Report from CTA State Council of Education
January 27 - 29, 2012
Votes and Elections:
* After much debate, council voted to support Governor Brown's initiative, Temporary Taxes to Fund Education. Guaranteed Local Public Safety Funding. Initiative Constitutional Amendment (12-001). There was also much support on the council floor for The California Funding Restoration Act of 2012 (The Millionares' Tax).
* On the recommendation of the Financing Public Education Committee, new 2012-2013 State Budget Principles were adopted. These documents are available online in the members only section of CTA.org
Other Council Activities:
* CTA will work to defeat the Paycheck Deception Initiative. If passed, this will eliminate the ability of CTA, DMCTA, and other unions to participate in funding any political activities. This will have far reaching negative consequences on our ability to advocate for our members and for our students.
"When politicians get out of education, educators can get out of politics."
For Information:
*NEA Director, Gilda Bloom, reported to the Civil Rights in Education Committee the following national challenges to maintain strong NEA affiliates:
a. 15 states abolished or drastically limited dues reduction
b. 22 states stripped collective bargaining
c. 14 states implemented right to work laws
d. 13 states to eliminate due process
e. 22 states tried to get voucher/tax credit bills
f. 49 states had pension challenges
* Early Childhood Education Committee wants to remind all members that Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is now the law. Funding does not affect the implementation of TK in the September 2012-2013 school year.
* Special Education Committee discussed concerns about misinformation from school district administration, which eliminates special education programs and dilutes services to students with disabilities. As a result of this discussion, SEC wants to remind all educators the IEP continuum of services MUST be followed. Resource Guide for LEaders on Special Education advocacy, organizing