Unions press for sanctuary training, propose device policy; teachers report bargaining proposals

Representatives of the district’s labor partners addressed the board Jan. 27 with three main themes: support for the sanctuary resolution, requests for immediate training and guidance for site staff, and concerns about student device use and emerging AI tools.

Lisa Crawford, secretary of the San Rafael Federation of Teachers (SRFT) and an English teacher at Terralinda High School, said SRFT “deeply appreciates the commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all our students” but urged additional formal guidance and training for school staff. “Specifically, we would like training on what we can and cannot say to ICE agents,” Crawford said. She told trustees that union members have not received site-level guidance or materials such as red cards and requested district and community‑partner training for staff and families.

SRFT also recommended a policy that would require students to use district‑issued devices while in class and limit personal‑device access to the district network to adults and students with approved accommodations. Crawford listed the expected benefits as reduced classroom distractions, improved network bandwidth and equity of access to district resources and assessment integrity. She told trustees that district IT staff had indicated the change would be straightforward to implement.

Donnie Jo Pipkin, chapter secretary for CSEA, said CSEA will present its bargaining sunshine proposal at a chapter meeting and expects to submit it to the district; she asked for clear, ongoing communications to classified staff about sanctuary‑related procedures should immigration enforcement occur on campus.

Jamie Solis, SRTA treasurer, delivered a bargaining update: SRTA presented an initial proposal that included an 8% salary increase across steps and columns, increased district contribution to healthcare, increases to certain stipends and changes to work‑year/hours (including increased prep time and reductions in administrator‑directed time). Solis said the district and SRTA reached three tentative agreements that day on recognition, safety and term articles, and the teams will meet again to continue bargaining.

Trustees and staff acknowledged the unions’ request for training and suggested the district coordinate with the Marin County Office of Education, Canal Alliance and Legal Aid of Marin on rapid site‑level guidance. The superintendent said principals and family liaisons will receive talking points and that a training session for family liaisons is scheduled promptly.