Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1539593
O N E O F O U R M O S T compelling victories of last school year was Las Lomitas Education Assn.'s inspiring strike for fair compensation in the richest ZIP Code in the country. We caught up with LLEA Co-President Daniella Lefer to talk about what's happened since the strike and what's next for LLEA. How was the working environment after the strike? "Some administrators became more cautious or guarded in their communication. Others seemed more collaborative, at least outwardly. But across the board, the dynamic changed. We're being more intentional about holding leadership accountable, while also pushing for transparency and respect in day-to-day interactions. There was a feeling that management took us seriously (once the superintendent left) and was interested in our input." What are your plans for the coming school year? "We're back at negotiations, building on our momentum, with a full contract opening. Member engagement is a top priority, through organizing committees, stronger site rep networks and ongoing training with CTA. We'll be closely monitoring contract enforcement and pushing for better support in special education, watching carefully how management continues to reprioritize the budget in a way that is student-centered and protecting positions and programs. We will prepare early for the next bargaining cycle, this time with a much more activated membership. "None of this is possible without the dedication and support of our CTA leadership, who has guided us every step of the way!" Daniella Lefer and Jennifer Montalvo were LLEA co-presidents during the strike; Lefer continues to serve. Overcommunicate about school closures with parents and families. Shine a light — schools close in darkness. • Bring colleagues with you to organized actions with your local union. • Don't accept the district's data or rationale at face value. Ask questions in public spaces about their assertions on the need to close schools. School closures hurt students and devastate communities — make the district show why it wants to resort to such drastic measures. Working for Stable Public Ed Funding Our union's fight continues for the stable funding our public schools and community colleges need and all students deserve — at local districts, in Sacramento and at the ballot box. is means tracking our school district budget processes and organizing to ensure that school boards are making the best decisions for our students and communities; sharing our stories with state legis- lators and asking them to support public education with their votes; and working to extend vital Proposition 55 funding that our schools and students rely on. (Visit cta.org/Prop55Extension for more information.) Keep an eye out for Prop. 55 petitions circulating to qualify a ballot initiative to extend $9 billion in crucial funding for Califor- nia public schools. ese funds come from a 2012 voter-approved tax (extended in 2016) on the wealthiest Californians (currently, couples making more than $700,000 a year). Without an extension, these funds will expire in 2030, which would cause an immediate 15% hole in the state public education budget. is would result in massive cuts in schools and community colleges statewide, with an estimated one in six educators facing potential layoffs. at's why extending this tax is so important, and why locals across the state are already sharing information about the issue and organizing to collect signatures. "To ensure and secure the education of future generations, it's important that we maintain Prop. 55 funding," says Trina Gonza- les-Alesi, president of Desert Sands Teachers Association (DSTA). "We're actively educating our members on the benefits and we plan to start a signature gathering campaign in the fall." Organizing Continues for Local After Strike Win 23 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5