ACE PSYCHs & MHSPs Attended the 3/30 Board Meeting
The ACE Psychologist and MHSP bargaining team took the first formal step in bargaining a contract yesterday by presenting their "Sunshine Proposal" to the CUSD Governing Board.
This process, required by law, informs the public about the issues that the district and the union will be negotiating. Even though the whole bargaining committee wasn't able to join, there was a strong ACE presence with other educators and community members present for support and encouragement. The whole group was wearing green in recognition of Mental Health Awareness.
Melissa Saunders, MHSP and bargaining team member, spoke to the board and shared that mental health support for students has never been more important than it is right now and that the professionals who are doing the work should be well supported. Some of the Board Trustees, and even some community members, agreed and thanked the Psychologists and MHSPs for what they do. The event was as courteous and respectful as it was momentous and historic.
Moving forward, the bargaining committee will meet with the district administration to negotiate the specifics of their contract while staying in close contact with the rest of the Psychologists and MHSPs. This process may be lengthy, but the ACE bargaining committee is eager to meet frequently, dedicate sufficient time for a healthy conversation, and reach an agreement as soon as possible.
