CUSD Agrees to Return to the Table -- Updated

Capistrano Unified School District today said they would take up the offer from the Capistrano Unified Education Association to meet.

The meeting could come as early as April 22.

Update: In a letter to the union, the district's chief negotiator said the union's initial letter amounted to an unfair labor practice. Here's that letter. Download Letter to Christine Balentine 04 20 2010

Comments

[Sadie]

This is a relief, but I'm afraid to get my hopes up.

[The board WANTS teachers to strike!]

Let's just hope they aren't trying to stall a strike. I know that sounds rather pessimistic; but this is the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees we're dealing with here. In the meantime, I'll continue to try and stave off the ulcers, depression, and low morale I'm getting from all this song and dance.

[parent]

Please do not increase class size!

[Recall Maddox and Winsten]

Never underestimate the will of the people. Parents, teachers, voters... this is a positive step toward a meaningful labor settlement.

[Supportive Parent]

Where will these negotiations be held on Thursday? Hundreds of parents should be outside to support our teachers. A peaceful rally should be set up. What do you all think? This movement from the BoT is a step in the right direction.

[Caring Teacher]

Here's the letter sent to CUEA, not just the press release. I cut off the letterhead info. but if you want to see it all, go to the district's website. Does any of this mean that if we return to the table and they say, "well, sorry...not going to do anything afterall" that we lose our right to strike if we needed to do so? I just don't know how all of this works!!

April 20, 2010
Christine Balentine, Executive Director Capistrano Unified Education Association 27422 Aliso Creek Road, #100 Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Re: CUEA Proposal to CUSD of April 19, 2010
Dear Ms. Balentine:
This letter is sent in response to your letter dated April 19, 2010.
Pre-conditioning a return to the bargaining table upon the acceptance of a negotiation proposal backed up by a threat of a strike constitutes, among other things, an unfair labor practice.
In any event, as previously indicated, the District is willing and prepared to return to the bargaining table to commence negotiations regarding various items, including but not limited to, “restoration language” regarding the recently imposed reductions.
The District can and will accommodate the date, April 22, 2010, you set forth in your letter. In addition, the District is available on April 27 and/or April 28, 2010.
Very truly yours,
ATKINSON, ANDELSON, LOYA, RUUD & ROMO
John M. Rajcic
JYR:mtw
005791.00022
1498337v1

[Account Deleted]

I Hope Meg explained the Def; of negotiations
to Anna.

1. General: Bargaining (give and take) process between two or more parties (each with its own aims, needs, and viewpoints) seeking to discover a common ground and reach an agreement to settle a matter of mutual concern or resolve a conflict

I am still demanding that the Board settles.
I will stay on them and I will be my child's advocate.

I SUPPORT THE TEACHERS!!!!!

[takethedistrictback]

Oh no! I bet it does! Crap! There go the hopes!

[Hopeful]

This could be just in the nick of time. The teachers are having a strike meeting right now as we speak.

Unless this isn't a real offer, like last time.

[PPP]

No the teachers do not lose their ability to call a strike. Let's keep the faith we can have a favorable outcome with terms that are acceptable to teachers.