Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1533049
PRO TIPS FOR ORGANIZING AGAINST SCHOOL CLOSURES " Educate yourself. Remember that we are the voice for our students and families who might not always know what their rights are, so it's our job to advocate for them." — VANESSA BARRERA, SWTA president " Everyone has to be talking with families — and with the same messages, too. It's so important for the local to provide clarity and some easy-to-communicate and understand talking points, to get aligned with the community." — CASSONDRA CURIEL, UESF president " Communication, especially face to face, is key. This year, I have been to every school site multiple times. I am at the staff meetings, in the lunchrooms, listening and offering suggestions and advice. Build connections with community in creative ways: food drives, boy and girl scouts — do these things so people see us as part of that space." — SANDRA RIVERA, AREA president "Our biggest concern is that if they close schools, it's going to leave that community without a school — the nearest school is 36 minutes walking distance for those kids," Barrera says. While SWTA is not officially part of the district's committee exam- ining school closures, Barrera says she is in the room, ensuring the discussions don't stray into matters that should be addressed in bargaining. Members are also speaking up for students and parents, especially with relation to safety issues. Me a nw hi l e , th e di str i c t i s g iv i n g mi xe d m e ss a ge s ab o ut th e closure proposal , telling the committee one thing and the public another, Barrera says, causing SW TA to organize and collaborate with parents, community members and their local CSEA chapter. Barrera is concerned about current and long-term impacts of any closures — research shows school closures usually result in a 10% loss of students — which includes layoffs and the potential need for more closures. "Because our superintendent is not only talking about closures but also reorganization of our entire district, I am worried we're going to lose more students and impact our declining enrollment even more," she says. "We are organizing around the school closures and our ongo- ing bargain … we are the voice for our students and families who might not always know their rights, so it's our job to advocate for them." The Imperial Beach community is rallying to stop the South Bay Union School District superintendent from closing schools when there is no financial reason to do so. 31 M A R C H 2 0 2 5