KEA The Kentwood Education Association Blogspot

Update from Steve Cook.

2012-01-10T16:26:00.002-05:00

Did you take the time to check your home email for the note Michelle forwarded to you about the letter from MEA President Steve Cook regarding the Governor's plan for Education. It would be well worth your time to check it out.

Spring Break Condo?

2012-01-10T16:25:00.000-05:00

Spring Break Condos from Dave Garland
Spring break isn't far off. Have your plans yet? I have one of two condos in Florida to choose from. We are going to rent only 1, but for the same price ($1000).
Check out the websites attached to see the amenities at each condo.
The Villas at Regal Palms is just outside of the Orlando area. It has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and sleeps 10. Check it out at the website below. This one is available Friday, March 30-Friday, April 6.
http://villasatregalpalms.com/amenities.html

The other one is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo at Sheraton's Vistana Resort. You can check out the villa at the website below and go to the "home" section to see the resort's amenities. This one is available Sunday, April 1 to Sunday, April 8.
http://www.starwoodvacationownership.com/sheraton_vistana_resort/twobedroom_villa_lakes.jsp

For more information, or if you are interested, let me know at dgarls@yahoo.com or call me at 822-4786.
Thanks.
David Garland
6th grade science
Pinewood Middle School

Need Shoes?
Men's size 9.5 W, never worn/in the box, brown Hush Puppy plain, tie, casual dress shoes. $20.
janet peterson 245-6583. (off Breton)

MCHIC Cheer Gym

2011-12-07T20:57:00.001-05:00

My sister and I own the MCHIC Cheer Gym, a gymnastics gym designed for cheerleaders. We offer gymnastics lessons for 3year olds through college aged girls. We also have birthday parties, team lessons and sleep overs.

Thanks,

Stephanie Stephenson

www.m-chiccheer.com

616-634-5644

Okay How About?

2011-12-07T09:59:00.000-05:00

KEA LOCAL MEMBERS FIRST?

Revised Title: KEA Member Shop Local Services

2011-12-07T09:34:00.010-05:00

Hey, how's that for a new and improved name for our links?

We have a new addition and link!

I am a consultant for Thirty One Gifts and my website is:
www.mythirtyone.com/88851 I sell handbags, wallets, purses, thermals and much more. I would love for you to check it out...and even better if you buy!

Thanks!
Lindsey Szczepanek

KEA Self Sell Service

2011-12-06T15:39:00.004-05:00

Hey Staff,
Do you have something you or your family has to sell? Carolyn Schaner is a photographer that has some stunning nature pictures to sell at www.absoluteclarityphotography.com . She is the daughter of Chas Schaner, 7th grade teacher at Pinewood. Her website has been added to a new spot on the blog called KEA Self Sell Service. Now that is a goofy name, and may need to be changed, but if you would like your services added to the list, send Chas an email with the URL and it can be done! Shop online with Kentwood staff members and it's a win-win!

ARE THERE ANY DOUBTS? What will you do?

2011-11-29T13:12:00.002-05:00

If they can take away your bargaining rights, why would they not want to take away your livelihood so that a corporation can make a profit in the name of "lower cost". Your neighbor the bus driver, your neighbor the custodian, your neighbor the food service worker have taken the hits. Who is next? What action will you take?

http://michiganmessenger.com/52187/republicans-plan-to-privatize-teaching#disqus_thread

Performers at the Rally for Democracy

2011-07-22T12:37:00.002-04:00

Don't Forget about the Rally for Democracy on July 31 from 6-11 p.m. at the Orbit Room!

Rachael & Dominic John Davis
In the time of her 10 year solo career Rachael has released 4 albums including one live record with long-time musical partner Brett Hartenbach and Shout Sister Shout!, a collaboration with the Lansing, Michigan-based American roots band Steppin’ In It. Davis has lent her voice to countless other recordings including tracks for film, television and guest vocals on other records.

Together with her husband, accomplished Steppin' In It bassist Dominic John, she has immersed herself in her latest project…. Three-year-old Virgil Ryman Davis.

Karisa Wilson
Karisa Wilson is an award-winning singer-songwriter based in West Michigan. Her music is an eclectic blend of folk, blues and jazz, or Americana for short. Moving away from a rock-based four piece, her new ensemble is a tribute to the folk tradition: banjo, mandolin, and upright bass featuring musicians Joey Schultz, Jason Wheeler and Max Lockwood (and Karisa on acoustic guitar and violin).

"I was a public school teacher in Grand Rapids for four years. I and my colleagues worked very hard year round (despite the myth of summers off!) to serve the students in our community. We spent hours outside of class one on one with students, preparing lessons, volunteering for sporting events, buying supplies with our own money, communicating with parents, not to mention adding to our own education with summer classes. Cutting money to our schools handicaps both teachers and students. We need to INVEST in them!"

Casey Stratton
Born and raised in Michigan, Casey Stratton trained at Interlochen Arts Academy, released records with major label Sony Records, and now records and releases albums on his independent Sleeping Pill Music imprint. He's scheduled to perform "A Tribute to Tori Amos" as part of the Wealthy Theatre Centennial Concert Series, August 25.

The New Midwest
The New Midwest, winner of this year's “Local Spin of the Year” by the Grand Rapids Press, has worked diligently over the last year to promote social justice in Grand Rapids. Proceeds from their recent record ”Commonwealth” have been supporting Access Food Pantry, a local organization fighting hunger in our town. The band includes teachers, local professionals, and families, all of which are being affected by current political decisions in Lansing. They are pleased to be a part of this exciting event, and look forward to contributing to the conversation.

Big Dudee Roo
Big Dudee Roo believes that music can be more than mere entertainment—it can be inspiration for people to think about the world and their place in it, and to work for something better. The songs often center around themes such as resisting the dominant culture’s ideologies and structures, deeper connection with other humans and the natural world, feminism, social justice, and the many emotions that arise when confronting these issues.

We are appalled by the actions of Rick Snyder and company (and other governments throughout the Midwest) to take away some of the most basic freedoms of Michiganders, particularly in the appointment of all-powerful Emergency Financial Managers in towns such as Benton Harbor. But something larger is happening here as well. A capitalistic and corporatist culture based on domination and exploitation is beginning to heave its last dying breaths, and those at the top, who benefit from the misery of those at the bottom, can sense that things are changing, and are trying desperately to preserve this system at any cost. So it is up to us, the living and loving, to actively create the cultures we want to replace this one, and prevent fascists from creating the culture they want!

Josh Rose
Soul for the now and after. A public school teacher/writer/singer-songwriter who believes in what he does, the lives he impacts, and the importance of his role in society.

Recall Rick Petition Locations

2011-07-20T08:24:00.000-04:00

KCEA/GREA/MEA Building
3205 Eaglecrest (just off the East Beltline, north of Leonard, first side street on the right)
Thursday 11:00-7:00
Friday 11:00-7:00

Taste of GR at John Ball Zoo
Friday 6:00-9:00

Farmer's Market Saturday
8:00-11:00
possibly 11:00-2:00

Blockbuster at 28th and Michael
Saturday 10:00-12:00

Recall Rides the Rapid
Monday at main bus stops around the city beginning around noon.

Protesting Cuts in Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security

2011-07-13T22:59:00.002-04:00

SUPPORT SENIORS, CHILDREN, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES PROTESTING CUTS IN MEDICAID, MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY

What: Protest cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security

Who: Michigan Citizen Action, Health Care for America Now, senior organizations, consumer groups, labor partners, and other community members

When: Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Rally from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Press Conference to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Where: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building (Ottawa side of the building)
110 Michigan St. N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

For more information, contact Erin Knott at 616.901.9649 or email at eknott@michcitizenaction.org

SUPPORT SENIORS, CHILDREN, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES PROTESTING CUTS IN MEDICAID, MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Right now lawmakers in Washington, DC are busy negotiating an agreement to pay our country’s debts and avert economic disaster by raising the national debt ceiling before the August 2nd deadline. We must firmly oppose any deal that includes cuts in Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security while billionaires and corporate CEOs continue to get tax breaks that drain money from the budget.

We can’t run away from our responsibility to seniors, children, people with disabilities and middle-class families. Join Michigan Citizen Action on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 from 4 – 6 for a rally and press conference to let Congressman Amash know that seniors, children, and struggling families should not bear the brunt of reducing the deficit when millionaires and billionaires get a free ride.

We need a reasonable plan for deficit reduction that reflects our values, that protects our families and neighbors, and that doesn’t shift more burdens onto middle class families and states. We must demand a budget plan that reduces the deficit responsibly and works for all Americans – not just millionaires and big business.

Rally for Democracy

2011-07-13T22:54:00.001-04:00

Rally for Democracy

Time:
Sunday, July 31 · 6:00pm - 11:00pm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Location:
The Orbit Room
2525 Lake Eastbrook Dr SE
Grand Rapids, MI

Fight Against:
*financial cuts to the middle class to fund tax cuts for business
*raid on K - 12 school aid fund
*placement of Emergency Financial Managers (resulting in the displacement of elected officials)
*attacks on unions, public employees, collective bargaining, binding arbitration
*attacks on teachers: tenure, pensions, insurance

Join with hundreds of like-minded people to celebrate and protect our precious democracy! Recall Rick Snyder petitions available to sign!

Confirmed Speakers:
Father C. Peter Dougherty - 2009 Winner of Ghandi International Peace Award ("Capitalism: A Love Story")
Bill Freeman - Interfaith Congregation of Holland
Dr. Mike Shibler - Superintendent of Rockford Public Schools
Jeff Smith - The Bloom Collective
Drew Stoppels - The LGBT Network of West Michigan
Poet Randy Smit

Confirmed Performers:
The New Midwest
Casey Stratton

Family friendly. Cash bar available.
Donations encouraged!

Unemployment Workshop

2011-07-03T06:35:00.000-04:00

The Unemployment Workshops

Monday, July 11, 2011
11:00 a.m.
Snacks

KCEA Assembly Room
3205 Eaglecrest Drive NE – Suite 100
Grand Rapids

RSVP by
Thursday, July 7th
To:
Michelle Woznicki
Phone: 616/957-1944
Or
Email: mwoznicki@mea.org

IMPORTANT!! JUNE 30

2011-06-29T17:25:00.001-04:00

UPDATE: Tenure votes may come TODAY! Call senators NOW!

Reports are coming in that the state Senate may vote THIS AFTERNOON on the House package that dismantles teacher tenure and attacks the collective bargaining and due process rights of all school employees.

PLEASE ACT NOW! Call your state Senator and urge them to vote against House Bills 4625-4628. Ask them not to strip good teachers of their rights in order to get the very few bad apples out of classrooms. Tell them we need common-sense tenure reform – which MEA supports through Senate Bill 503.

Contact your Senator right away – before it is too late.
Read more about these bills and what else is happening in Lansing today.

Doug Pratt
Director of Public Affairs
Michigan Education Association

Because we anticipate that the Legislature will try to push through insurance caps and tenure bills tomorrow [June 30], they need to see hundreds of MEA members watching them and encouraging them to do the right thing. Please take time to travel to Lansing to hold your legislators accountable.

MEA will provide briefings at 8:30 a.m. in Room A of MEA HQ (East Lansing), 10:00 a.m. in Room 428 of the Capitol, and 1 p.m. in Room 428 of the Capitol.
Your presence will make a difference!

Thanks – Tom
Tom Ferris
Southern Zone Field Services Director
Director of Organizing
Michigan Education Association

Disclaimer: Michiganvotes.org website is “a free public service of the Mackinac Center of Public Policy”. Please read any legislation descriptions with this in mind. The links to who voted “yes” and who voted “no” are valuable.

From the website: About MichiganVotes.org descriptions: The descriptions on this site are assembled by the editor from a variety of sources. Bill sponsors, legislative analysts, and policy specialists from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy and from many other organizations are often consulted to provide background and context for particular bills or votes. Many descriptions contain verbatim passages from bill analyses created by the House Legislative Analysis Section, House Fiscal Agency, Senate Fiscal Agency, and other non-copyrighted public sources.

Update received from michiganvotes.org
House Bill 4625: Make it easier to fire ineffective teachers
Reported in the Senate on June 28, 2011, with the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=137751

House Bill 4626: Make it easier to fire ineffective teachers
Reported in the Senate on June 28, 2011, with the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=137752

House Bill 4627: Ban laying off more effective but less senior teachers first (“LIFO”)
Reported in the Senate on June 28, 2011, with the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=137753

House Bill 4628: Ban school unions bargaining over staffing decisions
Reported in the Senate on June 28, 2011, with the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=137754

Recent Attacks

2011-06-21T11:52:00.002-04:00

Listed below are recent attacks on MESSA and on the rights of our fellow union members.

Senate Bill 446: Increase MESSA and other government insurance disclosures
Introduced by Sen. Phil Pavlov (R) on June 15, 2011, to increase the amount of detail required in the insurance claims information that schools and local governments are required to report under a 2006 law that among other things required MESSA, the MEA teacher union's insurance affiliate, to release individual school district claims history data.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=138439

Senate Bill 446
Reported in the Senate on June 16, 2011, with the recommendation that the bill pass.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=138439

House Bill 4752: Increase MESSA and other government insurance disclosure
Introduced by Rep. Deb Shaughnessy (R) on June 14, 2011, to increase the amount of detail required in the insurance claims information that schools and local governments are required to report under a 2006 law that among other things required MESSA, the MEA teacher union's insurance affiliate, to release individual school district claims history data.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=138520

Senate Bill 165: Ban project labor agreements
Introduced by Sen. John Moolenaar (R) on February 17, 2011.
Passed 26 to 12 in the Senate on June 16, 2011, to prohibit project labor agreements in state, school and local public construction, road projects, etc., or as a condition of selective tax breaks granted for private projects. Project labor agreements require a contractor to mandate that each employee must join a union as a condition of working on a project. Note: Projects using any state money would still be subject to the “prevailing wage” law, which prohibits awarding government contracts to the lowest bidder unless the contractor pays so-called "prevailing wages" based on union pay scales, which are generally above actual market rates. Senate Bill 95 and House Bill 4224 would repeal “prevailing wage”.
See [Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"] at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=574424

Upcoming Events

2011-06-16T21:14:00.002-04:00

Don't forget the Whitecaps baseball game at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 18. Wear red and bring the flyer sent to you on Groupwise for a deal on your ticket. This is a fun way to support unions!

Also remember to picket the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce (111 Pearl Street) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, June 20. The key issues are attacks on pensions, the poor, and the working poor. This is a great opportunity to support all the unions that are supporting us!

Reduction in Staff

2011-06-12T12:35:00.002-04:00

The questions and answers below are intended for general informational purposes only. Please contact Main Office, Dan Magennis, or Michelle Thomas with more specific questions.

RECALL PROCESS
Question: How does the recall process work and when does it begin?
Answer: The recall process has no set beginning or end, if it occurs at all. The Administration is under no contractual obligation to start recalling by a certain date or to stop by a certain date. If they do recall pink slipped employees, they must start at the top of the recall list (the most senior person who is highly qualified for the position).

RECALL LIST
Question: If a person gets hired into another district throughout the summer, do they remain on the seniority list so they could still get a call back? (I am assuming this question comes from the fact that person would like to still be here if possible.)
Answer: Yes, you will remain on the call back list (more information below on the call back list) for the required time (explained below) or until you decline Kentwood's call back.

BENEFITS
Question: When do my benefits end if I do not get recalled?
Answer: Contact Main Office for specific information on benefits.

SICK DAYS
Question: Do you get compensated for your sick days when you are pink-slipped?
Answer: No, pink slipped teachers do not get compensated for their sick days. On page 16 of our contract, unused accumulated sick leave is only paid upon the severance of a teacher who has taught 10 or more years, and those teachers only receive compensation if they have 25 or more sick days.

MY CLASSROOM
Question: If I am pink slipped, by what date do I need to have my personal items removed from my classroom?
Answer: The district will let you know this information.

UNEMPLOYMENT
Question: If I collect unemployment and get recalled, do I have to pay the District back?
Answer: According to our contract page 49, "Any teacher who collects unemployment compensation during the summer months and who is recalled as a teacher by August 1, shall reimburse the District the amount of benefits through payroll deduction or direct payment to the District". Also, you may face a tax liability if you take unemployment and have to pay the district back! Suggestion: If you decide to collect unemployment, place that money into a separate account that remains untouched until you know it is yours to spend.

UNEMPLOYMENT
Question: When can the pink slipped staff begin to collect unemployment, etc.?
Answer: Check the pink slip letter you received from Administration; the effective layoff date is listed on that letter. If you choose to file for unemployment, keep that date in mind. Also, check out the state's website identifying requirements to qualify. http://www.michigan.gov/uia There is a lot of information for you to read (more than what will fit here!!). Don't forget that to read the question and answer above about repaying unemployment!!

Question: With a one year contract that is up and not being renewed...Do you know if I would be eligible for unemployment?
Answer: Check the website listed above to see what is necessary to qualify for unemployment.

RECALL LIST
Question: How long do I remain on the District's recall list if I do not get recalled this year? When is the start date for that period of time?
Answer: The recall list shall be maintained by the Board for three full school years or a period equivalent to the individual teacher's accumulated seniority, whichever is greater (contract page 50). So, for example, if you are pink slipped this spring , your name will remain on the recall list for the next 3 full years: the '11-'12 school year, '12-'13 school year, and '13-'14 school year.

SENIORITY LIST
Question: How does pink slipping work if I share the same hire date with others?
Answer: Seniority is based first on starting date, second on Board confirmation date, and third on the date on which the written contract was signed. So if you share a starting date, then the Board confirmation date is looked at. If you share a starting date and Board confirmation date, then the date of the signed contract is looked at. If you share all three of those criteria with other people, then your names are put into a drawing and pulled to determine "seniority". If callbacks occur, the most senior person with the qualifications for the open position will be called back first and then on down to the least senior person for jobs in which that person is qualified (refer to page 48 of our contract).

BUMPING RIGHTS
Question: While I haven't been pink slipped, my position has been eliminated. Do I have "bumping rights"?
Answer: "Bumping rights" means that an employee whose position has been eliminated can choose to push (bump) a less senior person out of a desired position. Kentwood does not have bumping rights for its employees. Your seniority gives you a position in the district, but the Administration chooses where to place you. So if your position has been eliminated, yet you have enough seniority that you are not receiving a pink slip, the Administration will determine a placement for you. You may make a request for placement, but the Administration does not have to honor that request (see contract pages 23-24).

26 PAYS
Question: I opted for 26 pays. If I am pink slipped, do I still get my 26 paychecks?
Answer: Yes, you still get all 26 paychecks. The paychecks teachers receive during the summer are deferred money from paychecks during the school year. Money is taken from each paycheck during the school year and set aside so teachers can receive paychecks during the summer.

Unemployment Information

2011-06-12T12:32:00.001-04:00

How to file a claim for unemployment benefits

A claim begins the week it is filed. Therefore, you should file your claim during your first week of unemployment. There are two ways to file a new claim or reopen an existing claim:

1. telephone - 1-866-500-0017 Your scheduled time for filing by telephone is based on the last two digits of your social security number.
Mon. 8:00 am to 12:30 pm 00-15
Mon. 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm 16-33
Tues. 8:00 am to 12:30 pm 34-48
Tues. 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm 49-66
Wed. 8:00 am to 12:30 pm 67-81
Wed. 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm 82-99
Thurs. and Fri. Open Call-In

2. internet - www.michigan.gov/uiaThe website is available from 7:00 am Monday through 7:00 pm Saturday.Once you file a new claim, you will be mailed:
a determination showing if you qualify based on the wages you have earned, the amount of weekly benefits and the number of weeks you may receive
if there is an eligibility issue with your claim, you will receive a separate notice
a booklet with detailed information about your rights and responsibilities for unemployment benefits - read the materials carefully.

There is much more information about claiming unemployment benefits in Michigan. Visit the website listed above for general information. If you have any questions or problems with your telephone or internet-filed claim, you can inquire about the claim by calling 1-866-500-0017 and selecting Option 3. This is a toll-free number open weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. There are also problem resolution offices in Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Livonia, Marquette and Saginaw for in-person assistance with any problem you have with your claim (see website for locations).

Please note that members of the Kentwood Education Association are not experts on unemployment. This information is provided only as general information and should not be taken as advice, recommendations, or expert information on the topic.

Information above taken from Fact Sheet #36, January 2008, Claiming Unemployment Benefits in Michigan, State of Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Unemployment Insurance Agency

Cost of Economic Security

2011-06-12T12:05:00.000-04:00

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/06/single-income_earners_struggle.html

BY THE NUMBERS
Cost of economic security
What one worker in a family with two schoolchildren must earn to be economically secure:

Hourly Annual wage income
Kent County: $22.23/hour $46,944/year
Ottawa County: $22.29/hour $47,076/year
Allegan County: $22.64/hour $47,820/year
Barry County: $21.91/hour $46,284/year
Ionia County: $22.51/hour $47,544/year
Montcalm County: $20.43/hour $43,140/year
Newaygo County: $20.53/hour $43,368/year
Source: Wider Opportunities for Women and Michigan League for Human Services

Current Legislation

2011-06-10T13:02:00.000-04:00

Please note that the following legislative actions have been taken.
House Bill 4625: Make it easier to fire ineffective teachers
Amendment offered by Rep. Kate Segal (D) on June 8, 2011, to eliminate the tie-bar the bill to House Bill 4628, which prohibits this bill from becoming law unless that one does also. HB 4628 would prohibit teacher unions from bargaining over staffing decisions, including assignments, promotions, demotions, transfers, layoffs, methods for assessing “effectiveness,” discipline and merit pay systems. The amendment failed 47 to 62 in the House on June 8, 2011, to eliminate the tie-bar the bill to House Bill 4628, which prohibits this bill from becoming law unless that one does also. HB 4628 would prohibit teacher unions from bargaining over staffing decisions, including assignments, promotions, demotions, transfers, layoffs, methods for assessing “effectiveness,” discipline and merit pay systems. See [Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"] at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=573769

House Bill 4625: Make it easier to fire ineffective teachers
Introduced by Rep. Bill Rogers (R) on May 10, 2011. Passed 70 to 37 in the House on June 9, 2011, to revise the standards for granting a public school teacher “tenure,” and streamline the procedures for taking it away. Among other things the bill would extend from four years to five years the "probationary" period before a new teacher is granted this privilege; require the dismissal of a probationary teacher who is twice rated “ineffective” in one school year; eliminate certain automatic presumptions that a teacher is “effective;” limit the number of “second chances” (and third ones) for teachers placed on probation; and more. For more details see House Fiscal Agency analysis. This is part of a package comprised of House Bills 4625 to 4628. See [Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"] at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=573859

House Bill 4626: Make it easier to fire ineffective teachers
Introduced by Rep. Paul Scott (R) on May 10, 2011. Passed 61 to 46 in the House on June 9, 2011, to revise a provision that prohibits firing or demoting a public school teacher except for "reasonable and just cause,” changing this to “for a reason that is not arbitrary and capricious.” Also, to only pay a suspended teacher for 90 days, unless the suspension is reversed in an appeal hearing. Finally, to revise the definition of a “demotion” of a teacher (which triggers a host of procedural mandates), from a loss of pay equal to three days of employment to a loss equal to 30 days, or a 15 day suspension. See [Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"] at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=573860

House Bill 4627: Ban laying off more effective but less senior teachers first (“LIFO”)
Amendment offered by Rep. Roy Schmidt (D) on June 8, 2011, to exempt from the proposed policy teachers who are rated either "effective" or "highly effective." In other words, a school could still lay-off a "highly effective" teacher with less seniority ahead of an "effective" one who has more years on the payroll. The amendment passed by voice vote in the House on June 8, 2011, to exempt from the proposed policy teachers who are rated either "effective" or "highly effective." In other words, a school could still lay-off a "highly effective" teacher with less seniority ahead of an "effective" one who has more years on the payroll. http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=137753

House Bill 4627: Ban laying off more effective but less senior teachers first (“LIFO”)
Introduced by Rep. Margaret O'Brien (R) on May 10, 2011. Passed 68 to 39 in the House on June 9, 2011, to require public schools to make teacher layoff decisions on the basis of whether a teacher is more or less “effective,” and prohibit using seniority as the primary or determining factor(“last in first out,” or LIFO). Among other things, “effective” would be measured by evidence of increased student achievement. If a school district’s current employee union contract prohibits these criteria, they would only go into effect after it has expired. See [Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"] at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=573861

House Bill 4628: Ban school unions bargaining over staffing decisions
Introduced by Rep. Ken Yonker (R) on May 10, 2011. Passed 59 to 48 in the House on June 9, 2011, to prohibit public school employee unions from bargaining over staffing decisions, including assignments, promotions, demotions, transfers, layoffs, methods for assessing “effectiveness,” discipline and merit pay systems. Current law already bans bargaining over privatization, school schedules and several other items. See [Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"] at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=573862
MichiganVotes.org promotes Government Transparency and Government Accountability.

WE ARE ONE WALK

2011-04-16T20:37:00.006-04:00

From the Kent-Ionia Labor Council On April 19, 1911, despite different languages, ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs, more than 6,000 furniture workers came together and walked off the job, protesting working conditions and pay. They became ONE for a common cause. On April 19, 2011, advocates for civil and human rights will be walking as ONE for the rights of all workers to stand as one for our middle class way of life, a voice in the political process and the respect that all working men and women deserve. WE ARE ONE WALK APRIL 19, 2011 4:30 P.M SPIRIT OF SOLIDARITY MONUMENT (303 Pearl St., N.W.) PLEASE BRING SIGNS WITH YOUR OWN MESSAGE GUEST SPEAKERS: John J. Egan, President, Labor Heritage Society of West Michigan, Inc. *Brandon Dillon, State Representative, 75th House District *Roy Schmidt, State Representative, 76th House District After a short program we will walk from the Spirit of Solidarity Monument to 420 Alabama, the J.S. Hyatt building in SOLIDARITY AS ONE! This building, rich in history was known in 1911 as the Fritz Manufacturing Company and was one of the many furniture factories targeted by the Striking Workers in 1911. We are walking as ONE in protest of the current anti-worker agenda and as a celebration of respect to the 1911 Furniture Workers. There is a city ramp on Scribner near the half way point with ample parking. PLEASE JOIN US (RAIN OR SHINE) ON THE 19TH! *If Representative Dillon or Schmidt cannot attend they will send a Legislative Aide

Capitol Comments April 14, 2011

2011-04-16T20:04:00.000-04:00

http://msg4svc.net/servlet/Pv?c=703d6e65616d6926733d3439303733266d3d32363126743d4826723d4e2664613d30267469643d30

Banning Payroll of Union Stewards

2011-04-15T12:13:00.000-04:00

House Bill 4059 (Ban putting union stewards on public payroll )Introduced by Rep. Marty Knollenberg (R) on January 13, 2011. Passed 59 to 47 in the House on April 14, 2011, to ban government employee union contracts that pay employees who are union officials for time they spend on the job conducting union business. Among other government employers, many public school districts give local union officials full teacher salary and benefits but do not require them to teach or perform any other educational function. See [Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"] at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=565227

Michigan Parents for Schools

2011-04-08T12:37:00.004-04:00

An email from a fellow MEA member:

Colleagues, Michigan Parents for Schools is a parent-sponsored website fighting for public education and educators. I'm forwarding this to you in the hope you'll forward it to your fellow MEA members and to your sympathetic parents. It's action links below (blue) send you to a page where you can build your own email by clicking pre-written talking points and/or writing your own. Your single email then goes to Snyder and your two MI legislators... press send, three emails sent. This is an amazingly easy and quick way to keep pressure on Lansing via emails. I plan on using this site like I take vitamins... every day... it's that easy. MIPFS also sends out periodic in-depth updates on edu-legislation, very detailed background info. They are among the best info sources I've found for late breaking Lansing wonkisms... factual, analytical, insightful. I recommend MIPFS to you for your info arsenal, or at the very least for periodic reminders that intelligent caring parents are out there fighting at our sides for our students and for us.

Brit Satchwell (AAEA) on behalf of Steve Norton, Exec. Dir. of Michigan Parents for Schools

Everyone who values public education in Michigan needs to speak out NOW

Join MIPFS in this Important Moment to Protect Our Schools

Let your lawmakers know how YOU feel about their plans for public schools!

Dear Friends and Supporters of Education,

This is an extraordinary moment for public education in the state of Michigan. The full impact of the Great Recession, and of years of trying to ignore funding problems in education, are hitting our communities all at once. Dramatic changes are proposed, because "dire times require drastic measures." Over $1 billion would be cut from education under the Governor's proposed budget, most of that from K-12 education. These cuts would dramatically affect our schools, and limit the education we can offer to our children for years to come. Do the changes make sense? Do they reflect the real needs and values of the people of Michigan? We're not so sure. You haven't heard from Michigan Parents for Schools in a while, but we have been busy behind the scenes. Most importantly, we've been "eating our own cooking" by building alliances to support public education at the local and regional level. All of us have learned a lot, and we hope to share what we've learned with interested citizens across Michigan. But right now, the most pressing action is in Lansing. And while the problem is at the state capitol, the solution rests in communities all around the state. None of us can go it alone. Only by joining together can we ensure that our State continues to invest in education - to invest in the future of our children and our communities.

Tell our political leaders that huge cuts to education do not reflect our values and will not move our State forward! The problems are huge, and the answers are not easy. But the proposals currently on offer in Lansing - that rely on slashing funds for education and increasing the burden on the most vulnerable members of society, including children - will not get us where we need to go. We need to remind our fellow citizens of our common commitment to invest in the future of our children and our communities. Excellent public schools are a centerpiece of that commitment. Those of us who value our public schools - parents, educators, citizens - need to lead that critical effort.

You will be hearing more from us soon, as we work to build alliances across the state. In the meantime, make sure to let your state lawmakers know how you feel! Please join us as we reach out to people all around Michigan who share our commitment to education and our vision of a better future for everyone in our state.

With thanks, Steven Norton Executive Director Michigan Parents for Schools

http://capwiz.com/miparentsforschools/issues/alert/?alertid=40183501&type=ML

http://www.mipfs.org/

DEFEND THE MIDDLE CLASS

2011-04-08T12:28:00.003-04:00

Make Your Voice Heard - Take Action at the State Capitol WHAT: Rally to protest attacks on middle class families WHO: Students, seniors and workers from across Michigan WHEN: Wednesday, April 13 Protest, Legislative Action from 1-6:30 p.m. Speaking programs at 2 and 5:30 p.m. WHERE: State Capitol Building 100 Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI WHY: Politicians are unfairly exploiting Michigan’s economic crisis to attack students, seniors and working families. Join us on April 13 to fight back and let the politicians know that We Are The People, and it’s time to start protecting the middle class – not the CEOs. NOTE: Please bring a canned good to donate to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

Legislation Out There

2011-03-25T19:13:00.001-04:00

The latest in legislation attempting to bully union workers:

House Bill 4465 (Suspend or revoke teaching certificate of illegally striking teacher ) Introduced by Rep. Bill Rogers (R) on March 22, 2011, to suspend for two years the teaching certificate of a public school teacher who engages in an illegal strike. If the teacher did not show up at a hearing on the suspension, the license could be revoked permanently. http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=135649

Representatives Jim Jordan (R-OH), Tim Scott (R-SC), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Dan Burton (R-IN), and Louie Gohmert (R-TX) have introduced legislation that would cut off all food stamp benefits to any family where one adult member is engaging in a strike against an employer. This would have a chilling effect on workers who are considering going on strike for better wages, benefits, or working conditions - things that would allow them to meet their families’ needs without food stamps.

Keeping Informed

2011-03-19T22:43:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of ways to keep informed of legislative updates.
Go to www.mea.org/

Select the “Legislative and Political Information” tab.
Select the “Cyberlobbying System” tab.
Scroll to the middle under “Michigan Legislative Action Center”.
Select “Action E-List”. Complete the form.
This allows you to “Get an alert when your involvement can make a critical difference.”

On the same page, scroll to the bottom under “Election”.
Select “MegaVote”. Complete the form.
This allows you to “Get your reps’ votes by e-mail weekly.”

Blueberry Story: A Businessman Learns a Lesson

2011-03-17T20:57:00.002-04:00

BLUEBERRY STORY A Businessman Learns a Lessonby Jamie Robert Vollmer

"If I ran my business the way you people operate your schools, I wouldn't be in business very long!" I stood before an auditorium filled with outraged teachers who were becoming angrier by the minute. My speech had entirely consumed their precious 90 minutes of in-service. Their initial icy glares had turned to restless agitation. You could cut the hostility with a knife.

I represented a group of business people dedicated to improving public schools. I was an executive at an ice cream company that became famous in the middle 1980s when People Magazine chose our blueberry as the "Best Ice Cream in America." I was convinced of two things.

First, public schools needed to change; they were archaic selecting and sorting mechanisms designed for the industrial age and out of step with the needs of our emerging "knowledge society."

Second, educators were a major part of the problem: they resisted change, hunkered down in their feathered nests, protected by tenure and shielded by a bureaucratic monopoly.

They needed to look to business. We knew how to produce quality. Zero defects! TQM! Continuous improvement! In retrospect, the speech was perfectly balanced equal parts ignorance and arrogance.

As soon as I finished, a woman's hand shot up. She appeared polite, pleasant - she was, in fact, a razor-edged, veteran, high school English teacher who had been waiting to unload. She began quietly, "We are told, sir, that you manage a company that makes good ice cream."

I smugly replied, "Best ice cream in America, Ma'am."

"How nice," she said. "Is it rich and smooth?"

"Sixteen percent butterfat," I crowed.

"Premium ingredients?" she inquired.

"Super-premium! Nothing but triple A." I was on a roll. I never saw the next line coming.

"Mr. Vollmer," she said, leaning forward with a wicked eyebrow raised to the sky, "when you are standing on your receiving dock and you see an inferior shipment of blueberries arrive, what do you do?"

In the silence of that room, I could hear the trap snap. I was dead meat, but I wasn't going to lie. "I send them back."

"That's right!" she barked, "and we can never send back our blueberries. We take them big, small, rich, poor, gifted, exceptional, abused, frightened confident, homeless, rude, and brilliant. We take them all: GT, ADHD, ADD, SLD, EI, MMR, OHI, TBI, DD, Autistic, junior rheumatoid arthritis, English as their second language, etc. We take them all! Everyone! And that, Mr. Vollmer, is why it's not a business. It's school!" In an explosion, all 290 teachers, principals, bus drivers, aides, custodians and secretaries jumped to their feet and yelled, "Yeah! Blueberries! Blueberries!"

And so began my long transformation. Since then, I have visited hundreds of schools. I have learned that a school is not a business. Schools are unable to control the quality of their raw material, they are dependent upon the vagaries of politics for a reliable revenue stream, and they are constantly mauled by a howling horde of disparate, competing customer groups that would send the best CEO screaming into the night.

None of this negates the need for change. We must change what, when and how we teach to give all children maximum opportunity to thrive in a post-industrial society. But educators cannot do this alone; these changes can occur only with the understanding, trust, permission and active support of the surrounding community.For the most important thing I have learned is that schools reflect the attitudes, beliefs and health of the communities they serve, and therefore, education means more than changing our schools, it means changing America.

Please forward THE BLUEBERRY STORY to teachers, parents, politicians and everyone interested in education

Diane Ravitch Clip

2011-03-17T20:41:00.000-04:00

From South Redford EA: This is a link to an interesting interview on the Daily Show with Diane Ravitch about her book about public education and not placing blame on the "bad" teachers.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-march-3-2011/diane-ravitch

NY Times article: U.S. Is Urged to Raise Teachers’ Status

2011-03-17T20:21:00.003-04:00

Check out this article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/education/16teachers.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Capitol Comments

2011-03-15T16:11:00.001-04:00

Check out the most recent Capitol Comments from MEA!

http://msg4svc.net/servlet/Pv?c=703d6e65616d6926733d323135313237266d3d32343026743d4826723d4e2664613d30267469643d30

Current Legislation

2011-03-14T20:52:00.002-04:00

Please note that the following legislative actions have been taken.

Senate Bill 157 (Increase power of school and local emergency financial managers )Introduced by Sen. Phil Pavlov (R) on February 16, 2011. Passed 26 to 12 in the Senate on March 9, 2011, to exempt schools placed under a emergency financial manager with the enhanced powers proposed by Senate Bill 153 from also being placed under the supervision of state school reform/redesign officer (a position created for academically failed schools under legislation intended to make Michigan eligible for federal “Race to the Top” grants, which it did not get). Among other things, SB 153 would give the EFM the power to cancel existing government or teacher union contracts.
See [Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"] at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=552586 Senate Bill 158 (Increase power of school and local emergency financial managers )Substitute offered in the Senate on March 8, 2011, to replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described. The substitute passed by voice vote in the Senate on March 8, 2011, to replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=132638
House Bill 4152 (Limit certain automatic government union employee pay hikes) Introduced by Rep. Marty Knollenberg (R) on January 26, 2011. Passed 63 to 47 in the House on March 10, 2011, to establish that when a government employee union contract has expired and no replacement has been negotiated, any seniority-based automatic pay hikes for individual employees (“step increases”) may not occur. Also, that any increase in health benefit costs above the former contract be borne by the employee, and establish that the wages and benefits under a new contract may be made retroactive to the expiration date of the old one.
See [Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"] at http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=552966

Disclaimer: This bit at the bottom is from michiganvotes@mackinac.org.
MichiganVotes is "Transparency 1.0" applied to the legislature. Experience "Transparency 2.0" with the new Michigan Capitol Confidential Daily (www.michigancapitolconfidential.com): Reporting the unreported news from Michigan's Capitol.

Upcoming Rally

2011-03-11T22:34:00.001-05:00

From Doug Pratt, MEA Director of Public Affairs

Yesterday in Capitol Comments, we announced the next major Working Michigan coalition event in Lansing next Wednesday -- two afternoon protests at the Capitol to stand up against the many attacks on Michigan's Middle Class. The first begins at noon, the second at 4 p.m. The goal of the noon protest is to show the state House of Representatives the same show of force the Senate saw earlier this week in Lansing -- and to keep that energy going throughout the afternoon. If we have retirees and other members available for that earlier event on Wednesday, we'd love to have them in Lansing. The 4 p.m. protest is designed particularly to allow for involvement of our members who work during the day. We hope as many members as possible will head straight from work to the Capitol steps in Lansing to make their voices heard to lawmakers, the media and the public. The intent is to keep building the numbers and energy of this rally well into the evening. Even if members can't arrive by 4, they should DEFINITELY still come and add to the protest whenever they can. By Monday, I hope to have more details on the Wednesday protests to share. For now, please pass the word to your members to join us on Wednesday afternoon in Lansing as we continue to ratchet up efforts to make the voices of the Middle Class heard at the Capitol and beyond.

Tips from MEA

2011-03-11T22:19:00.001-05:00

Michigan Legislative Protocol –
Communicating With Your Michigan Legislators

The information here is provided to assist you in communicating effectively with members of the Michigan legislature. This is not a definitive guide to legislative communications. It is meant to provide the foundation for effective grassroots advocacy.

Michigan Legislative Protocol - Tips for Writing Your State Legislators

The letter is a direct way to communicate with a state legislative office. When writing a letter, this list of suggestions will improve its effectiveness:
• Individually written letters, rather than mass generated form letters, make a greater impression on your legislator. Type your name, address, and phone number at the top.
• Most state legislatures are only in session part of the year. The Michigan State Legislature is in session January 12, 2011 through TBA. When the legislature is out of session, it may be more effective to send your letter to your legislator's district office, if the legislator has one.
• Addressing correspondence:
To the State Senate

The Honorable (Full Name)
State Capitol, (Room Number)
Michigan Senate
Lansing, MI 48909

To the State House of Representatives

The Honorable (Full Name)
State Capitol, (Room Number)
Michigan House of Representatives
Lansing, MI 48909
• Be specific. Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, be sure to identify its full name and number, e.g. House Bill: HB_____, Senate Bill: SB_____.Try to send your letter while the issue is still alive.
• State your position. Explain why you support or oppose this particular issue. Keep in mind that local examples concerning the impact of this legislation are very powerful. Be courteous and to the point, keeping your letter focused on one issue.
• Ask for a response. Indicate to your legislator that you would appreciate a reply containing his/her position on the issue. "Sincerely yours" is a proper way to conclude your letter.
Follow up. If you agree with your legislator's vote, take the time to let him/her know that. Similarly, if you disagree with his or her vote, inform your legislator.

Michigan Legislative Protocol - Tips for Calling Your State Legislators

To find your state legislator's phone number, you may use our searchable online state legislature directory or call your state's switchboard at 517-373-1837 and ask for your Senator and/ or Representative's office.

Keep in mind that most state legislatures are only in session part-time, so try to get the number for your legislator's district office. Telephone calls are often taken by a staff member and not the actual legislative member. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue to which you wish to comment. If they are not available, you may also leave a message. If you speak with someone other than your legislator, take down their name and title.

Upon reaching your state legislator on the phone, it's easiest to follow these four basic steps:
• IDENTIFY yourself by name and the organization (if any) that you represent or the town from which you are calling.
• EXPLAIN why you are calling: "I am calling to support/oppose House Bill: HB_____, Senate Bill: SB_____. " Be polite and concise. Creating 1 or 2 talking points will focus the content of your message. Too much information may confuse your message. Ask your legislator his/her position on this issue. Don't assume that your legislator has prior knowledge of your issue. Be calm, respectful, and be prepared to educate, using local examples to accentuate your point.
• REQUEST a written response to your phone call if you did not speak to your legislative member. If the legislator requires further information, provide it as soon as possible.
THANK the person who took the phone call for their time and consideration.

Talking Points

2011-03-11T22:14:00.002-05:00

I received a copy of this letter. I believe it is quite informative and can offer some good talking point for contacting your legislator or even when talking with family and friends.

Disclaimer: This information is from SOS Michigan and is being distributed by MASB. With that said, the text is still pretty good.
Last year, when the legislature shifted $208 million from the School Aid Fund (SAF) to the General Fund for community colleges it was sold to the education community as a one-time transfer being used under a tight deadline and extreme circumstances. Now the proposal is coming from a different end of the Capitol. Gov. Snyder has proposed an unprecedented shift in School Aid resources from the K-12 schools of Michigan to universities and community colleges. Allowing the use of School Aid dollars for higher education, a $900 million transfer, will result in a minimum $470 per pupil cut for every district. Some districts will see much deeper cuts due to long-standing appropriations such as declining enrollment and special education payments to ISDs that the governor has proposed eliminating. These cuts are on top of the increase in state mandated costs for retirement, which will cost schools another $230 per pupil. Adding these together, the governor’s budget proposal would in essence reduce every school’s revenues by a minimum of $700 per pupil. Not many schools can absorb that type of reduction without devastating their educational programs.

In 1994 Michigan voters decided to set up a state funding model for schools. The promise to the people was that the state would shoulder the responsibility of funding the K-12 system in exchange for limiting the ability to levy local school operating millages. Since that promise was made, it’s been routinely broken. Since the passage of Proposal A, the SAF has seen an annual disinvestment by leaders in Lansing. General Fund contributions to the SAF have decreased from $664 million in 1995 to $18 million last year. Additionally, as money became tight in the state’s General Fund, programs from other departments have slowly become the very expensive obligation of the SAF. These transfers total $223 million annually. When you combine those two very large items with last year’s unprecedented shift of $208 million from schools to community colleges, the total in shifts, transfers and disinvestment creeps up over the billion-dollar mark.

Before last year the state had NEVER used School Aid funds for higher education. It was never even proposed. Now Lansing is preparing to use hundreds of millions of dollars from the SAF for non-K-12 programs. Enough is enough. It’s time we hold our elected officials accountable and demand that they keep the promise to the taxpayers, the children of Michigan and the future of our state. We can’t cut our way out of this problem, we need a solution that invests in education and seeks to prepare every child in Michigan for the 21st Century economy and workforce.

If the legislature would simply keep the promise of Proposal A and use the School Aid Fund for K-12, schools could see about a $260 per pupil increase next year. That’s right, if the legislature would reject the governor’s proposal to use School Aid Fund money for higher education our foundation allowances can go up rather than down.

What Can You Do??
With the very real threat of a $700 reduction facing our schools, it’s imperative that we let legislators know the importance of rejecting Gov. Snyder’s shift of community colleges and universities into the School Aid budget. Members of the legislature need to hear from education supporters not just in Lansing, but also in your district. Contact your state representatives and senators to find out when they’re available in the district to discuss the governor’s proposal. Tell them exactly what the proposed budget cuts will mean for your school and let them know you’ll be informing your community about the broken promises from Lansing.

The governor has talked about "shared sacrifices" but proposed a budget with nearly $2 billion in tax reductions for business paid for, in part, by huge reductions in education. SOS has supported sacrifices by school employees with reduced pensions and increase payments. We also support having all school employees share in the cost of their health care premiums. We absorbed reductions in various aspects of our school funding over the past several years. We’ve moved from being one of the highest funded K-12 systems in the country to being below average. Let’s be fair. We’ll make sacrifices but Lansing is going too far with this proposal.

When you talk with your legislators stress the importance of keeping the promise to the voters and children of Michigan. We’re asking superintendents and school boards to work on documents to help explain the budget scenario to the public. We’ll be providing you with templates and ideas over the coming weeks.

Keep this fact in mind, if the legislature rejects Gov. Snyder’s proposal to shift money away from schools, there’s enough in the School Aid Fund to avoid cuts this year. Lawmakers must work on a solution that stabilizes the General Fund and keeps the promise of Proposal A.
~ Michelle Thomas

Emergency Financial Manager Package Passes

2011-03-09T15:53:00.001-05:00

From an e-mail sent to local leaders:

Thank you to all that helped us fill the capital, the phone lines or email boxes of legislators yesterday and today. Some of us went back this morning to make one last push. As you have probably heard the Emergency Financial Manager package passed about 1:30 today. Now some will say that was a waste. I say NO, it was not. I have never seen so much solidarity between unions here in Michigan. It was not just at the top level but all through labor. Standing on the second level of the rotunda, the positive energy was amazing. Brothers and sisters together united for one cause.

A big thank you goes out to our Democratic legislators. They offered every trick in the book to slow the train and derail the legislation. Hats off to them! If you have a chance thank them for their efforts.

We lost the battle but the war is not over. I attended the second hearing on SB. 4306. This is the bill that requires the bidding and privatizing of support staff in school districts. They did not get to all of the testimony and will be continuing it next Wednesday. There is more legislation just as degrading. I believe the war is winnable but it will call for our highest level of solidarity not only with other unions but within our own.

Keep watching your email for updates and checking the web site for current information.

Iris

More Scary Stuff - Now in Ohio

2011-03-05T22:42:00.002-05:00

Checkout the following websites:

Ohio EA: www.ohea.org

http://sb5ohio.com/about-me/

These are frightening times in which we are living.

Rally at the Capitol

2011-03-05T22:14:00.000-05:00

Attention MEA members and retirees!

RALLY TO PROTEST
EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER BILLS

Tuesday, March 8 – 9 a.m.
at the State Capitol in Lansing

Working Michigan, a coalition of organizations dedicated to protecting working families and Michigan’s Middle Class Dream, will be holding a rally to protest the package of “Emergency Financial Manager” bills that is currently in the state Senate.

MEA is proud to stand with that coalition.

There will be a vote on the Senate floor on Tuesday, March 8 – and we will be outside the Capitol building to tell our lawmakers to oppose Senate Bills 153 through 158 and any further attacks on Michigan workers.

These bills echo the anti-worker legislation in Wisconsin that has caused thousands to stand up in protest. These Michigan bills propose to strip away collective bargaining rights from public workers in school districts and municipalities that are in financial emergencies – emergencies that our state lawmakers caused by not funding our communities!

State-appointed “takeover czars” would be able to void your contracts – imposing your wages, benefits and working conditions without your input. Additionally, these bills would essentially nullify the people's vote, stripping your elected officials of their power and allowing removal of those officials from office without any checks or balances from voters.

This package of bills is moving very fast through the Legislature!

Make your voice heard in opposition to these anti-worker, anti-democratic bills!

Stand with us on Tuesday, March 8 at the Capitol!

Get Involved!

2011-02-21T19:11:00.001-05:00

MEA Voice Online -- Feb. 21, 2011

Standing up for public education and public school employees

Here's what you can do to help NOW
While the ongoing political assault on public workers continues to be fought in and around the state Capitol in Wisconsin, that isn't the only battle going on for America's public schools and the middle class. Similar fights are well underway in Indiana and Ohio -- and Michigan.

MEA members need to stand up for public education and public school employees -- here in Michigan and across the country. Here's what you can do to help:

Wear red on Tuesday to show your support for public education and the rights of the public school employees who make our schools great. This effort is part of NEA's "Wear Red for Public Ed," which encourages members to wear red every Tuesday for the rest of the school year.

Sign a national petition supporting the rights of educators and other public employees -- go to www.educationvotes.nea.org and click on "National Petition."

Use your Facebook and Twitter accounts to show support for public education and workers. Share messages of support on your own pages or add to comments on MEA's pages or the pages of state affiliates in Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio.

This Tuesday, Michigan unions are organizing a lobbying effort in Lansing around Gov. Rick Snyder's budget proposal and a package of emergency financial manager bills that could gut employee rights. If you can join in the effort starting at 9 a.m. at the Central United Methodist Church (215 N. Capitol, across from the Capitol building) in Lansing, email dpratt@mea.org right away for more information.

And, as always, continue talking with lawmakers back home in your districts -- let them know how you feel about these issues as a constituent. Stay tuned to www.mea.org/gov for updates.

Reminder: Many school districts have policies about communicating with legislators on school time and equipment, so wait until you are away from school to contact your legislators or use your personal cell phone when you are off duty.

Stay informed -- get updates from MEA
If you're looking for regular updates on education-related happenings in Michigan and elsewhere -- including efforts in Wisconsin to strip public employees of their collective bargaining rights, be sure visit MEA on Facebook and Twitter.

We're posting daily updates there -- and on MEA's website, www.mea.org -- to provide information and opportunities for you to get involved.

Become a fan of MEA on Facebook at www.mea.org/facebook .

Come tweet with us -- follow MEA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MEAOnline .

Support for Wisconsin

2011-02-20T15:57:00.001-05:00

Note passed on from Iris Salters.

Here is the latest request from NEA which is coordinating the efforts in Wisconsin. Please feel free to pass it on. Iris

Hello, Everybody.

All of our MW members can help their colleagues in Wisconsin by signing a national petition in support of them. The petition can be accessed at
http://www.educationvotes.nea.org/nationalpetition

I know our Wisconsin colleagues will appreciate the support.

Dennis M. Friel
NEA Midwest Regional Director
202-822-7408 (office)
202-255-0907 (cell)
dfriel@nea.org

Talking Points

2011-02-19T19:53:00.002-05:00

Need some help with talking points for discussing education with family and friends? Need some ideas for writing letters to the editor to express your concerns about the direction our state is taking education? Want to write a letter to your representative but not sure what to say? Check out MEA's website:
www.mea.org/message_center/

Contacting Legislators and Governor is EASY!

2011-01-17T20:18:00.002-05:00

Well, it took some time, but I think the links to our area legislators and the "Gov" are ready to go. Check out the sidebar, click, and then sound off. It was kinda tricky finding our Commander in Nerd's email address. But after a bit of searching departments, I got it! His Homepage does not have any contact information! But instead has where you can sign up to receive emails. Guess it is better to give than receive, so let your voice be heard and give them your thoughts. Remember, do it from your personal and home emails, and not KPS Groupwise. Happy Emailing!

MEA Scholarship

2010-12-29T16:37:00.002-05:00

Looking for some help with the cost of your child's education? Check out the MEA Scholarship. Last year 24 public high school students and 12 returning college students were awarded scholarships totaling $30,000. MEA sent 10 copies of the application for distribution to Class A and B public high school counseling centers and 5 copies to Class C and D public high school counseling centers. The application is also available at www.mymea.org under Conferences and Awards. The application must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 11, 2011. No fax or e-mail applications will be accepted.

YOU ARE UNDER ATTACK

2010-12-02T10:09:00.002-05:00

The Lame Ducks in Lansing are at it in the time they have left. Dear Staff,
The following note is from Dave Stafford at MEA. Please read it and PLEASE contact your legislators to voice your opinion whether it be positive or negative. We are sending you this note to keep you informed.

However....1. Do not use Groupwise/Kentwood District Email, use your personal emails.
2. Do not use KPS Telephones, use your home or cell.

For easy email contact information please use the links to the left, these are the Lame Duckers and the list will be updated shortly.

From Doug Stafford, Wednesday, December 1.
Late this afternoon members of the Senate and House of Representatives made public their plans to attack teacher and administrator evaluations and the teacher tenure act. The Senate passed an amended version of HB 4410, a bill to change the School Code by inserting almost four pages of language to micro-manage the evaluation process for teachers and administrators. Included in this language is a requirement that at least 45% of the evaluation must be based upon student growth in academic achievement and using standardized test scores when possible. This amended version of HB 4410 was sent back to the House of Representatives where efforts are underway to buy or otherwise convince members to support this bill.

There is also a bill attacking tenure rights that passed the Senate nearly a year ago and is currently in the House of Representatives. Part of the dealing that is going on involves the House amending that bill, SB 638, passing it and sending it back to the Senate. We haven’t seen a copy of the proposed House amendments, but we know they are already drafted and that they will probably involve taking away tenure from employees with no effective recourse against such action; and some form of additional hoops for probationary employees to jump through on top of their current four year probationary period.

As they stand, these two bills closely mirror tenure and evaluation bills about which we sent you a notice before Thanksgiving. In this “lame duck” session they are trying to use HB 4410 and SB 638 to accomplish the same thing as the earlier bills.

Please have your members call their state representatives and urge them to vote NO on HB 4410 and SB 638 if they come up for a vote. Point out to your representatives that:

1) Evaluating and maintaining a professional teaching force is a complex matter. A two day “lame duck” session where late night deals are rammed through the Legislature is not the way to address these critical issues. That requires time, hearings, input from all sides and careful deliberation.
2) Right now, to get votes, all kinds of deals, earmarks and back-room enticements are being offered. This kind of “politics as usual” is not the way to secure and maintain the kind of professional teaching force our children deserve.
3) We believe that these bills will actually slow down the process of removing unsatisfactory teachers and also add substantially to the cost of the process, something that does not benefit the students, the schools, the state or educators.

Do You Really Want Rick's Plan For Michigan Education?

2010-10-21T17:13:00.004-04:00

Time is short, you need the facts. Read Rick's plan and decide for yourself. Do you think what he says about the job you do is accurate?

http://www.rickformichigan.com/vision-plan/policy-central/reform-michigans-educational-system

Be sure to click this link! http://www.rickformichigan.com/sites/default/files/education.pdf

Welcome New Members

2010-09-17T16:50:00.002-04:00

Welcome New Members
Kent County Education Association

The Kent County Education Association (KCEA) is inviting all new and not so new association members to a New Member Welcome Night.

New Member Welcome Night is to be held:

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

KCEA/MEA Building
Assembly Room
3205 Eaglecrest Drive NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525

There will be food and beverages provided for your enjoyment.

The program will consist of Information, Questions and Answers regarding:
MESSA Field Services
Wellness
Legal
The Executive Office

Reservations deadline September 21, 2010 to:
Gloria Klyce, KCEA Field Assistant
Phone: 616-957-1944 or 800-472-7857
Or-
Email:
gklyce@mea.org

We hope to see you there!

MEA PAC Information

2010-09-03T20:24:00.000-04:00

MEA-PAC needs your help!

Support candidates who support public education.

Every decision that impacts public school employees is made by an elected or appointed official. That's why it is so important that local associations and individual MEA members get involved and stay involved in the political process.

Your contributions to MEA's political action committee (PAC) help support pro-education candidates in local, regional, and statewide races. If you choose to contribute to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, that money is spent on federal candidates.

Here's the 411 on PAC:
Federal campaign finance laws do not allow for dues money to be used for PAC. The law also prohibits the mingling of dues dollars with PAC dollars, which is why PAC money must be contributed separately.

MEA-PAC money is spent on recommended candidates. Recommendations come from local, regional, and statewide member screening and recommending committees, the MEA-PAC Council, and the state president. In short, candidates are chosen by members just like you!

PAC money is also given to both the Republican and Democratic House and Senate caucuses. Candidates receive support based solely on their positions on issues pertaining to public education and public school employees.

Forty percent of all MEA-PAC money collected is returned to the local coordinating council PAC to support candidates in local races, including school board, city council, and judge races.

NEA PAC money is spent on federal candidates, including president, U.S. senators and representatives. This year, Michigan's 15 representative seats are up for election.

Independent PACs, like MEA-PAC, are limited in the amount of money they can give candidates. For each statewide candidate in a statewide race, such as governor, MEA-PAC can give up to $34,000. For state Senate candidates, the candidate limit is $10,000, and for state House candidates, the limit is $5,000 each.
You can make your MEA-PAC contribution online at www.meavotes.org .

MEA Election Recommendations

2010-09-02T15:10:00.004-04:00

MEA Votes E-Newsletter -- Sept. 2, 2010
Election 2010: MEA announces recommendations in several statewide races

Our collective political action makes a difference and helps us improve our students' lives, public education, and the education profession. And don't forget: Nearly every decision that impacts students and staff in K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities is made by an elected or appointed official.

So, when it comes to the Nov. 2 general election, we want you to know which candidates support public education. And which candidates are recommended by MEA members who screened them and decided whether to recommend them to you.

Check out recommended candidates at www.meavotes.org.

PAC Reminder

2010-08-29T21:09:00.002-04:00

Our annual PAC drive will once again take place during the social time of our "welcome back" morning, Wednesday, August 31. As you are all aware, this year is as important a year as education has faced in many peoples' lifetimes, perhaps ever. The issues are numerous and have the potential to change education for many, many years to come. We need people in government to hear the concerns of the professionals (us!). Perhaps the BEST way to have a voice is through our PAC. Please consider a contribution. It is for the future of education; our professional future.

To make a donation please come August 31 prepared to:
1) Make a cash/check contribution.
2) Make a credit card contribution.
3) Have monthly contributions electronically transferred from your bank account (you will need your account number/info).

Thank you in advance for your contribution. It is important to education!!

Edujobs Money

2010-08-24T21:39:00.002-04:00

‘Edujobs’ money will save Michigan school jobs (from MEA Voice Online)

The jobs of an estimated 4,700 Michigan public school employees will be saved this school year, thanks to a $10 billion federal program aimed at stemming unemployment in the states. Nationwide, the jobs of about 161,000 educators will be preserved.

States are busily applying for so-called “edujobs” funds and school employees may have questions about how the money will be spent.

Here’s what we know so far:

How much money will Michigan schools receive from the “edujobs” program?
More than $300 million total.

When will schools receive the funds?
State applications are due Sept. 9. The federal government intends to act on each state’s application within about two weeks after it is received. Governors must make awards to districts on a timely basis after receipt of the funds; Michigan districts will probably receive at least part of the money in their October state aid payment.

When can states apply for the funds?
Applications from states are due by Sept. 9.

How can schools spend the money?
The money can be used for “compensation and benefits and other expenses, such as support services, necessary to retain existing employees, to recall or rehire former employees, and to hire new employees, in order to provide early childhood, elementary, or secondary, educational and related services.”

Up to 2 percent of the funds can be used by the state for administrative costs.

Can the money pay the salaries of non-teaching staff?
Yes. It can pay salaries of many other school employees, including counselors, librarians, secretaries, social workers, interpreters, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational workers, in-service teacher trainers, nurses, athletic coaches, security officers, custodians, maintenance workers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers, and more.

Can it be used to pay the superintendent?
No. Expenses related to the operation of the superintendent’s office or the board of education is prohibited, including the salaries and benefits of administrative employees.

How will the money be distributed to schools?
States will decide whether to distribute the money through Title 1 or their state aid formulas.

Can the money be used for purposes such as equipment, utilities, renovation or buses?
No.

Can the state tell local districts how to use the money?
No. States and local school districts will be required to report how they use the money and how it supported personnel.

Can the money be used to pay for outside contractors?
No. The money can, however, be used to pay for services provided by another public school district.

Will colleges or universities receive any funds?
No.

Can the money be deposited into a state’s “rainy day fund?”
No. States cannot “directly or indirectly” establish, restore, or supplement a “rainy day fund.”

What does MEA recommend that districts do with the money?
The money is intended to keep teachers and other school employees on the job this school year. It would be irresponsible and against the spirit of the law for districts to put these new federal dollars into their fund balances when employees have taken pay and benefit concessions and class sizes have increased due to layoffs.

School Aid Act

2010-07-10T20:03:00.003-04:00

MEA sent this information to local leaders. It is a summary of the School Aid Act.

The Governor signed the 2010-11 School Aid Act yesterday with a few vetoes. You have received updates, but here are all of the important items in one place:

1. All districts will receive an additional $11 per pupil for 2009-10. The money will be distributed to districts in the July 2010 and August 2010 state school aid payment. This has the effect of reducing the cut in the foundation allowance from $165 to $154 per pupil for 2009-10. This is extra money for 2009-10 that the district did not budget.

2. For next year, districts will receive the same foundation allowance that they received in 2009-10. Most districts budgeted an additional reduction in the foundation allowance for 2009-10. The foundation allowance will not be reduced, and will actually be $11 per pupil higher than it was at the beginning of 2009-10.

3. For example – if a district’s foundation allowance was $7,165 per pupil in 2008-09, that district started out the 2009-10 year thinking it would see a cut of $165 per pupil, or an effective foundation allowance of $7,000 for 2009-10. That district will actually receive $7,011 per pupil for 2009-10. That district will also receive $7,011 per pupil in 2010-11.

4. There is no provision to restore the 20j payments in 2010-11. (The section that would have restored up to ½ of the 20j funds if a tax amnesty bill passed was vetoed by your governor.)

5. Declining enrollment, At-Risk, School Readiness, Special Education, Adult Education, and Vocational education categoricals are largely unchanged from 2009-10.

6. The 5-hour online PD requirement is eliminated.

7. Districts are still allowed to count up to 38 hours of PD as instruction if it takes place when students are not scheduled for class. It can occur any time between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.

8. Districts are NOT allowed to count a PD day as an instructional day to meet the instructional day requirement. PD can only be used to meet the instructional hour requirement (1,098 hours).

9. The instructional day requirement remains the same as current law: Districts must provide at least 165 days of instruction in 2010-11 and 2011-12, and at least 170 days of instruction in 2012-13. In addition, districts can’t provide fewer instructional days than they provided in 2009-10. If a district had 173 days in 2009-10, it has to have at least 173 in 2010-11 and beyond.

10. The “30 hours worth” of snow days is changed to the number of days "equivalent" to 30 hours, which for most districts would be between 5 and 6 days. In other words, districts are allowed to count between 5 to 6 days that are cancelled due to uncontrollable circumstances toward the day requirement.

11. A “day” for the purposes of meeting the day requirement is still not defined. In the past, if students came to school, the day counted as an instructional day. So far, the MDE has not published any rules about days having to be at least a certain number of hours.

12. The MPSERS rate increased from 16.94% in 2009-10 to 19.41% in 2010-11. There is no indication that the 3% tax on school employees will reduce this rate.

13. The $500,000 grant for Pontiac Schools that was included in the conference report was vetoed by the governor.

14. The $300,000 grant for a new Agriculture program at Saginaw Valley State University was vetoed by the Governor.

Interesting Tidbits

2010-07-10T19:50:00.003-04:00

Interesting information sent via emails to local leaders regarding one of the counties in our state.

"The new (3%) added tax on employees will take $3,000,000.00 out of the local economy.

$3 million dollars that will not be spent at the local grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters and donations to local charities. [This]County has had one of the highest unemployment rates in the State and now we are going to take another hit. If we here in [this county] are going to lose $3 million, what does that mean for the State of Michigan?"

MEA Response:
"It means more than $200 million out of the state economy (perhaps as much as $300 million according to House and Senate Fiscal’s analysis of the conference report on SB 1227). That’s a fact we need to continue mentioning in our communities going forward…it’s a topic we touched on in the immediate aftermath of the bill’s passage (see attached copy of MEA Votes e-newsletter). I think [this] angle on it is a good one to revisit – especially where lawmakers voted for SB 1227, voters ought to be aware what that vote cost their local economy."

We should be asking, How will this impact Kentwood's economy? So should the businesses in our community!

Enough is Enough Rally

2010-06-23T15:41:00.002-04:00

Reminder from MEA

June 22, 2010
Countdown to the Capitol
School is out and it’s time to devote your full attention and energy to the biggest pro-education event this summer—the Enough is Enough rally on the Capitol lawn. Continue to make a difference—for your students, your school and your community. Join thousands of MEA members and other public education supporters at the Capitol this Thursday to send the message to lawmakers: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”
· Be sure to get to the rally as early as possible to get a good view.
· Red is the color for the day, or you can wear your MEA Proud Union Member T-shirt and fit right in.
· Bring along any signs, banners or flags from your May 24 rally.

Don’t miss out! We’ll be on the Capitol lawn come rain or shine!

Getting there
· If you’re coming by charter bus, you’ll be unloading directly at the Capitol. The buses will then park at Union Missionary Baptist Church on Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard. After the rally, shuttle buses will take you back to your charter bus.
· If you’re caravanning by car, you can park either at the Lansing Mall satellite lot behind Macy’s or at Lot 89 on the MSU campus. The lot is off Mount Hope Road, right before you reach Farm Lane. Shuttle buses will be there to take you to and from the Capitol. More parking information is available at www.mea.org/enough.

Rally schedule
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Pre-rally events – music and entertainment

11 a.m.
Rally kickoff with MEA Vice President Steve Cook as Master of Ceremonies, Welcome by MEA President Iris K. Salters; You’ll hear from pro-education supporters from A Better Michigan Future, Ann Arbor PTO, AFT-Michigan, legislators, MEA members and students
Special guest – Virg Bernero, Lansing Mayor and MEA-recommended candidate for Governor

1 p.m. Closing

In between the official events you’ll have a chance to:
· Meet with legislators and send a message to lawmakers via cyber-lobbying or postcards.
· Contribute to PAC and take a swing at MEA’s punching bag or pose with “Rosie the Riveter.”
· Sign up to volunteer for Election 2010.

But there’s time for fun, too!
· Visit the “Family Fun” tent for face-painting, balloons and clowns.
· Grab a bottle of water or a snack.
· Get in the running for a new Apple iPad or a Nintendo Wii—you have to be present to win.

And why should you be there?
There really aren’t any excuses for not being on the Capitol lawn on June 24. School is out. The weather forecasts are good. There’s plenty of free, convenient parking. There’s shuttle service to the Capitol. There’s plenty to do for everyone once you get there. There will be refreshments to purchase and stations to take care of all of your needs.

But most important. . .
You need to be at the rally because we aren’t out of the woods yet. The Legislature and the governor aren’t done playing games with school funding and the budget. They aren’t through tampering with your wages, your benefits—your livelihood.

We haven’t heard the last of the Dillon health care plan, or the idea of taking money from the school aid fund to balance the budget.

You need to be at the rally to show that you’ve had enough of the attacks. Michigan students and school employees deserve adequate, equitable and stable funding for public education. This is just the beginning. From the Capitol lawn… it’s on to our communities… to our friends and families, and finally… on to the ballot box in November.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Check out Rally Central at www.mea.org/enough for more details and updates.
See you Thursday.

Figuring Retirement, Should I stay or do I go?

2010-05-14T15:48:00.003-04:00

FAC, 3 consecutive years highest compensation for MIP, Use 5 years for Basic.
Multiply FAC X .016 ( 1.6%) X Years of Service(YOS) = Annual Pension
Or: FAC x .016 x 30 = Pension Divide this number by 12 to get monthly amount.

If you do not have 30 years, but you have years plus age = 80, then use the multiplier of .0155.
FAC x .0155 x 30 = Pension

If you are Basic, use the Highest Consecutive 5 Years of your pay.

Here is an example for someone making roughly $55,000.

	Current	30 Years Now	Rule of 80
1	$54,000	$54,000	$54,000
2	$55,000	$55,000	$55,000
3	$56,000	$56,000	$56,000
FAC	$55,000	$55,000	$55,000

FAC	$55,000	$55,000	$55,000
Multiplier	0.015	0.016	0.0155
	$825	$880	$853
Years of Service	30	30	30
Annual Pension	$24,750	$26,400	$25,575
Monthly Pension	$2,063	$2,200	$2,131
FAC, 3 consecutive years highest compensation
Use 5 Years for Basic

Note: These are just approximate figures, you need to work with the Office of Retirement Systems to get accurate numbers for your data.

Send a message to your Senator!

2010-05-04T15:10:00.003-04:00

From Dave Stafford, MEA Communications, late this afternoon, Tuesday, May 4.

The Senate has adjourned for the day without any action on retirement legislation. The conference committee on SB 1227 has not reached agreement on a compromise, but its members are still talking to each other. Despite what you may have heard about “deadlines” for action, the issue is still alive.

Therefore, please keep messages from our leaders and members going to members of the Senate. Our message is the same as it has been.

The MEA believes the House version of 1227 is good for our members.

Rally Dates

2010-05-02T20:52:00.003-04:00

There are two important rallies coming up that require a strong turnout. The first one is on Monday, May 24 at 6:00 p.m. This rally is being held in our own house, so we expect a very large number of KEA and KESPA members to attend. We need to show the community and the press that we feel the issues surrounding education in Michigan are important enough for us to gather together. A poor turnout would indicate that we aren't concerned enough to sacrifice our time for a rally. Is that the message we want to send? NO WAY!! So mark it on your calendars and plan to attend.

The second important rally is being held on Thursday, June 24 in Lansing at the State Capitol. As more details become available, we will post them here. Carpooling ideas will be posted here as well.

Rally Dates
Local rally: Monday, May 24 6:00 p.m. at EKHS field or auditorium (depending on weather conditions)
Statewide rally: Thursday, June 24 at the State Capitol in Lansing

URGENT ACTION REQUIRED

2010-03-25T11:30:00.001-04:00

Hardiman, Bill Kentwood 29 Republican (517) 373-1801 (517) 373-5801 305 Farnum Building

EMAIL http://www.senate.michigan.gov/ima_form.asp?name=comment29&form_path=e:/webforms/rep

Interestingly, Senator Hardiman does not have an easy email link!!!! Any Questions?

Jansen, Mark C. Grand Rapids 28 Republican (517) 373-0797 (517) 373-5236 520 Farnum Building

EMAIL SenMJansen@senate.michigan.gov

Kuipers, Wayne Holland 30 Republican (517) 373-6920 (517) 373-2751 1005 Farnum Building

EMAIL SenWKuipers@senate.michigan.gov

George, Thomas M. Kalamazoo 20 Republican (517) 373-0793 (517) 373-5607 320 Farnum Building

EMAIL SenTGeorge@senate.michigan.gov

Birkholz, Patricia L. Saugatuck Twp. 24 Republican (517) 373-3447 (517) 373-5849 805 Farnum Building

E-mail Address: SenPBirkholz@senate.michigan.gov

Bishop, Michael Rochester 12 Republican (517) 373-2417 (517) 373-2694 S-106 Capitol Building

EMAIL SenMBishop@senate.michigan.gov

To find any others click here.

http://senate.michigan.gov/SenatorInfo/alphabetical_list_of_senators.htm

BREAKING NEWS, Some Good, Some iffy, Some Yet to Come.

2010-02-18T10:51:00.002-05:00

From Jeanne Hewitt, KEA PAC Chair: 10:51 A.M. 2/18/2010
The Dillon proposal is sunk!!!! Yeah, thanks to all of your efforts and the number of calls to the negative, it failed to come to the floor.

I have a direct line into the ORS and they will let me know the minute any action is taken on the proposal set forth by Granholm.
If the retirement proposal should pass, members will only have from April 15 to May 15 to make up their mind and put in an application for retirement.

The state, as it stands now will vote on the House speaker Bishop plan to lower your wage for 3 years by 5 %. We don't know how this will affect schools that have already reduced wages of their employees.

KEEP UP THE BARRAGE OF CONTACTS!

Follies Time

2010-02-18T06:07:00.002-05:00

Get your act together! Or at least organize your school to make a donation. Mary Molyneux has been working hard on the show. Remember it is for a GREAT cause, and the scholarships that we give out truly make a difference.

The Follies, March 27th! Be There or Donate!

Balancing the Budget on the Backs of Public Employees

2010-01-29T20:07:00.000-05:00

MEA Votes E-Newsletter -- Jan. 20, 2010

Just say NO to balancing the budget on the backs of public employees -- again!
Senate Republicans and their leader, Sen. Mike Bishop (R-Rochester), want to solve the state's budget crisis on the backs of public employees -- again.

This week, Republicans unveiled a 10-point plan that includes measures to cut wages by 5 percent for all public employees and require public workers to pay 20 percent of health insurance premiums -- ignoring the fact that school employees alone have saved the state almost $1 billion during the past three years through concessions made locally.
This plan is the Senate GOP's lame entry into a broader effort to fill an estimated $1.6 billion hole in the 2010-11 budget. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are considering major reforms, and Gov. Jennifer Granholm is reportedly also working on several initiatives, including tax reform.There's no doubt that the state budget is a mess -- it has been for a decade. This year's gubernatorial and legislative elections are likely to make this year's budget process even more rancorous.

But before proposing more cuts to police and fire protection, schools, or other vital public services, lawmakers must consider how to get the revenues necessary to provide services that citizens need -- especially strong public schools to prepare students for the jobs Michigan needs. One place to look for such revenue is by examining tax breaks for businesses; currently, too little is known about how effective these incentives are and whether the promised jobs ever materialize. According to the Pew Center, last year Michigan gave away $6.3 billion more in tax exemptions, credits and deductionsthan it actually collected in taxes -- if only some of those programs are found to be ineffective, their elimination would fix part of this huge budget hole. (For more on real solutions, read the next item on "A Better Michigan Future.")
In addition to public employee wage cuts and mandatory health premium payments, the Senate Republican plan calls for up to $663 million in additional education cuts, including a proposal to require competitive bids for all K-12 non-instructional services. The other ideas include further cuts to state departments, Medicaid, and local police and fire. None of these so-called "reforms" fixes our decade-long budget mess, because Sen. Bishop and his colleagues refuse to address the real problem -- Michigan's antiquated tax structure.

Contact your state senator -- especially if they are Republican. Call or write your senator insisting that they oppose the Republican leadership's cuts-only plan because it would devastate -- not help -- tens of thousands of Michigan families and the communities where they live.
Stay tuned for more information on the 2010-11 budget -- Granholm is expected to present her budget proposal next month.

The MEA Scholarship

2009-12-16T22:15:00.001-05:00

If you have a student heading to a Michigan college or is currently enrolled in one, take time during winter break to check out this scholarship opportunity.

Go to www.mea.org/.
Select Grants & Awards, then MEA Scholarship.

A description of the scholarship is available as well as the scholarship application. The scholarship deadline is February 12, 2010.

Race to the Top??

2009-12-13T22:17:00.003-05:00

Members,
Many of us are alarmed by the recent "Race to the Top" push by our state and national governments. Take a moment to check out the following websites:

http://www.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html

www.michigan.gov/mde-recovery

One of the forms districts are being asked to sign has a letter attached from Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. One portion of the letter reads "Because the USED had accelerated the application process for states, we cannot provide you all the details of the state's plan at this time . . . We understand that you will be taking a leap of faith with this agreement . . . " They're asking districts to sign a "contract" before knowing the details. Do you know a single lawyer on the planet that would encourage his client to do such a thing? Visit the websites. Be an informed educator!

Homecoming Parade Friday 4:45, Come On Out, KEA!

2009-10-21T12:23:00.002-04:00

Once again we would love to have you come out and join us for the walk in the Homecoming Parade. Parade starts at 4:45 in Pinewood's Bus Lot. Bring a bag of candy to throw if you can, and join the fun. Kentwood parents and kids love to see us out there.

Pinewood Teacher Gets the Facts. Are You Outraged?

2009-10-21T12:16:00.006-04:00

Carl Morris, 8th Grade Science Teacher at Pinewood, talked to State Senator Wayne Kuiper's office about the budget. He was was told that the State of Michigan spent $47.9 billion dollars in fiscal 2009, compared to $43.9 billion in 2008. the state budget went up 9.1%. the state spent 3% less on k-12 education.
Reviewing the facts:
2008 State Budget $43.9 Billion
2009 State Budget $47.9 Billion
Increase in State Budget +9.1%
Decrease in K-12 Spending - 3%

Call the Governor, Call your Rep and Senator! This DOES NOT MAKE SENSE!

Budget Cuts Loom, Contact your Legislators!

2009-09-16T15:25:00.002-04:00

It is definitely a call to action, we need to let Lansing hear our voice that the political games involving education needs to end. Make sure you check out the facts and make the contact, because the effects on our schools will be devastating if the current proposals pass.

Problems With Speaker Dillon's Plan

2009-08-09T12:47:00.001-04:00

From www.MEA.org August 4, 2009

Concerns with Speaker Dillon’s Health Care Proposal include:

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM

We do not believe Michigan should be initiating major changes in the structure of health care at a time when a national health care reform is among the highest priorities for President Obama and the United States Congress.

It makes more sense to see what transpires at the federal level and then determine what Michigan should do to take full advantage of any opportunities provided.

ALLEGED SAVINGS OF $880 MILLION

The information on local units of government is particularly questionable and we would like to see the data that supports the $880 million savings.

This plan will not reduce the 2010 fiscal budget year deficit.

The cost estimate of $15 - $20 million to administer health benefits for all school districts, community colleges, and local government employees and retirees as well as the other new and major responsibilities for the State Employer seems extremely low.

Given the large number of school districts, community colleges, and local employees, most of any savings that occur would accrue to these employers and not help the state with its budget deficit.

These employers, as well as the State of Michigan, (as an employer) are already seeing savings through benefit cuts and cost sharing, to the financial detriment of public employees.

The $400 - $600 million savings your plan estimates comes from reduced coverage and cost shifts.

BENEFIT COMPARISONS

The November 2008 HFA Study on "Civil Service Salary and Benefit Comparisons" is cited extensively on page 4 of the proposal; however, little notice was paid to the same report indicating the overall costs of state employee health care now falls below private sector health care costs.

As the report notes, starting in October 2008 state employees began to pay "more than double the amount paid in the previous year."

The Kaiser 2008 “Employer Health Benefit Survey” and Michigan State Benefit websites clearly show that Michigan active state employee benefit plans are about average when compared to state employee plans in the surrounding states.

A savings of $400 - $600 million cannot be realized by reducing Michigan public employees’ benefits levels to the average of the surrounding states, because they are already receiving average benefit levels as compared to surrounding states.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

It is an inherent contradiction to speak of a single "portfolio of health care plans" while stating that the proposal will maintain the process of collective bargaining for public sector employees, whether they are covered under the Public Employees Relations Act, PA 312 or Civil Service rules.

As your report implies, there are thousands of different collective bargaining units across the state.

These cover a wide spectrum of employment responsibilities, some of which have intrinsic medical risks.

What kind of process could be envisioned to bargain with all of these bargaining units and their employers?

EMPLOYER CONCESSIONS

In many instances, public employers have had financial reasons for supporting the trade-offs between wages and benefits that occur.

Insurance costs, unlike salaries, are not subject to FICA and are not included in the compensation used to determine pensions.

Forcing employee health care costs into a "one size fits all" or even "several sizes fits some" mode will reduce the ability to make such tradeoffs, which have been helpful in preserving the relatively amicable labor relationships Michigan's public sector has enjoyed during the past decade.

Public sector employees have negotiated millions of dollars in concessions including unpaid furlough days and workforce reductions to protect their health care.

Your Health Care and Bargaining Rights Are Under Attack

2009-07-18T15:32:00.003-04:00

MEA Votes E-Newsletter — July 17, 2009

Your health benefits and bargaining rights are under attack

If you haven't contacted House Speaker Andy Dillon and your state representative yet, what are you waiting for?

Regardless of the health care you've bargained with your school district, under Speaker Dillon's plan, you'll be bargaining with the state--they'll determine what benefits you should have.

You've already given enough! E-mail and phone Speaker Dillon and your representative NOW! See the Legislative Contacts on the left side of the Blog.

Also, include the following legislators in your lobbying efforts. Encourage them to withhold their support of Dillon's plan:

Rep. Pam Byrnes
Rep. Tim Melton
Rep. Mark Meadows
Rep. Kathy Angerer

Talking Points to consider.

Contact Dillon and your state representative immediately. Tell them:

This proposal is anti-school employee, anti-collective bargaining and anti-union.
The state isn't capable of managing the programs it has, as evidenced by the current economic and budget crisis in Michigan. How can it run a statewide health insurance pool?
Where are the savings Speaker Dillon expects coming from? How can we trust these numbers if the government can't even get the budget settled?
This program jeopardizes the health and security of all school employees and their families.
This proposal eliminates local control and destroys collective bargaining rights that school employees have had for generations.
As a school employee, I already pay for my benefits and I have given up salary and other benefits to save my school district and the state money. I already do my part in being fiscally responsible.
In addition to being a school employee, I am also a taxpayer. This plan doesn't save me any money as Dillon suggests. It simply shifts the cost to me.

Early Childhood Education Under Attack

2009-07-11T13:49:00.003-04:00

Once again, education funding is at risk. Please read the email I received and act now!

Please sign by clicking on "petition" and forward this to friends. It may help save our preschool funding. THANK YOU!

Action Alert

July 7, 2009

Dear Early Childhood Advocate,

Dramatic cuts to critical early childhood programs are under final discussion in the state legislature. All state funded preschool and parent education programs have been eliminated in a bill recently passed by the state Senate in Lansing. If the Michigan House concurs with the Senate and the Governor signs it into law, the future of young children and all of us involved in early childhood programs are at risk. We must act now to make sure that these proven, cost effective programs continue.

Join others who believe that early childhood programs need continued funding. Complete the petition by 2:00 PM Monday, July 13, 2009 or go to http://www.miaeyc.org/. Each legislator will receive a copy of the petition and a list of those signing it.

You can also call your legislators by dialing (517) 373-0135 to speak to your senator or (517) 373-0135 to speak to your representative. To find your State Representative and his/her mailing address and email address, go to http://www.house.michigan.gov/ . To find your State Senator and his/her mailing address and email address, go to http://www.senate.michigan.gov/ .

Legislators will be in their home districts and will return to session July 14, 2009.
Please email this petition to your friends, families, and community members. The legislature needs to know that many people care about these programs. For further information, please visit the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children website at http://www.miaeyc.org/ or call the office at 1-800-336-6424. Thank you for supporting young children!

Sincerely,

Tammy Arakenlian
Public Policy Chair
MiAEYC
4572 S. Hagadorn Rd. Ste 1D
East Lansing, MI 48823-5385
Fax: 517-336-9790
Phone: 517-336-9700

Michigan Businesses Supporting Kentwood Teachers

2009-06-19T20:59:00.007-04:00

This summer, four Kentwood teachers are attending the National Education Association Representative Assembly in San Diego, California. Julie Brill from Meadowlawn and Deb Irvin, formerly from Hamilton, are both attending as MEA Board members. Denise Saganski, formerly from Bowen, and Michelle Thomas from Glenwood are attending as representatives of Kentwood. Julie, Denise, and Michelle are also serving as liaisons to other states. Julie Brill is a liaison to Alaska, Denise is a liaison to North Dakota, and Michelle is a liaison to West Virginia.

It is tradition for the Michigan liaisons to present gifts proudly produced in our fair state. Julie, Denise, and Michelle sent out letters requesting Michigan businesses to consider donating an item or two from their product lines. The businesses below all donated items.

Please review the list and purchase items from these Michigan businesses that support teachers. ( :

Sleeping Bear Press http://www.sleepingbearpress.com/
Al Dente Pasta Company http://www.buymichiganproducts.com/Public/LinkDetail.php?linkid=3
The Blueberry Store http://www.theblueberrystore.com/
Purity Foods http://www.buymichiganproducts.com/Public/LinkDetail.php?linkid=134
Rudy Spice http://www.rudyspice.com/ (Gemignani's Italian Restaurant)
Old Europe Cheese Company http://www.buymichiganproducts.com/Public/LinkDetail.php?linkid=22

Claiming Unemployment Benefits in Michigan

2009-06-14T20:14:00.002-04:00

How to file a claim for unemployment benefits
A claim begins the week it is filed. Therefore, you should file your claim during your first week of unemployment. There are two ways to file a new claim or reopen an existing claim:
1. telephone - 1-866-500-0017 Your scheduled time for filing by telephone is based on the last two digits of your social security number.

Mon. 8:00 am to 12:30 pm 00-15
Mon. 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm 16-33
Tues. 8:00 am to 12:30 pm 34-48
Tues. 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm 49-66
Wed. 8:00 am to 12:30 pm 67-81
Wed. 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm 82-99
Thurs. and Fri. Open Call-In

2. internet - www.michigan.gov/uia
The website is available from 7:00 am Monday through 7:00 pm Saturday.

Once you file a new claim, you will be mailed:

a determination showing if you qualify based on the wages you have earned, the amount of weekly benefits and the number of weeks you may receive
if there is an eligibility issue with your claim, you will receive a separate notice
a booklet with detailed information about your rights and responsibilities for unemployment benefits - read the materials carefully.

There is much more information about claiming unemployment benefits in Michgian. Visit the website listed above for general information. If you have any questions or problems with your telephone or internet-filed claim, you can inquire about the claim by calling 1-866-500-0017 and selecting Option 3. This is a toll-free number open weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. There are also problem resolution offices in Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Livonia, Marquette and Saginaw for in-person assistance with any problem you have with your claim (see website for locations).

Please note that members of the Kentwood Education Association are not experts on unemployment. This information is provided only as general information and should not be taken as advice, recommendations, or expert information on the topic.

Information above taken from Fact Sheet #36, January 2008, Claiming Unemployment Benefits in Michigan, State of Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Unemployment Insurance Agency

Jenison ESP

2009-06-14T19:46:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately, like too many other districts across the state, Jenison Public Schools decided to privatize their custodians. Julie Brill, Deb Irvin, Denise Saganski, and I attended the JPS Board meeting to show support for our fellow educators and support staff. We listened to the various custodians speak about being born and raised in Jenison, graduating from Jenison Public Schools, and working for Jenison Public Schools. Some of the custodians had been working for the district for 30+ years. In the most disrespectful way, the custodians were notified of their termination on Friday, June 5, their last day of school. They were not given an opportunity to bargain. And they had even been previously told that privatization was not being considered. The reason the custodians were given for their termination: necessary budget cuts. What we don't understand is why they feel it necessary to eliminate custodians now when there is still uncertainty about how much their district will receive from the national stimulus package. That money may be substantial. In addition, this district has a 17% fund equity - yes, I said 17% !!!! (over 7.3 million dollars)

What also concerns us is the affect privatizing has on students, staff, and the community. Typically, custodial staff from large companies are low-wage earners, which ultimately results in a high-turnover rate. Do we really want any school in America to be a revolving door for random, unknown workers? Is that who we want interacting with our children on a daily basis? Will they interact with our children? Will they interact appropriately? Will this revolving door of workers be willing to go the extra mile for their schools, staff and students like district-employed custodians do? Why would they if they have no ties to the school or the community? In most districts, the support staff live in the school district they work in, raise children in that district and send them to the districts' schools, spend money and volunteer in the community of that school district. They take pride in the school district because they have a stake in it as community members and taxpayers. What Jenison Public Schools has done will greatly affect the students, staff, schools, and the community. Was it really necessary?

Now, many of you reading this may wonder, "Why should Kentwood employees care what happens in other districts?" While our district has also said they are not currently considering privatization, we must be aware that superintendents talk and share ideas. If it can happen in Jenison, it can happen in Kentwood. So we must speak loudly and clearly that we value our support staff. We value the jobs they do in our schools. We value the relationships they build with staff and students. We value them as community members and taxpayers. WE VALUE THEM!

submitted by Michelle Thomas

MEA Budget Bit #9

2009-05-26T22:11:00.001-04:00

2009 #9 Information Technology

The Information Technology (IT) Department accounts for $2,336,412 or 3.07% of MEA’s budget. The department staff includes two supervisors and four support staff.

The role of the IT department is to provide leader internet services, including training assistance to members and locals that wish to set up their own web pages. MEA’s internet and secure intranet services are provided by IT, as is making sure our computers and software are up-to-date and functional.

The programmer-analysts in the department create and design many internal resources for staff, leaders and members. They also work with the Finance/Membership Department in making the best use of the Avectra Membership system.

Some of the IT staff provide training for MEA staff ; you will also see some of them at MEA conferences providing training to members on publishing newsletters and using Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher.

Peggy McLellan
Secretary/Treasurer
Michigan Education Association
(800) 292-1934 x 5500
pmclellan@mea.org

MEA Budget Bit #8

2009-05-26T22:09:00.001-04:00

2009 #8 Uniserv/Field Services

The Uniserv/Field Services Department accounts for $4,824,574 or 7.66% of the 2009-2010 MEA Budget. Its headquarters personnel include one director, one administrative assistant, eight professional staff and five support staff.

The Field Services department manages all UniServ (zones), Professional Development/Human Rights, as well as services to Higher Ed and ESP members. It includes funding for the Supplemental Negotiations Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides temporary staff for bargaining and financial analysis to the locals.

The Minority and Women’s Intern Program, coordinating council subsidies, and Student MEA are all funded and coordinated through Field Services, as are the Bargaining/Political Action/ Public Relations Conference, ESP Conference and Higher Ed Bargaining Conference.
The Field Services department provides research and negotiations support to UniServ field staff and local leaders. In addition, all of MEA’s organizing efforts are coordinated in this department. All NEA grants are administered in Field Services as well.

Direct service to members is provided by the Field Services division through the four zones. The zones account for over half of MEA’s budget.

The Central Zone comprises all or parts of Regions 8, 10, 11 and 12. It accounts for $9,544,016 or 12.55% of the 2009-2010 MEA Budget. Its staff includes one zone director, 27 UniServ directors and 19 support staff.

The Eastern Zone is made up of all or parts of Regions 2, 6 and 7. It accounts for $11,981,454 or 15.76% of budget. The staff includes one zone director, 34 UniServ directors and 24 support staff.

The Northern Zone includes all or parts of regions 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. It accounts for $7,555,905 or 9.94% of MEA’s budget. Its staff includes one zone director, 21 UniServ directors and 15 support staff.

The Southern Zone is made up of to all or parts of regions 3, 4, 5 and 9. It accounts for $11,832,717 or 15.56% of the total budget. Its staff includes one zone director, 36 UniServ directors and 21 support staff.

Peggy McLellan
Secretary/Treasurer
Michigan Education Association
(800) 292-1934 x 5500
pmclellan@mea.org

MEA Recommended Bargaining Goals

2009-05-23T14:03:00.002-04:00

MEA Recommended Bargaining Goals for MEA Locals Bargaining between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010

Every contract should include as the highest priorities:

Sustained Growth in Compensation:

Extra pay for extra work
Comparable pay for work for comparable value
Sufficient salary/wage improvement to prevent loss in employee spending power for all EA, ESP, and Higher Education locals
Timely progress toward “40-80 in 10” for teachers. At least $40,000 starting teacher salary and at least $80,000 salary at the 10th step or less of the MA column. Fair and equitable increases that are timely and will increase the quality of life for ESP members
ESP benefits: same fully paid fringe benefit package as EA unit
Definition of per diem pay, the work day and the work year
Maintain or improve the number of work hours and work days in the year for ESP
All lump sum payments upon retirement from the school district shall be paid as direct employer contributions to the employee’s 403(b) account through MEA-FS

Quality Fringe Benefits:

MESSA as the insurance carrier
100 percent employer-paid full-family health coverage (no cap on the insurance premium), including coverage for other qualified adults and their eligible dependent children
The priority for bargaining fringe benefits into each contract should be:
1st priority – MESSA Health Insurance
2nd priority – MESSA Long Term Disability Insurance
3rd priority – MESSA Life Insurance
4th priority – MESSA Dental Insurance
5th priority – MESSA Vision Insurance
High deductible non-MESSA health plan connected to a Health Savings Account (HAS) or a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) is a cost shift to employees and is not a substitute for all or any part of an insurance plan

No Rollbacks:

Contract talks should include no rollbacks

In addition, every contract should include:

Non-discriminatory language
Access to all MEA-FS products through the payroll services of the school district
Just cause and progressive discipline for every employee
Binding grievance arbitration of contractual matters including evaluation, discipline and discharge
Exclusive reservation of bargaining unit work for bargaining unit members
Fully paid release time for Association business
Provisions defining seniority with layoff & recall seniority and vacant positions filled by seniority
Agency shop
A defined evaluation process that includes:
1. The evaluation instrument (form)
2. The identification of the criteria that will be used to evaluate the employee
3. A requirement of state whether the employee is “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory”
4. A requirement that if the employee is identified as unsatisfactory, the reasons for being unsatisfactory will be stated in writing along with a written statement of what the employee must do to become satisfactory, what assistance the administration will provide to the employee to become satisfactory and how long the employee will be allowed in order to become satisfactory.
Member protections in connection with ESEA restructuring, highly qualified rules and regulations, and any forthcoming changes in curriculum and graduation standards
Quality professional development designed by members and paid for by the employer. Employees will be paid for attendance when professional development occurs outside the school day.
Provisions ensuring that members perform and are compensated for all supplementary services

Recommended by the MEA’s Long Range Bargaining Committee (LRBC), the Staff Bargaining Strategy and Implementation Team (SBSIT)

Upcoming Meeting

2009-05-16T18:09:00.003-04:00

KEA Membership Meeting
Where: EKHS Auditorium
When: Monday, June 1
Times: 2:45 p.m. or 4:00(ish) p.m.

Choose the time most convenient for you to attend.

Reduction in Staff Q and A

2009-05-11T08:45:00.032-04:00

RECALL PROCESS
Question: How does the recall process work and when does it begin?
Answer: The recall process has no set beginning or end, if it occurs at all. The Administration is under no contractual obligation to start recalling by a certain date or to stop by a certain date. If they do recall pink slipped employees, they must start at the top of the recall list (the most senior person who is highly qualified for the position).

RECALL LIST
Question: If a person gets hired into another district throughout the summer, do they remain on the seniority list so they could still get a call back? (I am assuming this questions comes from the fact that person would like to still be here if possible.)
Answer: Yes, you will remain on the call back list (more information below on the call back list) for the required time (explained below) or until you decline Kentwood's call back.

BENEFITS
Question: When do my benefits end if I do not get recalled?
Answer: Our contract ends on August 31, 2009, so that is when your benefits would end if you are not recalled.

SICK DAYS
Question: Do you get compensated for your sick days when you are pink-slipped?
Answer: No, pink slipped teachers do not get compensated for their sick days. On page 16 of our contract, unused accumulated sick leave is only paid upon the severance of a teacher who has taught 10 or more years, and those teachers only receive compensation if they have 25 or more sick days.

Question: If a pink slippee accepts a position as an Intervention teacher / or Para-pro, would they be released if a qualifying job arose? Answer to be posted shortly. (APS)

MY CLASSROOM
Question: If I am pink slipped, by what date do I need to have my personal items removed from my classroom?
Answer: If you do not get recalled, your personal items need to be removed by the first day of school, September 8. At this point, just prepare your room as you would normally for the end of the school year.

UNEMPLOYMENT
Question: If I collect unemployment and get recalled, do I have to pay the District back?
Answer: According to our contract page 49, "Any teacher who collects unemployment compensation during the summer months and who is recalled as a teacher by August 1, shall reimburse the District the amount of benefits through payroll deduction or direct payment to the District". Also, you may face a tax liability if you take unemployment and have to pay the district back!
Suggestion: If you decide to collect unemployment, place that money into a separate account that remains untouched until you know it is yours to spend.

UNEMPLOYMENT
Question: When can the pink slipped staff begin to collect unemployment, etc.?
Answer: According to the pink slip letter you received from Administration, the effective layoff date is June 5. If you choose to file for unemployment, keep that date in mind. Also, check out the state's website identifying requirements to qualify. http://www.michigan.gov/uia There is a lot of information for you to read (more than what will fit here!!). Don't forget that to read the question and answer above about repaying unemployment!!

Question: With a one year contract that is up and not being renewed...Do you know if I would be eligible for unemployment?
Answer: Check the website listed above to see what is necessary to qualify for unemployment.

RECALL LIST
Question: How long do I remain on the District's recall list if I do not get recalled this year? When is the start date for that period of time?
Answer: The recall list shall be maintained by the Board for three full school years or a period equivalent to the individual teacher's accumulated seniority, whichever is greater (contract page 50). So, for example, if you are pink slipped this spring , your name will remain on the recall list for the next 3 full years: the '09-'10 school year, '10-'11 school year, and '11-'12 school year.

SENIORITY LIST
Question: How does pink slipping work if I share the same hire date with others?
Answer: Seniority is based first on starting date, second on Board confirmation date, and third on the date on which the written contract was signed. So if you share a starting date, then the Board confirmation date is looked at. If you share a starting date and Board confirmation date, then the date of the signed contract is looked at. If you share all three of those criteria with other people, then your names are put into a drawing and pulled to determine "seniority". If callbacks occur, the most senior person with the qualifications for the open position will be called back first and then on down to the least senior person for jobs in which that person is qualified (refer to page 48 of our contract).

BUMPING RIGHTS

Question: While I haven't been pink slipped, my position has been eliminated. Do I have "bumping rights"?

Answer: "Bumping rights" means that an employee whose position has been eliminated can choose to push (bump) a less senior person out of a desired position. Kentwood does not have bumping rights for its employees. Your seniority gives you a position in the district, but the Administration chooses where to place you. So if your position has been eliminated, yet you have enough seniority that you are not receiving a pink slip, the Administration will determine a placement for you. You may make a request for placement, but the Administration does not have to honor that request (see contract pages 23-24).

26 PAYS

Question: I opted for 26 pays. If I am pink slipped, do I still get my 26 paychecks?

Answer: Yes, you still get all 26 paychecks. The paychecks teachers receive during the summer are deferred money from paychecks during the school year. Money is taken from each paycheck during the school year and set aside so teachers can receive paychecks during the summer.

MEA Budget Bit #7

2009-04-28T17:37:00.000-04:00

2009 #7 Finance/Membership

The MEA Finance/Membership Department accounts for 7.77%, or $5,903,585 of the 2009-2010 MEA Budget. The department is staffed by a director, two controllers (one for MEA and one for MESSA), four supervisors and twenty support staff.

The Finance department manages all of the financial operations of MEA, MESSA and MEA Financial Services. Among its duties are preparing all information for the audits of the three companies as well as the agency shop audit, all of the IRS filings and all reports to the Department of Labor. The department also manages payroll for over 900 people, as well as fringe benefits for over 1100 current and retired employees.

Another duty of the Finance/Membership department is managing the accounting for the investment portfolios of MEA, MESSA, MEA Financial Services, the Staff Retirement Plan, retiree health, MEA-Retired, the Building and Site Fund, CAP Fund, Citizens for Education, PAC, the MEA Scholarship Fund and the Emergency Fund.

The department provides training to locals in the areas of accounting practices and fraud prevention and provides services to locals that request fraud investigations. Finance staff members also participate in staff bargaining, providing financial information to the bargaining teams.

The Membership Department manages the membership software system and provides training and support for Local Membership Chairs. The department manages MEA and NEA dues collection and assists with the MEA RA, providing credentials for delegates and support for the Credentials Committee in handling requests for waivers to the 60-day dues policy.

The Finance/Membership Department is also responsible for the “nuts and bolts” of running a business, such as insurance, utility payments, building maintenance costs, and banking fees.

Peggy McLellan
Secretary/Treasurer
Michigan Education Association
(800) 292-1934 x 5500
pmclellan@mea.org

MEA Budget Bits # 5 & #6

2009-04-28T17:33:00.003-04:00

2009 #5 Government Affairs

The MEA Government Affairs Department accounts for $3,459,039, or 4.55% of the 2009-2010 MEA Budget. The staff of the department consists of one director, six professional staff (four lobbyists, one retirement consultant and one campaign consultant) and five support staff.

The work of the Government Affairs Department includes lobbying government officials on matters related to public education, collective bargaining, and the wages, benefits and working conditions of public school employees. The department also provides opportunities and training to help MEA members get involved in electing and lobbying their elected officials.

The Government Affairs Department is also responsible for managing the MEA Political Action Committee, which raises funds to help elect friends of public education across the state.

2009 #6 Professional Development/Human Rights

The MEA Professional Development/Human Rights (PD/HR) Department, a division of the Field Services Department, accounts for 3.28%, or $2,491,219 of the 2009-2010 MEA Budget. The PD/HR department provides support services to local leaders, as well as to UniServ staff, in all areas of professional development, including compliance issues related to No Child Left Behind, such as Highly Qualified Teachers, Support Staff Certification and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

The department also provides funding for shared professional development and human rights projects in local districts. In addition, assistance and resources related to special education, certification and critical incidents training are available.

The PD/HR staff is responsible for planning and putting on MEA’s various professional development conferences, including the Instruction and Professional Development Conference, Summer Leadership Conference, Women’s Leadership Training and Social Justice Institute.

Peggy McLellan
Secretary/Treasurer
Michigan Education Association
(800) 292-1934 x 5500
pmclellan@mea.org

MEA Budget Bit #4

2009-04-25T10:52:00.001-04:00

2009 #4 Communication Services

The MEA Communication Services Department accounts for 5.44%, or $4,135,963 of the 2009-2010 budget. The staff in the department includes one director, two supervisors, three professional staff and 15 support staff.

The job of the Communications Department is to manage the flow of information about MEA to members and to audiences outside the organization. Members are kept informed through the MEA Voice magazine and Voice Online e-newsletter, frequently updated articles on www.mea.org, and some new social media technologies such as Facebook. In addition, e-mail updates and news releases are sent out to local leaders several times a week.

Regular news releases highlighting MEA activities or positions also go out to the media around the state, as do radio, TV and print ads. MEA has a monthly radio show on WJR in Detroit; the show is also carried by a number of stations around the state. If you drive the highways of Michigan, you’ve seen numerous billboards touting positive messages about MEA and public education.
The Communications Department provides public relations advice and training to MEA and its local affiliates to improve public images and manage crisis situations. Also within the department is the Creative Projects Team that designs, prints and distributes a wide range of materials for locals and the statewide organization.

Peggy McLellan
Secretary/Treasurer
Michigan Education Association
(800) 292-1934 x 5500
pmclellan@mea.org

MEA Budget Bit #3

2009-04-25T10:51:00.000-04:00

2009 #3 Human Resources

The Human Resources Department (HR) accounts for $1,956,232, or 2.57% of the 2009-2010 MEA budget. Employees in this department include two directors, four administrative assistants and two support staff.

One job of the Human Resources Department is to represent MEA, MESSA and MEA Financial Services in bargaining with the staff unions, as well as maintaining staff contracts and supervising employment-related litigation. All grievances and arbitrations are handled by the HR Department; in addition, HR hires any actuaries and consultants who provide information for bargaining.

The Human Resources department is also responsible for all recruiting, hiring and testing of employees, as well as providing orientation for new employees. Staff members who take work-related classes receive their tuition reimbursement through HR.

The Minority & Women’s Intern Program and the UniServ Pre-Employment Intern Program have traditionally been managed by the HR department; beginning with the 2009-2010 budget year these programs will become part of the Field Services Department because these interns do UniServ work and are supervised in the field by UniServ managers.

Finally, the HR department provides training and development programs for MEA, MESSA and MEA Financial Services staffs and plans occasional special events for the staffs of the three companies.

Please feel free to call or write if you have questions.

Peggy McLellan
Secretary/Treasurer
Michigan Education Association
(800) 292-1934 x 5500
pmclellan@mea.org

MEA Budget Bit #2

2009-04-25T10:50:00.001-04:00

2009 #2 Legal Services

The MEA Legal Services Department accounts for 6.67%, or $5,071,367 of the total MEA 2009-2010 budget.

The staff of the Legal Services Department consists of five attorneys, three support staff, one administrative assistant, and the MEA General Counsel, who manages the department and represents MEA as an organization in legal proceedings.

The staff attorneys provide representation to local affiliates and their members in any employment-related disputes (tenure cases or violation of due process, for example), and they give legal advice and assistance to UniServ Directors in grievance processing, arbitrations, employee representation, and collective bargaining. The department also provides legal training and updates to staff, local leaders and members.

The association liability insurance that protects affiliates in the case of embezzlement or fraud by leaders or staff is administered through the Legal Services Department.

The MEA Legal Services Department does not represent members in non-work related traffic violations or criminal offenses. However, some limited reimbursement of approved legal fees may be provided in the case of traffic offenses or criminal activity alleged to have occurred in the workplace or during the course of the member’s work day.

Please call or write if you have questions.

Peggy McLellan
Secretary/Treasurer
Michigan Education Association
(800) 292-1934 x 5500
pmclellan@mea.org

MEA Budget Bit #1

2009-04-25T10:47:00.003-04:00

2009, #1 Executive Office

Since some of our members often wonder what they get for their dues dollars, I’ve decided that this year’s Budget Bits will focus on the various departments at MEA and the services they provide. The first of the departments I’ll detail is the Executive Office, which accounts for 5.18% of the 2009-2010 MEA Budget, or $3,934,405. The Executive Office department comprises all of the governance operations of MEA. Let’s break it down a little.

The Executive Office budget funds the MEA Board of Directors and the MEA Executive Committee (the officers plus a group of 6 members elected by and from the MEA Board that hear legal appeals and act as the personnel committee; their decisions are subject to review by the MEA Board). Funding includes travel costs, loss-of-time and/or substitute costs, and meals for 6 meetings of each body per year.

The MEA Fall and Spring Representative Assemblies, as well as the NEA RA, are also funded out of this department. That includes the lodging, travel, meals and loss-of-time/substitute costs for around 600 RA delegates, in addition to rental of the Lansing Center and costs of printing and mailing RA documents.

All MEA Commissions, Committees and Task Forces are funded out of the Executive Office. This includes mileage, meals and lodging for members of 17 standing committees and various ad hoc committees. The Board of Reference, a panel of MEA members who render decisions on disputes within local associations, is also covered by the Executive Office budget.

The Executive Office is where affiliations with pro-education think tanks and alliances are funded. Membership dues for the National Council of State Education Associations, an organization that provides training for state association leaders, come from here as well.

Building Full Capacity Locals, a program that provides training for local leaders on a variety of topics, is now a part of the Executive Office; prior to this BFCL was part of the Field Services Department.

The Executive Office budget also pays the salary of the president of the United Staff Organization, the union that represents all of MEA’s professional and associate staff. The USO president is comparable to a full-time release local president whose salary is paid by his/her school board.

And yes, there is an actual place called the Executive Office; it’s home base for the three officers, the executive director and four administrative assistants. And while those four assistants do provide support for the officers and exec, they also handle all expense vouchers from the MEA Board, the Executive Committee, and the MEA and NEA RA’s; they plan and make arrangements for the MEA and NEA RA’s as well as the NEA Midwest Leadership Conference; and they coordinate all region elections and region council subsidies.

Please feel free to call or write if you have any questions.

Peggy McLellan
Secretary/Treasurer
Michigan Education Association
(800) 292-1934 x 5500
pmclellan@mea.org

County Salary Comparisons

2009-03-28T15:49:00.003-04:00

As published by the Kent County Education Association, Kentwood's salary comparisons for 2008/2009 are shown below. 21 districts are compared, listed in order from greatest to least. Our ranking is listed in our place from the top pay. Example: 11th means there are 10 other districts ranked above us in pay for that step and degree.

Kentwood's Rankings
BA Step 1 - 17 th
BA Step 5 - 13th
BA Step 10 - listed at 13th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and the ranking should be 17th
BA Step 15 - 12th
BA Step 20 - 18th
BA Step 25 - 19th
BA Max - 20th

BA Plus Step 1 - 16th
BA Plus Step 5 - 14th
BA Plus Step 10 - listed as 13th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and ranking should be 19th
BA Plus Step 15 - listed as 15th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and the ranking should be 14th
BA Plus Step 20 - listed as 15th but due to step freeze the amount should be less; ranking remains the same
BA Plus Step 25 - listed as 15th but due to step freeze the amount should be less; ranking remains the same
BA Plus Step Max - 19th

MA Step 1 - 15th
MA Step 5 - 13th
MA Step 10 - listed as 13th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and the ranking should be 17th
MA Step 15 - listed as 12th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and the ranking should be 13th
MA Step 20 - listed as 12th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and the ranking should be 15th
MA Step 25 - listed as 15th but due to step freeze the amound should be less; ranking remains the same
MA Max - 17th

MA +30 Step 1 - 15th
MA +30 Step 5 - 17th
MA +30 Step 10 - listed as 16th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and the ranking should be 19th
MA +30 Step 15 - listed as 16th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and the ranking should be 17th
MA +30 Step 20 - listed as 14th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and the ranking should be 16th
MA +30 Step 25 - listed as 12th but due to step freeze the amount should be less and the 14th
MA +30 Step Max - 17th

Composite "Lifetime" Earnings

2009-03-23T19:37:00.004-04:00

To the left is a chart depicting the "lifetime" earnings of teachers in area districts. Please note a few things on this chart. First, lifetime earnings were figured based on the 2007-2008 salary schedules of the districts listed. Second, the numbers were calculated based on 4 years at BA, 4 years at BA+ and 22 years at MA. Finally, please remember that due to a step freeze, the "lifetime" earnings for many Kentwood educators will be lower than listed in the chart.

Note: The chart was prepared by Gezelle Oliver, Uniserv Director with the assistance of Michelle Woznicki, Field Assistant, for the Kent County Education.

Lansing Legislative Update

2009-03-11T16:14:00.001-04:00

There are several pieces of legislation that are coming up for a vote shortly. Please let your legislators know you are there!!!! See their names to the left? Click, write, and send!

The first is the HB 4285 and SB 0255. These bills would change the calculations for retirees to .0 2 % from the .015 % that it is currently. Now this may sound like a new proposal, but there is a precedent, as they did this before in 2002. The legislators need to hear from you about this proposal. Only 60 % of the people who could retire, did so at the last raising of the calculator. This could mean hundreds of positions opening up for many new teachers. They would not have to go out of state to acquire a job that Michigan trained them for. We have states coming to MI to recruit our young people, why not keep them here and have them buy homes, cars, and send their kids to schools in MI. Help spur our economy.

Secondly: Brian Calley, has proposed legislation to change the Merit Curriculum as it was passed. He wants them to ease up the requirements so that more students will be able to graduate. New figures from Lansing are stating that over 35 to 40 % of the state's seniors in 2011 will not graduate as the Merit Curriculum stands now. He is not trying to "dummy down" the curriculum, just to adjust it so that more students can actually graduate rather than obtain a certificate of attendance. He also feels that many programs that would benefit students are being eliminated in order to meet the new requirements, that were passed in haste.

Let your legislators know how you feel, let them know you care about some of these topics.

Thanks,
J. Hewitt, KEA Political Action Chair

Contacting Your State Government

2009-03-10T13:56:00.004-04:00

Take a look at the links on the left.

Contacting your legislator is as easy as a click away!

Find your district, click the link and take part in your government by expressing your opinions!
We do remind you to be concise, polite, and express your views to your government official by giving them information that will help educate them about the issues that affect your job.

They do like to hear from us, so click and type today! But please, your voice is more effective coming from home, so send your thoughts from there.

VRI: Voluntary Resignation Incentive Plan

2009-03-10T13:53:00.003-04:00

Dear KEA Members,
At the Kentwood School Board meeting Monday night March 9, Kentwood Public Schools and the Board of Education adopted a Voluntary Resignation Incentive Plan (formerly known as an Early Retirement Incentive) with the approval of the Kentwood Education Association. Prior to approval, KEA's Bargaining Team met and discussed the proposal. The Team brought up many important points and valuable questions. With the help of Mike Zoerhoff, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, those points were heard and questions answered. After meeting with Mike and having discussed the proposal with our Team, Dan Magennis and I offered approval of the Voluntary Resignation Incentive Plan.

If you would like more information on the package, please check your Groupwise email for the specifics in an attachment that was sent to you, and we will let you know when we will have a question and answer meeting.

Michelle Thomas, KEA Bargaining Chair

Kent County Contract Settlements for 2009-2010

2009-03-02T19:23:00.002-05:00

As bargaining "season" begins, many are wondering about the contract settlements for other districts in Kent County. There are several districts that have their 2009-2010 contract determined already. Below is a listing of area districts and their wage settlements. Please keep in mind that these percentages are not always completely on the pay schedule. Sometimes percentages are a combination of pay and other benefits. For example, it is generally considered that a day taken off the calendar year roughly equals .5%. So a district may have a settlement of 2%, but only 1.5% was added to the pay schedule and the other .5% was a day taken off the calendar year. With that in mind, here are the districts and their percentage increases for the 09-10 calendar year:

Byron Center EA 2.0%
Byron Center ESP 2.0%
Cedar Springs EA 1.95%
Comstock Park EA 2.5%
Comstock Park ESP 2.5%
East Grand Rapids EA 2.0%
East Grand Rapids ESP 1.75%
Forest Hills EA 2.0%
Forest Hills ESP 1.75%
Godfrey-Lee EA 1.75%
Godfrey-Lee ESP 2.5%
Grandville EA 2.5%
Grandville ESP 2.5%
Kelloggsville EA 2.5%
Kelloggsville ESP 2.5%
KISD EA 2.5%
KISD ESP 2.5%
Lowell EA 2.0%
Lowell ESP 2.37%
Sparta EA 2.0%
Sparta ESP 2.0%
Wyoming EA 2.5%
Wyoming ESP 2.5%

Posted by Michelle Thomas, Chief Negotiator

PAC News

2009-02-26T12:04:00.003-05:00

Last night at the Region 9 PAC Meeting (Political Action Committee) we heard there is a lot of opposition to the retirement incentive bill from the retired MEA members. They were able to defeat Proposal 5 because they didn't like it and they may do the same here. We encourage you to contact your legislators and ask them to support this measure. The Senate bill was introduced on Thursday of last week and it was sent to the education committee.
See the link below to get in contact with your state legislators.

There is not much new legislation news at this time, just some democratic caucuses.

I asked them about President Obama's stand on charter schools, and our opposition to them. The speaker said that where Obama came from, they were more like alternatives to Christian or Parochial schools. I think that they are just covering for the fact that their candidate is in favor of charter schools.

Jeanne Hewitt: KEA PAC Chair

Does America Need Labor Unions

2009-02-26T11:40:00.003-05:00

There is a national poll on Parade Magazine entitled, "Does America Still
Need Labor Unions"? We encourage you to take a moment and vote. You can find the Poll at: www.parade.com/intel

UpComing Events

2009-02-19T17:15:00.004-05:00

Stay tuned for these upcoming events.
1. Online voting for Region 9 Officers. We are going paperless and your AR will help you make it happen.

2. KEA Shirt Logo Contest: Your AR will put flier in your box. Are you creative and have design talent, prizes will be involved. Check it out! Contest only open to KEA members.

Did You Know? Tenure, Certification, Crimes and Medical Insurance

2009-02-18T15:47:00.006-05:00

Did you know that if you are a tenured teacher and you let your certificate expire,you are NOT protected under the Tenure Act? Once you re-validate your certificate you are again covered.

Did you know you MUST report within 3 calender days to your district superintendent and the state superintendent if you have been charged with a crime? Failure to do so can result in dismissal.

Did you know that if you are laid off you are still provided with medical coverage for a period of time? The following chart will help you determine the length of benefit coverage:

Continuous Medical Coverage Benefit Period

1-3 years service equals 3 month benefit
4-6 years service equals 6 month benefit
7-9 years service equals 9 month benefit
10 plus years service equals 12 month benefit

For more information contact MESSA at:
MESSA
1475 Kendale Blvd., P.O. Box 2560
East Lansing, MI 48826-2560
800.292.4910
MESSA website: https://www.messa.org/MESSA/Public/messahome.aspx
Contact Messa: : https://www.messa.org/MESSA/Public/ContactUs/contactus.aspx

Contribution By Patti Lovelace, KEA Secretary

Free Kent ISD Tech Class

2009-02-13T15:04:00.004-05:00

Check this out: http://woodtech.edublogs.org
or http://tinyurl.com/cbjlh4

March 9 through May 11th. This will run without classroom sessions, you can do it from wherever you can access the web!

Friday Inservice Fun

2009-02-13T14:28:00.007-05:00

Even though we were eagerly anticipating the Mid-winter break on Monday and Tuesday, middle school teachers were attending some good sessions on Friday afternoon. Sessions offered included Differentiated Instruction, Formative Assessments, Curriculum Crafters, and Technology in the Classroom.

Greg Mileski did a great job showing how to use Google accounts, RSS feeds, Bookmarking, and Blogs. Basically, if you have web access, you can access your materials and sources by using these tools. For a great example check out Mike Kaechle's blog that is replacing the paper in his classroom. http://concretekax.blogspot.com/

Curriculum Crafter is a great program from Kent ISD that will allow all KPS educators to access lessons, benchmarks, standards, assessments, and curriculum webs. Need a lesson? Find it at http://curriculumcrafter.org/

As Greg said the average coal miner uses more technology than the average classroom teacher. WOW!

Contact Your Legislator

2009-02-06T10:27:00.003-05:00

How often lately have you asked, "What is my legislator thinking?" Well, one of the things we will attempt to give you in this Blog are links to the local legislators who affect our lives as teachers. As Jeanne Hewitt, KEA PAC Chair, so often tells us, the people in Lansing just don't hear from teachers often enough. They only hear from the lobbyists or the people who have an idea, but have no idea what takes place in the classroom. The demands we face everyday are big enough without having an well-meaning but uninformed legislator putting another brick on our load. So....check the links and send them the information they need to vote as fully informed public servants.

REMEMBER DO NOT TRY THIS AT SCHOOL. THE MOST EFFECTIVE TEACHER VOICE COMES FROM HOME!
Here are the links!
http://house.michigan.gov/replist.asp
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/

Welcome to the NEW KEA Blog!

2009-02-05T15:34:00.000-05:00

The KEA Blogspot is alive and well....getting started for you.
I am sitting here at Cobo Hall designing a new web blog that will be used to keep you informed about current issues in the KEA community. It will hopefully be a valuable tool for association communication. So bookmark, and check back often.
Chas

2008-2009 MEA Bargaining Conference

2009-02-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

Well, it was a frosty -12 on the readout of President Dan Magennis' Explorer as we headed towards Detroit on I 96 this morning.
Dan Magennis, Steve Cavazos, Mike Dimick, and I were heading down to Cobo Hall for the MEA PR/Bargaining Convention. A great group from Kentwood, including Michelle Thomas, Chief Negotiator, Deb Irvine, Denise Saganski, Julie Brill, and a few more to be noted later were already in attendance to represent the KEA.
Gratefully, neither the cold, traffic, or Dan's 250k Explorer held us back and we were able to make it to the first sessions on time. There are a lot of great sessions we will be attending in order to bring back the best information to our members. This BLOG is one of the tools that we will be providing members with a source of information on current bargaining issues. So, bookmark this spot, and we will be back with more soon.
The MEA/PR Bargaining Conference runs from today, February 5 to Saturday, February 7.

Chas Schaner, KEA Communications