CTA has what it takes to defeat Prop. 38

The biblical story of David and Goliath shows that physical size and strength can be defeated by wit, determination and pure heart. Teachers are hoping the same principle will apply as they fight the Draper voucher initiative on the November ballot.

"Draper may have the money, but we have the people who really believe in what they do," says CTA Vice President Barbara E. Kerr. Speaking at CTA's Summer Institute in Monterey, she said she believes CTA and its members have the strength, perseverance and determination to bring down Proposition 38.

While CTA cant outspend Draper, "we have people everywhere who are willing to work for what is right for our children and for public education in California," said Kerr. "A concentrated effort among teachers, administrators and education supporters to keep people informed and involved" will make all the difference in who will prevail. Defeating Prop. 38 was the common theme at the Summer Institute, where more than 900 CTA members were trained in political action, communications, organizing, collaborating and negotiating skills, among others.

Although Prop. 38 is the second voucher proposal teachers have had to fight in recent years, the stakes this time are especially high because of the millions of dollars Silicon Valley entrepreneur Tim Draper has pledged to spend to pass his initiative. The voucher is also a key election issue in a presidential race rather than a special election.

While some chapters are more organized than others, most are expected to be ready to coordinate campaign activities with the opening of school.

If chapters are unaware of the magnitude of the struggle ahead, "we need to make them aware," says CTA Board member Larry Carlin, a member of the Live Oak Teachers Association.

It's important for chapters to get their members mobilized early if they hope to win this important battle, says Joel Knox, a member of the Merced City Teachers Association. "Our blueprint is in place, and the summertime council has already met regarding this issue."

"We are in the process of evaluating and conceptualizing the battle," says Robert Hudson, a member of the Hemet Teachers Association. "The troops are prepared for a long campaign."

As strong as CTA is, it can become even stronger by building coalitions with other organizations, suggests Giev Kashkooli from the United Farm Workers. He told Political Strand participants that it's vital to spread the word of Prop. 38's destructive effects to minority communities because they're being targeted by the Draper forces. He said a third of the Hispanics eligible to vote are not even registered.

"Proposition 38 hurts kids" became a mantra that was reiterated throughout the week-long institute, as participants got a chance to think through the consequences and formulate arguments for use back home.

Joel Knox of Merced City (left) confers with CTA Secretary-Treasurer David Sanchez about the No on Prop. 38 campaign.

"Prop. 38 will mean the dismantling of public education as we know it," says Marc Jones, a member of the San Bernardino Teachers Association. A loss of students to voucher schools will bring cuts in funding for materials and programs at neighborhood schools. "Our school has a high concentration of computers and other technology, and this initiative would certainly affect it."

"We would be going back to the Dark Ages," says Marilyn Cox, a member of the Eastside Teachers Association in San Jose. She figures the passage of Prop. 38 would mean shutting down art and physical education programs again and closing the school libraries "we've worked so hard to keep. It would be a big disaster."

Because private schools could pick and choose who they accept, Kathy Barnett, a member of the Riverside City Teachers Association, fears that the passage of Prop. 38 would allow them to siphon off the top students, leaving behind average and below-average students, as well as students with special needs.

"My children would be discriminated against," agrees Patty Arvin, a member of the Solano County Education Association. "Their parents won't have a choice. My students will be turned away because they are severely handicapped and their programs cost a great deal to implement."

Pamela Jacobsen, a member of the Grant District Education Association, says she's not afraid of the impact vouchers will have on public schools. She's more concerned about the impact they'll have on students going to private schools.

"Families who would receive vouchers might think they'll be getting a deal." But their children could end up in schools that are not accountable, don't have to meet state standards, and don't require teachers to have a credential or even a college degree.

That's not what she considers a good deal.