Spring 2020
Volume 10, Number 2
Coronavirus Issue

Index

Food service workers whip up millions of Grab & Go meals during pandemic

The coronavirus crisis has forced school districts of all sizes to come to grips with the food insecurity their students face. Classified employees are essential to feeding California students
 

Custodians on the front lines of COVID-19 crisis

“I get it. People are scared,” said San Diego City College’s Robert Wilmer. “Every time there’s a crisis the question comes up, ‘What are the custodians doing to protect us?’ We have our protocols and we follow them.” See how custodians are staying strong on the job!
 

Health clerk looks back on early signs of pandemic

For months, health clerk Cathy Pierce said, she and other school district staff heard about the coronavirus “like everyone else — bits of news and gossip.” Hear from a veteran health clerk on the front lines.
 

More members sign up for Summer Assistance Program

“I was excited about the program. It’s a no-brainer,” said Molly Lavilla, president of AFT Local 3484 in Merced’s Weaver Union School District, one of the AFT locals newly signed up to participate in the Classified School Employee Summer Assistance Program. Learn about the Summer Assistance Program!
 

Nearly 300 classified employees have become teachers

The CFT co-sponsored legislation that created a statewide program to help classified employees earn a teaching credential. The highly lauded program to address California’s critical teacher shortage has put more qualified teachers into classrooms and created a more diverse workforce. Learn about the success of this innovative program
 

YOUR UNION IN ACTION

COVID-19 Union Toolkit for educators and staff

In this unprecedented time of the coronavirus outbreak, the CFT is working with the governor and state education officials to find the best path forward for members, students and communities. Find the resources you need at work and home in our Union Toolkit.

CFT bills close part-time loophole, create housing

When the Legislature returns,  the focus will surely be on the pandemic and its effect on the state budget. Before the pandemic struck, CFT put forward several bills for classified staff. Learn about the legislation the CFT is sponsoring.

Never a better time to celebrate classified employees!

Classified School Employees Week is coming up! During the week of May 17-23, celebrate your work — especially now on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. Thank you staff and classified employees for all that you do for our schools, colleges, students and communities!