One step closer to more funding for California’s community colleges
Earlier this month Governor Newsom proposed record funding for K-12 schools, along with a host of investments in education that CFT members have prioritized for years – including a $2.7 billion plan to fully achieve universal Transitional Kindergarten, a $3 billion investment in community schools, $4 billion to focus on the behavioral health of our students, and programs to address housing and broadband access.
But while the Governor’s proposal did include significant new resources for community colleges, there was still more work to do. For the last three weeks CFT community college members have been sending letters, making phone calls, and virtually testifying to obtain the resources our colleges need to succeed.
And our efforts are beginning to pay off.
The California Legislature has reached a budget deal that contains core CFT demands for more funding for community colleges, including extending the hold harmless provision in the funding formula, expanding the COLA to match that proposed for K-12, and ending the wasteful and duplicative Calbright college. The deal also includes key CFT priorities of increasing full-time faculty hiring, and additional funds to support part time faculty parity and office hours.
While we haven’t reached the finish line, the budget deal represents significant progress and we will continue to advocate for the resources our community colleges need through the remainder of budget negotiations.
Two CFT members named as community college classified employees of the year
Congratulations to CFT members Linda Olmos and Alicen Vera who have been honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors as statewide classified employees of the year.
Long Beach Council of Classified Employees member Linda Olmos was recognized for her great work as a specialist in the Long Beach City College Student Equity Office. There she plays an instrumental role in the Justice Scholars Program for the formerly incarcerated and students impacted by the criminal justice system.
Los Angeles College Faculty Guild member Alicen Vera was honored for the critical role she plays in supporting student success as the CalWORKs SFP Technician/Coordinator at Los Angeles Valley College.
To read more about the great work of Linda and Alicen and the other award winners, click here.
Support for the victims of the mass shooting in San Jose
Last week a gunman opened fire at the Valley Transportation Authority rail yard in San Jose, killing nine people before taking his own life. The nine people killed were all members of ATU Local 265.
We are devastated to hear the news of the mass shooting in San Jose, and are resolved to do everything we can to end the scourge of gun violence in our country. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, with the members of ATU Local 265, and the broader San Jose community.
If you are able, please consider making a donation in support of the victims and their families.
Happy Pride Month!
This Pride Month it is more important than ever to focus on making our schools safe and welcoming environments for all our students and members, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Check out these great resources from AFT’s Share My Lesson, created to help educators and classified professionals celebrate LGBTQ students, and to inspire meaningful advocacy with free lesson plans, activities, and resources.
