| In this issue: Measures E, G, and H Campaign, Schools and Communities First, Cal RTA Grant and more! |
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| BFT Action--February 2020 |
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The Measures E, G, and H Campaign is in full swing! You have been essential in phone banking and precinct walking throughout the past few weeks.
Over 200 BFT members have volunteered so far and your participation is needed to continue the movement.
Right now, you can sign- up using the paper sign-up form, or sign-up online. Please scan paper forms to vicepresident@berkeleyteachers.org.
Make sure to follow @BFTUnion on Instagram and our BFT Facebook Page to check out BFT volunteers in action.
Thank you for making sure that the people of Berkeley get out to vote and know that maintaining the quality of our schools depends on the passage of measures E, G, and H. Measure E will secure at least a 7% raise for educators, and Measures G and Measure H renewals will help modernize our schools, ensuring that they will be safe and well-maintained for a new generation of students.
Our continued fight for Berkeley Schools is essential!
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| Check out the campaign video featuring our members! |
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Check- out the CFT Voter Guide
This guide provides you with CFT endorsements for the March 3 Election your area.
Click here to access the guide and type in your address.
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Schools and Communities First
You have been playing a major role in the signature gathering phase of the Schools and Communities First campaign!
We need a people-powered effort to get this initiative on the ballot. We haven't reached our internal signature gathering goal yet, but we're close. Site Reps have petitions on hand.
Please make sure that you've signed a petition if you haven't already, and help continue our efforts by bringing petitions into your neighborhoods and communities outside of school.
Schools and Communities First will reclaim $12 billion per year for K-12 schools, community colleges and local communities, and close commercial property tax loopholes that corporations and wealthy investors use to avoid paying their fair share of property taxes.
If you're interested in collecting additional signatures for Schools and Communities First, please contact BFT Vice President Janine Waddell at vicepresident@berkeleyteachers.org
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Schools and Communities First took the center stage at the Issues Conference 2020. Throughout the weekend, there was an Open Studio Art Build led by King Teacher Julie Searle and her partner David Solnit. Read more about this event here.
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California Retired Teachers Association Giving Away $100 Grants!
Each school year the California Retired Teachers Association holds three rounds of teacher grants. They have a 30-second sign-up form and randomly select 25 teachers for $100 grants - no strings attached! You can access more details and the entry form here. The deadline for this round is February 5. Good luck! |
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| BFT was present at the 9th annual Berkeley MLK Breakfast Celebration on Monday, January 20th. Each year, community members celebrate Dr. King through conversation, breakfast, speeches, songs and tributes. |
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Automatic Leave of Absence Deadline is March 1st
If you have achieved permanent status and have worked in BUSD for at least three years, you're eligible for an automatically granted, full-time Leave of Absence for next year. If you want to apply for a Leave and have it automatically approved, you must submit a Leave of Absence Request Form to Human Resources by March 1st. We strongly recommend you check out the Leave of Absence FAQ on the BFT website.
Note that you should submit your form via email to Brent Daniels, Director of Human Resources and Lona Kelly, Senior HR Technician. Please cc BFT on your email. |
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Black Lives Matter at School week of action is occurring Feb 3 -7.
The week of action started with educators in Seattle and Philadelphia, but has grown into a national network of educators from dozens of cities.
Click here for ideas for how to participate, and info about a live chat that the NEA is hosting on Tuesday evening (February 4).
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Our Union At Work For Members
Here are some recent BFT accomplishments:
- Over 200 BFT members have already volunteered for the Measures E, G, and H Campaign
- 1200 calls have been made during BFT Phone Banking
- Almost 600 signatures have been collected within BFT's membership for Schools and Communities First
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Fight Voter Suppression Empower Voters of Color
Tuesday, February 4th
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Berkeley City College Auditorium
2150 Center Street, Berkeley
East Bay teachers and students admitted free
See this flyer for more detailed information
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Join United Educators of San Francisco for a discussion with former United States Assistant Secretary of Education, Diane Ravitch. RSVP: http://bit.ly/Ravitch2020 |
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Do You Plan to Retire Next Year? $1000 Bonus Available for Early Notification
Teachers who formally notify BUSD in writing prior to February 7, 2020 that they plan to retire at the end of the current school year will receive a $1000 bonus. To notify BUSD, teachers should use the Retirement form available on the BFT website and scan it into an email to Brent Daniels at brentdaniels@berkeley.net. |
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Retirement FAQ
If you are thinking about retiring, make sure to read BFT's Retirement FAQ. You need to plan early! |
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Calendar of Coming Events
2/6/20 - High School Open House
2/7/20- Retirement Bonus Deadline
2/14/20 - 2/17/20- No School
President's Day Weekend
2/21/20 - End of 2nd Trimester
3/27/20 - End of 3rd Quarter
3/30/20-4/3/20 Spring Break
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