Educators Across California Mobilize for Students and Communities
CTA chapters around the state are planning several events that highlight efforts to support and expand community schools. The forum and rallies will call attention to the successful community school model,
which involves educators, district leaders, parents and community in shared decision making to determine student and individual school needs and how funding is allocated.
Oakland Education Association (OEA) Rally, 2-6 p.m., Lake Merritt Amphitheatre.
The public rally focuses on OEA’s contract campaign that includes safe, stable and racially just community schools. Educators are asking for support in demanding that the Oakland Unified School District bargain in good faith. Speakers include Oakland mayor Sheng Thao, city council members and school board members.
Materials:
- Informational materials here including talking points and fliers in multiple languages.
- Download FAQ about district proposed “budget adjustments.” Read the open letter to the OUSD School Board.
- Read the Talking Points.
- Download and print solidarity placard.
“Sacramento United for Community Schools,” a people’s forum, 5:30 p.m. at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento.
Leaders from four local CTA chapters (Folsom-Cordova Educators Association, Natomas Teachers Association, Sacramento City Teachers Association and Twin Rivers United Educators) discuss the transformative powers of community schools when they are created and governed by educators, parents and school staff sitting at the same table as administrators. Speakers also include parents and community members, State Board of Education member and Montebello educator Gabriela Gonzalez, San Diego Education Association along with San Diego Unified School District.
Materials:
- See Sacramento County Community Schools platform here.
- Sac County Save the Date flier.
- Read the Talking Points.
- Download flier about Community Schools.
- Download and print solidarity placard.
UTLA “United for LA Schools” Rally, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Grand Park.
On Wednesday March 15, at 4:30 p.m., United Teachers Los Angeles and SEIU Local 99 will be hosting a joint rally at Grand Park to fight back against LAUSD’s resistance to bargain around contract demands such as equitable salaries, core benefits, staff shortages, and vacancies. LAUSD’s lack of urgency to settle contracts with SEIU and UTLA, when the district currently sits on $4.8 billion in reserves, continues to negatively impact our schools, our students and LAUSD employees. This includes investment in and expansion of community schools. UTLA is currently in contract negotiations with the district.
For the first time in the city, a majority of workers employed by the second largest school district in the country, will stand together to demand the district stop funding poverty wages, and start funding our schools. For the labor movement in LA and beyond, this is an incredible development.
Materials:
- Read the Talking Points.
- Read the FAQ.
- Read the Talking Points.
- Download and print solidarity placard.
San Diego Education Association “Recover, Rebuild, and Rise Together” Rallies:
- John Muir Language Academy, 4431 Mt. Herbert Ave., San Diego, 7:15-7:45 a.m.
- Chavez Elementary, 1404 S. 40th St., #3210, San Diego, 7-7:30 a.m.
- Hoover High, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, 3:35-4 p.m.
San Diego Education Association (SDEA), a union of 6,500 teachers, counselors, nurses and other certificated educators in San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), is currently bargaining for a new union contract that would ensure long-term improvements for students, schools and the community. On Wed., March 15, SDEA and parents will hold rallies at the school sites above, part of a weeklong schedule of rallies and other activities to bring awareness to SDEA’s community-centered bargaining goals. These include doubling elementary enrichment classes, more after-school programs, a full-time counselor at every elementary school, a full-time nurse at every high school, better special education staffing and more.
Materials:
- Read the Talking Points.
- Download and print solidarity placard.
Social Media and Digital Action
Show your support for colleagues around the state. Download the following graphics and send some love to your friends and colleagues in any or all of the locations listed above.
Show your support for community schools and help spread the word about these transformational schools and how you can start making a difference in your local community one school at a time.
