An interview with David Mielke, president of the Teachers Union.
The Front Page – During the endorsement process, why did the Teachers Union and the Assn.of Classified Employees ask the candidates about the parents union, United Parents of Culver City?
Mr. Mielke – First, I want to be clear. Teachers and support staff welcome parent activism. We know that involved parents produce successful students. Parent volunteers and the Education Foundation's work have made huge contributions to our schools. In fact, parent support and community support are some of CCUSD's great strengths.
The reason behind the question about UPCC stems from the events that resulted in the creation of that group.
Parents at El Marino had been fundraising, for years so that they could hire “language adjuncts” to work in El Marino classrooms. Debbie Hamme, the president of ACE, while supporting the program, questioned whether people working in our schools daily should be employees of a parent group, or whether they should be District employees. If they were to become CCUSD employees, they would then be represented by ACE, the support staff union.
This issue led, in part, to the formation of UPCC. Their members were clear that they did not want these employees to become District employees. Many were clear that they did not support the idea of these workers having a voice at work through a union. A few parents were harsh and personal in their criticism of Ms. Hamme.
The position of CCFT and ACE is that people working in our schools should be CCUSD employees. As such, they should be represented by a union. It was important for us to hear where the candidates were on this issue.
The Front Page – What would that indicate about a candidate?
Mr. Mielke – There was a clear divide here. Some candidates supported the idea of parents fundraising, hiring and supervising employees. Others expressed the belief that people working in our classrooms should be CCUSD employees who would then be supervised by District management.
Some candidates were okay with the fact that these workers are working without representation. Others expressed the belief that workers should have the right to union representation and collective bargaining.
Also, there was a divide among candidates regarding the issue of educational equity throughout our District. Some candidates did not see it as a problem that some schools' parents were able to fundraise and provide resources for a particular school, while other schools did without. Other candidates saw this as a problem. When parents are able to fund-raise and provide resources at School A, what about the kids at School B whose parents have not been able to do this?
Some candidates were passionate in expressing the belief that resources needed to be provided equally to all students throughout our district. This resonated with our endorsement committees. It helped us in our decision to support Karlo Silbiger, Claudia Vizcarra and Vernon Taylor.
The Front Page – What role will UPCC play going forward?
Mr. Mielke – Parents need to stay involved, regardless of the outcome in November. The song we're all singing in CCUSD these days is “Success for all, takes us all.” The more parents who get involved, the better. We're hoping that two of our favorite parents, Claudia and Vernon, get to serve on the Board.
There is also a real concern about a growing “haves vs. have-nots” dynamic in our District. Has parent activism at some sites made it possible for some of our kids to have resources that others do not?
If I could wave the magic wand, I would increase parent involvement and activism, but in a way that benefits all the kids throughout CCUSD.
