SACRAMENTO - Wayne Johnson, president of the 330,000-member California Teachers Association, issued the following statement today concerning CTA-sponsored legislation, AB 2160:
"CTA worked to pass AB 2160 in cooperation with Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg and Speaker Herb Wesson, but when it was determined that the bill was a couple of votes short, the bill was pulled. It's upsetting that the California Assembly did not vote on this legislation, which would have given teachers a real say in local education decisions that impact students in their classrooms. If California lawmakers truly want to improve our public schools, teachers must be part of the solution and must be involved in those decisions that directly impact student achievement.
"CTA worked with legislators to address every concern raised by opponents of this bill, but the continued opposition of school administrators and school board members showed that they are only interested in paying teachers lip service.
"Teachers, parents and voters know involving teachers in local education decisions is the right thing to do for our kids. It took CTA a long time to get due-process rights for teachers and to pass collective bargaining. CTA will continue to push for legislation to address teachers' concerns and will consider all options, including the ballot box, to make sure the professionals who work with students every day are true partners in improving our public schools."