Sunol Voters Side with Students, Recall Partisan School Board Trustees
SUNOL, CA – Last week a majority of voters in Sunol cast ballots in support of students and successfully recalled Sunol Glen Unified School District School Board Trustees Ryan Jergensen and Linda Hurley. Trustees Jergensen and Hurley acted in an overtly partisan manner and governed in a way that silenced opposing voices and rejected basic tenets of democracy and transparency. They did not serve the best interests of the district’s students and the school community.
CFT Applauds Budget Deal that Includes Critical School Funding and Layoff Protections
SACRAMENTO, CA – CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement on the 2023-24 budget agreement released today:
“In reaching an agreement regarding the 2024-2025 state budget, Governor Newsom and the California Legislature have once again shown their firm commitment to protecting public education in California. This budget fully funds the statutory COLA for both TK-12 and community college systems, increases the base funding for UC by 5%, and provides critical ongoing funding to address the pressing needs of our schools and students. ”
Calling for a Cease-Fire in Gaza and an End to the Weaponization of Hate
SACRAMENTO, CA – The CFT Executive Council voted to release the following statement at their June 8, 2024 meeting:
CFT Calls on Elected Leaders in Sacramento to Identify New Revenue Sources in Response to Governor Newsom’s Latest Budget Proposal
SACRAMENTO, CA – CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement on Governor Newsom’s May Revise budget proposal released today:
“In California’s history, when the state faces dramatic deficits, funding for education is often the first to go. CFT opposes any reduction of public education funding, and the Governor’s May budget revision proposes no new cuts to core education funding from his January budget proposal.
CFT and BFT Respond to BUSD Superintendent’s Testimony Before Congressional Committee
BERKELEY, CA – CFT President Jeff Freitas and Berkeley Federation of Teachers President Matt Meyer released the following statement following the testimony of Berkeley Unified School District Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel before a hearing of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce earlier today in Washington, D.C. The hearing was called to discuss antisemitism in our schools:
CFT Leaders Call on UCLA Chancellor Gene Block to Resign Following Violence on Campus
LOS ANGELES, CA – CFT President Jeff Freitas, UC-AFT President Katie Rodger, and CFT Universities Division Council President Mia McIver released the following statement calling for UCLA Chancellor Gene Block to resign:
CFT Statement on the Passing of Delaine Eastin
Sacramento, CA — CFT released the following statement from President Jeff Freitas on the passing of former Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin:
“I was saddened to learn the news of Delaine Eastin’s passing. As the only woman to ever serve as our state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Eastin was a trailblazer who prioritized increased academic standards and smaller class sizes. Her mark on California’s public education system leaves a lasting legacy in our state.”
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CFT Endorses Adam Schiff for U.S. Senate
Sacramento, CA — This weekend the CFT State Council voted to endorse Adam Schiff for U.S. Senate in the upcoming November Election. CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement on the endorsement:
RELEASE: CFT Educators and Classified School Workers Back Measure to Make Marriage Equality a Constitutional Right
Sacramento, CA — Today, CFT: A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals announced their support for ACA 5 to amend the California Constitution to protect the fundamental freedom to marry and remove unconstitutional and discriminatory language due to Proposition 8 (2008).
CFT Educators and Classified School Workers Say NO to Corporate Measure that Harms Schools and Attacks Voters, YES on ACA 13 to Protect Voter Rights
Sacramento, CA — Today, CFT: A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals announced positions on two November 2024 ballot measures.
The education union’s Executive Council voted to OPPOSE the California Business Roundtable (CBRT) measure misleadingly called the “Taxpayer Protection and Corporate Accountability Act.” The initiative was cooked up by representatives of the state’s biggest corporations like oil and gas companies and multi-billion dollar property developers and landlords looking to increase their profits.
Judge’s Ruling on Assault Weapons Endangers Students, Teachers, and School Workers
Sacramento, CA — In response to a federal judge striking down California’s assault rifle ban on Thursday, CFT released the following statement from President Jeff Freitas:
“In striking down California’s 34-year-old ban on semiautomatic guns, a federal judge has put California students, teachers, and school workers in harm’s way. Thirty-four years ago Columbine had not yet happened, and the horrific assault rifle-fueled mass shootings in schools, including Sandy Hook, Parkland, and Uvalde, were more than a decade away.
CFT Statement on 2023-2024 California State Budget
Sacramento, CA — CFT– A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement from President Jeff Freitas on the 2023-2024 state budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom today:
State Assembly Votes 77-0 to Approve Legislation to Raise Educator & School Worker Wages to Transform California’s Education System
Sacramento, CA — Yesterday the California State Assembly approved AB 938 by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) with a bipartisan vote of 77-0. AB 938 would commit the state of California to raising funding for educator and school worker pay in all public schools by 50% over the next 7 years.
Landmark Legislation to Raise Educator & School Worker Wages to Transform California’s Education System Passes Key Committee
Sacramento, CA — The Assembly Committee on Education today approved CFT-sponsored AB 938 by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) to raise educator and classified professional pay in all public schools by 50% over the next 7 years. The bill passed unanimously following a press conference where educators and classified professionals shared devastating stories of struggles educators are facing to do the work they love as the cost of living in California soars.
Assembly Higher Education Committee Approves CFT Proposal Repealing Punitive Approach to Students Repeating Courses
Sacramento, CA — CFT members and community college students applaud today’s vote on AB 811 (Fong) by the Assembly Higher Education Committee. The bill, sponsored by CFT, updates a harsh, punitive policy that prohibits students from repeating courses.
Jeff Freitas Re-Elected as President of CFT
Sacramento, CA — Yesterday, CFT Nominations and Elections Chair Joshua Briggs announced that delegates to the 2023 CFT Convention have re-elected President Jeffery Freitas and elected L. Lacy Barnes as Secretary Treasurer and Juan Ramirez as Executive Vice President. Delegates also voted to pass two landmark resolutions stating the Union’s demands for stronger gun control laws and condemning police violence while calling for meaningful reform.
CFT Applauds President Biden’s Appointment of Julie Su as U.S. Labor Secretary
Sacramento, CA — CFT released the following statement from President Jeff Freitas and Vice President Kent Wong:
CFT Responds to College Board Decision to Change African American Studies Curriculum
Sacramento, CA — CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement in response to the College Board’s release of their new official curriculum:
“I’m dismayed that The College Board made the horrendous decision to effectively erase the contributions Black Americans have made and continue to make in our country in order to appease right-wing Republicans. That the Board chose the first day of Black History Month to announce this politically-driven policy shows how out of touch the Board is with mainstream America and any educational mission.
CFT Responds to the Release of Video Showing the Murder of Tyre Nichols at the Hands of Memphis Police
Sacramento, CA —
SACRAMENTO, CA – CFT President Jeff Freitas, Secretary Treasurer Luukia Smith, and Senior Vice President L. Lacy Barnes released the following statement in response to the video released this evening showing the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police:
“Tyre Nichols should be alive today.
“George Floyd should be alive today.
“Breonna Taylor should be alive today.
“Laquan McDonald should be alive today.
“Tamir Rice should be alive today.
“And sadly so many more.
CFT Commends Governor Newsom’s Commitment to Education Funding in January Budget Proposal
Sacramento, CA — CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement on Governor Newsom’s January budget proposal released today:
CFT statement on NAEP and Smarter Balanced test results
Sacramento, CA — CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals President Jeff Freitas released the following statement on the release of the National Assessment of Educational Progress test scores and the California Smarter Balanced test scores today:
“The results of these tests show the profound impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our students’ lives and the pressing need to continue investing in our schools with a laser-like focus to help our students recover and thrive.
CFT statement on historic California state budget
CFT advocacy nets $200 million in state budget for part-time community college faculty healthcare
Sacramento, CA — CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals president Jeff Freitas released the following statement on the California state budget, which will be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom later today:
CFT leaders condemn Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
Sacramento, CA — Leaders of CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court decision today in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturning Roe v. Wade and ruling that there is no constitutional right to abortion.
From CFT President Jeff Freitas, Secretary-Treasurer Luukia Smith, and Senior Vice President Lacy Barnes:
Pasadena ArtCenter College of Design faculty vote to join CFT in NLRB election
Sacramento, CA — CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals announced today that the faculty of the ArtCenter College of Design have voted to join the union in an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. The votes from the mail election were counted yesterday in Los Angeles, California, with over 60% of those participating voting in favor of the union.
CFT statement on the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas
Sacramento, CA — CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals president Jeff Freitas released the following statement following the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas:
“Yesterday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, 19 children and two adults senselessly lost their lives to yet another of the horrific mass shootings that plague our country. They were gunned down while they were doing what millions of educators and students do every day: teaching and learning in a school where they should have been safe.
CFT statement on Governor Newsom’s updated budget proposal
Sacramento, CA — CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals president Jeff Freitas released the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s updated budget proposal for the 2022-2023 fiscal year:
“Governor Newsom has proven yet again his commitment to public school students and workers in his revised budget proposal. For years we have called for substantial increases in the base funding for our K-14 schools and colleges, and with this budget Governor Newsom has taken an important step towards that goal.
CFT endorses Sharon Hendricks for re-election to the CalSTRS Teachers’ Retirement Board
Sacramento, CA — CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals is proud to announce our endorsement of Sharon Hendricks in her 2023 re-election campaign for the CalSTRS Teachers’ Retirement Board, where she serves as one of three elected members and represents community college instructors in her position. Hendricks was first elected in 2011 and is seeking her fourth term on the board. She is a communications studies faculty member at Los Angeles City College, and an officer in her union, AFT Local 1521.
Survey of California community college part-time faculty shows dire need to reform healthcare system
Part-time faculty in Sacramento today to urge Legislature to support Governor Newsom’s proposed $200 million to transform system
Sacramento, CA — A new survey of part-time California community college faculty shows the stark need to reform healthcare in California community colleges.
Dominican University of California full-time faculty vote to join CFT
SACRAMENTO — CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals announced today that the full-time faculty of the Dominican University of California in San Rafael have voted to join the union in an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. The votes from the mail election were counted yesterday in San Francisco, California, with 84% of those participating voting in favor of the union.
Claremont Colleges Services librarians and library staff vote to join CFT
Librarians and library staff win union election with 80% support vote
SACRAMENTO — The California Federation of Teachers announced today that the librarians and library staff from the Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS) have voted to join the CFT in a union election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. The votes from the mail election were counted yesterday in Los Angeles, California, with 80% of those participating voting in favor of the union.
CFT President Jeff Freitas responds to CDPH update on masking in schools
SACRAMENTO — Earlier today Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health announced updated guidance on masking in schools, lifting mandatory masking and transitioning to strongly recommending masking starting on March 11, 2022.
CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement following the announcement:
CFT President Jeff Freitas supports work action, new contract for ABC Federation of Teachers
SACRAMENTO — CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement in support of the members of the ABC Federation of Teachers, who began a ‘Work to Rule’ campaign today to protest inadequate movement by representatives of the ABC Unified School District at the bargaining table. A ‘Work to Rule’ campaign involves teachers and school workers only working their contractually-obligated work hours.
CFT lauds Governor Newsom for his commitment to public education in his January budget proposal
Governor’s proposal includes key CFT priority: $200 million for healthcare coverage for part-time community college faculty
SACRAMENTO — CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement on Governor Newsom’s January budget proposal today:
Mt. Diablo Unified school psychologists authorize ULP strike with 99% yes vote
Psychologists take action following MDUSD torpedoing of settlement reached in January 2020
Today the Mt. Diablo School Psychologists Association (MDSPA) announced that on Tuesday 99% of their members voted to authorize an unfair labor practice strike. MDSPA represents nearly 70 psychologists and behavioral health specialists in the Mount Diablo Unified School District. Co-Presidents Sylvia Venturino and Sara Cabezas said the near unanimous vote sends a clear message to the school district that it is on the wrong track.
CFT pledges to work with Governor Newsom, education, and health officials as they implement vaccine requirements for K-12 school staff and students
Recent poll shows supermajority of CFT members support vaccine mandates for staff and students
SACRAMENTO — Following the announcement earlier today by Governor Newsom that the state of California is implementing a vaccine requirement for all K-12 school staff and students, CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement:
Educators and classified professionals celebrate Governor Newsom’s recall victory
CFT looks forward to continuing to work with Governor Newsom to shape California’s education system to be the best in the nation
SACRAMENTO — CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement on the failed recall of California Governor Gavin Newsom:
“We are thrilled that California voters overwhelmingly rejected this cynical recall attempt, choosing to keep Gavin Newsom, a strong champion of public education, in office. CFT members worked tirelessly to defeat this recall because we knew this was a power grab by forces that want to destroy public education, who do not have the best interests of our students or our communities at heart.
CFT supports new ‘vaccinate or test’ policy to keep schools and communities safe
SACRAMENTO, CA — Following Governor Newsom’s announcement of a new policy requiring that school employees get vaccinated or submit to regular testing beginning October 15, 2021, CFT released the following statement from President Jeff Freitas:
Back to School: Forward Together – CFT President Jeff Freitas and fellow statewide union leaders begin tour of schools across California as new school year gets underway
Statewide tour to spotlight school communities coming together for safe, in-person learning
SACRAMENTO — Starting this week, CFT President Jeff Freitas, Secretary Treasurer Luukia Smith and Senior Vice President Lacy Barnes will join educators, classified professionals, students, and parents across California as schools start the new school year for full in-person learning.
California’s transformational education investments in budget put state on track to lead nation
SACRAMENTO, CA — Today CFT– A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement from President Jeff Freitas on the California Legislature passing a state budget that contains record-breaking investments in California students:
CFT urges UC Regents to reject controversial policy that restricts healthcare services for women, LGBTQ+ community
UC regents set to vote Wednesday, June 23 on whether to keep problematic contracts
SACRAMENTO, CA — In an open letter sent today, CFT President Jeff Freitas urged the UC Board of Regents and UC President Michael Drake to drop discriminatory practices that unfairly restrict healthcare services to women and the LGBTQ+ community.
CFT lauds equity-centered TK-12 education plan announced by Governor Newsom
SACRAMENTO, CA — Today CFT– A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals released the following statement from President Jeff Freitas on proposed TK-12 education investments in Governor Newsom’s “Comeback Plan:”
“The announcement today by Governor Newsom represents a bold step forward for our public schools and will be critical to ensure that our students have an opportunity to recover and thrive as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
CFT calls for immediately shutting down failed Calbright College following scathing State Auditor report
Report follows UNANIMOUS vote in California Assembly last week to eliminate the college
SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, the California State Auditor released a scathing report, detailing the many failures of Calbright, the state’s troubled online-only college. The report details low student graduation rates, questionable hiring practices, lack of accountability, lack of student support, and failure to reach milestones set by the California Legislature.
According to CFT President Jeff Freitas, it is time to immediately shut down the failed college.