The United Professional Educators (UPE–Sacramento City Unified School District), the independent union representing principals, assistant principals, and a range of instructional and student-support certificated professionals in Sacramento City Unified School District, announced today that its Board of Directors has voted to affiliate with the AFSA.
The decision marks a major milestone for the union, expanding UPE’s capacity and positioning its members within a powerful national network dedicated to elevating and supporting school leadership nationwide.
“Joining AFSA connects our members with a national network of school leaders who share our values and commitment to safe, high-quality public education,” said Richard Owen, executive director of UPE–Sacramento City. “This affiliation gives our members greater resources, expanded professional learning opportunities, and stronger advocacy than ever before.”
Garrett Kirkland, president of UPE–Sacramento City, AFSA Local 154, emphasized the union’s commitment to strengthening its voice within Sacramento City Unified. “Sacramento City school leaders deserve strong representation at every level, local, state, and national,” said Kirkland. “Affiliating with AFSA ensures that the needs of our school administrators will be heard and supported as we work to improve learning environments for every student.”
By joining AFSA, UPE’s members also become part of the AFL-CIO, the 12.5-million-member federation of unions working to protect and advance the rights of working people.
“UPE’s decision to join our national organization provides immediate strength, support, and long-term stability to a union that has long stood proudly on its own,” said AFSA President Mark Cannizzaro. “By affiliating with AFSA, UPE’s members now gain access to a full team of collective bargaining specialists, legal experts, policy advocates, and a nationwide network of school leaders in every major city across the United States.”
"I am thrilled to welcome the United Professional Educators' union members into our national AFL-CIO family,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. “We are proud to support and stand in solidarity with these dedicated school administrators who work tirelessly to serve their community every day. As they head into negotiations to fight for the contract they deserve, the 15 million members of our federation will be with them every step of the way."
“By moving from an independent union to affiliation with AFSA and, in turn, the national AFL-CIO, United Professional Educators (UPE), members are joining a powerful, united labor family,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. “When you’re part of our national movement, you’re never alone. You gain the strength, support, and resources of a nationwide federation where every union has your back. Sacramento’s school leaders deserve nothing less, and we’re proud to welcome them into our movement.”
“Whenever a breaking issue arises, whenever a crisis hits a school community, or whenever UPE sets ambitious goals for the future, AFSA will be there with real expertise, real resources, and real solidarity,” Cannizzaro continued. “This is what it means to be part of something bigger. There is power in numbers and UPE has just multiplied its power by joining a national movement committed to lifting school leaders everywhere.”
UPE–Sacramento City Unified School District will maintain its local governance and identity while gaining the national strength, support, and solidarity of AFSA and the AFL-CIO. With this affiliation, Sacramento joins a growing network of AFSA locals in California, including those in Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, San Diego, Chula Vista, and Sweetwater.
