Amid bargaining impasse, parties agree to go back to table, then cancel…what’s going on?
Soon after the 8th negotiating session between SRPE and the School Board concluded in early February, the School Board declared a bargaining impasse. This led the parties into a special process mandated by Florida law with the goal of resolving all outstanding items. As of last week, however, the parties agreed to come back to the table on March 13th…but before the week ended, it was canceled and at this point the parties will continue with the impasse procedure. This leads many to wonder just what is going on? Why isn’t the union talking about these developments with its members? Do you like being kept in the dark?
If you don’t, then perhaps it’s time for CHANGE and not more of the same.
Until another organization takes the reins in collective bargaining, Santa Rosa employees will continue to see earnings and benefits erode, further membership losses, and a continued approach of serving the interests of some and not others. If you want to see a change, then it starts with you. Santa Rosa EA values member input, communicates with all, and advocates for the common good. Currently, we are collecting Showing of Interest cards to petition the State for a bargaining unit election. Please complete the card (please fill out the correct form – the top is for teachers and the bottom for Education Staff Professionals) and send it one of two ways:
- Mail to Santa Rosa EA, P.O. Box 723, Milton, FL 32570
- Email us at [email protected] to arrange for your card to be picked up at your worksite
Santa Rosa EA speaking for you – again!
During the March School Board meeting, Santa Rosa EA was again the only employee organization present and participating, as Central Panhandle Service Unit Director Tony Gentile and Northwest Regional Specialist Bill Vincent introduced themselves to the Board members during public input. Gentile and Vincent expressed their enthusiasm about working with teachers and Education Staff Professionals to develop a different kind of association. Mr. Gentile, a professional staff member with 15 years of professional experience, remarked, “We are excited that Santa Rosa employees will soon have the choice to usher in a new and different type of organization – one which not only advocates for members, but seeks to improve schools by providing professional development to members and by seeking to preserve public education by working closely with our elected leaders at the local and state levels.” Gentile further explained that Santa Rosa EA would be filing for an election to obtain the bargaining rights soon – so stay tuned!
Spring Break with Santa Rosa EA!
While the upcoming break is a time to relax and recharge for many, some educators take the opportunity to sharpen their work skills and learn new ways to do their jobs. WE are offering both!
Santa Rosa EA will be offering a doubleheader of professional development courses from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on March 21st at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 7710 Navarre Parkway, Navarre and the 22nd at Bennett Russell Park Event Room, 5417 W. Spencer Field Rd, Pace on the 22nd. The first session, True Colors, will help you to learn about YOUR personality type using a personality-type analysis based in Jungian psychology – and how your type influences your relationships, your choice of profession, your role in peer groups, and your leadership choices. The following session is all about Stress Management, where you can learn tips and strategies for de-stressing, decompressing and revitalizing to help you do your personal best in your work.
And for a little fun, Santa Rosa is offering FREE Bowling on March 23rd at Oops Alley (3721 US-90, Pace, FL 32571) from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
RSVP by March 15 to Rachel McCleery, [email protected] or text 440-223-5279 and indicate which date/location you wish to attend!
State News
They heard you loud and clear… Enough is Enough!
On Wednesday, Sens. Bill Montford, Rene Garcia, Tom Lee, Debbie Mayfield, David Simmons, Linda Stewart, and Rep. Halsey Beshears held a news conference to discuss the issue of teacher testing. Montford detailed why he introduced SB 964: “We have heard from parents, we have heard from teachers, we have heard from students that they need relief” when it comes to the high-stakes testing in Florida. “Teachers want to be able to teach and not have the classroom instruction interrupted for too many tests in the spring.”
Montford’s bill has seeks to curb the issue of “too many tests, too many high-stakes, and too many state mandates.” Simmons said: “We have in fact taken away from our ability of teachers to actually teach and our students to learn.” Garcia added: “I speak to everyone out there: We heard you.”
While this bill would provide much needed relief if passed, there are competing bills regarding testing changes which might have an affect while it goes through the legislative process. FEA will continue to monitor this important piece of legislation, talk with legislators, and provide updates and calls to action as needed. Keep your fingers crossed, as help might be on the way!
National News
The ‘Trust Gap’ in Schools … And How Teachers Can Help Close It
If students of color don’t believe that school officials treat them fairly, a “trust gap” emerges that could impact college enrollment, even if they receive good grades, according to a new study.
Support for First Amendment Spikes Among High School Students
Teens’ enthusiasm for the First Amendment is at an all-time high and regular news consumption and classroom teaching are driving the change.