Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1530930
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY: Welcome to the Family The members of Santa Ynez Valley High School District Educational Ser- vice Professionals (SYVHSDESP) are enjoying the security of a CTA union contract for the first time, as the new chapter came to agreement on their first collective bargaining agreement. The chapter 's top economic priority was health care — and they won fully district paid health care, worth more than $20,000 per member per year. The contract also includes a 2.5% increase to the salary schedule that will increase to 3% if property tax revenue increases by more than 5.5%. BARSTOW: Educators Have No Confidence in Superintendent In response to ongoing disrespect by their superintendent and lack of concern for their safety, Barstow Education Association (BEA) members passed a Vote of No Confidence in Deanna Dibble Swear- ingen's leadership in October. With 80% of members voting, 85% voted that they had no con- fidence in the superintendent. When educators packed the school board meeting to announce the vote and voice their concerns, they were surprised to find new rules intended to silence their voices — such as a completely new prohibition on signs in the board room. Educators were also surprised to see additional security person- nel at the meeting, and disrespected when administrators called local police to attend. The meeting ended abruptly when a board member needed to leave suddenly, causing a lack of quorum. BEA leaders said educators have serious concerns about the superintendent's ability to effectively lead the district and support students. They have expressed concerns about ongoing safety issues for students and staff, a lack of effective communication and a failure to address educator concerns, which have led to declining teacher retention rates in Barstow schools. "We need a leader who will ensure all students are treated equi- tably, maintain a safe environment, and foster a setting conducive to learning, so every student can reach their full potential," BEA President Stacia Lewis said to the school board. "We are asking the board to take our concerns seriously and to take swift action in response to the results of the no confidence vote." SANTA ANA: Members Win Pay Raise, Safety Language After a year of negotiations and six mediation sessions, Santa Ana Edu- cators' Association (SAEA) won an agreement that will pay educators more and provide better safety protection. SAEA won a 3% on-schedule pay increase and a 3% off-schedule bonus, both retroactive to July 1, 2023. Mem- bers also won the district agreeing to absorb the cost of health care for 2024–25. In addition to improvements in the contract, SAEA won an expan- sion of safety language that provides protection against threats of assault and sexual harassment, verbal or written (including online), and unautho- rized recordings/images. 39 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 5