A Message from your SGTA Executive Board

March 19, 2020
Dear SGTA Members, 

SGTA recognizes that COVID-19 has impacted our members in numerous ways. We want to assure you that given the current circumstances of our nation, SGTA and CTA Representative Tom Pinkava have been working with Human Resources to establish an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that further clarifies articles that pertain to the rights all members protected by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. In addition, President Dena Dragoo has been in daily contact with Superintendent Jim Symonds and Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry to consult on SGTA issues.

The health and safety of all our students, families, community, and SGUSD members are our priority. SGTA plans to take every step to ensure the interests of all our bargaining members are protected while continuing to meet the needs of our students and their families. 

It is important to continue to stay informed on the district’s updates from Superintendent Jim Symonds and your site principals through district email. Please check your district email daily. We encourage you to first reach out to your site administrator with any questions regarding Distance Learning. Then, if at any time you feel your questions are regarding a contractual issue, please reach out to your site reps. 

Today, March 19, 2020, your Executive Board and CTA Regional Staff, Tom Pinkava met on Zoom video conferencing to conduct our March Executive Board meeting. In addition, we will be meeting with all SGTA Rep Council members on Tuesday March 24th using Zoom.

Once our Rep Council has been updated with current events, they will be reaching out to your individual sites to share pertinent information with all members. We hope to generate a “Frequently Asked Questions” Google Form that our members can refer to during this time. We will also be updating our SGTA website at http://www.sangabrielteachers.com/home.html    

SGTA Treasurer Vicky Perales will be our point person to help navigate the evolving state, county, and district mandates regarding Special Education issues. She will communicate SPED concerns to Tom Pinkava to seek clarification regarding directives that may be asked of our SPED teachers, counselors, and nurse. 

Rest assured that there will be no changes to salary or health benefits, and it is highly unlikely that there will be days added onto the end of the school year. This issue would have to be bargained. 

Please be mindful that we will be required to work from home and follow the district's guidelines regarding Distance Learning. The district is diligently working on the Distance Learning Program for SGUSD, so please be patient and wait for further direction from administration prior to reaching out to your site reps. 

Please note that questions regarding extra-curricular activities (i.e. sports, prom, school commencement ceremonies) should be directed to school administration. We have been told that Superintendent Jim Symonds is in close communication with surrounding Superintendents and is making sound decisions based on the recommendations of the Department of Health and the California Department of Education. 

We are committed to inform and assist you during this difficult time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Site Rep.


 
Sincerely,

Executive Board Members 
Dena Dragoo, President
Jennifer Vargas, Vice President
Vicky Perales, Treasurer 
Iraise Garcia, Secretary




Resources:
News regarding COVID-19 and its effect on our schools, students, and community changes daily. Given this situation is largely unprecedented, announcements, information, and directives from Governor Newsom and the California Department of Education (CDE) are very fluid. It is critical SGTA members stay engaged and up-to-date. We know there is a lot of information and resources available to assist you during these times. We encourage you to read the following resources which may address some of your concerns and keep you informed!

• Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Suspend Standardized Testing for Students in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak, March 18, 2020.
• CDE: Distance Learning: COVID-19 Guidance for K-12 Schools, updated March 18, 2020.
• CDE: Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak, updated March 14, 2020.
• Alliance for Children’s Rights: Resources for Los Angeles-based foster care youth and families affected by COVID-19.
• PBS Kids: Resources for parents on how to talk to kids about COVID-19.
• California Volunteers: Help Your Community Safely with COVID-19.
• CTA COVID-19 Resources​