Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/3058
Continue to Stand Up for Our Schools Join other CTA members at www.standupforschools.com to above: Karina Curiel (right), president of the Gonzales Teachers Association in Monterey County, being interviewed outside the emotional CTA town hall meeting at Presidents Conference. two-thirds vote required to pass a state budget. “Our requirement for a superm- lic about the severity of the crisis facing schools and also shared their organizing strategies. Form a coalition with local or- ganizations, classified employees and administrators, advised Layne Wheeler, president of the Santa Barbara Teachers Association and chair of the Channel Islands Ser- vice Center. The tri-county coali- tion in her area is starting to get the message across. “Let people know that business is not being done as usual,” she said. “There is a crisis in California, and they can help change it.” “Don’t mask the problem,” echoed Janice Allen, president of the San Jose Teachers Association. “If you have no paper and no sup- plies, take these issues to all the par- ent groups. If people go by and they see the flag up, the door open and buses pulling up, they think it’s business as usual.” Participants agreed it’s time to change “business as usual” in Sacramento and Washington. And CTA must lead the fight — starting with getting rid of the ajority to pass a budget and imple- ment new taxes has created a super minority in this state,” said Michael Kinsley, president of the John Swett Education Association. “We need to cut back on the minority’s power base. They’ve been controlling the discussion for far too long. We need to shame them for what they’ve done to children in this state. It’s disgraceful, and they need to be held accountable.” Work with your local superin- tendent if possible, advised Pat Sa- bo, a member of the Healdsburg Area Teachers Association and Ser- vice Center chair. Teachers in her area have met with administrators and jointly developed a flier they will hand out on Back to School nights about the dire future of edu- cation throughout California. Kathy Bakhit, president of the Citrus College Faculty Association, urged attendees not to forget about higher education. “We’re here and need your help,” said Bakhit. “It has affected us greatly in community colleges. This crisis has caused us to cancel at least 300 class sections. Thousands of students are not able to get classes, which delays graduation and trans- fers to CSU and UC campuses.” Continued on page 36 help bring awareness to what is really happening to public education in our state. California’s public schools and colleges have been cut by more than $17 billion. These cuts are going to impact an entire generation of kids. Members hav e made loads of headlines in the past year that shine a light on the plight of public education — but we can’t let it end there. The momentum created this past year with Pink Friday and Stand up for our schools was just the beginning. Use www.standupforschools.com to set up a profile; create events; gain ideas about hosting events; and connect with other members. • • • What you can do now: Share your story. The more the public hears about the drastic, personal impact these cuts are having, the more likely they are to speak up on behalf of education. Call or e-mail your Legislator. Tell them that investing in public education is an investment in California’s future. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Lawmakers read their hometown papers to keep abreast of what their constituents are thinking. Our voices are needed now more than ever before. Join in the action at www.standupforschools.org. CTA photo by Mike Myslinski Photo by Scott Buschman