Monday, January 31, 2011

EAA Update

Dear EAA Membership,
Well, so many issues, so little time.  I will try and give you the highlights and tell you where we are.
1)    The Superintendent’s newest plan for the daily addition of 30 minutes 
Again, Dr. Sherman had no conversation with us about his newest plan. The email that came out from him this weekend was the first official word that your Association received.  I had heard from school board members that he had been lobbying for this latest plan last week with school board members and PTAs. The school board does support this plan, and the PTAs are looking for more information, which we will provide to them.  
The increased time will result in a 7% increase in our work day, which he is only funding at 2%.  Like it or not, this increased time means a decrease in per diem. This does not begin to cover the 7%-20% increase in health insurance premiums or the devastating increase in supplemental retirement.  It is a shell game designed to keep us in school longer and to prepare staff for the 30 minutes that will be added to the student day in 2012-2013.
2)    The budget overall has very few surprises
We knew about the VRS for new employees’ situation, the STEP increase and the health insurance changes were coming.  We have several concerns about the reduction in SPED staffing.  There are some bright spots. There are many new positions that will be created in this budget process.  The placement of this staff is unsure. Other positions may be added, as well.  The lesson learned here is that enrollment is GROWING like crazy!
3)    The calendar is the last challenge
Again, two more teacher days being added that are not being fully funded.  We see through the deflection that has been offered as the reason for us not being paid for the additional work time.  While we did receive STEP increases over the past two years, we are working ourselves to death trying to meet the new programmatic demands brought in by the current Superintendant.  Please look over the calendars that are posted on the EAA blog and make comments.  The more information we have from you in the schools, the better job I can do representing you!
WE NEED YOU TO DO TWO THINGS!   First, please go our blog (http://eaavea.blogspot.com) and, in the Comments section after this posting, add the things you already do after school that are unpaid, such as one-on-one, etc.  
Second, PLEASE attend the school board meetings! The more EAA speakers, the better!  Lisa Staib and I can help you craft the words, but seeing other faces at the meetings will make a difference!   Please try and come to, at least, one of the following meetings:
    -February 1st Budget work session (7pm)
    -February 7th Budget work session and regular meeting (7pm)
    -February 10th Board meeting (7:30pm)
    -February 17th Budget work session and add/delete (7pm)
    -February 23rd Final add/delete (7pm)
Watch for an EAA survey in early February!   I look forward to hearing what you care about!
Let me know if you have any questions!  Contact me at mailto:ginaEAA@gmail.com
Take care and stay warm!
 Gina

Friday, January 21, 2011

Proposed ACPS 2011-12 Modified Calendar

Dear Membership,
Please take a look at the draft modified calendar and add a comment below. This is a critical part of the conversation related to starting before Labor Day. 

This is a later revision.
Thanks,
Gina A. Miller
EAA President

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Extended Year Vote Tabled

Dear Membership,

The vote on the extended year has been tabled.  Your presence made a difference!  We need to continue to comment on our blog site and to talk to our parents and students about what is best for our students.
 

EAA's view is and will continue to be: 1) fair compensation for all time added, whether it be to the day or the calendar; and,  2) to be a part of all decision making related to the added time.

Thank you for all your time and energy for our students!

Gina A. Miller
EAA President

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Proposed ACPS 2011-12 Traditional Calendar

Dear Membership,
Please take a look at the draft traditional calendar and add a comment below. This is a critical part of the conversation related to starting before Labor Day. 

Thanks,
Gina A. Miller
EAA President

Friday, January 14, 2011

EAA Elections 2011

The EAA Elections Committee today published tis Call to Elections for 2011.  You can read the Call and the Description of Elective Positions by clicking on the page links on the right side of this page.

Positions to be filled are Building Reps, Executive Committee, Representative to NOVA UniServ Council, Delegate to VEA Delegate Assembly, and Delegate to NEA Representative Assembly.  If you are interested in being a candidate for any of the positions being elected, please contact the EAA Office in writing (email, letter, or fax 703.370.8705) and let us know what positions interest you.

New this year, we are trying an automated EAA Election Filing Form to assist our process.  Choosing this option [no longer available] will take you to an electronic form that will prompt you for the needed information and deliver the form to the EAA Office.  We will send daily emails to acknowledge those who have filed their interest.  Remember, the filing deadline is 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 24, 2011.  If you have questions, please contact Kim Blake-Wilcox, Chair, EAA Elections Committee (mailto:kim.wilcox@acps.k12.va.us) or call the EAA Office 703.370.1121.

School Board Meeting Report

Dear Membership,

I have NEVER been prouder of our organization than I was last night!  We filled the school board meeting room.  Special thanks to Dawn and Christina who delivered our words!  Our presence did make a difference!  The issues have been split and, hopefully, we can now have a real conversation about being paid for our time and making sure, if this is implemented, that it is meaningful to staff and students.

So, thank you for your time and energy!  I am very proud of our members and our organization!

Gina

Gina A. Miller
EAA President

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

URGENT MESSAGE TO EAA MEMBERSHIP - Extended Day Public Hearing

Dear EAA Membership,

On Monday January 10th, the school board changed their meeting agenda to create a work session on Thursday, January 13th to discuss the extended day and extended year.  It is time for us to speak out about these issues!  EVERYONE that can attend should be at the January 13th meeting at 7:30pm!  If we do not show up and speak up, no one will know how we feel!

EAA strongly opposes this proposal.  The EAA believes that there must be teacher input, research and planning before this time is added, and that simply has not happened.  We all agree that we should BE PAID FOR OUR TIME!!!! 1 minute or 1 daywe are professionals and we deserve professional pay!

If you want your voice heard, please see your building rep!  They can speak on your behalf.  You can also post your comment to the EAA blog, anonymously if you prefer (click on comments below this text and "Select Profile" as Anonymous).  Your messages can be a part of the President's speech.  I highly encourage you to speak if you can!  Together our voices are too loud to ignore.

Please wear BLACK to the school board meeting to show our sadness at this entire process.

WE NEED YOU!

Gina A. Miller
President

Friday, January 7, 2011

SPRING READING & ISSUES CONFERENCE

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2011

The Reading and Instructional Issues Conference will be held at The Mason Inn Conference Center at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.  This year's theme will focus on Supporting Struggling Students and will feature keynote speakers Pat Johnson and Katie Keier, followed by afternoon breakout sessions.

An announcement will be published soon with more information about registration.  Keep an eye on this space!

VEA Legislative News Flash - January 2011

The VEA Legislative News Flash can be found on the VEA website at:
VEA Legislative News Flash, Pre-Session Issue

The 45-day session of the Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday, January 12th.

REGIONAL VRS RETIREMENT MEETINGS 2011

Planning for retirement?  It's always a good idea to refresh your knowledge of how the Virginia Retirement System works.

The VEA invites you to attend one of our seminars on retirement.  We will cover basic information on how the VRS system works and the advantages of a traditional pension plan.  These seminars are tailored to educators and give you an opportunity to have your questions answered.

March 29, 2011 - ARLINGTON (4:00-6:00)
Kenmore Middle School, 200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington VA 22204

April 27, 2011 - FAIRFAX (4;30-6:30)
Fairfax Education Association, 3917 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax VA 22030

Registration is NOT required except for the Fairfax meeting.  Registration is necessary for the Fairfax meeting.  Go to http://fairfaxea.org/Portals/0/pdf/VEA-R_preregistration_Form.pdf
for the registration form.