June 27, 2018

High court ends mandatory fees collected by public unions

In a decision that could do significant damage to the finances of the California Teachers Association and other public sector unions, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that unions can no longer collect compulsory fees from the workers they represent.

David Washburn and John Fensterwald

June 24, 2018

Teachers in Oakland among others pushing for pay raises from California districts in fiscal crisis

Inspired by successful strikes in other states, teachers from Southern California to the Bay Area are threatening fall strikes.

Theresa Harrington

June 22, 2018

Lawmakers give California unions new protections as Supreme Court ruling looms

Language added to the state budget will make it easier for unions to recruit and keep members as the high court is set to rule on the mandatory fees they charge.

John Fensterwald and David Washburn

June 7, 2018

Oakland and Inglewood among four financially distressed California districts seeking state relief

Districts are hoping the upcoming state budget will include financial relief such as deferred state loans, flat per-student payments, and flexibility to sell or lease surplus property.

Theresa Harrington

May 6, 2018

How teacher strikes in other states help California unions make their case

As teachers’ unions scramble to blunt the impact of a looming Supreme Court decision regarding their ability to collect dues, the recent teacher strikes across the nation have handed them a rallying cry.

John Fensterwald and David Washburn

April 20, 2018

After seven shot in the city in one week, Richmond leaders call for stricter gun control laws

On National Day of Action Against Gun Violence in Schools, city violence also weighs heavily on Bay Area educators and community.

Theresa Harrington

April 12, 2018

Averting a strike, teachers reach tentative agreement on contract with California's largest online charter school

Louis Freedberg

March 21, 2018

Remembrance: Ron Bennett recalled as skilled negotiator and mentor

A mid-career switch led him from the Air Force to Long Beach Unified to running the state's largest school consulting firm.

John Fensterwald

February 26, 2018

Key justice is silent as Supreme Court re-argues case critical to CTA, other public employee unions

Trump nominee Neil Gorsuch will break the court’s deadlock over compulsory union fees.

John Fensterwald

February 26, 2018

What’s at issue, what’s at stake in Janus, the Supreme Court case challenging compulsory union fees

The court's newest justice, Neil Gorsuch, will decide if unions have cause for worry.

John Fensterwald

January 2, 2018

California education issues to watch in 2018 — and predictions of what will happen

Place your bets: CTA troubles, pension woes, student deportations, battles with Trump, tax reform and other issues.

John Fensterwald

October 25, 2017

Leading gubernatorial candidates oppose for-profit charter schools in California

All four leading gubernatorial candidates agree that for-profit charter schools should not be allowed in California.

Louis Freedberg and John Fensterwald

October 22, 2017

California teachers union endorses Newsom for governor, Thurmond for state superintendent

CTA gives early boosts to several leading Democratic contenders for statewide office

Louis Freedberg

July 17, 2017

Later school start bill moves forward

SB 328, by Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Cañada Flintridge, would require all middle and high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

Theresa Harrington

May 9, 2017

Californians must support all students

As California's student population has grown and become much more diverse, teachers need support from parents, community members and lawmakers to ensure all students get the public education they deserve.

Eric C. Heins