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)
At the Tuesday, March 12, 2024 CUSD Board meeting, the School Board voted 5-0 to LAYOFF several CLASSIFIED employees, and did not even inquire about the 8-10 teachers being non-reelected, as a result of CUSD’s effort to avoid the LAYOFF process. After a clear procedural error exposed the District’s intent to pass the LAYOFF Resolution without even listening to the Union’s perspective and insights first (see MINUTE: 3:29:15), the District scrambled to improve the optics.
In the end, CUSD’s effort to adjust the order of District business didn’t change a thing. The Board had already arrived, prepared to rubber stamp the Superintendent’s recommendation, just as they do on all other matters.
Nonetheless, Union Leadership attempted to advocate for these approximately 13-15 employees and the students who will be harmed by these LAYOFFS and Non-Reelections. We did so by sharing several reasons why LAYOFFS and Non-Reelections are absolutely unnecessary at this time. If you’re interested in listening to our complete comments, you will find them at MINUTE: 3:30:25 of last night’s Board meeting video…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC9nXGAJmnE&list=PLhGoPZRQubpb4As5lqiaNWNOYDsTc2j6O&index=2&t=4228s
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* C.A.U.S.E. – Yes We Can ! *
CFT to Carpinteria USD: Reinstate Jay Hotchner Immediately
Legal panel found district was unwarranted in termination
of local teacher and union leader
CARPINTERIA, CA – Today, CFT joins the Carpinteria Association of United School Employees in calling for the union’s president, Jay Hotchner, to be reinstated as an employee of Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) following a ruling by the Commission on Professional Competence that the dismissal of Mr. Hotchner was not warranted.
In a recent ruling, a panel convened by the Commission found that the CUSD unfairly and illegally placed Mr. Hotchner on unpaid administrative leave for the last two years. Through the panel, the Commission has directed the CUSD to reinstate Mr. Hotchner and make him whole for any damages he has suffered. The district is also required to cover all of Mr. Hotchner’s legal fees, which the union assisted in paying, as well as a portion of the court’s costs. The decision by the three-member panel (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.
The district has spent, to date, an estimated $2,500,000 in public funds in an effort to discredit and malign Mr. Hotchner’s efficacy, with the ultimate goal of destroying the Union and removing local educators’ collective voice.
“The astronomical amount of public dollars and district staff time spent attacking an educator who has repeatedly been found innocent of these baseless claims is absolutely abhorrent,” said Jeff Freitas, President of CFT. “Having begun my career as a high school math teacher in this district and having found my role as a leader in my local union in Carpinteria, I know how this waste of resources and distraction is a disservice to students. Following the commission’s ruling that Jay Hotchner must be reinstated as an educator in the district, CUSD must not further delay his return to the classroom. This is ultimately a publicly funded attack on school workers that must end.”
This is not the first time union leadership has been attacked and maligned by district leadership. In 2021, the Public Employees Relations Board found the district was guilty of “retaliation” and “discrimination” against Mr. Hotchner. Even under appeal, that decision was upheld, and the district was ordered to “cease and desist” engaging in said behavior. This, however, has not deterred the district from its smear campaign.
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CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals represents 120,000 teachers, faculty, and school employees in public and private schools and colleges, from early childhood through higher education. It is the statewide affiliate of the AFT. More information at www.cft.org.
[ 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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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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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
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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CUSD Employees, Colleagues, and Families,
CAUSE Leadership hopes this email finds you well on such a great celebratory day. Do you know the history of Labor Day? Did you know you can thank unionized workers for this day-off? If not, here’s a crash course….
Some BENEFITS to being unionized:
Working in a unionized school district (CUSD), we thought you’d want to know some of the benefits of being part of a union.
Nationally…
At the State level…
Your Union, the CFT & CAUSE, have been focused on these 4 ( of 13 ) bills that could transform K-12 Public Education in California!
These bills have been a huge achievement, they’ll require a few more steps to make these laws realities, including convincing the Governor.
We hope you’ll take a moment to remind those around you of the importance of labor unions in the continued struggle to protect safe, healthy, and reasonable working conditions, while we also fight to secure fair compensation and high-quality educational opportunities for the students & families we serve.
In Unity,
~ j. Hotchner * CAUSE President
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