On the Brighter Side....

....at least we're not missing school days, right?

Right?

Ahem.

Merry Snowmas and Happy Snow Year, MLEA!

I Hope You Had a Great Holiday!

It started earlier than it was supposed to, with the two snow days wiping out last Thursday and Friday (and the Christmas parties that were supposed to go along with them), but it's nice seeing that we have a week in front of us now to recharge, travel, and enjoy.

A couple of things that I'd like to share here as we go into the new year:

• A belated but enthusiastic congratulations to Courtney Strozyk and Linda Sexton, who received their National Board Certification when the scores were announced earlier this month. I'm glad that the hard work paid off for them!
  
  
• There were about 30 teachers who attended the informational session about the National Boards last month at the High School. I'm getting some blog posts ready to go about that process; you can look for them to roll out in early January.
  
  
• I know one of the concerns expresed at the meeting, and it's a legitimate one, is that the $5,000 bonus for achieving the Certification could go away given our state budget crisis. When Governor Gregoire released her draft budget last week there was no mention of touching the program, which I think is a pretty good signal. Things could still happen in the legislative session, but right now I'm feeling pretty optimistic about that piece.
  
  
• The weather prevented a lot of us from attending his retirement party, but all of us in the MLEA give our best regards to Bruce Ottmar as he begins this next chapter in his life. Thank you for all your years of service to the Medical Lake School District, Bruce!
  
  
• There will be another WEAPAC drive coming your way soon, because even though the Governor's budget protects the NBPTS bonus it goes after the I-728 money for class size reduction and (even more importantly) the levy equalization money (LEA), which for us is several hundred thousand dollars a year.
  
  Dr. Veltri and I are planning some joint communications to talk about what the proposed cuts could mean for the MLSD, which I'll post here on the blog. It's a critical time for our schools, and I'll pass on any information as soon as it comes my way.

Thank you for visiting, and here's to a great 2009!

--Ryan, for the MLEA Exec Board--

MLEA Budget Approved

Thank you to everyone who voted!

In Loving Memory: Nancy Rice

Nancy, the former lead secretary at Blair Elementary and Michael Anderson Elementary, died tragically this morning in an automobile accident in Airway Heights. For all the families that passed through Fairchild during her time she was a familiar face, helping to register their students and fielding all questions that came through the front office. It's not an exaggeration to say that Nancy touched the lives of thousands of students; she was the quintessential example of what an office manager could be, and she was a big part of the success of her schools.

Please remember her family in your thoughts and prayers. We'll miss you, Mrs. Rice.

First Retirement Notification Incentive Date Coming Up

In the most recent Bargain we negotiated language regarding an additional stipend for teachers who announce their retirement early on; the exact language is on page 25, lines 24-27:

Employees who plan to retire at the end of the school year will be given an extended contract if they announce their retirement early. If the employee notifies the District with a letter of resignation by January 31st, the extended contract shall be worth $1,000; by February 28th, $800; by March 31st, $600; and by April 30th, $400.

Should you have any questions please contact an Exec Board member, or your building Bargaining Team representative.

Thanks!

--Ryan--

Merry Christmas, You're Fired!

Below is a blurb from Pat Clark, one of the Uniserv representatives who works down at the council office. Here in Medical Lake they've historically been good to us in this regard, so in many ways I'm passing this on more as a way to show what goes on in other districts, but if you have any concerns please let one of us know right away.

Thanks!

--Ryan--

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The evaluation/probation season is upon us. If you or someone you know is struggling or "has the eye of the administration" on them contact your building representative, local president AND especially your UniServ Staff Representative right away. Do not wait until AFTER the second evaluation or AFTER you receive notification (any time after October 15 and before January 20).

Be sure to read your contract. Some Collective Bargaining Agreements provide provisional teachers with the right to the probationary process beyond those rights afforded to them by law.

For more information on how the WEA can assist you call the UniServ office at 509-326-4046 or 888-525-4044. We have resources and experts who can help!