Dear John,
Classified workers continue to shine for our students and our schools
Thanks to all the classified staff out there who have stepped up big time for our students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. From distributing food and technology, to cleaning and sanitizing our workplaces, to working remotely to serve students with IEPs and reaching out to families in crisis, classified professionals have gone the extra mile for our students during this time of COVID-19.
But we know that classified workers have always been there for our students and our communities. That is why every year we recognize your efforts in California during Classified School Employee Appreciation Week. As part of the recognition this year, California’s elected leaders from throughout the state have offered their thanks to CFT’s classified members in a series of videos posted on the CFT Facebook page.
While we recognize classified professionals this week, we also know that too many of their jobs are at risk because of the economic fallout from the pandemic. Already many workers have received layoff notices, and many more are at risk if California continues down the path of deep education cuts.
Classified professionals are essential workers. Period. And we must continue to stand united as a union to protect their jobs and the important work they do.
Schools can’t reopen safely with proposed budget cuts
This week the Education Coalition, which includes CFT and eight other statewide education advocacy organizations, sent a letter to state policy makers letting them know that schools cannot physically reopen safely with the proposed education cuts currently being discussed.
From the letter: “As school districts and county offices of education prepare to re-open safely in the fall, it will require significant resources, as unprecedented challenges will remain due to COVID-19. Social distancing will require smaller class sizes and master schedule changes to provide healthy and safe environments for students and staff. Properly disinfecting schools and maintaining safe learning environments will be a top priority for students, staff, and parents. All these efforts will require additional staff and increase costs.”
Difficult discussions are taking place right now throughout the state by school and college communities about the challenges of how to safely reopen with steep cuts. Rescue Union Federation of Teachers President, and 3rd grade teacher, Laurisa Stuart shared her thoughts on reopening in a segment that ran this week on CBS Sacramento.
CFT will continue to urge lawmakers to avoid devastating cuts to K-12 schools, community colleges, and the University of California. Our public schools are essential to the healthy recovery of our communities.
CFT President Jeff Freitas on Facebook Live today at 3:00 p.m.
CFT President Jeff Freitas will provide his weekly CFT update on Facebook Live today at 3:00 p.m., including updates on the state budget, closing Calbright College, and ongoing discussions on schools reopening. Tune in on CFT’s Facebook page.
