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Return to school

In response to FCPS’ request that educators return to schools to pack-up their classrooms and in light of the ongoing “return to schools” conversation, FCFT’s President Tina Williams issued the following statement.

“Our union’s number one priority during this crisis is the health and safety of our members, their families and the people we serve. Our schools serve many purposes. They educate our students and act as centers of community. All activities done at schools, must be done safely, equitably and intentionally to ensure the health and safety of our educators, schools and communities. We stand united with our members on the front line of this crisis to support, protect and advocate for their health, safety, well-being and economic security.

As FCPS discusses a return to school plan, we urge them to continue to work with our union to ensure educators have a seat at the table and are part of the decision-making process before any decisions are made.”

FCFT sent recommendations regarding returning to schools last Friday. They can be viewed here.

FCFT reminds all members that if they have concerns about returning to schools to pack up their classrooms, they can contact their principal to opt-out. Our union is also available for help and support during this process.

Our President Tina Williams was on the nightly news yesterday talking about different options FCPS is considering for returning to schools.

"we cant start schools until its safe and healthy for students and staff"

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https://www.nami.org/Home

Facial Masks for Minority Communities

The Omicron Kappa Kappa (OKK) Foundation is partnering with the Northern Virginia Equity Agenda Coalition (NOVA EAC) and First Baptist Church of Vienna to purchase 20,000 masks from an unaffiliated third-party vendor to distribute to minority and lower-income families to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The OKK Foundation is a northern Virginia-based 501 (C) (3), and the charitable arm of the OKK Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The organization has been providing scholarships and mentoring young people since 2002. The NOVA EAC is composed of twenty Northern Virginia-based organizations that collaborate to promote non-partisan solutions to improve racial and gender equity. Once purchased, the masks will be distributed to a vast network of Northern Virginia charitable community organizations to include, Koinonia Foundation, United Community, Groveton Baptist Church, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, Cornerstones Assistance Services and Pantry Program, Gum Springs Community Center, Creekside Village Apartments, First Baptist Church of Vienna, and others in multiple counties.

Please help spread the word on social media as well as to your organization networks. Remember these donations are tax deductible. 

The link is:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/facial-masks-for-minority-communities

Support Collective Bargaining for Virginia Public Workers

Our President, Tina Williams testified before the Board of Supervisors at the budget public hearing on April 28,2020 and called on them to adopt a budget that prioritizes students and educators so we recover from COVID19.

Big news! Governor Northam approved a historic bill overturning the state’s blanket ban on public sector collective bargaining, but inserted an unnecessary amendment delaying its implementation for a year. The bill will allow school boards and local governments to engage in collective bargaining with their employees. The governor’s action may delay that outcome, but it will not stop our progress toward equity and fairness. Read our full statement here.

On April 22nd, the legislature will reconvene and will vote on the Governor’s recommendations. This ban is being overturned because of FCFT members! Throughout the legislative session members emailed and called their legislators, lobbied, testified, spoke to media and submitted letters to the editor and opinion pieces to news outlets in support of this bill.

In February, the FCPS School Board voted unanimously to support collective bargaining rights for our states’ public workers. This is significant because Fairfax County Public Schools is the 3rd largest employer in Virginia and has opposed collective bargaining for the past 20 years. The Board’s historic vote recognizes that localities support the rights of educators to have a voice at work and the power to negotiate for improved school conditions. It is a huge victory that leads the way for other school boards in the state to follow. Most importantly, it helps chart the path to a better life for our teachers, better schools for our students and a better community for us all. In addition, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to support collective bargaining.

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With collective bargaining, we will be able to fight for long overdue building repairs, negotiate higher compensation, and push for smaller classroom sizes. Thanks to the legislature, the School Board and Board of Supervisors policy position, this could be a reality, not just a proposal. It’s time for Virginia to give workers the voice and respect they deserve.

“Invest in Fairfax,” Says Grassroots Coalition

Reaction to County Executive’s FY21 Advertised Budget

Members of Invest in Fairfax, a grassroots coalition of community members, local families, county employees, teachers, first responders and others assemble in the forum of the Fairfax County Government Building immediately following Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill's FY 2021 budget proposal to the Board of Supervisors. They call on the Board to work with the public to pass a budget that invests in Fairfax. Photo by Mercia Hobson.

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http://www.fairfaxconnection.com/news/2020/mar/11/invest-fairfax-says-grassroots-coalition-/

Watch here to see Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Tina Williams, President of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, join Lindsey Davis Stover to discuss public education and collective bargaining in Virginia.