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President's Message - October 8, 2015

11/10/2015

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Greetings! Can anyone believe that we are already into October?? Phew…where does the time go?
Start of School: Although rocky, thanks to you, my super rock star colleagues, students are once again knee deep in learning and adventures. Thank you to all who stood up and made sure the contract was followed. Thank you also for the warm welcome at each site as the district road show ran its course. Thank you for all that have volunteered your time for district committees and interview panels. I am so blessed and proud to be able to work with all of you.
Professional Development Plans: Please remember that the PD Plan is due October 21!
Evaluation: This is a busy time for evaluation change in our district. The counseling group's evaluation rubric is almost complete and ready to launch. The librarians are starting their work. The teacher group will continue.
Not sure if everyone knows that Petaluma is one of four districts in the county to be awarded a grant to help with our evaluation work by the ReEd Institute from UC Davis and SCOE. Through this grant we are connected with state and national groups also creating positive change in evaluation. We have experts/researchers connecting with us and our work. Petaluma, once again, is a leader in this area of change. We are true visionaries and are being recognized for our hard work!
News from CFT: I attended State Committees, State Council, and Division Council meetings at the end of September. CFT has just published a position paper on Teacher Evaluation (see it at cft.org). Lots of work is being done about regulating Charter Schools…we are so lucky to have ours, true charters and not for-profit entities that have infiltrated other districts.
Some successes at the capital: all of the following were defeated…proposed legislation that would eliminate certain layoff provisions for permanent employees, proposed legislation that peer observations and surveys of parents and students be mandatory in assessment guidelines and criteria along with being evaluated annually, proposed legislation that permanent standing would be granted only after three consecutive years.
The labor movement is regaining some ground. However, CFT’s message to locals is for all members to hit the streets…public education will not survive if the public and communities are not educated about our needs and our challenges. Petaluma is lucky that our community is incredibly supportive, but other areas are not. LA, for instance, is being targeted by for-profit organizations that feel the only way to “fix” education is to make all schools unregulated charters. We cannot let this continue. Special Education Teachers are facing daunting changes to their credentials and mandates. Funding is nowhere near what is needed for quality program. And that is just a start…
Boots on the ground, be vocal, be an advocate, be an activist to ensure public education gets the funding and changes it needs. More information will be coming about how you can get involved and make a difference.
Shared Decision Making: There have been some requests that a SDM training be offered at sites. Are there other sites that would like this training? Please let me know as soon as possible.
EERC/Negotiations: Our first EERC (Employer Employee Relations Committee…informal, no negotiations) meeting is October 19. Look also for a coming survey about our sunshine process…
Upcoming Events: Please consider attending one (or more, or all!) of the following…
Board of Education Meeting, October 13, 6pm, Board Room
District Leadership Team (LCAP), October 20, 6-7:30 pm, Board Room
Board of Education Meeting, October 27, 6pm, Board Room
Board of Education Meeting, November 10, 6pm, Board Room
Wishing you all a happy, healthy October!
In Unity-
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President's Message - August 31, 2015

9/20/2015

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August 31, 2015

Welcome back, everyone! I can’t believe it is almost September which signals the second month of school for traditional schedule and a well-deserved break for our year-round folks. The summer was not as busy this year (woo hoo!) for me or the officers. I hope that everyone was able to rest, rejuvenate, and look happily forward to the coming school year. I also hope that people enjoyed their retro check!! I hope that the school year started reasonably well for all, and I hope that members are happy to see the smiling faces of our students every day.

Notice how often I am using the word “hope”.  You can’t take the English teacher out of the girl…so know I select my words carefully, as words have power and evoke emotion. I want all Federation members to be hopeful. That is the theme of the year for me. I hope that you can join me. I want members to see the change in our district as a positive one…with an overabundance of opportunity to be part of making this district a better one, for our students and for us. I want members to know that we do have power, the power of solidarity.

Realize, like I have, what we accomplished last school year: together we are strong, together we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to, and together we are a force to be reckoned with. I am so proud to be part of PFT.

With that said, there are issues to tackle. We have a new superintendent who has an education background. I have been fortunate to meet with him often this summer (solo, with PFT officers, and at a workshop). We continue to discuss some wishes the Federation has for a new district leader. My main concern and wish is about communication. My other wish is for the district to recognize the professional dynamos we have. Lastly, I was adamant about having a “seat at the table” on all issues TK-12. I feel heard and hopeful that the culture in our district is changing for the better.

Staffing is an immediate issue that is not going so well at some sites. Be assured that the officers and negotiators are tracking changes and engaging the administration in conversation about best practices. There are constraints on anything that we do that has a dollar attached to it. Please let your reps know if there are questions or concerns about what is happening at your site.

Technology is another issue that has hit sites…some better than others. Again, please let your reps know if there are issues or questions. PFT has requested a TK-12 committee be formed to design protocols for use. Once again, we are faced with playing “catch up” (like with the changes in Aeries), but I firmly believe we need a say in the protocols. More info on that as the committee is formed. With that said, I attended a parent information night concerning the use of ipads (yep, still a parent in the district). It was clearly stated that technology is a tool, one of many teachers will use. Administration also stated that technology will be used only when it enhances the curriculum. This seems reasonable to me, but many members are having different experiences and we need clarity. Hopefully this district/PFT conversation will happen soon so we can all have clear, equitable expectations and protocols. More on this when the idea becomes a committee…

We will soon embark on the adventure that is known as negotiating the “successor” agreement. This means the entire contract will be open for negotiation. Start considering issues and having conversations with your colleagues about hopes you have for the future…things that maybe need to be defined in the contract…changes you want to see. A survey will be coming soon asking for your input. YOUR INPUT IS VITAL to the negotiating team’s ability to create change.

The road show for the start of the year has begun. Dave Rose and I will be presenting the annual Safe Schools Presentation. Along with that presentation, Linda Scheele (our new Director of HR) and I will be presenting about the new Professional Development plans and evaluation/process changes. Coming soon to a site near you!!

Shared Decision Making has come up as an issue. There are no formal plans for the road show to come to sites for this year on this topic. I have had a few requests from sites to bring back the show. You know your sites. You know the climate at your sites. If you would like some sort of presentation/meeting/training on Shared Decision Making, please email me and I’ll arrange something.

Will any of this be easy? No. Will this be immediate? No. Will PFT be on the front lines fighting for you? Absolutely! 

I hope that this message finds all happy and healthy. Take care of yourselves. Be hopeful.

In Unity-
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President's Message - May 30, 2015

5/30/2015

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It's been a long year. It was an even longer mediation session yesterday. But my team never gave up, didn't fold under intense pressure, held to our ideals and promises to the members. I am very proud of what we accomplished. PFT is so lucky to have this group of dedicated negotiators.
Bravo, team. YOU ROCK!! On to ratification...

Please make sure to come to the General Membership meeting at McKinley School on Tuesday, June 2 at 3:30 p.m. to get your questions answered. Voting on the ratification of the agreement will take place on Wednesday and Thursday at individual school sites. 
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President's Message - April 23, 2015

4/24/2015

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President’s Message

April 23, 2015

The next General Membership Meeting will be held at the PHS Library on Thursday, April 30 at 4pm. Please come and discuss current and future issues. Your participation is vital to our success as a Union!

Congratulations to Krista O’Connor, Tammy Elliott, and Carrie Caudle, our newly elected High School Vice President, Treasurer, and Elementary Vice President (respectively). 

A huge thank you goes to MaryBeth Cohen, out-going Elementary Vice President, for her incredible service to PFT as she takes on other roles.

Sandra Larsen, Tammy Elliott, Erinn VanderMeer and yours truly represented PFT at the annual CFT Lobby Days this week. We met with staff from Assembly Member Levine’s office and with Senator McGuire’s office and discussed current CFT backed legislation. There’s a listing of issues from Teacher Evaluation, Charter Schools, Community Schools to Classified and Higher Ed issues. See any one of the participants for information if you are interested.
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President's Message -  April 9, 2015

4/11/2015

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What a difference a few days can make! There are so many changes happening in the district…district office personnel, principal swapping, mediation, staffing for 15/16…phew! I hope you are all resting and staying healthy as we head into the final stretch of the year.
 
Here are a few quick items to consider:
 
EXTRA DUTY PAY
It has come to my attention that the district administration is “blaming” the Union for the $25.44 rate of pay for extra duty. This is unfair, untrue, and extremely disturbing. That this is announced as fact at K12 Curriculum and at Superintendant’s Advisory just blows my mind. How divisive can the administration get?
The rate of pay for extra duty is NEGOTIATED! This is not an arbitrary decision made by the Union. To blame us for an item in the contract is unconscionable! 
What has not been said is that, in our contract, the district is not to offer any stipend, of ANY AMOUNT before participating in the negotiation process. The Federation has been put in the horrible position too often to demand that the district bargain in good faith what our teachers are paid above and beyond the contract. Please know that the Union is not the obstacle here. We have to again and again DEMAND TO BARGAIN what our teachers are paid…to make sure it is equitable and reasonable. The $25.44 has not been recently brought to the table by the district and the Union has not currently said that is a reasonable rate.
I am deeply saddened by this attack and certainly expect more professionalism from our administration.

In solidarity,
Kim

Note:  Mediation Update - I know a mail chimp message went out about the two meetings coming up Monday and Tuesday of next week (April 13 and 14). Wish our team luck!
MEDIATION UPDATEI know a mail chimp went out about the two meetings coming up (Monday andTuesday of next week). Wish our team luck!
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Superintendent Hiring Process - March 3, 2015

3/4/2015

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SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH DEBACLE

Dear PFT Brothers and Sisters,

On February 10, the board of education announced that they were on a “fast-track” to hire a new superintendent. At the same meeting, the board looked for “input” from the “stakeholders”. A special board meeting was planned for Saturday, February 28. They announced they would be including everyone affected by this decision.

On February 24, after a long agenda, the board announced no one but they would be part of the hiring for the new superintendent. For the few people still in attendance at this late school board meeting, this was a shock. No selection advisory committee is part of the planned (and now approved) process. It was also announced that there would be a very short timeline: the job closes onMarch 13.

Although the board made great attempts to reach the public to attend the special Saturday meeting, a communication process that we have been asking for, there was no explanation of why the board is not using our district hiring protocol…except a citing of the need for “confidentiality” in the process. Although reminded of the confidentiality clause in our protocol, the board is adamant that they will use their own process. Clarifying questions were asked that night, and all public attendees were told was that was the decision.

Many people attended the special board meeting on Saturday, February 28. Approximately 70 community members, parents, teachers, administrators, and others attended the three-hour meeting. Although many wished to discuss the process, most were told to stop and that it was not appropriate, that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss criteria only. There was no discussion, only a formal, rigid presentation of ideas. There was no feedback from the board, no indication of next steps, nothing but note-taking.

Thank you, in advance, for your action in this process as we move forward.  This hire is an incredibly important moment for our district.  Our voices need to be heard.

In solidarity,
Kim


What's NEXT? See our Take Action Now page!
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PFT President's Address to the Board - February 24, 2015

3/4/2015

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President Board Address                         February 24, 2015

Good evening.

In order to foster good dialogue and communication, I respectfully ask that the board move item L.1.1 to earlier in the agenda. Thank you.

In that vein, I wish to begin tonight to heartily thank you for all of the communication efforts this week about the special board meeting this Saturday. I received two robo-calls in addition to the district email about the event.

This is such an important time for our district…and this type of inclusive, wide-spread communication is exactly what we need to build a district our students deserve.

The Federation has also been busy communicating: emailing, creating surveys, passing out reminder memos, so all voices can be heard. The efforts of the district perfectly complements the efforts of PFT…almost as if we planned it! Whether it is hiring processes, technology, curriculum or other business of the district, we always are more powerful when creating the systems together.

Let us take this example of successful collaboration and build on it and move forward to once again be the envy of all other districts in the county.

Thank you.
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President's Message - February 13, 2015

2/16/2015

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February 13, 2015 MEDIATION UPDATE

Message from the Negotiators…
HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!
The team met today at the Sheraton with the mediator and the district team. The 
day started at 10am with the mediator talking about confidentiality. We are not able 
to share specifics about our conversations. After 6 hours, making small strides, the 
teams did not make significant enough movement to resolve all issues. We will be 
meeting again on March 4 at the District Office to continue the conversations.
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President's Message - February 11, 2015

2/11/2015

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President's Message 
Stronger Together
Greetings Brothers and Sisters!
I am practicing my greetings for the upcoming CFT Convention in March. I thank all of you who nominated members, and I especially thank those of you that graciously put your names on the upcoming ballot. There is so much happening nationally, statewide, and locally…an exciting (sometimes terrifying) time to be a Union member.
 
NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE:
Sandra and the negotiating team wanted to let all members know that they are anxiously awaiting the mediation process that begins this Friday, February 13. At 10:00 am at the Petaluma Sheraton, the teams will meet with the State appointed mediator and begin the process. The team is committed to doing the very best for our members that, in turn, is the very best for our students.
You will receive some sort of communication either that evening or over the weekend about the process and what the next steps are.
 
WORKERS’ RIGHTS BOARD
I hope that you all have been able to get a hold of a copy of the document this board compiled on behalf of the employees and students of Petaluma City Schools. It is a truly amazing document and clearly itemizes what we have been struggling with since July. Please ask if you need a hard copy of the report.  You can also find it online at http://tinyurl.com/nsfwlkb
 
MACBOOKS
Steve Bolman agreed, on January 6, 2015, to send everyone a copy of the new agreement form and/or the original, void agreement. Have you received your form(s)? If not, please email Mr. Bolman immediately. You can use what you need of the following as your text:
“Please send me, by February 13, a copy of my signed agreement for MacBook usage.  I also am not in possession of the original, now void agreement. Please send the document to me immediately.”
Choose a date of your own if needed. Please “CC” me if you are communicating this to the district. I would like to follow up on this and get closure on the issue this month.

MISSED THE SOCIAL?
February 5 was the social at the Mystic. It was incredible to see all of you that came…even if it was for a short time. We are all such busy people, but it is so important to stay connected. Thank you to Doug Emery, Carrie Caudle, and all who made this event a success.
Please, if you can, be a regular patron of McNear’s, as the O’Donnell’s are still being extra generous and good to us.
Another thing you missed was the sign-up for Union Tees 2.0! If you are interested in the latest version in classy, PFT apparel, please contact Carrie Caudle at carrieyucaudle@gmail.com.
 
NEW LEADERS:
A quick update…Executive Council approved the chair of a grievance committee at the last board meeting. Sandra Larsen is taking over the Grievance Committee, and Carrie Caudle is taking over the Membership Committee.
 
CONSTITUTION UPDATE:
Executive Council has been working on an update of our Constitution and By-Laws. Look for this soon to review and then a ratification vote.
 
As always, thank you for all that you do for the students of Petaluma. Change is never easy or swift. It is a painful, messy process, but I believe the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. I am so grateful for the courageous, amazing colleagues (yes, YOU!) I work with…it is so inspiring to see you come together and demand change. I am proud to be part of your movement.
Together we are strong. Together we are making a positive impact. Together we can achieve anything.
 
In Unity-
Kim


Also: Thank you to the over 50 teachers who showed up to last night's school board meeting.  Although the board did not agendize the Workers' Rights Board findings and recommendations for this week, we are hopeful about it being on the agenda for our next meeting.  If you, too, would like an open dialogue about this report at a school board meeting, please email Mike Baddeley, the school board president, to make this request and explain your perspective. 
mbaddeley@petk12.org

One outcome from last night's meeting was the scheduling of a public meeting to discuss our hopes and expectations for a new superintendent with the school board.  Teachers, parents, students, and other community members will be welcome and encouraged to attend.  Save the date--this meeting will be on Saturday, 2/28.  More details to come to you as we get them from the school board.
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President's Message from 10/14/2015

2/11/2015

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October 14, 2014 - President’s Address to the School Board
Good evening-

I can’t tell you how many drafts of this address that I went through…how many hours I spent thinking about the events that are continuing to occur…plus debating on my unusual format for my address.

I never thought, after 22 years of teaching, that I would have to so many times justify exercising my rights and my professional judgment. I never thought that I would begin to not trust that the leadership of my district had the best interests of my colleagues and students at the heart of all that they do. Even more disheartening is that I have to repeatedly plead for fair and equitable treatment of my members.

Last week I attended the special board meeting. I, and many who attended, had questions about why there was an extra meeting called. When I expressed this need to the board, I was told that questions were not appropriate at that time and that I needed to wait.

First let me say that I know you can’t respond to me in this forum. But I hope that what I ask and all that has been brought to you by certificated staff, community members, and parents over the last 3 ½ months has not fallen on deaf ears.

My question litany begins: why call a special board meeting and spend the entire time in closed session? What could have been discussed for almost 2 hours with no action taken? Why would the board feel compelled to contact my members directly with an inaccurate, one-sided, partial truths memo the day before a board meeting? Why, after so many months of asking for help and dialogue to get back to the table has the board clearly supported the district’s position only? Why is the board only relying on the district administration for all of their information? Why is there no open communication about trouble in our district? Why did the board not act on the Level IV grievance brought to them? Why are the agenda items so vague that no one, teachers, parents nor community members, is sure exactly what is being discussed and when?

Most importantly, and if you hear anything I have to say tonight, I hope this stays with you…AND THIS IS THE ONLY QUESTION I WILL OFFER SOME RESPONSE TO…I want each of you to ask yourselves this: why do you think the teachers are engaged in such activities? Why would dedicated, hard-working, educated, irreplaceable employees take so much time to get your attention? I’ll offer some reasons that are not the answer…teachers are not doing this because we have nothing else to do. We are not doing this because we wish to make a circus out of the running of our district. Teachers are not engaged in Union activities merely to have a “pep rally”…and we certainly are not doing this “just because a few are upset with district mandates.” You can’t see my speech, but all of these reasons are quotes from site and district administration about their employees.

Could it be that the certificated staff needs to be heard? Could it be that there are some egregious flaws in communication in this district? Could it be that there is a lack of transparency?

I’ll end with this, which is one of the first addresses I made to you as president of PFT…trust is the easiest thing to break and the hardest thing to rebuild. As trustees (and I am not making a pun here), your responsibility is to uphold the values of our district…of being open…of seeking dialogue with many different perspectives…and to communicate openly. What is demanded of the certificated staff should be reflected in the leadership of the district. Again, I am heartsick that this is not the case. Please work with us and not against us. 

Thank you

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President's Message from 9/9/2014

2/11/2015

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Please read the President's Address to the Board on September 9th regarding the grievance filed against Superintendent Bolman for interfering with the Union activities of PFT members:
September 9, 2014
President’s Address to the Board
Good Evening: I am here to speak tonight about the level 3 grievance PFT filed against the superintendent Monday, September 8. PFT was shocked and disappointed that Mr. Bolman felt he needed to prevent our members from conducting Union business before and after school last Friday, September 5. His email to administrators, which was forwarded to my members, was inappropriate and detrimental. I am deeply saddened and disappointed that district administration’s treatment of the Federation has reached such a low point. Not only have we filed the grievance, but we are also amending our current Unfair Labor Practice charges to include this questionable and illegal action as it is a clear violation of our contract, the EERA, plus our state and federal constitutional rights.The Educational Employment Relations Act (the EERA) is very clear about an employer’s parameters when Union activities are happening. Section 3543.5 states
“EERA makes it unlawful for an employer to (1) interfere with the exercise of rights conferred by the act on employees or their unions; (2) refuse to meet and negotiate in good faith (which expressly includes knowingly furnishing an exclusive representative with inaccurate information regarding the financial resources of the public school employer); (3)interfere with, dominate, or discriminate among employee organizations; or (4) refuse to participate in the impasse procedures in good faith”.
 The Federation asks the board to please support all certificated employees and classified employees by stopping the district administration’s engagement in discrimination and unilateral, damaging actions against us. We are professionals and expect to be treated as such. Members of the Board, please respect and support our teachers who ultimately support or students. I have for each of you a copy of the email and the grievance. Thank you.
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    Sandra Larsen

    PFT President

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