Governor Schwarzenegger and his political committees have begun gathering signatures to qualify the first four of their so-called reform initiatives for the ballot. More are expected. CTA is asking members not to sign any of these petitions.
Public School Teachers. Waiting Period for Permanent Status. This measure would increase the probationary period for teachers from two years to five years and require teachers to get five consecutive satisfactory evaluations before earning permanent status. Transferring to a new district would start the clock ticking all over again. Any permanent teacher who receives two consecutive unsatisfactory evaluations could be fired and would not be allowed to challenge the evaluations. CTA's position: Intended to distract teachers from attacks on Proposition 98, it does nothing to help students learn or to fix the fact that schools are underfunded.
Prohibition on Defined Benefit Public Pensions. This measure would eliminate a secure pension for teachers and public employees and replace the current defined benefit plan with a risky, 401(k)-style retirement plan. CTA's position: It will make it harder to attract and retain quality teachers for California classrooms, and will put educators' retirement at risk.
Redistricting. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. This measure would set up a panel of retired judges to redraw voting districts before the decade is out. Currently, redistricting is done every 10 years, after the census. CTA's position: It's undemocratic. It would take away the right of elected officials to reapportion legislative and congressional districts, and would thwart the will of the majority.
Public Employee Union Dues. Required Employee Consent for Political Contributions. This measure would silence the voices of teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public employees in the political process by entangling unions in useless paperwork. It would require unions to get prior consent each year on a specified written form before using dues for political contributions. CTA's position: Teachers and other public employees would no longer be allowed to raise their voices in defense of public education.
