building victorious, shared the news of an agreement and the crowd burst into emotion. "We are so excited to go back to the classroom and do what we love to do," Lefer said, after reaching agreement. "ank you to all our supporters, especially our parents, who were with us until the very end." LLEA Co-Presidents Daniella Lefer and Jennifer Montalvo. Parents, families and fellow CTA members packed picket lines. " We are united by a common cause, one that transcends our classrooms and goes to the very heart of what it means to be an educator. This strike is not just about fair compensation. It's about respect for the profession that we love. It's about ensuring the future of education is one that values both our students and our teachers." —LLEA Co-President Daniella Lefer " We're here to demand fairness, respect and a contract that recognizes the value we bring to our schools and communities. We're asking for a contract that prioritizes educators ... because when teachers are supported, our students thrive." — Caryn Carlson, LLEA member and La Entrada teacher " We are striking not only for ourselves but for the generations of students to come, who deserve a school system that is supported, funded and able to offer them the best. We are striking for a future where teaching is a profession that is honored and fairly compensated, where students and educators can thrive." —LLEA Co-President Jennifer Montalvo " The irony is that this strike is happening in the wealthiest place in the country. Yet the teachers' compensation is the lowest when compared to nearby districts. As a parent and taxpayer, I want to see the district invest in more education, not more administration." —Thomas Been, Las Lomitas parent Voices From the Strike 37 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 5