Welcome back, UESF members. I hope preparations for the first days of this school year have been going well. You may not hear it often enough through the school year, but know that you are respected, appreciated, and deserve the best support possible for everything you do on behalf of students and families. From greeting your colleagues, to setting up a welcoming environment our school communities are vibrant and joyful thanks to all your efforts.
There are numerous challenges facing public education that extend beyond national politics. Even locally, we are seeing a lack of a strong, progressive vision and inadequate leadership that is leading to the erosion of protections we fought so hard to win. But just as you find Hope in the solidarity you build with your colleagues and among your students and families, know that the power to push back and build a better future lies in the collective power of us as workers. Whether it’s continuing to demand better working conditions or fighting to defend our academic freedoms in our contract, or continuing to push at the bargaining table for what is just, your needs are reflected in your union efforts.
It is now more important than ever to stay in touch with and help your union building committee, follow the weekly emails, and stay up-to-date on bargaining. Your big bargaining team returns to the bargaining table on Monday; yes, the first day of school for students is also the team’s next effort to tell our District to get serious. The contract has expired and the District remains far from where we expect. Please be on the lookout for an update then. We will also launch a petition next Saturday after our Strike Academy – Bay Can’t Wait, where hundreds of leaders throughout the Bay Area will lay out our plans to win the schools our students deserve. Enjoy your weekend, get your first day outfits ready and bag packed to welcome our students for another year, and know that together we are stronger and we will win the schools we deserve.
