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  • Board Meeting: May 25, 2023

    Board Meeting: May 25, 2023

    Date: May 25, 2023

    Time: 05:00 PM

    Location: District Administrative Board Room

    Address: 901 Andrade Ave., Calexico, CA 92231

  • Classified School Employee Week

    Classified School Employee Week

    Celebrate Calexico Unified School District’s CSEW May 21-27, 2023

    Each May, California salutes the important contributions of classified school employees during Classified School Employee Week (CSEW). This year, we are celebrating the theme Classified Professionals: Indispensable, Inspiring & Invincible.

    “Classified School Employee Week is when our colleagues and community honor our hard work and dedication to our students,” said Association President Adam Weinberger. “We are used to working behind the scenes, but this is our time to be celebrated! I hope you and your chapter do something special for CSEW, whether a job-shadow event with administrators or a get-together with your fellow CSEA members.

    Please take the time to express your appreciation for each other and show your school community that classified employees are Indispensable, Inspiring, and Invincible!”

    Classified employees at Calexico Unified School District have earned respect as educators and partners in the education community. More importantly, they have become recognized as the essential frontline workers who keep our schools up and running while making a difference in the lives of the students they serve. Let’s celebrate our Classified staff at Calexico Unified School District.

    CUSD Classified School Employees

    • Custodial and maintenance staff keep our campuses clean and safe.
    • Bus drivers and transportation staff get students to school safely.
    • Office staff meets the needs of students, parents, and administrators.
    • Food service workers keep students fed and ready to learn.
    • The technology department staff keeps everyone connected and online.
    • Paraeducators support students and help them overcome new challenges.
    • School safety officers keep our school grounds safe and secure.
  • American Fidelity Open Enrollment

    American Fidelity Open Enrollment

    American Fidelity will be having its last and final opportunity to enroll in benefits on Friday, 05/26/2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Curriculum Textbook Center (CTC-Room #20 north of the District Office). 
    
    If you missed the opportunity to meet with a representative during open enrollment at your site or have questions on your current account, please take advantage of this opportunity.

    It’s that time of year again!  Time to enroll or review your American Fidelity voluntary benefits for the 2023/2024 school year!  American Fidelity is our voluntary benefits carrier!  They offer accident, cancer, income protection, and life policies, as well as, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans!

    American Fidelity Open Enrollment for the 2023-2024 plan year will be from 03/27/2023 - 04/28/2023 with benefits effective 07/01/2023 – 06/30/2024.

    Check your site schedule. If you are currently enrolled in American Fidelity benefits this school year, you must meet with an American Fidelity representative at your school site to renew for the upcoming new plan year. No appointment is necessary. A floating substitute teacher will be available at all scheduled sites.

    You can schedule a virtual meeting for the American Fidelity 2023/2024 open enrollment at https://enroll.americanfidelity.com/33D96E84

    Simply click on the “Schedule your Appointment” link below to sign up for your virtual or in-person appointment.  You don’t need any special technology.  Any computer, tablet, or phone can be used to schedule your appointment.

    Here are the benefits available to you through your cUSD:


    Accident Insurance

    Accident Insurance

    Limited Benefit Accident Only Insurance pays benefits directly to you, helping you cover costs like out-of-pocket medical expenses for accidental injuries. Learn More

    Cancer Insurance

    Cancer Insurance

    Limited Benefit Cancer Insurance is designed to help you financially so you can focus on recovery. Learn More

    Critical Illness Insurance

    Critical Illness Insurance

    Limited Benefit Critical Illness Insurance may help with medical expenses from experiencing a critical illness by paying a lump-sum benefit upon diagnosis of certain covered health conditions. Learn More

    Dependent Care Accounts

    Dependent Care Accounts

    A Dependent Care Account is used to reimburse yourself for eligible dependent day care expenses incurred during the plan year. Learn More

    Disability Income Insurance

    Disability Income Insurance

    Disability Income Insurance pays a percentage of your income while you’re unable to work due to a covered disability and may help with expenses like mortgage or car payments. Learn More

    Term Life Insurance

    Term Life Insurance

    Life insurance is an important piece of a strong financial plan. AF™ Term Life Insurance provides protection for a 10-, 20-, or 30-year period. Learn More

    Life Insurance

    Life Insurance

    In the event of a tragedy, would your family be financially protected? AF™ Life Insurance can help your family with financial pressures after you’re gone. Learn More

    Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts

    Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts

    A Healthcare Flexible Spending Account can help with eligible expenses like prescriptions, contact lenses, or over-the-counter drugs and medicines. Learn More

    Whole Life Insurance

    Whole Life Insurance

    In the event of a tragedy, would your family be financially protected? AF™ Whole Life Insurance can help your family with financial pressures after you’re gone. Learn More

  • Board Meeting: May 11, 2023

    Board Meeting: May 11, 2023

    Date: May 11, 2023

    Time: 05:00 PM

    Location: District Administrative Board Room

    Address: 901 Andrade Ave., Calexico, CA 92231

  • International Workers’ Day: The Birth of Labor Unions

    International Workers’ Day: The Birth of Labor Unions

    May 1, also known as “May Day” or International Workers’ Day, is important in the United States’ labor history. This date commemorates the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers fought violently with authorities to win the right to an eight-hour workday. Today, the eight-hour workday is a common benefit that is often taken for granted, but it was once fought for by workers who faced poor working conditions and long hours.

    This also commemorates the first attempts for labor unions in the United States to try to provide labor right for employees. In the early 19th century, during a time when workers had little to no protection from exploitative employers. These early unions were often met with fierce opposition from business owners and government officials, who viewed them as a threat to the established order.

    The Sad History of the International Workers’ Day


    The Haymarket affair and subsequent events that led to May Day were not intended to become part of labor history. In 1886, about 200,000 US workmen launched a nationwide strike for an eight-hour day, and it became known as the Haymarket affair when workers in Chicago led major union demonstrations on May 1 in support of the cause. 

    The Chicago protests were part of several days of action, and a strike at the McCormick Reaper plant turned violent on May 3. The next day, a peaceful meeting at Haymarket Square became even more chaotic, leading to one of the most significant events in American labor history.

    On the night of May 4, After the last speaker was finishing his talk. A delegation of 180 policemen marched from the station a block away to break up what remained of the meeting. The police captain ordered the meeting to disperse, the speaker cried out that it was a peaceable gathering, a bomb exploded in the police ranks. It wounded 67 policemen, of whom seven died. The police opened fire, killing several men and wounding 200, and the Haymarket Tragedy became a part of U. S. history.

    Declaration of the International Workers’ Day


    In 1889, the International Socialist Conference declared that May 1 would be an international holiday for labor in commemoration of the Haymarket affair, and it is now known as International Workers’ Day. 

    However, in the United States, May Day faced severe opposition during the anti-communist fervor of the early Cold War. In July of 1958, President Eisenhower signed a resolution naming May 1 “Loyalty Day” to avoid any hint of solidarity with the “workers of the world” on May Day. The resolution declared it would be “a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States of America and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.” Despite the government’s attempts to suppress May Day, the labor movement in the United States continued to fight for better working conditions and worker rights. The Haymarket affair became a critical moment in the struggle for an eight-hour workday, and the legacy of the event remains relevant today.

    The Rise of the American Federation of Labor


    Despite this opposition, unions persisted and began to gain traction in the latter half of the 19th century. The National Labor Union, founded in 1866, was one of the first national unions in the United States. The Knights of Labor, founded in 1869, was another influential union that played a key role in the labor movement of the late 1800s.

    In 1886, a group of craft unions formed the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which would become the largest and most influential labor organization in the United States for much of the 20th century. The AFL focused on improving working conditions and securing higher wages for skilled workers, and it was instrumental in the passage of laws that protected workers’ rights.

    In Conclusion


    May Day remains a crucial event for labor movements worldwide. It is an opportunity to reflect on workers’ rights and the progress made in securing better working conditions and fair compensation. Despite advancements in labor laws and worker protections, the fight for better working conditions and pay is ongoing, particularly in the United States.

    In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the gaps in the US labor system, with essential workers facing hazardous working conditions, low pay, and limited protections.


    Resources:

    1. The history of labor unions in the United States: “The Birth of Labor Unions in the United States” by John-Henry Doucette, published on History.com on May 1, 2021.
    2. The significance of May Day in the United States labor history: “May Day: A Short History of the International Workers’ Day” by Peter Linebaugh, published in Jacobin Magazine on May 1, 2015.
    3. The Haymarket Affair and the Origins of May Day: “The Haymarket Tragedy: A Watershed in the American Labor Movement” by William J. Adelman, published in the Illinois Labor History Society’s “The Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society” in 2001.
    4. The opposition to May Day in the United States during the Cold War era: “The Origins of ‘Loyalty Day’: Cold War Politics and National Identity in the United States, 1940-1955” by Richard Pells, published in “Diplomatic History” in 1983.
    5. The rise of the American Federation of Labor: “The American Federation of Labor: History, Politics, and Prospects” by James H. Stone, published by Holmes & Meier Publishers, Inc. in 1990.

  • ICOE Board Meeting: Imagine Charter Schools

    ICOE Board Meeting: Imagine Charter Schools

    Dear Member,

    Imagine Charter Schools are attempting to establish a countywide charter, which means they will be able to open a charter school anywhere in the county. Imagine Charter Schools are a disservice to the community. They will negatively impact student learning and cut services to the community. Imagine Charter Schools have promised dual-immersion programs, but many of the school districts in the Imperial Valley already provide that service. Imagine Charter Schools are not here to offer new services; they are here to profit off of our community.

    The Imperial County Office of Education board is scheduled to make the decision at their next board meeting on Monday, May 1st at 5 pm. Many local school boards have passed resolutions to oppose the charter – including Westmorland, Heber, El Centro, Central, Imperial, and Holtville. Imagine Charter Schools have been very clear they intend to open a school in Brawley and Calexico, along with their El Centro site.

    We urge you to attend the ICOE’s board meeting on May 1st and wear your CSEA blue. ICOE administration recommends a yes vote, but CSEA recommends a strong NO vote. The ICOE needs to see and understand that the community does not support the charter. CTA will also be present at this board action. Let’s stand together with our community partners and stand up against Imagine Charter Schools.

    Your Labor Relations Representatives will be present outside the ICOE Board room by 3 pm. Come stand with your Imperial Valley CSEA brothers and sisters against Imagine Charter Schools. Keep them out of Imperial Valley. Please share this information with all members.

    BOARD ACTION: KEEP IMAGINE CHARTER SCHOOLS OUT OF IMPERIAL VALLEY

    When:

    Imperial County Office of Education

    1398 Sperber Rd

    El Centro, CA 92243

    Where:

    4 pm (Board meeting begins at 5 pm)

    Please reach out to your Labor Relations Representative if you have any questions. We are including some helpful informational links below:

    “CSEA recommends a strong no vote,” Imagine Charter Schools will most definitely impact our jobs, school budgets, community, and most importantly, THE STUDENTS in Imperial Valley!

  • CSEA Chapter 399 Scholarships

    CSEA Chapter 399 Scholarships

    $200 Senior Scholarships


    The $200 Senior Scholarship is a one-time scholarship for children of CSEA Local Chapter #399 Members in Good Standing who will be graduating from high school this 2023 year and would like to further their education by attending a Community College, 4-Year College, or Trade School.  He/She must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify and must submit proof of enrollment into the school they will be attending along with the application.

    $500 Frances Felix Scholarship


    The $500 Frances Felix Scholarship is a one-time scholarship for the children of CSEA Local Chapter #399 Members or Members themselves who would like to further their education by attending a Community College or 4-Year College.  He/She must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a “C” average.  An unofficial transcript must show enrollment of a minimum of 9 units/credits in order to qualify.  In addition, a 250-400 word essay entitled “What an Education Means to Me” must be submitted with the application.

    $500 Perpetual Scholarship


    The $500 Perpetual Scholarship is a one-time scholarship for CSEA Local Chapter #399 Members who would like to further their education by attending a Community College or 4-Year College.  He/She must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a “B” average.  An unofficial transcript must show enrollment of a minimum of 9 units/credits in order to qualify.  In addition, a 250-400 word essay entitled “What an Education Means to Me” must be submitted with the application

    • Applications are attached and are also available through your Scholarship Committee members:  Krystle Casares [email protected], Esperanza Amial [email protected], Lorena Gastelum  [email protected]
    • They will also be made available through the Calexico High School website.  
    • If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any Committee Member.
    • Be aware that CSEA has other Scholarship opportunities, please log onto csea.com for more Scholarship opportunities.
    • Recipients of Scholarships will be notified via CSEA Chapter members by e-mail. 
    • 2023 High School Seniors may apply to both the Senior & Frances Felix Scholarship.
    • High School Seniors do not need to be attending CHS, they can be attending any high school in the Valley, however, the parent must be a CSEA Calexico Chapter Classified Employee member.

    APPLICATION/S MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED NO LATER THAN MAY 19, 2023 to any Scholarship Committee Member via e-mail or in person, or you may drop off with the CUSD District Receptionist at 901 Andrade Avenue; Calexico, California.         

    Good luck to everyone!

  • Board Meeting: April 20, 2023

    Board Meeting: April 20, 2023

    Date: April 20, 2023

    Time: 05:00 PM

    Location: District Administrative Board Room

    Address: 901 Andrade Ave., Calexico, CA 92231

  • Parental Leave Benefits

    Parental Leave Benefits

    Having a child is one of the biggest events to happen in an employee’s life. Both employees and their children can benefit from time together to bond, especially in the first few months of life. However, for many employees, taking an extended period of time off is unrealistic if they have to worry about finances and the possibility of losing their jobs.

    Recognizing this, California has led the charge to ease this burden for new parents bypassing some of the most protective leave laws in the nation. Although paid maternity leave is often framed as an issue that matters only to working women, paid paternity leave or bonding leave is also available for fathers who need bonding time with their newborn child.

    What Is Bonding Leave?


    Parental leave, also called “bonding leave,” is the time off that parents take to bond with their new child. For women in California, maternity leave is a combination of parental leave and pregnancy disability leave (see below for an explanation). For men in California, paternity leave is the equivalent of parental leave.

    The federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the similar California Family Rights Act (CFRA), require employers with 50 or more employees to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to bond with a new child. The New Parents Leave Act (NPLA) provides for the same amount of leave for new parents who work for employers with 20 to 49 employees. Below are the most common reasons for taking advantage of the FMLA right:

    • For the birth and care of the newborn child of an employee;
    • For placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care;
    • To care for an immediate family member (i.e., spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or
    • To take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

    Paid Parental/Child Bonding Leave


    As provided by Education Code section 45196.1, employees shall be entitled to parental leave as set forth in this section. For purposes of this section, “parental leave” shall be defined as leave for reason of the birth of the employee’s child, or the placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care.

    • Employees shall be entitled to use all current and accumulated sick leaves for parental leave, for a period of up to twelve (12) workweeks.
    • When an employee has exhausted all current and accumulated sick leave and continues to be absent on account of parental (child bonding) leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA; Government Code section 12945.2), he/she shall be entitled to 50% pay for any of the remaining twelve (12) workweek period. Such 50% payment shall be paid as set forth in section C (Entitlement to Other Sick Leave) above but shall not count against the leave entitlement set forth in that section. In order to use 50% pay, the employee must be eligible for leave under the CFRA, except that he/she is not required to have worked 1,250 hours in the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the leave.
    • Any leave taken under this section shall count against any entitlement to child bonding leave under the CFRA and the aggregate amount of leave taken under this section and CFRA shall not exceed twelve (12) workweeks in any twelve (12) month period.
    • Employees shall not be entitled to more than one (1) twelve (12) week period for parental leave in any twelve (12) month period.
    • Unit members shall give thirty (30) calendar days’ notice of parental leave. Parental leave under this section shall be taken in increments of at least two (2) weeks’ duration, except on two (2) occasions leave can be of shorter duration.

    In Conclusion


    Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave, more commonly referred to as “Parental Leave,” is leave associated with the birth of an employee’s own child or the placement of a child with the employee in connection with adoption or foster care. A variety of leave programs are available to Calexico Unified School District employees. Get informed and take enjoy the benefits of your employment rights.

    Read the Pregnancy Disability Leave article if you or your spouse need more information about our pregnancy disability rights.

  • Special Board Meeting: April 3, 2023

    Special Board Meeting: April 3, 2023

    Date: April 3, 2023

    Time: 05:00 PM

    Location: District Administrative Board Room

    Address: 901 Andrade Ave., Calexico, CA 92231