Through intense lobbying by CTA, a bill that would have allowed county offices of education and county superintendents to review local bargaining contracts has been amended into legislation to help districts under state oversight and reduce the state loan interest rate for the troubled West Contra Costa district.
CTA lobbyists successfully amended Assembly Bill 2756 by Lynn Daucher (R-Brea) and deleted all provisions that would have adversely impacted local bargaining.
State bailouts for Oakland, West Fresno and Vallejo spurred the governor and the Legislature to strengthen state oversight provisions, and AB 2756 was introduced as part of the governor's package of bills. CTA opposed the original provisions and noted that every bailout in the state's history can be traced to administrative incompetence or lack of supervision - not collective bargaining agreements.
As amended, the bill provides that the state loan for West Contra Costa be refinanced at a rate of no more than 2 percent. The district, which has sent more than 300 layoff notices to teachers, counselors and librarians, is currently paying about 5.8 percent. The lower rate will save the district more than $6 million over the term of the loan. At press time, the bill was pending action in the state Senate.
"This is a great victory for the teachers and students of Richmond," said CTA President Barbara E. Kerr. "I'm glad CTA was able to make this happen."
To help districts avoid financial crises that lead to state intervention, CTA is working with lawmakers on legislation to require school superintendents and chief business officers to complete a certification course that covers all elements of school finance and district business operations.