Political Endorsements Made

APACE, the political action arm of the EAA, has interviewed candidates for City elective offices and has announced its endorsements.  The questionnaires submitted by endorsed candidates and other information are listed on the APACE website.

No membership dues are used in the activities of the Alexandria Political Action Committee for Education (APACE).  APACE is registered with the State Board of Elections (PAC-12-00083).

ACPS Email Exchange

I’ve reproduced the following emails so that members can see the attitude that Kevin North exhibits in dealing with a support professional’s concerns about “being bumped down 2 steps.” 

Gina 

From: Kevin North

To: Gina Miller

Cc: Mort Sherman

Sent: Wed, 20 Jun 2012 6:06 PM

Subject: Re: Reply to emails??

Gina,

I don't have time to acknowledge emails when we think we can have the complete response and resolve the issue in a reasonable time. As I stated, I don't think a 24 hour response time is unreasonable particularly knowing that in this case, the concern is about her compensation for the next school year. Also, multiple emails and phone calls within a few hour period on the same question does not help our ability to be responsive.

It doesn't matter if you are teaching children, driving a bus, serving food or whatever role our employees have, they all deserve a prompt response to their concerns. We work very hard to provide a high level of service and Ms. [redacted] will receive a resolution to her concern in a reasonable amount of time.

Kevin

From: Gina Miller

To: Kevin North

Cc: Mort Sherman

Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 5:50 PM

Subject: Re: Reply to emails??

Dear Mr. North,

I am saddened that a simple email or phone call to even acknowledge an email over-taxes your staff. I guess we assume that those of us tasked with teaching children might deserve a simple response of any kind. Perhaps we can meet to discuss this unless you are too busy. I think Dr. Sherman should also attend.

Gina A. Miller

EAA President

From: Kevin North

To: [redacted]

Cc: Beth Cooke
    Gina Miller
    ThuHang T. Nguyen
    [redacted]
    Morton Sherman

Sent: Wed, 20 Jun 2012 3:06 PM

Subject: Re: Reply to emails??

Ms. [redacted],

Your first email to us on this issue was late yesterday afternoon and you have sent several since then and Gina Miller called us also. I understand that this is an important issue to you and it is to us as well, but we need some time to research it and find out what is required to resolve it. We are serving over 2200 employees and I receive about 80 emails a day, so we need adequate time to take care of your request along with all others. I do think a response within 24 hours is reasonable.

I know Beth Cooke is looking into your request and will have some insight shortly.

Kevin North

From: [redacted]

To: Beth Cooke
    Kevin North

Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 2:22 PM

Subject: Reply to emails??

I am just wondering if you reply to very serious emails from ACPS employees? Your lack of interest is very troubling. My question about being bumped down 2 steps is very serious. I will contact my principal Thursday morning with my problem if you do not reply to my question. [redacted] cc's Dr. Sherman on every email he sends out.

[redacted]

Special Ed. Para

Educators for Obama

To sign up as an Educator for Obama, visit www.NEAFund.org

Reggie Smith Organizing School (RSOS)

In a year when we've seen teacher evaluations tied to student test scores, weakening of educators' due process rights, and continued assaults on public education funding, it's time to come together!  We no longer have the luxury of being too busy to address the dismantling of public education as we know it.  If you are sick and tired of higher stakes combined with fewer resources, join over 300+ of your colleagues this summer to develop the skills we need to strengthen the movement to Take Back Our Profession!

The Reggie Smith Organizing School (RSOS) online registration is now live on the VEA's website.  Please go to www.veanea.org and click on the RSOS icon on the right side. Registration will close June 22, 2012.

VEA has an exciting line up this year, with Going Public author Michael Gecan as keynote, a screening of the American Teacher film, two new strands, and numerous new 2-hour breakout sessions.

Download the flyer by clicking here.

Kickball Tournament & Family BBQ

Join other educators from around Northern Virginia as we celebrate each other in our First Annual NoVA VEA Kickball Tournament and Family BBQ!  This event will be hosted at Prince William County's beautiful Locust Shade Park, allowing for a great afternoon of activities, raffles and fun for all ages!

Saturday, June 2, 2012, 11 am - 3 pm
Tickets: $7/adult, $5/child

Locust Shade Park, Triangle VA

URGENT>New Teacher Evaluation System

Dear Members,

I have a very important request to all members.  Together, we need to become very involved in the new teacher evaluation system described in the information that was sent to all staff.  We need to attend the meetings that are scheduled.  This can, and will, affect your summative evaluations starting next school year.  It is important to note that Alexandria can self-determine the percentage that test scores will impact your evaluations.  If we stand quietly by and do not voice our opinion, we will pay the price.  Please take a look at your schedules and plan to attend one of the meetings below.  Please also make comments on the HR website at:

 http://www.acps.k12.va.us/hr/evaluation

Meetings:
Attend one of two Teacher Forums where committee members will present the materials.  Both will be held in the Minnie Howard auditorium.

·         Tuesday, May 22, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

·         Wednesday, May 23, 4:00 – 5:30 pm

 Thank you.

Gina A. Miller

EAA President

Latest FOIA Request

Dear Members,
 
In our continuing goal of seeing that funds stay in the schools with staff, EAA has asked for the salary and benefits of the new staff development position.

Thank you,
Gina Miller
EAA President

·  Position: Professional Learning Developer and Coordinator

·  Date of Hire:  April 30, 2012 

·  Daily Wage Rate of $403.0166

·  240 day full time (8 hours/day) 

·  No allowance or bonus or deferred compensation