Dear AASU Members,
As we move deeper into the school year, I want to take a moment to recognize your hard work and dedication. Thanks to your efforts, our schools opened strong this fall, and our students are thriving because of the commitment you bring every single day.
Bargaining Progress
Our bargaining team continues to meet with district representatives and is making steady progress on key priorities. While we know negotiations take time, I want to assure you that we remain committed to securing fair compensation, protecting benefits, and ensuring safe, supportive working conditions for all. Regular updates will continue to be shared as we move closer to agreements.
Open Enrollment for Benefits
A reminder that the district’s annual open enrollment period for health and other benefits will begin soon. This is your opportunity to review your current coverage, explore plan options, and make any necessary changes for the coming year. Please take the time to carefully review the information that will be provided so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
Shift to a Fixed 222-Day Calendar for Principals
The Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) has announced important changes regarding principal vacation days and work calendars as part of its ongoing compliance with CalSTRS reporting rules. This change in Administrative Regulation (AR) 4341 Rules And Regulations For Certificated Management Personnel
Administrative Regulations are the District’s internal rules and procedures for carrying out Board Policy. By law, districts retain the “management right” to set policies and procedures around operations, provided they do not conflict with the collective bargaining agreement.
Because these items are considered part of management prerogative, the District can revise them without negotiations.
Principals will no longer accrue or use vacation days. Instead, all principals will move to a fixed 222-day work calendar. This change aligns SUHSD with CalSTRS regulations, which only allow full-year employees on a full 12-month calendar to receive vacation accruals.
Vacation Hour Payouts
Any previously accumulated vacation hours will not be lost. Principals will receive payouts for their accrued balances in two installments:
• December 19, 2025
• July 31, 2026
Vacation Plans
In order to facilitate these payouts, principals are expected to submit their 2025-26 vacation plan to their supervisor by September 30.
Correction of Days Reported to CalSTRS
As part of the revision, SUHSD will also correct the number of days previously reported to CalSTRS. The prior figure of 243 days will be officially adjusted to 222 days for all principals.
Tax Implications
Because vacation payouts may have tax implications, principals are strongly advised to consult with their tax professional to understand how this change may affect them.
These updates represent a significant shift in how principal work time is structured and reported. SUHSD has indicated that the adjustments are necessary to ensure compliance with state regulations and to maintain accurate retirement reporting for all administrators.
YOUR AASU BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2025-26.
President – Dianne Huslin
Vice President – Julio Alcala
Secretary/Treasurer – Angie Santana
Principals Representative – Nina Hermosillo
Assistant Principals Representative – Jessica Neamon
Bargaining Chairperson – Sasha Scott
Communications Chairperson – Jessica Lloyd
Legislative and Political Affairs (LAPA) Chairperson – Julissa Gracias
Social/Scholarship Chairperson – Jeff Rapp
Thank you to the Board of Directors for their commitment to AASU!
NEED REPRESENTATION? If you are called to a meeting regarding your job performance or potential disciplinary matters or you are under investigation – do not attend alone. Contact your UASC/AASU representative, Donis Coronel, for support and assistance. Put her number in your phone! 619-813-8792 FYI, UASC now contracts with five Labor Relations Representatives (LRR) who have extensive experience with an administrator’s unions – Donis may assign one of them to represent you. You are in good hands with any of the LRR’s.
HOLD THE DATE FOR THE AASU HOLIDAY GATHERING. More information will be forthcoming but mark your calendar now for the AASU Holiday Party. December 4, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Location TBD.
ENDORSEMENT FOR STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. The AASU Board of Directors recently interviewed candidates for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction office and voted to endorse Richard Barrera. AASU joins San Diego (AASD), Chula Vista (AACV) and the United Administrators Southern California (UASC) in this endorsement. Mr. Barrera is a longtime labor supporter who is currently working for the CA Department of Education and is also a longtime trustee on the Board of Education at San Diego Unified. He is also very involved with the Cesar Chavez Club in South San Diego. Thank you to AASU Legislative and Political Affairs (LAPA) Chair, Julissa Gracias and UASC Government Relations Officer, Jesus Montana, for coordinating the interviews.
UNION PLUS – ARE YOU LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY? As members of AASU, you are automatically a member of the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) and have access to MANY products and discounts via Union Plus. As Local 150 of AFSA, you can save money on rental cars, hotels, various insurances, restaurants and more! Visit the Union Plus website https://www.unionplus.org/
Fall Break Ahead
As fall break approaches, I encourage you to take a moment to recharge and spend time with your loved ones. We know the pace of the school year can be demanding, and rest is an essential part of sustaining the important work we do together.
Once again, thank you for your dedication, your professionalism, and your commitment to our schools and students. Together, we are making a difference every day.