Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1543424
Gathering Signatures for Prop. 55 One-on-one meetings, a little competition help chapters' efforts to qualify the permanent funding extension for the ballot PAGE 16 Put It in Writing! Why it's critical for locals to bargain Community Schools language into their contracts PAGE 29 A Case Study in Building Power The We Can't Wait campaign grows stronger with lessons learned from the UTR strike PAGE 21 2 cta.org Winter 2026 C O N T E N T S Photos, from top: Cajon Valley Education Assn. leadership discusses signature-gathering for the Prop. 55 permanent extension; United Teachers of Richmond on strike in December (credit: Brooke Anderson, @movementphotographer); the four pillars of Community Schools as seen in one of several new CTA videos. Cover photo: United Educators of San Francisco on strike in February; credit: Jeff Rosenberg, On the Line. In the Know 7 Calendar 9 News & Notes Spotlight 12 CTA REPORT: " The State of California's Public Schools" Feature 26 WE CAN'T WAIT: Locals statewide take actions to demand the schools our students deserve Advocacy 37 STATE BUDGET: Increased education funding, withheld Prop. 98 monies. 38 SKIM SCAM: Twin Rivers, Natomas districts illegally divert $118 million from classrooms. 40 PUBLIC SCHOOLS WIN: Monterey County locals, community defeat corporate charter network. 43 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Our union's 2026-27 legislative platform. 43 BARGAINING ROUNDUP: News from locals around the state. Our Union 46 ENDORSEMENTS: CTA State Council recommends candidates for the June Primary. 47 AWARDS: Opportunities for CTA awards, scholarships. 48 CTA BOARD: Annual expenses. 49 HONORED: Wendy Brill-Wynkoop receives NEA teaching excellence award. 50 PARTNERSHIP: CTA, California Casualty celebrate 75 years. 51 CALM APP: Healthy habits. 52 ART TO WIN: Leverage the power of art to make gains for students, educators.