AALA Newsletter 03172025 : simplebooklet.com

AALA/TEAMSTERS LOCAL 20102TOGETHER WE WIN: UPHOLDING OUR RIGHTSEsteemed AALA/Teamsters Local 2010 Brothers and Sisters,As we continue to prepare for Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) with LAUSD scheduled for March 19, I want to acknowledge the valuable feedback I continue to receive from our members across the various departments we represent, serve, and support. Concerns have surfaced from our Certiﬁcated workforce, such as Early Education Administrators questioning the new policy that allows students to enter school not yet potty trained; and APEISs struggles to meet deadlines and IEP compliance due to overwhelming numbers of student assessments and limited School Psychology time provided to sites. Nursing Administrators have raised concerns about unsustainable caseloads due to the inﬂux of new nurses and the increasing need for evaluations. Additionally, our Classiﬁed workforce is deeply concerned about the district’s outsourcing contracts, as well as members working out of class without appropriate compensation for the work being done.In the midst of our (CBA) with the district, let me share a major success for our Unit J Classiﬁed members. In October 2024, we submitted a Union request for a Job Study regarding the classiﬁcation of Facilities Project Manager II (FPM II) positions in Maintenance and Operations (M&O). Our request was that these positions be reclassiﬁed to Senior Facilities Project Managers (SFPM), based on the duties these positions have been performing for years. We also proposed revisions to the current entrance qualiﬁcations for the SFPM class description, and raised concerns about the district hiring contract professionals (outsourcing) to perform similar work.In response, the Personnel Commission initiated a comprehensive classiﬁcation study. Staff gathered and analyzed classiﬁcation data, conducted virtual audits, and evaluated the positions based on factors like scope and complexity of work, supervisory authority, decision-making responsibilities, and project management duties. The ﬁndings were clear: our members were working outside their classiﬁcations, performing duties at the higher level of SFPM, and not being compensated for it. As a result, our impacted members are now eligible for three years of back pay for the work they performed out of class.While this is a signiﬁcant win, the process has not been quick. The district’s approval channels have created delays, and as we move into March 2025, we are still awaiting the three years of back pay. However, this victory serves as a strong reminder that by exercising your rights as union members, we can correct wrongs and secure what is rightfully ours.In closing, I urge all of you to stay strong and united. The challenges we face are many, but together, we have the power to make change. Every victory—big or small—is a direct result of our collective strength. Let us continue to stand together, ﬁght for our rights, and ensure fair treatment, dignity, and respect for all of us.In Solidarity and Unwavering Resolve,Maria

Page 3

Page 4

AALA/TEAMSTERS LOCAL 2010NEED ASSISTANCE FROM AALA?Whether you need assistance with membership, have a question or need representation, AALA’s staff is available to assist you! The ofﬁce is open Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (213/484-2226) or you can email ofﬁce@aala.us 24/7.AALA STAFF:Maria E. Nichols, PresidentAdministratorsJuan A. Flecha, Chief-of-StaffIrene HylandSteve QuonConsultantsMaria Elena Rico-AguileraField RepresentativesJulie GonzalezDr. Rosa Maria HernandezDr. Windy WarrenUnit J StewardsIgnacio ChavezOliver HamentCesar MercadoMauricio PintoAlfred SixtosOfﬁce StaffJavier MelendezGema PivaralGloria SouquetteMarissa TindelNeed to contact us?Associated Administrators of Los Angeles1910 Sunset Blvd., Suite 410Los Angeles, CA 90026Ofﬁce 213/484-2226Fax 213/484-0201Web www.aala.usEmail ofﬁce@aala.usNewsletter (assistance) info@aala.us02 Together We Win Upholding Our Rights05 AALA News - President Nichols’ Remarks to School Board Executive Board Run-Off Election Results For Director, School Support Administrators and Director, Secondary 07 AALA/Teamsters Local 2010 Representative Assembly Meeting09 Healthcare FAQs Microplastics Found In Human Brains Raise Health Concerns11 Human Resources Updates13 In Memoriam Positions Available Become an AALA Angel Interest Group Contact Information14 District Announcements19 Interest Groups News You Can UseWEEK OF MARCH 17, 2025CONTENTS4

Page 5

NEWSLETTER5Two director seats were undecided during the ﬁrst round of voting. Four candidates moved on to the second round. Voting closed at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 14th. AALA/Teamsters Local 2010 salutes all four candidates for stepping up and running for ofﬁce. AALA’s Executive Board is voluntary and their willingness to roll up their sleeves and dive into leading AALA is a testament to their leadership.Congratulations to Kevin Kilpatrick, Director-elect, School Support Administrators and Simone Charles, Director-elect, Secondary. Accolades to Dr. Eric Maxey and Karen Fattal for supporting elections and the democratic process.Unions are strongest when members actively participate at every level. Thank you members for voting and exercising your right to vote. Final election results are on the following page.Listen To President Nichols’ Remarks to School Board On March 11AALA NEWSExecutive Board Run-Off Election ResultsELECTION RESULTS – PAGE 6

Page 6

AALA/TEAMSTERS LOCAL 20106AALA/Teamsters Local 2010 2025-2028 Secondary Director Run-Oﬀ Election1 / 158.74% 13141.26% 92Q1 Please select your preferred candidate for the position of DIRECTOR:Answered: 223 Skipped: 0TOTAL 2230% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%Simone CharlesKaren FattalANSWER CHOICES RESPONSESSimone CharlesKaren FattalAALA/Teamsters Local 2010 2025-2028 School Support Administrators Director Run-Oﬀ Election1 / 151.68% 16948.32% 158Q1 Please select your preferred candidate for the position of Director.Answered: 327 Skipped: 0TOTAL 3270% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%KevinKilpatrickEric MaxeyANSWER CHOICES RESPONSESKevin KilpatrickEric MaxeyEXECUTIVE BOARD RUN-OFF ELECTION RESULTSFROM PAGE 5

Page 7

Page 8

As of 4/1/2024, all applications are subject to approval. Rates are subject to change. The actual terms will vary based on theborrower's or borrowers' characteristics. Floor rate at 5.65% for 72 months. Direct deposit or payroll deduction from a qualifiedsource is required. Maximum monthly contribution of $2,000. Total deposit will be transferred to Primary Share account on thefirst business day of July. This is a variable rate account. As of the date of this advertisement, 6.60% APY / 6.44% Rate. Must bea current school employee (classified or certificated). Visit our Home Loan Center at www.SchoolsFCU.org. + Access providedby COOP. Service restrictions may apply.1 2345www.SchoolsFCU.org(866) 459-2345Join Today!Who Are We? We were founded by LAUSD employees in 1939.Established in 1939, we are a not-for-proﬁt ﬁnancial cooperative founded by a group LAUSDand LACCD employees. Our ﬁeld of membership is exclusively focused on serving ourcommunity. This specialization enables us to oﬀer meticulously crafted ﬁnancial products andservices tailored to the membership. Unlike traditional for-proﬁt banks driven by shareholderinterests, our foremost objective is your ﬁnancial well-being, both in savings and earnings.• Rate Reduction Auto Loan   (reduce your current or oﬀered rate by 2%!*)• Summer Safeguard Savings Account    (Prepare for the summer and get rewarded)• Classroom Supply Loan   (Borrow up to $1,000 @ 0% for 12 months)• Utility Loan for Classiﬁed Employees    (Borrow up to $1,000 @ 0% for 12 months)• Technology Loan    (Borrow up to $2,500 @ 1% for 24 months)• Mortgage Programs 12, 32, 42, 425Federally insured by the NCUA | Supplementary coverage is provided by ASI.• Free Checking• Free Savings / Holiday Account / U Name It!• Individual Retirement Accounts• Debt Consolidation Loan• Non Variable - Visa Credit Card• Personal Loan (Special Occassions)• Credit Builder / Rebuilder Loan Programs• Auto Buying ServicesCurrent School EmployeesAnd so much more...Nationwide Branch and ATM Access• +5,000 Nationwide Branches (Service Centers)• +30,000 Surcharge Free ATMsMore Branch & ATM access than most!AALA/TEAMSTERS LOCAL 20108

Page 9

NEWSLETTER9As plastics have become a central part of our lives, health professionals have grown increasingly wary about the levels of tiny plastic particles in our bodies. Microplastics are smaller than a sesame seed. Nanoplastics are even smaller, small enough to enter the body’s cells.Recent studies have found them in human lungs, kidneys, livers, bladders and more. A new study in Nature Medicine found them at alarming levels in the brains of people who had died with dementia and without dementia.In autopsy tissues, the researchers found higher levels of the plastic particles in brain samples than in liver and kidney samples — seven to 30 times higher. And brain tissue from people who died more recently, in 2024, had 50 percent more plastic than from people who’d died eight years earlier, in 2016. The overall weight was estimated at seven grams, about the weight of a small plastic spoon. “I have yet to encounter a single human being who says, ‘There’s a bunch of Inside the human body, you’ll ﬁnd muscles, bones, blood and organs — but plastic?plastic in my brain and I’m totally cool with that,’” Matthew Campen, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of New Mexico and a lead author of the Nature Medicine study, said in a news release.The higher levels seen in 2024 than in 2016 seem to mirror the rise in global plastic production, the researchers say. Some microplastics come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as synthetic clothing and food packaging, while others are created small, such as microbeads, added to beauty products before the U.S. government ban took effect in 2019. The tiny particles can enter our bodies through the air we breathe, the foods we eat, water we drink, as well as skin contact.“We now hypothesize that most of the plastics we are seeing like these are actually extremely old degradation products,” Campen said in a news conference.HEALTHCARE FAQSMICROPLASTICS FOUND IN HUMAN BRAINS RAISE HEALTH CONCERNSPublished by the AARP on February 12, 2025. This article with links can be found at the AARP websiteMICROPLASTICS – PAGE 10

Page 10

AALA/TEAMSTERS LOCAL 201010Science-backed ways to reduce your risk for dementiaWhether microplastics are harmful to your brain is an open question. But as researchers look for answers, there are key lifestyle behaviors you can adopt now to help lower your risk of cognitive decline. Here are a few important ones. For the full list, go here:Get your hearing checked. Hearing loss may reduce neural stimulation and increase social isolation. AARP offers an at-home hearing test.Keep your cholesterol in check. High levels of LDL — or “bad” — cholesterol in the brain raise stroke risks and boost two proteins, amyloid and tau, that are known to clump up in Alzheimer’s disease.Prevent or reduce high blood pressure. Blood pressure is considered elevated when it rises above 120 mm Hg systolic (the top number) and above 80 diastolic mm Hg (the bottom number). Some ways to lower blood pressure include a healthy diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.Exercise regularly. “When you exercise, it gets your heart to pump oxygen and nutrients to your brain and improves the brain circulation of these essential nutrients,” Small says. This could help reduce your risk for dementia.Stimulate your brain. Avoid activities that leave you mentally passive, says Dylan Wint, M.D., director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. Hours sitting in front of the TV, he says, might not make you feel very stimulated. More mentally engaging activities include reading, learning a new language, or picking up a new instrument.Stay connected to others. People who are socially isolated are at higher risk for dementia. Strong relationships support cognitive health.Cut back on alcohol. Alcohol raises your risk for obesity, depression and hypertension. Recent studies suggest no amount of alcohol is good for the brain.The brains of people diagnosed with dementia had higher plastic levelsIn a subset of autopsy tissues from people diagnosed with dementia, levels of the tiny plastics were about ﬁve times higher than in the brains without dementia. But it remains unclear whether microplastics increase the risk for the disease or whether dementia somehow leads to the accumulation of microplastics in the brain.“The ﬁndings for dementia thus far don’t prove a causal relationship,” says Gary Small, M.D., chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center and behavioral health physician in c “We do know that with dementia, there’s damage to the blood-brain barrier, which means that potential toxins [including microplastics] from the bloodstream can leak into the cerebrospinal ﬂuid to get to the brain. So maybe we’re seeing higher counts because of that leakage,” he says. “Or it could be that the nanoplastics are causing damage.”Either way, such high levels of microplastics are concerning, Campen said in a news release. “I never would have imagined it was this high. I certainly don’t feel comfortable with this much plastic in my brain.” In 2024, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found microplastics in nearly 60 percent of the participants’ carotid arteries. These people experienced a 4.5 times higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death at a 3-year follow-up. MICROPLASTICSFROM PAGE 9

Page 11

CALSTRS WORKSHOPS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEARAll CalSTRS members are encouraged to attend a pre-retirement workshop at least three times during their career to plan for re-tirement security: early in their career, just prior to age 50, and one year prior to retirement.Below are the dates on which CalSTRS will offer workshops:March 27, 2025153rd Street Elementary School1605 W 153rd St,Gardena, CA 90247CalSTRS is asking that you register for the workshop by calling 800.228-5453 and select option 3, then ask the scheduler to register you for one of the workshops. All workshops are from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. For assistance or further information, please contact Maria Voigt, Administrator, Certiﬁcated Administrative Services at maria.voigt@lausd.net or 213-241-6365.Zoom Ofﬁce HoursThe Educator Development and Support (EDS) staff are available to assist you with all phases of the EDS evaluation cycles during virtual Ofﬁce Hours on Fridays, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, using this Zoom link: https://lausd.zoom.us/j/81789342230.NEWSLETTER11UPDATES2025 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONSThe Rookie of the Year (ROY) Program recognizes outstanding ﬁrst year teachers nominated by school principals. Principals are invited to nominate a new teacher (Probationary 1, Intern, or Provisional status) by 11:59 PM, on March 23, 2025. Nomination link: bit.ly/25ROYnominateEDUCATOR DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORTDeadlines for Educator Development and Support Activities:• The recommended completion date for Growth Plan Visits is March 14, 2025 (April 11 for Early Education Centers). The visits provide an opportunity to offer feedback and recommend next steps on Instructional and Professional Growth objectives outlined in the Initial Planning Sheet (IPS).• Final evaluations for UTLA represented staff are due by May 9, 2025 (May 30, 2025 for EEC teachers). • Final evaluations due dates for LA Uniﬁed Leaders: • For non-permanent teachers and leaders who started in January 2025, please refer to the modied EDST timeline and modied EDSSL timeline for guidance. Summative and Final Evaluations Professional Development Leader Evaluations: The Human Resources Educator Development and Support ofﬁce invites administrators being evaluated or conducting leader evaluation to participate in Summative and Final Evaluation Training. This session provides a valuable opportunity to review End-of-Year Activities and the Final Evaluation process. Register on MyPLN (Keyword: Final Evaluation for Administrators) for one of the following sessions:• April 3, 2025 | 10:00-11:00 AMAssistant Principals & APEISPrincipals Principal SupervisorsSchool Support AdministratorsA Basis B Basis E BasisMay 13,2025May 20,2025May 27,2025May 23,2025May 12,2025May 21,2025• April 4, 2025 | 1:00-2:00 PM• April 28, 2025 | 3:00-4:00 PM• May 2, 2025 | 9:00-10:00 AMEDST 203Administrators are invited to participate in EDST 203 to review the Final Evaluation activities for Teacher, Non-Classroom Teacher, and Counselor evaluations (EDST, EDSNCT, and EDSC). Evaluators may register on MyPLN (Keyword: EDST 203) for any of the following dates: • Thursday, March 13, 2025, 3:00-4:00PM• Monday, March 17, 2025, 3:00-4:00PM• Thursday, March 27, 2025, 3:00-4:00PM• Thursday, April 3, 2025, 3:00-4:00PM

Page 12

Offered by Specialists in Long Term Care Insurance Services, Inc. | 1-800-764- 6585Are you sticking your head in the sand?The time to plan is NOW!!!AAssssoocciiaatteedd AAddmmiinniissttrraattoorrss LLooss AAnnggeelleess ((AAAALLAA)) AApppprroovveedd GGrroouupp LLoonngg TTeerrmm CCaarree IInnssuurraannccee PPllaannDate of Birth: Date of Birth: State: Zip Code: Member’s Name: Spouse’s Name: Address: City: Phone: Best Time to Call: AM / PM Email: SiLTC CA License #: 0795155AMBA CA License #: 0I96562Please return questionnaire to: Specialists in Long Term Care Insurance Serviices, Inc. ((SSiiLLTTCC)) an AMBA Company (in CA dba: Association Member Benefits & Insurance Agency)P.O. Box 6630Auburn, CA 95604-9904AALARev: 04/11/2024Unplanned long-term care costs can push you into serious financial distress. Get long-term care coverage before a health crisis prevents you from qualifying. You may email the completed form below to info@siltc.com. If you have any questions, please call the number below. Group Discounted rates available for AALA Members, Spouses, Family Members, and Retirees.AALA/TEAMSTERS LOCAL 201012

Page 13

CERTIFICATED positions are-open to certiﬁcated and classiﬁed employees who meet the position requirements.All positions are posted HERE. They are no longer separated by school-based and non school-based.CLASSIFIED positions are open to certiﬁcated and classiﬁed employees who meet the position requirements.Click HERE for current job opportunities.SUSANA RUBINSTEINMs. RubInstein served the district community as Assistant Principal at Hazeltine Elementary School. She moved on to serve as Principal at Harding and Sylmar Elementary Schools.Susana retired on July 12, 2014 and passed away February 26, 2025. Services were already held.You seek AAPA information? https://bit.ly/LAUSD-AAPALooking for ACSA Region 16 news? Visit ACSA’s Region 16 website for up-to-date information at https://www.acsaregion16.comCan’t nd CMAA? https://www.instagram.com/cmaa.lausd/Looking to connect with AJE-LAUSD?https://www.ajelausd.orgYou seek COBA information? https://www.cobalausd.nethttps://www.instagram.com/cobalausd/INTEREST GROUP CONTACT INFORMATIONNEWSLETTER13IN MEMORIAMNote to Applicants: Please be advised that you are responsible for making sure all the District requirements have been met. Do not contact AALA for information regarding positions; for detailed requirements for positions and employment updates use the contact phone number provided in the announcement or visit the District website at http://www.lausdjobs.org (classiﬁed) or https://careers.lausd.org/hr/go/Administrator/9692000/ (certiﬁcated). Employees who change basis during the school year may not earn a full year of service credit and annualized employees who change their basis during the year may sustain an annualized settlement.Have you earned your AALA Angel wings yet? For as little as $5 or $10 per pay period you can earn some! This is the simplest way to become an AALA Angel. Think about it, for about the cost of a latte or spirit you can fund college dreams. And who knows, the scholar you support may someday saves lives.AALA established FRIENDS OF AALA, a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt corporation in January 2011 to fund our student scholarship program for deserving LAUSD students. This Spring AALA awarded 43 $2,500 and 15 $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors representing high schools and community adult schools. The Board of Friends of AALA meets its annual fundraising goal by seeking donations from AALA’s active and alumni members, private foundations, service clubs, organizations, and businesses. The generosity of these donors is much appreciated.Scan this QR code and earn your wings! All donations to FRIENDS OF AALA are tax deductible! SEND ME AN ANGEL, SEND ME AN ANGEL, RIGHT NOW!

Page 14

AALA/TEAMSTERS LOCAL 201014DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTSSUMMER SCHOOLUTK - 7 PROGRAMhttps://summer.lausd.net/JUNE 17 - JULY 16, 2025P O S I T I O N S A V A I L A B L EA P P L YO N L I N EP R I N C I P A LM A R C H1 3 - 3 1T E A C H E RC O U N S E L O R ( M S O N L Y )M A R C H 1 3 -A P R I L 2 5P S A / P S WM A R C H 1 3 -A P R I L 2 5T E A C H E R A S S I S T A N TI N S T R U C T I O N A L A I D E II N S T R U C T I O N A L A I D E I - L I T E R A C Y I N S T R U C T I O N A L A I D E I - M A T H M A R C H 1 3 -J U N E 3 0S C H O O L A D M I N A S S I S T A N TS R . O F F I C E T E C H N I C I A NM A R C H 1 3 -J U N E 3 0C A M P U S A I D ES C H O O L S U P E R V I S I O N A I D ES C H O O L C L I M A T E A D V O C A T EM A R C H 1 3 -J U N E 3 0T O A P P L Y , V I S I T :C L I C KH E R E T OL E A R NM O R E !A P P R O V E D B Y : A . E S T E V E ZH T T P S : / / S U M M E R . L A U S D . N E T

Page 15

NEWSLETTER15DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTSHIGH SCHOOL SUMMER TERM PROGRAMJUNE 17 - JULY 16, 2025P O S I T I O N S A V A I L A B L EA P P L YO N L I N EP R I N C I P A LM A R C H1 3 - 3 1T E A C H E RC O U N S E L O RM A R C H 1 3 -A P R I L 2 5E D G E N U I T Y M E N T O RM A R C H 1 3 -A P R I L 2 5M A R C H 1 3 -J U N E 3 0T O A P P L Y , V I S I T :H T T P S : / / S U M M E R . L A U S D . N E TS C H O O L A D M I N A S S I S T A N TS R . O F F I C E T E C H N I C I A NM A R C H 1 3 -J U N E 3 0C A M P U S A I D ES C H O O L S U P E R V I S I O N A I D ES C H O O L C L I M A T E A D V O C A T EC L I C KH E R ET OL E A R NM O R E !A P P R O V E D B Y : B . C A S T I L L O

Page 16

AALA/TEAMSTERS LOCAL 201016DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTSNOMINATE AROOKIE OF THE YEARThe Rookie of the Year (ROY) Program recognizesnew teachers who: Engage and Support All Students in LearningCreate and Maintain Effective Environmentsfor Student LearningPlan Instruction and Design LearningExperiences for All StudentsDevelop as a Professional EducatorWho is Eligible?Probationary 1, Intern, or Provisional StatusFirst-year teacher of recordProgram HighlightsEach ROY is recognized at their school and awarded a certificate from theSuperintendent at a District Recognition Ceremony.Why Nominate?Recognize an outstanding first-year teacherPromote school prideBoost morale for site personnelInspire and encourage teachers, students, and parentsHow to Nominate?Principals may nominate first-year teachers by March 23, 2025.For more information, contact Human ResourcesMaria Butler, tdas@lausd.netNominate by 3/23/25:bit.ly/25ROYnominate

Page 17

NEWSLETTER17Eligible Applicants*: • Credit Union members actively teaching in the state of California• Non-Members actively teaching in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties)Application Opens: February 24, 2025 Deadline to Apply: March 28, 2025Federally Insured by NCUA. © California Credit UnionSubmit your application:ccu.com/teachergrantDo you have an innovative learning opportunity for your students or know a teacher who does? Share your vision for a special class project for your chance to be awarded one of our 10 teacher grants this Fall.*California Credit Union employees, volunteers, its agencies and subsidiaries, and their families are not eligible.$500TeacherGrantSpring2025DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Page 18

Page 19

NEWSLETTER19INTEREST GROUPSNEWS YOU CAN USETHE ASSOCIATION OF JEWISH EDUCATORS WHAT EVERY TEACHER SHOULD KNOWABOUT THE NEW ETHNIC STUDIESCURRICULUMWORKSHOP SERIES2024-2025Guest Speakers:Gregg Solkovits- Ethnic Studies Advocate Debby Berman- Jewish Federation of L.A. Community Outreach Sunday, March 164:00-5:00 pm on ZoomUse the QR code to register or LINK HERE—Zoom link supplied week of the event: The Association of Jewish Educators (AJE) is an organization that promotes publiceducation in the Jewish community. We proudly represent all Jewish employees inthe Los Angeles Unified School District. We welcome all educators, administrators,and interested community members to join our organization.For more information, visit www.ajelausd.org

AALA Newsletter 03172025

Page 1

Page 2