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Tehachapi teachers association warns against signing new federal certification, cites layoffs and asks district not to comply
Summary
Val Bowman, president of the Tehachapi Association of Teachers, told the board the teachers’ union opposes a new U.S. Department of Education certification request and said the California Department of Education will respond for the state; she urged the district not to sign the new certification and described regional layoff trends.
Val Bowman, president of the Tehachapi Association of Teachers (TAT), addressed the board April 8 and urged the district not to sign a newly requested certification tied to federal anti‑discrimination assurances, saying the request is ‘‘not legally required’’ and could be an unlawful new condition on federal funds.
Bowman told the board the U.S. Department of Education had requested a new certification and initially asked for district responses on an accelerated timetable; the deadline was later extended to April 24. She said the California Department of Education will respond on behalf of the state and its LEAs and that TAT asks the district not to sign the new certification.
Why it matters: The requested certification, Bowman said, reiterates an interpretation of Title VI the union views as unlawful and ‘‘discriminatory to all classes of people.’’ TAT leaders and the National Education Association have challenged related guidance in court, Bowman said, and the union encouraged local districts to rely on the state’s assurances.
Other points Bowman raised: She reviewed region‑wide layoff data cited at a CTA Region 3 meeting and said 25 associations reported layoffs; she noted that Tehachapi had avoided certificated layoffs this year and credited collaboration among the superintendent, board and unions for building reserves that helped avoid reductions. Bowman also urged continued collaboration to support students and district solvency.
Board follow‑up: A board member asked for the exact submission date the ED requested; Bowman said the federal notice was sent in early April and the requested deadline had been extended to April 24. The board took the item as public comment; no formal action was recorded at the meeting.
Ending: Bowman closed by saying TAT wants to work with the district and the new superintendent to protect students and staff while preserving district finances.
