ACE Members,
President’s Message
Well done surviving 2025. Welcome to 2026. Since it’s the first week of the quarter, I’ll keep the message brief and tied to resolutions. Next week I’ll expand a bit more after I have more feedback from members and the executive board.
December Pay on 2025-2026 Salary Schedule
The recently negotiated salary schedule has been uploaded to the Human Resources website, and our most recent paystubs are in alignment with it (LINK). CalPERS has received the same information for purposes of creating pension estimates. If you have not already created an account and explored the CalPERS website, we would highly encourage you to do so – https://www.calpers.ca.gov/ .
- Create retirement estimates
- Update beneficiaries
- Get educated – https://www.calpers.ca.gov/education-center/member-education
Four Oh What Kay? 403bwise
Is your new year’s resolution to set aside additional money for retirement? Check out 403bwise.org’s vendor ratings (LINK) and information on their site to get started. When you’re ready, you can follow guidance from our Payroll department on the setting up an account (LINK).
ACE has found the most popular vendors among district employees to be Fidelity or Vanguard (403b) and CalSTRS Pension 2 (457). The typical contribution limit for 2026 either account is $24,500 and the two can be combined to contribute $49,000. Some employees may also be eligible for additional catch-up contributions – please share your advice if you’re able to defer that much money.
- There is no employee or district cost for establishing a Fidelity Account.
- Contributions can be updated or halted with no penalty.
- Contact an ACE rep if you need to know your exact start date.
Years ago I used to facilitate a common interest group through the De Anza Office of Professional Development.
Sick Leave is Protected Time
Do you need to take care of a health issue this year?
- Your supervisor/manager cannot deny sick leave for purposes of diagnosis or treatment.
- Your supervisor/manager cannot ask you to reschedule a healthcare appointment when sick leave is used.
- Your supervisor/manager cannot request a sick note unless there is evidence of misuse or fraud.
- Your supervisor/manager cannot request that you to work while on sick leave.
- Your supervisor/manager cannot discipline you for using sick leave.
Personally I’m pursuing some dental work that I delayed in 2025. To maximize your Delta Dental benefit, be sure to schedule your regular cleanings.
Special Note: CareCredit Caution (Video LINK) – Be wary if you are offered “CareCredit” at your dental office or be sure you understand what it is. More providers are offering 0% interest options for services, but don’t know how it affects their patients. I signed off on this offer, no realizing it was a credit card. It caused a “hard pull” on my credit, I was issued a card that was maxed out, and the process for paying the company was needlessly complicated. The hard inquiry, fully utilized account, and new account immediately lowered my credit score.
T-Shirt Order
We’re still finalizing the last order – a box of hoodies was lost but a replacement is in transit. The ACE Executive Board will be sending out a survey to fill any gaps and perhaps maintain a small inventory for new members.
Do you have a colleague who isn’t receiving these messages? They may not yet be a member or not be on our mailing list. We’re in the process of cross referencing our roster with the list of recipients to make corrections.
In Service,
Scott Olsen (he/him) | ACE President
https://acefhda.org | scott.olsen@acefhda.org
650-949-7789 | M-F 8:30am-5:00pm