CAUSE ADVISORY

District Department Chair (secondary) 

& Grade Level (elementary) Elections:

A contractual selection process is required.

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Greetings, CUSD Faculty,

CAUSE Leadership has received inquiries on the selection process for CUSD Department Chairs (secondary) & Grade Level Chairs (elementary). These Department Chair / Grade Level Chair positions are critical to the functional operations of the teaching and learning environment.  Department Chair / Grade Level Chair positions and expectations are protected in our collective bargaining agreement.  These Chairs serve as faculty diplomats; working in coordination with our District administrators.

CUSD Department Chairs (secondary) & Grade Level Chairs (elementary):

* represent the interests of their department and/or grade level faculty colleagues

* clarify professional experiences, insights, concerns, questions, etc.

* transparently share the impact of administrative decisions on the teaching and learning environment

As grade levels (elementary) and departments (secondary) work to formalize their internal leadership positions through Spring of 2024, CAUSE Leadership reminds District faculty and administrators that the ONLY processes governing Department Chair & Grade Level Chair selection are set forth in the Certificated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CERTIFICATED – CBA) * Article 6: Compensation & Benefits (see attached).

At this time, as the Union works to update the CBA itself, we have provided the relevant contract language that clarifies the unique selection process for either Grade Level Chairs (elementary) or Department Chairs (secondary):

Elementary Grade Level Chairs:

6.9.2 * Grade Level Chairs (K-5, 1 per grade) shall receive 6 RLs. Every spring an invitation to apply for elementary Grade Level Chairs for the following year will be sent to elementary. Chairperson decisions will be announced before the end of the school year.

…&…

Secondary (CMS / CHS /Rincon) Department Chairs:

6.9.3 * Department Chairperson Selection Process: A department chairperson shall be biennially nominated in writing at the March department meeting or at any time following the regular February department meeting and before the regular March department meeting. The election shall be at the regular March or April department meeting. Except as set out in the Education Code, the term of the department chair shall be two years. The vote to select the chairperson shall be weighted by the number of periods taught in that department by each employee who works in the department. Each person shall be allotted one vote for each period he or she teaches in the department.

For Secondary faculty: In any Department where the current Chair has either…

(A) completed the second year of service since being elected

…or…

(B) was not elected by their peers according to the contractual processes cited above

Department Chairs & Grade Level Chairs are required to resolve the contractual selection process for their positions to be valid. Upon completion of the selection process, whether your department is maintaining its current elected leadership or experiencing turnover based on Spring 2024 elections, please make sure to notify your current site-principals and Union Leadership of the outcomes associated with elected Department Chairs & Grade Level Chairs for the 2024-2025 school year.

Moving forward, please feel free to contact Union leadership with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

In Unity,

~ j. Hotchner * CAUSE President

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* C.A.U.S.E. – Yes We Can ! *

The following are links to  the SAFETY improvements that CAUSE has been encouraging, in hopes of improving the CUSD’s faltering SAFETY conditions.

1.) a summary of several recommended improvements:

Historic SAFETY Initiatives copy

2.) More details: the 23-24 CERTIFICATED Bargaining Proposal

CERTIFICATED CAUSE (Counter Proposal ) ARTICLE 15 SAFETY. 2023-24

3.) More details: The 23-24 CLASSIFIED Bargaining Proposal

CLASSIFIED CAUSE (Counter Proposal ) ARTICLE 14 SAFETY . 2023-24

Please follow this link to review the proposal:

  CUSD’s Proposal – Article 6 Compensation and Benefits (Classified)(March 7, 2024)

CAUSE ADVISORY

[ CAUSE – OPEN LETTER * Court Reaches Decision * CUSD ordered to Reinstate Union [CAUSE] President ]

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Dear CUSD Faculty, Support Staff, Parents, and Community Partners,

The court has ruled.

In summary, the Union wins another important legal battle.  Carpinteria Unified School District [hereafter CUSD] is required to reinstate employee Union President, Jay Hotchner !

Employee Union Leadership is pleased to announce the decision from the Commission on Professional Competence.  After being unfairly and illegally placed on unpaid administrative leave for the last two school years, the Commission has fully reversed the District’s actions and directed the CUSD to make our CAUSE President, Mr. Hotchner, whole.

Some details that stand out:

* Even though the District was only required to meet the legal standard of a “preponderance of evidence,” the District did not provide sufficient evidence to justify its actions.  The Commission found the dismissal not warranted.

* The decision by the three-member Commission (made up of an administrative law judge from the state’s Office of Administrative Hearings, and two certificated persons employed by other school districts; one chosen by Mr. Hotchner and one by CUSD) was unanimous.

* Although the District charged and continues to publicly make unfounded accusations of salacious and immoral conduct by Mr. Hotchner, the Commission determined that CUSD did not establish that Mr. Hotchner’s actions were indecent or immoral; finding that there was no improper motive for Mr. Hotchner’s behavior.

* Although the District charged and continues to publicly make unfounded accusations of dishonest conduct by Mr. Hotchner, the Commission determined that CUSD did not establish that Mr. Hotchner engaged in acts of dishonesty.

* The Commission determined that dismissal is not warranted, because the District failed to establish that Mr. Hotchner is unfit to teach.

* The Commission ordered, “The Statement of Charges against Respondent John Hotchner is hereby dismissed, and he shall not be terminated as a permanent certificated employee of Carpinteria Unified School District.”

* After already spending approximately $2,500,000 to discredit and malign Mr. Hotchner’s performance and efficacy (i.e. monies that could and should have been spent on students and District families), the CUSD is now:

1. Required to compensate Mr. Hotchner for all lost wages, lost leave, STRS contributions, and monies spent as a result of denying his access to healthcare, with interest.

2. Required to reimburse all Mr. Hotchner’s legal fees, which the Union has been paying, at market rate.

3. Responsible for the costs of the 20 days of hearing, including the cost of the administrative law judge.

How does the decision protect District employees, students, and families?

This is not the first time Union Leadership has been attacked and maligned by current District Leadership (Case No. LA-CE-6522-E PERB Decision No. 2797 – November 16, 2021).  In 2021, the District was found guilty of “retaliation” & “discrimination” against Mr. Hotchner.  Even under appeal, that decision was upheld, and the District was ordered to “cease & desist” engaging in said behavior.

To be clear, the Union understands the District’s more recent action to remove Mr. Hotchner as further retaliation against Union Leadership; primarily for Mr. Hotchner’s advocacy on the behalf of District employees and the families they serve.  The District is likely well aware that such actions send waves of concern, fear, confusion, misinformation, and incendiary rumors around both the District and our small community.  It is not difficult to understand how the District’s attacks on Union Leadership could clearly limit the voice, participation, and rights of employees, or how the District’s attacks silence District employees and community members who wish to contribute their professional and/or families’ experiences, insights, concerns, and suggestions.

Fortunately, the Commission’s decision further protects the rights and opportunities of CUSD employees and District families to fully participate and have influence on critical decision-making processes in the District.

Moving forward.

The Union is awaiting the District’s decision as to whether they will spend even more of the public’s money on an appeal.   Meanwhile, Union Leadership will continue to coordinate the high-quality advocacy we were elected to provide District employees; advocacy we are known for delivering and our members have come to rely upon.

We wish to express our appreciation to our colleagues, counsel, family & community members, the leadership of both the California Federations of Teachers [CFT] & the American Federation of Teachers [AFT], and others who supported Union Leadership throughout this process.  Your trust and confidence remain of enormous value.

If Union leadership can be of any support to you, regarding workplace conditions, workplace environment, contractual matters of any kind, and/or issues of employee or student health & safety, you are welcome to contact us directly: cause.cusd@gmail.com .

~ CAUSE Executive Board

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* C.A.U.S.E. – Yes We Can ! *

CAUSE ADVISORY

Where’s “COACH”?

The Resignation of a Talented & Professional CUSD Colleague.

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CMS Colleagues,

Many have been asking the same question, “Where’s, Coach?”

Unfortunately, Rene Carranco, affectionately known to students and colleagues as, “Coach,” no longer works with the CUSD.  His resignation was officially finalized at Tuesday’s School Board Meeting. (See the attached PERSONNEL REPORT)

When Coach arrived to work on Nov. 7, 2023, he had no intention of resigning from CUSD.  He was recognized as a talented and professional adult on campus.  He took his job seriously, had created meaningful relationships with students and his colleagues, and was proud of the service he provided District families.

On that same day, a CMS student was found with a weapon (a gun) on campus.  Although the exact nature of the gun remains unclear, the event required the involvement of law enforcement, a picture of the gun was taken, and a police report was filed (Case No. 23-115-57).  Instead of initiating either HOUR-ZERO or the new I LOVE YOU GUYS: Standard Safety Response Protocols (i.e. the routine school site SAFETY protocols), CMS Principal O’Shea chose a more personal approach to dealing with the potential threat posed to students and employees.

That evening, many hours later, the CMS Principal notified staff and parents of the incident.  In a patently inaccurate statement, she said, “At no time were any staff or students in danger.”   Principal O’Shea also alleged that the weapon was a “toy gun,” a detail Ms. O’Shea has since contradicted.   Although a public request for information was filed shortly after (see attached), CUSD has yet to confirm the true nature of the gun, instead responding by way of the District’s legal counsel; refusing to produce much of the requested information, including information that does not jeopardize the confidentiality of the student/s involved (see attached).

What many don’t know is that, Coach, on behalf of the students and employees he’s charged to protect in his unique role as a “Campus Supervisor,” contacted Principal O’Shea & Superintendent Rigby after the incident  He shared his concerns and asked pointed questions about the District’s administrative response, which failed to include routine safety protocols for such an event.  Among other details, he was concerned that Principal O’Shea chose (throughout the remainder of the school day) not to notify select employees who needed to know such information to best perform their duties on campus.

As soon as Coach returned to campus after the event, he was confronted by, Principal O’Shea, who was upset that he professionally shared his concerns, asked his questions, and included Ms. O’Shea’s boss (i.e. Superintendent Rigby).   Unwilling to be intimidated by an administrator who appeared to be placing the optics of her performance over the safety of students and employees, Coach immediately recognized the threat that Principal O’Shea’s response represented for those he was responsible for protecting.  Coach refused to support the Principal’s demands to remain silent with his concerns, observations, and questions.

Honorably, and without great fanfare, he resigned immediately.

Union leadership recognizes the personal and professional integrity that Coach brought to Carpinteria Middle School, an environment notorious for its permissive behavioral and academic atmosphere under Principal O’Shea’s supervision.   Those of us who worked with Coach know we are losing a reliable and approachable adult on campus.  He was Campus Supervisor who took his responsibilities seriously; committed to serving and protecting students and his colleagues from the very real harms that exist.    When such employees come forward to share their professional experience and concerns, they should not be confronted, berated, and threatened by their supervisors.   Ironically, by asking questions and sharing concerns with the intent of better preparing himself to support the safety and well-being of students and employees, Principal O’Shea in her misguided way, responded as if Coach was the real threat.

And so it continues.

In the midst of the greatest education sector labor shortage of our era, CUSD continues to exacerbate its challenges by driving away talented professionals like Coach.  For our part, Union Leadership wishes to set the record straight and express its appreciation for the sacrifice Coach made for District students, his colleagues, and their families.

.

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* C.A.U.S.E. – Yes We Can ! *

CAUSE ADVISORY

Open Letter to CUSD School Board

6 Week LAPSE in CUSD’s SAFETY Response 

* 2023-24 School Year *

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Dear CUSD School Board Trustees:

At the Sept 26, 2023 School Board Meeting, the Union  shared this public comment…

“Although last year’s SAFETY Response protocols, known as HOUR-ZERO, have been withdrawn, nothing has been put in place to replace them on the ground.  The new SRP’s are far from implemented.  

Ms. Rigby confirms that just  this past Monday [sic. Sept.25th], now over 2 months into the school year, CUSD’s Administrators attended the first of two trainings on the new SAFETY RESPONSE PROTOCOLS.  [See attached – A ]  Meanwhile, District administrators continue to direct employees NOT TO USE the HOUR ZERO protocols that will one day be replaced. 

The Union shared concerns about a lapse in the District SAFETY protocols at the outset of the school year [sic, Aug. 26th Board Meeting].  At that time, the Superintendent assured you and the community that there would be no lapse in the District’s SAFETY response.    Well, wrong again.

And if you doubt the accuracy of this evening’s comments, Union Leadership can verify with documentation, including a directive from Canalino Principal, Jaime Persoon, notifying ALL Canalino Employees, “We no longer use HOUR-ZERO...”

Or the email sent to District employees just today, cancelling emergency drills scheduled for today, and stating,  “This drill will be rescheduled and will not occur today. After conferring with the district office, it was decided it would be more practical to have the drill after the new safety training “

In response to the Union’s comments, the Board neither asked CAUSE for clarity, engaged in public discussion, or provided any public response on the topic.   Once again, dismissing its obligation to act as stewards of the District and CUSD’s students and employees.   Therefore, to further demonstrate the accuracy of the Union’s public comments, we are providing both documents and video herein [i.e. as attachments & video links], which verify what we shared above.

The Union is also providing Page 33 of the 2023-24 LCAP

[  D – Pg 33 – 2023-24 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) – Still paying for HOUR-ZERO & 1:2 million for School Safety Teams !?!?!?! ] .

On this document, you will see that CUSD continues to  pay for the HOUR-ZERO online training, while also claiming the District is spending over a half a million dollars on CUSD School Site Safety Teams [ See attached – D ]  , at the very same time Principals and Superintendent Rigby direct staff to discontinue practicing HOUR-ZERO SAFETY Response Protocols,

CAUSE Leadership is compelled to remind the School Board that all the above is occurring, even after Ms. Rigby assured the CUSD School Board and the community there would be no lapse in the District’s SAFETY protocols and response during the now extended transition period.

See MINUTE * 33:20 –  MINUTE * 34:45 – Aug. 22, 2023 School Board Meeting

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFtxZ359_ow&t=2324s 

As we stated in our public comments, last Tuesday, “Wrong again!”

…and…

“While the Union and District employees wait for the new SRP’s to be implemented, will the School Board be doing anything to address this predictable and inexcusable lapse in our District SAFETY Protocols and response?

What if something happened yesterday, or tomorrow?”

Union Leadership and the employees we represent anxiously await a resolution to the obvious and dangerous lapse in the District’s SAFETY response, now ongoing for the 6th week of the 2023-24 school year.  We ask the District School Board to act immediately to direct and correct the ongoing condition, documented in this open letter.

Respectfully,

~ j. Hotchner * CAUSE President

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* C.A.U.S.E. – Yes We Can ! *