LETTER: Campbell High School Teachers Association Endorses Kalen Gallagher

Campbell Patch received the following endorsements from the Campbell High School Teachers Association on Sept. 17:

The Representative’s Council of the Campbell High School Teacher’s Association (CHSTA) endorsed Kalen Gallagher in his bid for a seat on the Campbell Union High School District (CUHSD) Board. In addition, CHSTA moved to officially support Proposition 30 and oppose Proposition 32. 

“We believe that our board would benefit from new ideas and an outside perspective,” stated CHSTA President Santiago Gomez. “Kalen’s youth and energy, as well as his background in education as someone who has spent time in the classroom, combined with his current work at an educational technology start-up, brings a fresh perspective that will benefit our students and teachers.”  

CHSTA was also impressed with Gallagher’s focus on seeking new ways to provide tools, training, and technology in order to empower the teachers in reaching the students in the classroom. In addition, the candidate pledged to be open his in communication with all the communities that are served by our schools. 

Although Kalen Gallagher will be new to the CUHSD board, he has a local background and strong connections within this district. He graduated Westmont High School in 2001. Wendy Lawson, one of his former teachers, remembers Gallagher as a leader in the classroom.  

CHSTA expects that with his background, his leadership experience from UC Davis, his legal background, and his continuing work in education, he will be modernizer on the CUHSD school board. 

CHSTA SUPPORTS PROPOSITION 30 AND OPPOSES PROPOSITION 32 

In addition to the endorsement of Kalen Gallagher, CHSTA moved to officially support the California Teachers’ Association’s positions on Proposition 30 and 32.

Proposition 30 is essential to California schools’ ability to maintain funding. Without the voters’ approval of this proposition, CUHSD will experience real financial hardships that will impact this school year and beyond.

According to CHSTA Bargaining Chairperson, Stephen Smith, “We must secure this funding to avoid additional furloughs or layoffs that will reduce the educational opportunities for our students. Prop 30 provides the funding to at least keep us from falling further off the cliff and hopefully keeps us whole until the California economy recovers.”  

Vote yes on Prop. 30 – keep funding for our schools. 

CHSTA believes that Proposition 32 is an unneeded and unfair attack on teachers and unions. Members of unions in California already have the ability to prevent their dues from being used for political purposes. In addition, the restrictions found in Proposition 32 would severely restrict the ability of teachers to advocate for better educational policies at the state and local level.  

“We often say that ‘teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions’, because it is true. What we advocate for is more than just our members. We are also the voice of the student and our community, and this proposition muzzles our ability to speak out about overcrowded classrooms, the over-reliance on standardized testing, or the needs of our underserved students,” said CHSTA Vice President Cathy Johnsgard.  

Vote no on Prop. 32 – keep democracy alive.