California Teachers Association names new executive director 

Joe Boyd will spearhead effort to pass initiative boosting school funds through increased commercial property taxes. 

Oakland Education Association President Keith Brown speaks at a rally outside City Hall on the first day of the teachers' union strike, Feb. 21, 2019.
Theresa Harrington/EdSource Today
This story was updated on Oct. 17, 2019.

The California Teachers Association has named Joe Boyd as its new executive director. He replaces Joe Nuñez, who was abruptly terminated by the board of directors in July.

When Boyd begins his new job on Nov. 1, he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, which represents 310,000 teachers in California and exerts enormous influence over state education policies and the working conditions of teachers. He will manage 400 employees.

Nuñez served as executive director of the CTA for six years. His termination followed the election of E. Toby Boyd as president of the union in May, the same month the California Faculty Association severed its ties with the CTA. His termination came as a surprise to education observers around the state and many within the CTA itself. Gail Gregorio has served as interim executive director since July.

E. Toby Boyd is not related to Joe Boyd. Neither were available for an interview Wednesday.

Joe Boyd returns to the CTA after a three-year stint as executive director of the California Federation of Teachers, which represents 120,000 school employees.

Joe Boyd

Prior to that role, Boyd spent 23 years with the CTA as a regional organizer, charter school organizer and executive director of the Teachers Association of Long Beach, according to a press release from the association. He was considered one of the CTA’s top troubleshooters, playing a key role in over 25 contract negotiations and 30 state and local campaigns.

“I’m honored to return to CTA at such a pivotal time,” Boyd said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the diverse members as we lead efforts for the quality public schools and colleges that all students deserve. California educators are engaged and ready to lead the way in closing corporate loopholes and funding public schools with our Schools and Communities First Initiative. I’m excited to lead that charge.”

The initiative, which has qualified for the Nov. 2, 2020 ballot, would increase some commercial property taxes, generating $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion for cities, counties, schools and special districts, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

The son of two teachers, Boyd began his career as a government teacher at Kennedy High School in Richmond.

“I’m excited to welcome Joe Boyd back home to CTA to lead us during such a crucial time in our profession and our union,” said E. Toby Boyd in a statement. “He possesses the skill and vision, deep experience and dedication that is needed for the executive director position.”

The story was corrected to change the amount generated by the tax initiative to $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion.

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