Teachers' association and CSEA highlight partnerships, role of TK/kinder aides as negotiations loom

Los Altos — Two employee representatives used the district’s employee comment period to press for stronger working relationships with the board and to highlight the role of TK and kindergarten aides as the district moves to full‑day TK.

Alex Schurler, president of the Los Altos Teachers Association, opened by framing her remarks around partnership: “We wanna make sure we're building really strong partnerships with all of the groups that really make decisions for and with us as educators and, most importantly, the students that we serve,” she said. Schurler invited trustees to visit rep‑council meetings and emphasized that the association wants board members to know teachers as the district prepares for upcoming negotiations.

Kim Fletcher, speaking for the California School Employees Association, highlighted the shifting responsibilities as TK moved to full‑day. Fletcher described kindergarten aides’ work as both “intense” and central to classroom functioning, saying aides frequently step in to support students so classroom teachers can continue whole‑group instruction. She urged recognition of the aides’ behind‑the‑scenes role and noted the physical and cognitive demands of short, concentrated shifts in early‑childhood settings.

Both speakers framed their remarks as an invitation to collaborate as bargaining begins; the superintendent and board heard the requests for access and engagement and said staff would continue to coordinate with employee groups.

No formal action was taken; remarks were received under the employee comment agenda item and will inform upcoming labor negotiations and outreach.