Dear Members of the Board, Superintendent, and Albany Community,
As Albany educators, we appreciate the overwhelming support of the Albany community in our work. We always have, and that’s one of the things that makes this such a wonderful place to teach. However, recently, we have seen some unfair accusations made against us. It is important for us to abide by the facts.
First: We’re doing a damn fine job. I can’t tell you how many conversations Stephen and I have had with ATA members this year where we’ve been blown away by the creativity and diligence being exercised across this district. Many tears have been shed in these conversations too. Tears of passion and concern for the work and students. ATA members are routinely delivering the highest quality instruction in these extremely difficult circumstances. We are doing it with the highest level of conscientiousness and skill.
Second: ATA has and continues to bargain in good faith. ATA is actively engaged with good faith bargaining in the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of all of our community. Our bargaining team has caucused nearly twenty times since September. They have been working tirelessly balancing being parents, teachers, survey-designers, and representing the 230 members of ATA. And they’ve been doing a fantastic job of it. This unprecedented contract represents the safety and well-being of not only our staff but the students and community as well.
Lastly: The pandemic continues to rage in this and neighboring communities. While the governor makes executive orders changing when we can return to school, the fact remains we are still in the Purple Tier of this pandemic. Case rates are still triple what is considered a substantial rate and even that might be underrepresented. There are many studies stating the minimal risk of spread for young children when all safety precautions are taken but, as educators, we understand what the reality is, as schools in San Diego have to close down classrooms after following all of the safety protocols.
ATA’s position on the return to school is, and always has been, simple: We very much want to return, when it is safe. We miss our students. Our children are restless and anxious. We are suffering in all of the ways that the broader community is suffering. But a return to in person instruction in any form needs to be safe. Alameda County is still well into the purple tier. The safety of our members and the community is our first priority. And the best way to guarantee this safe return is for us to continue to engage in good faith bargaining.
Sincerely,
Chris Knight & Stephen Naiff
ATA Co-Presidents