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    Dear Members.

    It is election time for the OFTSE Executive Board Officers (and recommendations for site representatives).  This is an important election because you will choose the officers and recommend representatives to guide your union through the next two years. Officers will be elected for a term of two years beginning July 1, 2025. 

    OFTSE members will elect the following positions:

    • President
    • Executive Vice-President
    • Certificated Vice-President
    • Classified Vice-President
    • Paraeducator Vice-President
    • Adult Ed Vice-President
    • Secretary
    • Treasurer
     
    Election Timeline:

    Thursday, 4/24 at 7pm on Zoom- Forum for all candidates for Executive Board. 

    Monday, 4/28-  Ballots Sent Out via email

    Friday, 5/2 by 5pm.  Election Closes.

     

    I’m Robert Kadin, and I am honored to have served as the President of your OFTSE for the past six years. I am asking for your support in re-electing me and my executive board team so that we can continue the excellent progress we have made in securing better working conditions, salaries, and benefits for all members.

    In the past six years, your Union Leadership has:

    • Successfully fought back when the District broke our contract
    • Prevented layoffs and secured jobs in every classification
    • Won strong salary increases for all members.
    • Helped elect school board members who support public education and respect workers
    • Strengthened contracts for Classified, Paraeducators, and Certificated staff
    • Provided strong, effective representation for all of our members when it mattered most

    I am proud to be part of a Union leadership team, a team of committed union leaders who are not afraid to speak up and take action. Robert Kadin, Julie Cole, LaVada White, Carri McDevitt, Ed Ransom, Michael Hasler, Mike Falcon, and Ko Tamura are educators and advocates who show up, do the work, and put you, our members, first.

    I also ask you to vote for LaVada White for Treasurer. LaVada is a dedicated and steady advocate for all of our members as well as a strong voice for SPED teachers, paraeducators, and classified members.. She has taken a stand against layoffs, addressed the board on behalf of members, and consistently ensures that our members rights are heard and protected. Her leadership is essential in this fight to protect every single one of our members.

    This election is about protecting our progress, proven leadership, and caring for our members in the years ahead. If you want strong, experienced, and committed leadership, then vote for those who have proven they will work to secure a better future for all of our members.

    Please Vote:

    • Robert Kadin for OFTSE President.
    • Julie Cole, Executive Vice President
    • Ed Ransom, Certificated Vice President
    • LaVada White, OFTSE Treasurer
    • Cari McDevitt, OFTSE Secretary
    • Michael Hassler, Para Vice President
    • Mike Falcon, Classified Vice President
    • Ko Tamura, Adult Ed Vice President

    Julie Cole for Executive Vice President – OFTSE

    My name is Julie Cole, and I am honored to serve as your current Executive Vice President. I am humbly asking for your vote to continue in this role and to support our entire Unity Slate.

    Serving our union is a privilege I do not take lightly. These past years have brought unprecedented challenges, but with steady leadership and engaged members, we’ve emerged stronger and more united than ever.

    Together, we’ve faced adversity, fought hard battles, and achieved real victories. Highlights from the past six years include:

    • Protecting jobs across all classifications, fighting layoffs
    • Securing salary increases — 2% this year alone
    • Electing pro-education school board candidates who prioritize students, staff, and
      teachers
    • Improving transparency and communication during negotiations
    • Winning significant improvements in Classified, Para, and Certificated contracts
    • Providing steadfast support and representation when our members need it most.

    I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team under the compassionate and effective leadership of President Robert Kadin and Executive Director Tim Allison.

    Our Executive Board has remained focused, collaborative, and deeply committed to putting members first.

    For 26 years, I’ve served as a dedicated union volunteer on executive boards, negotiating teams, and various committees — all while working full-time as a classroom teacher. This servant leadership role brings me great joy and purpose.
    I’ve had the privilege of serving as your Executive VP and I proudly represent our members on several vital boards:

    • CSEBO Healthcare Board – Voting member and officer (2017–2025)
    • Retiree Healthcare Trust Board – Co-Chair and voting member
    • Medical Benefits Committee – Co-Chair and voting member

    La Vada White and I are especially passionate about preserving and improving our healthcare benefits. We serve on this board together and we will continue to dedicate our time and energy to ensure our members receive the best care possible.
    Another area close to my heart is overseeing our Scholarship Program for members and their high school seniors — a tradition I look forward to continuing if reelected.

    I’m proud to be running alongside an outstanding Unity Slate: Robert Kadin, LaVada White, Ed Ransom, Mike Hasler, Mike Falcon, Carri McDevitt, and Ko Tamura. We share a deep commitment to advocacy, unity, and progress.

    I also encourage you to vote for La Vada White for Treasurer.

    In addition to her financial duties, La Vada is a powerful voice for our SPED Teachers, Paraeducators, and Classified members. As a Program Specialist, she has led the SPED Concerns Committee with dedication and passion. Her work as an advocate for both our members and students has made a meaningful difference. She is fighting layoffs, speaking at board meetings and supporting ALL members.

    Please vote for our entire team to ensure we can continue the important work of advocating, negotiating, and supporting each and every one of you.

    Please vote Julie Cole for OFTSE Executive VP.
    And vote LaVada White for Treasurer.
    We’re stronger together.
    In Unity,
    Julie Cole

    Contested Race: OFTSE Treasurer

    Dear Union Family,

    My name is La Vada White, and I’m running for re-election as your OFTSE Treasurer, as part of your strong, united team of union leaders. I hope that through our work, we’ve earned your trust—and I humbly ask for your continued support.

    I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together. There’s so much more to being treasurer than writing checks. As part of this team, I’ve been on the front lines fighting layoffs, winning strong contracts, and advocating for fair wages and working conditions. I’ve been honored to represent members in meeting rooms, at bargaining tables, and wherever I’m needed.

    Here’s What We’ve Done Together:

    • Improved Health & Wellness Benefits
    • Strengthened contract language to support working conditions
    • Fought to narrow the pay gap, securing:
      • +$1.50/hour for classified employees
        +$2.50/hour for paraeducators
    • Coordinated our OFTSE general meetings
    • Helped elect pro-labor School Board Members
    • Serve on the Medical Benefits Trust Board
    • 7-year member of the Medical Benefits Committee

    My Passion: Health & Wellness

    When members bravely shared their struggles to start families, I led the fight to add Fertility Coverage—a three-year battle that we won. We’re now one of the only districts in the area (aside from VCOE) to offer it.

    • Together with Julie Cole, I also:
    • Increased Orthodontic coverage (from $500 to $3,000 for children)
      Added Hearing Aid coverage to our PPO and HSA plans

    Advocacy That Matters

    The Special Education Concerns Committee is close to my heart. I pushed to make it open to all members—because everyone deserves a voice. Together, this committee helped bring attention to toxic leadership and led the union’s effort in a successful vote of no confidence.

    As your Treasurer, I’ve also been a leader in the fight to save jobs—speaking at board meetings, writing letters, attending Town Halls, and meeting with administrators to fight for every position. I am moved every day by your stories and your strength.

    What’s Next?

    If re-elected, I will continue to:

    • Responsibly manage our union finances
    • Advocate for safety, equity, and respect in every workplace

    Push for:

    • GLP-1 medication coverage
    • Reasonable class sizes for Mild/Moderate SPED & GenEd Resource classes
    • Paraeducator ratios in our contract
    • Updated contract language for school psychologists

    Before serving on the Executive Board, I was proud to serve as a Site Rep. No matter the title, I am—and always will be—committed to showing up for our members with heart, grit, and follow-through.

    Please vote to re-elect me, La Vada White, and your entire OFTSE Unity Team:

    • Robert Kadin, President
    • Julie Cole, Executive VP
    • La Vada White, Treasurer
    • Carri McDevitt, Secretary
    • Ed Ransom, Certificated VP
    • Michael Hasler, Paraeducator VP
    • Mike Falcon, Classified VP
    • Ko Tamura, Adult Ed VP

    Dear Union Members,

    My name is Sofia P. Castanon, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for the position of Treasurer for the OFTSE union. With a strong belief in transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility, I am committed to helping manage our union’s finances with integrity and care.

    I am an English teacher at Pacifica High School, having taught there since 2003. Over the years, I have served in various leadership roles at PHS including department chair, staff development/instructional lead, grant writer and facilitator, coach, BTSA mentor, etc. I am also currently the Yearbook Advisor at PHS, responsible for not only helping students create the yearbook, but making sure it is a financially stable program. The program has turned a profit in each of my 5 years as advisor. I pride myself in developing and maintaining professional working relationships, where all parties are represented and compromises are reached that keep the goal of serving our students and communities at the forefront of all decisions. I am passionate about making sure every dollar is spent effectively in our district to serve our students, support our members, and improve working conditions in the OUHSD.

    If elected, I will:

    • Ensure clear, accurate, and timely financial reporting
    • Promote transparency by regularly updating members on union finances
    • Work closely with leadership to align our budget with our collective goals
    • Be a voice and resource for our members

    It has been an honor to serve the students and staff at PHS, and that’s not going to change, but I now look forward to the opportunity of serving our union. I am committed to serving you—the members—and making sure our union remains financially strong and ready to represent you in the financial challenges that may lay ahead. I humbly ask for your support and your vote.

    In solidarity,


    Sofia P. Castanon

    Pacifica High School
    Candidate for Union Treasurer