FAQ: Political Action Committee

Doesn’t SDEA already use our dues dollars for politics?

For the 2015-16 school year, only 10 cents per month of your dues dollars are transferred to the SDEA PAC. Of that amount, half can be used on local candidates and half can be used on local issues. This means that SDEA only has a few thousand dollars per election to support pro-educator candidates and policies.

Will SDEA use these funds to support candidates in other parts of the state?

SDEA is prohibited by election laws from spending any PAC money on state and federal candidates or issues. SDEA bylaws only allow for endorsement and the expenditure of funds in support of candidates or issues within San Diego Unified School District or the City of San Diego.

Who decides how to spend PAC funds?

SDEA is a democratic member-led organization. Recommendations for PAC endorsements and expenditures come from the Political Involvement Committee, and require approval of both the SDEA Board of Directors and Representative Council.

Does SDEA only endorse Democrats?

SDEA is a non-partisan organization, whose bylaws require that ALL candidates be considered and given equal access to the endorsement process. In addition, election laws and SDEA bylaws restrict SDEA from participating in partisan elections.

How does participating in politics affect my classroom?

SDUSD policies and decisions are made by elected school board members. This includes the hiring or firing of the superintendent, issuing of layoff notices, setting of bargaining parameters, and approving a budget. In addition, laws and policies passed in the City of San Diego – such as the City’s Living Wage Ordinance or local hire agreements – improve the lives of our students daily. Issues supported by SDEA includes SDUSD’s Proposition Z in 2012, which freed up tens of millions of dollars to be used on the general fund.

The politicians we endorse don’t support us, so why should we support them?

In considering a recommendation for endorsement, the Political Involvement Committee reviews all aspects of the candidates’ values and track record while attempting to find the most pro-educator candidate. This has resulted in SDUSD having one of the most pro-educator school boards in the entire state, with anti-educator candidates either being removed or prevented from being elected to the board. While SDEA strives to elect a school board that has perfect members, it is the collective action of members organizing that pushes politicians to act.