President's Corner
President's Report
by President Dominic Rizzi
Hello Members!
I hope your break exceeded your expectations and allowed for time with friends, family and some down time to recharge. November flew by for us here at the office. Mid-term elections gripped my attention and I am happy to report CTA Endorsed candidates, Tony Thurmond for Superintendent of Public Instruction and Gavin Newsom for Governor were victorious. For details about our local school board race, see our PAC article. OGEA invites all members to attend the December 13th inauguration for our incoming board members at the OGSD board meeting at the district office at 7:30pm.
Now Hiring!
OGEA is looking to hire a part-time, $25/hour 20 hour/week, Office Coordinator. Please visit our website for more information and to view a job description and job application. Window for applicants to apply is December 5th. www.ogea.org/now-hiring. Email President@ogea.org for more information
Red for Ed (NEA and OGEA are wearing Red on Wednesdays)
In solidarity with the national Red for Ed movement, CTA is asking for our support of the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and the Oakland Education Association (OEA) in advance of and during a possible strike, which may happen in early January for UTLA. Both chapters are currently at impasse. Saturday, December 15th, UTLA will be marching downtown LA to bring awareness to the state of public education in our state and in their district. OGEA invites you to join us in Oakland on the 15th for a day of action for local support. Details will be sent out in a separate communication. CTA President Eric Heins says, “Like many CTA chapters, these locals are not just raising demands for improved salaries, but also better working and learning conditions, including:
Lower class sizes
More counselors, nurses, librarians, and other support professionals
Less time on standardized testing
Support for community schools with broadened curriculum, parent engagement, and health care and community services on site – as an alternative to corporate-driven, privately-managed charter schools. “
This fight is statewide...California is one of the lowest states in the nation in per pupil funding and among the highest in class size. One OEA members states, “OEA is in their second year without a contract and nearing a strike. The teachers asked for a 12% raise over 3 years and OUSD countered by offering a pay cut.” The member also expressed that OUSD is heading toward state control with the closure and sale of district properties in the light of encroaching charter schools and declining public school enrollment.
Wildfire and Disaster Relief Funds
Mike Patterson, CTA Board member from the area has shared that checks may be sent through the Chico RRC office (CTA/Chico RRC, 1430 East Avenue – Chico – 95926 / 530-354-9743) Additionally, a GoFundMe account has been sent up to receive donations. (https://www.gofundme.com/camp-fire-paradise-teachers ).The account is being run through Chico Unified Teachers Association President Kevin Moretti (CUTA 819 East 5th Ave, Chico / 530-828-9803).