Following a vote to layoff 119 teachers from the Anaheim Unified High School District (AUHSD), the district’s Board of Trustees, including superintendent Michael Matsuda, responded to public outcry by rescinding 45 of the Reduction In Force (RIF) notices. In light of the beneficial outcomes the protests have reaped, here is a short guide on what students can do to stand in solidarity with AUHSD teachers and help fight for a compromise to the mass layoffs.
Attend ASTA rallies
Stand in solidarity with teachers affected by the RIFs by attending weekly rallies held by the Anaheim Secondary Teachers Association (ASTA) at schools across AUHSD. Intended to raise awareness to the layoffs stifling teachers in the district, the rallies are open to all teachers, students, parents, and community members. A more forthright form of advocacy than protesting via social media, the rallies serve as a clear reflection of the AUHSD community’s demand for a compromise — and have a more direct impact in inspiring change. Many recent April ASTA rallies were recognized by local news media including ABC7 and Voice of OC, proving how powerful the rallies have been in drawing attention to the RIFs notices.
The rallies continue weekly through May 15, where the RIF notices will be finalized during a Board of Trustees meeting. For more information on the rallies, visit ASTA’s Instagram page @astaanahiem.
Encouraging Attendance
In-person protest isn’t the only action students can engage in; simply encouraging fellow peers to attend school is crucial as well. The district receives funds for every student recorded present in a classroom, meaning any student not at school contributes to the district losing the money that is allocated towards teachers. Student attendance has been on a sharp decline across AUHSD — average daily attendance for AUHSD students has dropped from 95% to 90%. To silently support teachers, be sure to show up to class and persuade more attendance from friends you know are skipping.
Temporary Independent Learning Form
Not going to be in class due to a trip or extended illness for at least three days? Talk with the attendance office to fill out the Temporary Independent Learning Form. If you know you will be absent for at least three days, request for independent studies, which would allow the school to receive funding while you are away. This way students can still submit their assignments online and complete tasks during an extended absence so that the district continues to receive funding although they may not be present in person.
From wearing red on Fridays to posting on social media online, supporting teachers during the time of extreme layoffs is the best way to show your love and appreciation for all they have done for our schools and community. Take the time to be compassionate and understand educators during this period of time by taking any of these steps to best help your school and district.
