Local News
Negotiations Update: Santa Rosa bus drivers, Bay teachers and support staff finish bargaining
Settlements for this school year continue to roll in, as agreements for 3 more units were recently completed. The bus drivers’ union in Santa Rosa County — who like Santa Rosa EA are affiliated with their state and national organizations (the United Auto Workers) — agreed on a 3-year contract with an average wage increase of 20% for drivers, adding four paid holidays by the third year of the contract, and committing the employer to 75% coverage for health care costs. Also of note, employees in Bay County Schools recently reached agreements for 2016-17, as the teachers agreed to a 2.7% recurring increase and an additional 0.9% performance bonus while education staff professionals will be getting a 3% increase retroactive to July 1st.
Your Voice, Your Choice!
Each week, we are getting closer to our goal of petitioning the State for an election so that employees will be able to choose which organization will bargain for them in the near future. Please click this LINK, complete the Showing of Interest 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
Benefits Corner – exclusively for Santa Rosa EA members
8 Little-known Vacation Deals for Teachers: Discover secret ways to save on your next trip, including teacher discounts and savings for other school employees on everything from hotels to museums to theme parks.
10 Everyday Discounts You’re Missing Out On: Resolve to be a smarter shopper by shopping with NEA Click & Save, which has saved your fellow members over $11 million so far.
State News
FEA’s Delegate Assembly recap
This past week nearly 1,000 delegates from across the state met in Orlando for the 2016 Florida Education Association Delegate Assembly. Representatives from K-12, higher ed, student, and retired groups assembled to plan the annual FEA agenda, vote on candidates for state and national association offices, approve the annual budget, and participate in a forum on institutional racism. Delegates were also able to visit with special benefit providers, enter into raffles for great prizes like vacations and TVs, and purchase educational materials for their classrooms. The annual weekend-long event offered many opportunities to see what is happening around the state and make use of the connections and experiences teachers and education staff professionals have – another benefit of being affiliated with the FEA.
National News
In First Year of Teaching, Acting More, Reacting Less, Can Reduce Anxiety
The school year is well underway, but a new educator can still make adjustments to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Why Are 19 States Still Allowing Corporal Punishment in Schools?
The practice is ineffective and damaging, but many states are holding on tight to corporal punishment. Some students more than others are paying the price.