Concerted effort, Action Alerts helped defeat AB 375
Governor’s veto clears the way to pursue a fair teacher dismissal process in 2014
November 2013
Nearly 400 responses to CSBA Action Alerts, supported by an innovative and strategic media campaign, helped carry the day against Assembly Bill 375, the measure that would have further jeopardized local educational agencies’ already-limited ability to dismiss teachers who could pose a risk to children.
The controversial measure made it through the Legislature in the hectic closing days of this year’s session. After a suspenseful interlude and some intensive lobbying, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the bill. “I encourage the Legislature to continue working with stakeholders to identify changes that are balanced and reduce procedural complexities,” Brown wrote, echoing a theme of CSBA’s proactive campaign.
“The governor’s veto … gives us an opportunity to go back to work and reform the dismissal process,” CSBA Executive Director Vernon M. Billy said. “CSBA stands ready to work with administrators, teachers, and parents to assist in crafting a package of reforms that provide for a dismissal process that is fair to teachers and protects students.”
A special
“Veto AB 375” Web page features key tactics in this crucial win, from an op-ed by CSBA President Cindy Marks to half-page ads placed in the Los Angeles Times and Sacramento Bee. The effort picked up national attention when Education Week picked up on the story in its Teacher Beat blog. The campaign is an object lesson in how CSBA’s Governance First legislative agenda can prevail in the heat of legislative battle.