Who Award

Juan Gastelum (SUE) was selected as the Montebello Teachers Association WHO (We Honor Ours) Award recipient. Each year the CTA Southeastern Service Center Council WHO Awards are presented to outstanding members of local chapters in recognition of their service to colleagues and to the profession through volunteer, appointive and elective activities.

We take this opportunity to thank Juan and his colleagues publicly for their dedication and effort and wish to encourage them to continue to share their experience and expertise with us for the benefit of children and education. Juan will be honored at a banquet the evening of Wednesday, June 6 at the Cerritos Sheraton. Anyone wishing to attend may call the MTA office no later than 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. Dinner costs $25.

Monterey Park City Council Member Judy Chu has been endorsed for the 49th Assembly District seat. She is running in a special election Tuesday, May 15. Political Action Chairperson Karen van der Baan (MPE) chaired interviews on Monday, April 16. The interview team unanimously recommended Judy. The Council approved the endorsement last Tuesday.

Negotiations will begin Thursday, May 24. The District has named the same team as last year: Bill Erwin (DO), Joe Torres (BGH), and Rosa Solis (LME). Jeff Harrison, an attorney from the law firm of Karnes and Karabian, advises the District team.

The new Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services will join the name team also. The District is expected to name the new person next month. Bill Erwin will retire this summer.

The Council agreed to open the following articles: Article IV. Hours and Assignments Article VIII. Year Round Schools, Article X. Organizational Security, Article XII. Wages, Article XIII. Transfer and Reassignment Policy, Article XV. Early Retirement Option, Article XVI. Leave Policy, and Article XVII. Safety, Security and General Working Conditions.

Traditionally non-monetary articles are negotiated in the spring and monetary articles are negotiated in the fall following the adoption of the State budget.

The Association team is chaired by Dianne Garcia-Stevens (LMI). The members are Neal Crook (MHS), Julian De La Torre (EAI), Elizabeth Gasca (RPE), Dennis Irland (BGH). Executive Director Kathy Køhn advises the team.
JoAnn Barro (MHS) and Juan Gastelum (SUE) were selected as finalists for the Blanche Chester Award. Colleagues nominated the two finalists as outstanding advocates at their respective sites.

JoAnn and Juan were honored at Tuesdayís Council meeting. The winner will be named at the May 15 Council meeting.