GEA-Action.org

March 4: Informational Picket

Fran Zumwalt

Mar 05 |12:21 PM

Last Updated on Sunday, 07 March 2010 08:51

PARTICIPATION was GREAT at GEA's before school 'Informational Picket' on March 4th!

UPDATE: Pictures are now available here.

GEA members from all Grossmont schools prepared for bad weather AND wore their "Students & Teachers Our Priority" Red T-shirts; making clear that the district's reserve "earmarks" should be re-prioritized for the classroom.

Five hundred parent fliers were distributed at every site explaining that two worlds exist in terms of the economic crisis in education. Though some districts have negotiated take backs due to very low reserves for 2009-2010 (San Diego Unified and Sweetwater) others have not reached agreement, and are still negotiating (Poway, Oceanside, and Chula Vista). The Grossmont District is in much better shape compared to most districts in the State of California (Sup. Collins told GEA leaders in September 2009).

The Grossmont District's Ending Balance for 2008-2009, reported in the District's September 2009 Unaudited Actuals* -- $32 million (becomes the starting balance for 2009-2010).
The Grossmont District projects an ending balance of $23.4 million in June 2010 -- with no change to salary and benefits for GEA members (Slide 35-36, GUHSD January 28, 2010 Budget Workshop*).
The Grossmont District has a "reserve of the reserve" in the 'Materials and Supplies" fund of $16,082,659, which is $11,489,760 more than what was spent in 2008-2009 on 'Materials and Supplies' (comparisons of the Unaudited Actuals & Interim Budget report*).
Why is GUHSD spending $2,780,497 more on consultants in 2009-2010 ($10.77 million) compared to 2008-2009 ($7.99 million), (comparisons Unaudited Actuals, Interim Report & June Budget for 2009-2010*)?
Why is GUHSD spending millions of dollars on new computer programs (ED2020, NWMA Assessment Tool, and more)?
Why is GUHSD predicting a decline of 500 students in 2011-2012 (which would result in an underestimation of ADA) when GUHSD enrollment has been growing over the past few years (Slide 16, GUHSD January 28, 2010 Budget Workshop*)?

* District budget documents and reports are the sources for the above data.

Keep informed. Check GEA-ACTION.org for future updates.

From CTA - Budget Cuts

Fran Zumwalt

Feb 27 | 9:02 PM

Last Updated on Sunday, 28 February 2010 21:05

Click here for more information about the statewide educational movement.

GUHSD Reserve

Fran Zumwalt

Feb 27 | 8:58 PM

Last Updated on Monday, 01 March 2010 10:20

(Click on the image to enlarge)

When reviewing the Grossmont District's January 28, 2010 Budget Workshop package it is clear that:

With the currently predicted revenues for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, and
With NO changes to employee salary and benefits packages,
The Grossmont District does not have to spend its reserve for economic uncertainty until after June, 2011, by which time the CA State budget for education may have improved.

Therefore, it is unecessary and premature for the Grossmont District to bargain take-backs from employee compensation (salary and benefits) for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.

Update: From the GEA Bargaining Team -- 2/19/10

Fran Zumwalt

Feb 21 | 8:27 AM

Last Updated on Sunday, 21 February 2010 08:33

Dear Members,

GEA was just notified (via a phone call from S. Sonnich) that the district intends to declare impasse. This means that superintendent, Bob Collins, is unwilling to hear GEA's counter-proposal to his February 2nd demands (see compensation and benefit proposal). While other San Diego county districts continue to negotiate and work with their teachers, only the Grossmont and Vista districts have slammed the door on teachers by declaring impasse.

This action is clearly premature and aggressive. The superintendent intends to push the process forward in an attempt to impose his unreasonable and punitive take-backs on YOU in a year when the district admits to reserves of at least $32 million.

In one of only two negotiation sessions the superintendent attended, he stated, “Teachers will continue to work even if they are not compensated.” We need to show him that it is not going to be business as usual in the Grossmont District if he continues down this path. His rigid posture and arrogant attitude hinders any real progress at the negotiation table and is ultimately disrespectful to teachers.

Therefore, it is more important than ever for teachers to come together as an Association and show the superintendent, the District and the Board of Education that GEA is united and standing up together for a fair and reasonable contract settlement.

See you before period 1 on March 4th in your red shirt at your school site.

Your GEA Bargaining Team
Fran Zumwalt, GEA President, GHHS
Bryan Ross, GEA Vice President, WHHS
Linda Pierce, GEA Bargaining Chair, GHS
Doug Coffin, SHS
James Messina, GHHS
Ramon Gomez, CTA

Update: Site Visits Well Attended

Fran Zumwalt

Feb 15 | 8:12 PM

Last Updated on Sunday, 21 February 2010 08:22

Thanks to Homestead, Grossmont and Mt Miguel GEA members for your participation at your school's recent GEA meeting AND for providing clear and strong feedback regarding contract negotiations.

Save March 4th for an ACTIVITY to show your support for:

1) The GEA bargaining team and
2) Increasing funding for public education state-wide.

Your GEA Reps will get you prepared and will distribute T-shirts to you.
Remember that together -- we (one thousand strong at 9 plus campuses) are powerful.

Lunchtime GEA Meetings are scheduled for the following dates/sites -- Your GEA Rep will inform you about where to meet:

2/16/10 T EL CAPITAN
2/17/10 W WEST HILLS
2/18/10 TH SANTANA
2/23/10 T VALHALLA

2/24/10 W GRANITE HILLS

2/25/10 TH STEELE CANYON

2/26/10 F MONTE VISTA
3/2/10 T EL CAJON - AND - CHAPARRAL
3/3/10 W HELIX